All Quiet on the Second Front

The podcast explores challenges in the defense tech industry, including startups struggling with the Department of Defense. They discuss government collaboration and the future of AI. They cover defense tech essentials like machine learning and quantum government contracting. They emphasize the importance of a global perspective and mention a conversation with a defense tech investor discussing UFOs.

Cyber security expert Mike Weigand, co-founder of Shift5, joins Tyler to discuss the power of data, reevaluating corporate structure, and the importance of marketing and policy conversations. They also highlight the significance of cybersecurity in computer-controlled fleet systems and the potential for strategic investments in data and automation. The episode concludes with a discussion on Nitto's defense innovation accelerator and the future of defense innovation.

Today, Tyler is joined by goTenna's VP of Strategic Programs and Partnerships, Mike Bergen. goTenna is the world's leading mobile mesh networking company and provider of off-grid connectivity, so Mike knows a thing or two about what it takes to sustain success. In this episode, Mike and Tyler share what they have determined to be the ‘cheat codes’ for securing government contracts. If you’re looking to be one of the few that actually thrive beyond that first SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research), this is the episode for you.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Don’t celebrate too soon: how to maintain the velocity of the first transactionThe often-overlooked value of a strong contracting officeDiscerning qualified consultants in a crowded landscapeThe philosophical and organizational structuring of partner models that drive valueSaved Rounds: Why data structuring needs to be the army’s top priorityIn today’s segment of Saved Rounds, Enrique and Tyler discuss why the army needs to make data structuring priority number one.Connect with Mike:LinkedIn: Michael BergenWebsite: gotenna.com Connect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Today on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by cyber nerd and UFO fanatic, Ron Gula. Ron is the President of Gula Tech Adventures, a cybersecurity company focused on cyber tech, cyber policy and recruiting people into the cyber workforce. In this episode, Ron guides us through a variety of thought-provoking topics to help us gain a better understanding of what cybersecurity is, how it’s used and why Ron’s such a firm believer in its power to unify.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Calibrating amidst the noise and information overload in our data-rich societyBridging the Knowledge Gap: Congress, Cybersecurity, and the Language of TechnologyThe potential impact of AI's advancement on outsourced labor and globalizationDefining and exploring the concept of transparent electionsWays Ron believes cybersecurity can contribute to national unityIn this episode, we introduce Saved Rounds with Second Front CTO Enrique Oti. The topic today? SCSP’s Offset X strategy paper and how it can potentially drive change.Connect with Ron:LinkedIn: Ron GulaWebsite: gula.techConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

In this electrifying episode of All Quiet, Tyler has a conversation with Jen Sovada, the President of Public Sector for SandboxAQ, a tech and data intelligence company that uses AI and quantum to solve global challenges. Given that quantum has everyone buzzing with both excitement and confusion, Jen tells us why she and her team have become so committed to educating consumers before they buy. She also breaks down how quantum, which has a tendency to come off as a distant dream, has already been revolutionizing industries behind the scenes for over a century.  What’s Happening on the Second Front:Helping consumers understand the inner workings of emerging tech Simplifying and streamlining the procurement processUncovering the history and already existing applications of quantum Connect with Jen:LinkedIn: Jen SovadaWebsite: sandboxaq.com  Connect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Paul Vingoe, Director of VinDo Technology Ltd, discusses why US companies should do business in the UK, the differences between startups and government in procurement, and common mistakes that cause startups to fail. He leverages his army background to challenge traditional business development approaches and emphasizes the importance of thinking globally.

Today on the show, Tyler is joined by the former Chief Innovation Officer of USAID and soon-to-be member of the DoD, Alexis Bonnell. Throughout her admirable career, Alexis has become accustomed to forewarning others about the latest technology destined to change the landscape for good. First, it was the internet, now it’s AI. In this episode, we learn why Alexis is both excited—and terrified—for her next chapter with the DoD and how she intends to take initiative and remain adaptable as a leader while tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.What’s Happening on the Second Front:How Alexis’ early days with the internet have prepared her for today’s AICreating your own job by identifying needs and being assertiveAlexis’ biggest takeaways from her three years at GoogleWhat it means to be a leader amidst ever-changing technology Using the feeling, thinking, and doing framework to make changes that stickDrawing the distinction between expeditionary and service innovationConnect with Alexis:LinkedIn: Alexis BonnellConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Dave Ferris, the Director of Global Public Sector Capture at Interos Inc., discusses building supply chain resiliency through automation. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between industry and government, and the need for audits and due diligence in ensuring a reliable supply chain. Dave also explores how AI can help companies plan in advance for potential disruptions.

Today’s guest, Chip Colbert, is the Vice President for DOD and IC at Virtualitics, an advanced analytics company that helps enterprises and governments make smarter business decisions faster with ready-to-use AI that can be understood by analysts and business leaders alike. In this episode, you’ll hear Tyler and Chip bond over their fondness for the chaotic, often unstructured, nature of defense tech work. They also share how and why their perspectives and preferences have shifted over the years as they’ve become more callused in the fast-paced startup industry.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Missing the missions: Why Chip switched to working in defense and national security Creating pockets of structure within a notoriously unstructured environment What’s wrong with the pop-culture depiction of startupsWhy Chip won’t be retiring in an RV Connect with Chip:LinkedIn: Chip ColbertWebsite: virtualitics.com Connect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Former Infantry Officer turned VP of Sales, TJ Rowe, discusses his career transitions from military to defense tech, emphasizing the challenges faced in the industry and the mindset needed to sell software to support scale.