Defense Mavericks
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© Ryan Connell | Tradewinds × CDAO
Description
Welcome to Defense Mavericks, the podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government. Join us as we dive into authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds, offering a fresh perspective on how to gain an unfair advantage through the adoption of new, emerging technology. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, education, and best practices you need to shorten the learning curve toward government transformation.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
123 Episodes
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On today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we sit down with John Ferry, President at Trenchant Analytics, LLC, and Co-Founder/CEO of userogue.com. John sat down with Bonnie to discuss one of Tradewind’s success stories, working with the CDAO on applying AI to the acquisition process. Listen in to hear more about semi-automating the entire contract pipeline, from AI powered contract writing, improving workflow, and a faster acquisition process.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
On this episode of AI Proficiency, Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by author and consultant JL Hancock. JL describes how his background in the Navy exposed him to cutting-edge resources, serving as the foundation for his interest in spearheading his own projects. Tune in to learn more about why he was inspired to take risks in the field of emerging technologies, his detailed process for assessing them, and the threat that mitigating those risks often pose to modernization within the government.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today to hear a conversation with Ben McMartin, Senior Fellow at the Center for Government Contracting, George Mason University. Ben shares his introduction to Other Transitions (OTs), their steady evolution over the last decade, and the future of government contracting within the Department of Defense.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Alexandr Wang, Founder and CEO of Scale AI. Alexandr has been a leading force in the future of AI innovation and sat down with us to discuss what challenges inspired him to start his company. Join us to learn more about the rising demand for high-quality data in the field, how AI should be properly utilized as a tool to solve modern issues, and the projects Scale AI plans to tackle next.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
In today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Dr. Joshua Elliott; Program Manager at DARPA. Dr. Elliot sat down with us to discuss how he works to integrate AI as a way to create modern opportunities and target issues. Stay tuned to learn more about his role in creating technologies that make human workflows more efficient and the importance of proper education in giving us the tools to remain current with these advancements.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
In today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Dr. Brooke Ellison, President of Brooke Ellison Leadership and Inclusion Strategies, LLC and associate professor at Stony Brook University. Dr. Ellison has spent her life advocating for those with disabilities, creating change through policy and education, and continues to inspire others with her story. Listen in to hear how accessibility-focused technology has had a profound impact on her life and career, how it can become a resource in providing opportunities for those living with disabilities, and the role AI plays in conversations surrounding the future of healthcare.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Join us on this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today as we chat with co-founder and CEO of Valid Evaluation Adam Rentschler. We'll be unpacking the importance of providing feedback for complex problems and data analysis as he shares his company's success in creating a culture of open communication. Listen in as we discuss how these resources can be used to solve issues in the government as well.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we sat down with Colonel Scott Helmore, the Joint Robotics and Autonomous Systems Enterprise Acquisition Manager under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to discuss the need for AI literacy in the workforce. He went into detail about his background and how he's been successful in using AI as a reliable solution to current issues in academia, industry, and the workforce. Stay tuned to hear his insight on how shifting the focus can best utilize a digital future.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Learn how to manuever and enjoy the changes being made in the constantly evolving world of technology with today's guest, Motivational Improvisor, Avish Parashar, from Avish Parashar Productions! Listen in as he shares his approach solving complex technical problems using lessons he has learned through years of improv work, especially as it relates to AI. Disruptive ideas for innovation have helped his AI expertise develop throughout his career and he now uses that knowledge to develop challenging mindsets in upcoming technology experts, inspiring those that follow to get creative in their problem-solving.
Avish Parashar:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/avishparashar/
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Listen in as we hear from guest speaker Marshall Brain, the Director of the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program at North Carolina State University and the founder and creator of Howstuffworks.com. He shares how his creative mind looks to figure out how everything around him works and finds opportunities to improve solutions to issues he sees. Hear how he turned this hobby into a startup company and made the writings an award-winning success! Marshall explains the challenges and resources needed with incorporating AI into situations where it did not previously exist and how those automations can benefit the systems they join.'
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Listen in as we hear Stephanie Wilson, the Contracting and Agreements Officer in the U.S. Army, detail how to create and handle improved contracting practices necessary to acquire AI and emerging technology. She shares her years of experience in dealing with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and how proper use and understanding of OTAs have helped her be successful. Hear how asking questions and challenging the existing policies has helped develop new ways of accomplishing goals within federal contracting. Wilson also details the value in an influential and memorable quote she coined some time ago regarding the benefits of using OTA's!
Tune in to this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today as we hear from our guest speaker, Igor Jablokov, the CEO and founder of Pryon. He delves into how important it is to be disruptive in technology and how the results can be both evolutionary and revolutionary. Hear the firsthand story of how Igor started the creation and software we now know as Amazon's Alexa and kept the solution to a known problem going as he got Pryon started. He also shares his take on how we can continue to enable innovation as technology progresses in the world around us.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Join us for this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today as we hear from guest speaker Bonnie Evangelista, the Tradewind Execution Lead at the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). She will introduce the efforts and goals of the CDAO and the enabling concept of Tradewind. Hear as Bonnie further details the purposes and benefits of having Other Transaction Authorities (OTA) and some of the key features they were designed to include as well as sharing her personal experiences with procurement transitions.
Links:
Tom Suder:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsuder/
Bonnie Evangelista:
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
The AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today podcast is a series of casual discussions with Artificial Intelligence experts as we create resources for increased training and learning opportunities for individuals within the industry. This podcast will focus on the risks, policies, capabilities, trends, use cases, tools and technology used within AI, as well as providing the opportunity for hearing experts challenges, solutions, and passion projects. Each episode will host a guest from within government, industry, or academia and will discuss topics ranging from AI acquisitions to implementation to existing or upcoming programs and everything in between.
This week, Ryan is joined by Mike McGinley, director of GigEagle, mobilization assistant to the commander of the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, and federal account executive at Google, to talk all things talent in the DoD. Mike shares his insights on the flexibility of reservists' service, the operational impact of overcoming bureaucracy and policy hurdles, and the revolutionary approach to integrating AI in talent acquisition. Tune in to this inspiring conversation on national collaboration and agility in the defense community.
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:46) Mike’s dual journey career
(4:01) What is an agile talent ecosystem?
(10:56) How to cut through red tape
(15:53) Mike’s “aha” moment in an Uber
(19:28) How fast is too fast to scale?
(21:45) Why user feedback is critical for growth
(26:04) The future of a whole-of-nation talent marketplace
(32:58) Why we need to encourage creativity and teamwork in defense
LINKS:
Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/
Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmcginley2/
GigEagle: https://gigeagle.mil/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan is joined by Hannah Hunt, Distinguished Technical Director at MetroStar, to talk about the challenges of navigating defense bureaucracy and how she’s overcome the inevitable burnout of government work. Hannah dives into lesson learned from Kessel Run and Army Software Factory and the leap of faith she took into the industry world with MetroStar. She shares her insights on agile, user-focused software solutions, leveraging the FAR to speed up procurement, and upskilling soldiers in software development. Tune in for a refreshing episode on learning how to balance mission impact and mental health.
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:47) Meet Hannah Hunt
(1:51) Kessel Run’s agile acquisition strategy
(3:37) Why user feedback is key to iterative development
(7:06) The importance of security and accreditation in software factories
(12:32) Lessons learned from Army Software Factory
(18:39) Does moving to private sector cure burnout?
(23:57) The secret to perfecting your craft as a government worker
(29:20) 3 books that changed Hannah’s career development
LINKS:
Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/
Follow Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-feldman-hunt-b8646a97
The Lean Startup: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898
Range: https://www.amazon.com/Range-Generalists-Triumph-Specialized-World/dp/0735214484
Making of a Manager: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Manager-What-Everyone-Looks/dp/0735219567
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan is joined by Larsen Jensen, two-time Olympian, former Navy SEAL, and founder of Harpoon Ventures, to explore the rapidly-changing landscape of defense tech investing. Larsen dives into the necessity of reframing risk, the resurgence of American entrepreneurship, and the key to succeeding as a defense startup. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the DoD landscape, the importance of government procurement expertise, and the mindset and cultural shifts needed to become a defense leader.
TIMESTAMPS:
(4:39) Larsen’s journey from Olympian to Navy SEAL
(9:07) How to reframe risk for better defense tech investments
(12:19) Why military struggles to adopt new technology
(14:48) Warfare has changed and the US is behind
(19:36) Is selling to Uncle Sam intimidating?
(20:55) Why Silicon Valley is shifting its focus to national security
(24:21) The future of defense tech market
(30:44) Why Government DNA is vital to investment success
LINKS:
Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/
Follow Larsen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsen-jensen/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan is joined by Mike Clark, Branch Chief at Kill Chain Integration Branch of the Air Force Special Programs Division, to discuss the nuanced world of contracting and artificial intelligence within the DoD. He shares his insights on fostering relationships, maintaining integrity in acquisition, and the critical thinking required to navigate policy challenges. They also explore the use of bailment agreements and strategies for incentivizing the right behaviors in AI development. Tune in for a deep dive into the thought processes behind successful AI and contracting practices.
TIMESTAMPS:
(2:14) How does AI play a role in contracting?
(4:02) First thing that needs to go is your ego
(10:39) Why stovepipes are the devil
(16:19) How to empower leadership in Special Programs
(19:15) Navigating the complexities of AI in contracting
(24:07) Strategies to streamline government contracts
(27:54) Why incentive structures are needed for tech
(29:23) Understanding user pain points
LINKS:
Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/
Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelclarkii/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
We have a special announcement this week! Meet our new Defense Mavericks host, Ryan Connell. Bonnie and Ryan chat about Bonnie’s departure from the show and what you can expect going forward. Tune in for a short, fun listen in this official hand-off episode!
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:30) Why Bonnie is leaving
(1:12) Ryan's vision for the podcast
(2:42) Who is Ryan Connell
(4:01) Future topics and potential format changes
(8:49) The final grilled cheese debate
LINKS:
Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/
Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, we’re sharing a panel discussion from SchoolHouse where Bonnie joined Gene Ebersole from BVVC, Mike McGuire from SpaceX, and Lisa Sanders from Special Operations Command to talk about defense innovation. Together, they dive into the challenges of transitioning defense projects, overcoming bureaucratic and cultural barriers within the DoD, and using existing policies to fast-track technological advancements. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation on harnessing the power of partnerships and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in defense.
TIMESTAMPS:
(4:08) The goal of this panel discussion
(9:50) How to tailor the acquisition process for speed
(12:45) Problem statements vs. requirements
(14:42) Prioritize relationships, not transactions
(20:26) Why VC's and founders should partner with innovators
(26:54) Why feedback may not always lead to a purchase
(35:20) How to avoid niche products & solve fundamental problems instead
(40:07) Connect people with solutions for better outcomes
(44:33) Why failure should be a budget line item
(48:00) The role of VCs in defense funding
LINKS:
Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
Follow Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-sanders-17b37067/
Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mcguire-66569a111/
Follow Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-ebersole-1bb62615b/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
SchoolHouse: https://govexec.com/
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