All Quiet on the Second Front

Episode 64. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler Sweatt is joined by Kevin Larrabee, former Chief Data Officer of the US Army and now Head of Product at DataShapes AI and Deputy Commander, Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre (CADTC) COL Tyler Donnell of US Army North. Together, they delve into the transformative journey from traditional military roles to cutting-edge positions in data science and international defense strategy. They discuss the pivotal changes in battlefield technology, the critical need for multinational interoperability, and how their careers have adapted to meet the dynamic demands of modern warfare. Tune in as they explore the synthesis of operational experience and technological innovation, and share insights on preparing for the challenges of tomorrow's conflicts.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Advancements in Data Science in Military StrategyMultinational Interoperability ChallengesThe Role of AI in Modern WarfareConnect with Kevin Larrabee:• LinkedIn: Kevin LarrabeeConnect with Tyler Donnell:• LinkedIn: COL Tyler DonnellConnect with Tyler Sweatt:• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt• Website: Second Front

Episode 63. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt chats with Rich Julien, Partner at BOKA Group Holdings LLP, a global investment group focused on identifying, vetting, funding and enabling deep tech companies. Together, Tyler and Rich dive into how the AUKUS alliance is reshaping the defense and security sectors and Rich breaks down the importance of strategic partnerships and investments for scaling up innovative technologies worldwide. He also explains how the AUKUS framework is boosting collaboration between the US, UK, and Australia, driving advancements in technology and infrastructure that are vital for national security.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Exploring the strategic impact of AUKUS on global security investments.The crucial role of partnerships in the defense investment scene.A look at dual-use technology and why it matters for both defense and civilian use.Strategies for growth-stage companies to tap into AUKUS for growth and innovation.Tune in to understand more about how strategic investments and partnerships are crafting the future of global security and defense industries.Connect with Rich:• LinkedIn: Rich JulienConnect with Tyler:• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt• Website: Second Front

Bryan Beal, Global Field CTO at Snowflake, discusses centralizing data, overcoming silos, and democratizing data for informed decision-making in defense. Topics include roles-based access control, leveraging AI, and balancing security with accessibility to enhance operational efficiency.

Episode 61. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Shyam Sankar, an 18-year veteran at Palantir and a leading figure in software-defined production for both commercial and government sectors. They delve into the transformative power of software in modern defense, examining how software literacy and innovative procurement strategies can redefine the battlefield. Shyam shares insights on the cultural roots of America's software dominance, the crucial role of leadership in driving defense innovation, and the importance of integrating commercial software practices into the defense industry. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on leveraging technology to maintain global security and outpace adversaries.What's Happening on the Second Front:The evolution of defense technology since 9/11The critical role of software in modern warfareHow commercial software practices can benefit the defense sectorAdapting software rapidly to meet current needsChallenges of budgeting and tech debt in defenseConnect with Shyam:• LinkedIn: Shyam SankarConnect with Tyler:• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt• Website: Second Front

Steve Blank, The Godfather of Innovation in Defense, discusses transforming military innovation and strategy. Topics include integrating commercial tech into military applications, challenges of rapid deployment, importance of dual-use technology, and impact of geopolitical landscape on defense strategy. Insightful discussion on future of defense innovation.

Episode 59. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt reconnects with Patrick Clancey, President & CEO of IDEMIA NSS and longtime friend and soccer teammate. Patrick shares his extensive journey from an infantry officer in the Army to a leading expert in biometrics and zero trust. Join Tyler and Patrick for an insightful discussion on the future of biometrics, the importance of trust and privacy, and the innovative solutions transforming security in the modern world.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The evolution of biometrics from military use to widespread applicationsPrivacy by design and its importance in biometric technologyThe impact of AI and deepfakes on identity verificationThe integration of zero trust principles in physical and digital securityThe advancement of mobile identity solutions and their practical applicationsConnect with Patrick:• LinkedIn: Patrick ClanceyConnect with Tyler:• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt• Website: Second Front Systems

Episode 58. Imagine a world where the commanding officer at the frontlines can procure the exact software needed to enhance their unit's capabilities, without wading through bureaucratic red tape. In this episode, Tyler Sweatt and Rob Murray, Chief Innovation Officer at Saab, delves into the critical importance of agility and adaptability in defense strategy, the challenges of bureaucracy in innovation, and his insights on leveraging existing technology and infrastructures to enhance global security. Join us as Rob shares his vision for a more agile and responsive defense industry, and why the future of national security depends on it.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The challenges of integrating new technologies in defenseThe importance of agile bureaucracy in national securityThe role of Silicon Valley in defense technologyStrategies for improving production and scalability in defense manufacturingConnect with Rob:• LinkedIn: Rob MurrayConnect with Tyler:• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt• Website: Second Front Systems

Episode 57. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler Sweatt sits down with Wasim Khaled, CEO of Blackbird.AI, to explore the critical issue of disinformation and its implications on modern society. Wasim shares his journey from being a gearhead with a computer science background to co-founding Blackbird.AI, a company dedicated to combating the manipulation of narratives in the information age. The conversation delves into the evolution of disinformation, the challenges in identifying truth in a complex media landscape, and the innovative approaches Blackbird.AI employs to address these issues.Wasim emphasizes the existential threat posed by disinformation, highlighting how it influences everything from public health to geopolitical stability. He discusses the importance of narrative intelligence and the tools his team has developed to quantify and mitigate the effects of disinformation. This episode provides a deep dive into the complexities of modern information warfare and the innovative solutions being developed to counteract it.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The journey from tech enthusiast to disinformation expertUnderstanding and defining narrative attacksThe role of technology in detecting and combating misinformationReal-world implications of disinformation on businesses and national securityThe impact of generative AI and the need for regulation in the information ecosystemConnect with Wasim:• LinkedIn: Wasim KhaledConnect with Tyler:• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt• Website: Second Front Systems

Devaki Raj, Chief Digital and AI Officer at Saab, talks about transitioning AI to defense, user empathy in AI development, and challenges of integrating small AI companies into larger defense contractors. Topics include AI's impact on national security, real-world testing, and the importance of adapting to evolving technologies in the defense sector.

Episode 55. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Eric Slesinger, General Partner at 201 Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Madrid, Spain. 201 Ventures focuses on advancing freedom and autonomy in Europe by backing pre-seed and seed-stage companies in the intelligence, defense, and dual-use technology sectors. Eric, originally from Washington D.C., shares his journey from engineering and intelligence to leading 201 Ventures. Throughout the episode, Tyler and Eric delve into the critical role Europe plays in global security and the evolving dynamics of the defense technology landscape. Eric highlights the shifting focus towards economic competition and the need for Europe to bolster its defense tech capabilities internally. They discuss the increased defense budgets across major European countries, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the need for innovative approaches to address the continent's unique security challenges.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The shift in Europe's defense strategyThe impact of economic and geopolitical instability on securityThe role of startups and innovative tech in defense modernizationNavigating the complexities of European defense procurementThe critical need for anticipatory thinking and strategic investment in defense techConnect with Eric:LinkedIn: Eric SlesingerConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler SweattWebsite: Second Front SystemsCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.