Defense Unicorns, A Podcast

This podcast episode features a candid conversation with Rebecca Lively, former Deputy Director at the Air Force's Shadows Edge Software Factory, now part of Defense Unicorns. Rebecca shares her unique career journey, from an impulsive decision to attend law school, to intellectual property litigation, and eventually leading roles within the military’s cyber and software development sectors. She discusses the challenges and realizations she faced in various roles, including her struggle with imposter syndrome and the importance of diversity and humility in tech. The episode also delves into broader issues like some flaws within the government’s hiring system, the impact of diversity on software development, and the shift towards creating a more inclusive and innovative work environment.

Join us as we dive into the story of Jeff McCoy. His journey wasn't a straight line. He went from blowing up his dad's laptop as a kid to making big changes in military tech with his work at Kessel Run, and Platform One and Space Camp. Now, he's taking on the tech world with his own startup, Defense Unicorns, which he co-founded. We'll talk about the ups and downs, the challenges he faced, their recent Series A investment for $30 million and other wins along the way. If you're curious about how someone goes from serving their country to shaking up the tech scene, this is the podcast for you.

In this episode titled we delve into the extraordinary journey of Nicolas Chaillan, who started as a teen software developer, revolutionized PHP adoption in enterprises, pioneered secure e-commerce in Europe, and went on to found and scale multiple companies across the globe, to include becoming the Department of the Air Force’s First Chief Software Officer. Listen as Nic shares insights from his early days of building game server hosting companies and e-commerce websites, navigating the challenges of being a young entrepreneur in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, and transitioning into a pivotal role in the U.S. Department of Defense. This story is not just about technological innovation, but also about resilience, adaptability, and the drive to make a significant impact on national security. Join us as we uncover the lessons learned from bridging the worlds of startups and cybersecurity, and how embracing change and seizing opportunities can lead from teenage coding projects to leading tech initiatives in defense. Connect with Nic on LinkedIn.

In this episode with Courtney Barno, we dive into the intricacies of navigating the challenging market for startups, especially when it comes to interfacing with government agencies. Discover the policies, strategies, and technologies that are shaping the defense sector and influencing global values. Learn about the significance of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), the art of crafting impactful proposals, and the importance of understanding the unique persona of government buyers. Furthermore, we explore the evolving global landscape, with the U.S. and China at the forefront of a race for technological leadership, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. As commercial entities surge ahead in AI adoption, is the U.S. military keeping pace?

Join us on this episode of Defense Unicorns as host Robert Slaughter sits down with Col Rhet Turnbull, Deputy Director, Space Systems Integration Office, to discuss the significant shifts in the Department of Defense. After two decades of counterterrorism focus, the spotlight is shifting back to the looming threats posed by global superpowers. Col Turnbull sheds light on the critical role of the Space Force in securing national interests and the profound impact of space on our everyday lives. How is AI revolutionizing defense strategies? What are the challenges it poses? And as the world powers position themselves, is the U.S. military equipped to handle the competition? Col Turnbull shares his insights into the future of military strategies, the necessity of embracing innovation, and his advice for the next generation of defense leaders. Listen now to delve deep into the strategies that are reshaping global defense dynamics.

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel McCoy, the former TSA Chief Innovation Officer, to delve into the complex task of fostering innovation within a massive, regulated organization. From his "first principle" mantra to localized pain points and employee apprehensions about innovating, Dan shares invaluable insights for anyone leading change. Tune in to learn why agility is the government's unwavering advantage and get a masterclass on sparking innovation no matter where you work. Subscribe now so you don't miss out!

Join us this week in talking with Mohawk Matt Denny, a figure renowned for building bridges, connecting silos, and fueling innovation across the Department of Defense. Dive into Matt’s fascinating narrative - from his first Marine Corps experiences to his unorthodox strategies for bringing about change. Listen as he details his infamous “one day procurement” triumph, earning him the nickname of “bureaucracy slayer.” But it isn’t just about cutting the red tape. Matt prompts us to reconsider the status quo, asking if that red tape should perhaps be yellow or even green.

Mohawk Matt shares his incredible journey, highlights the power of building relationships, and discusses the significance of breaking through imposter syndrome. We end with a powerful message for senior leaders and an unforgettable “Be Awesome” ending.

Follow Mohawk Matt’s latest adventures by connecting with him on LinkedIn.

Join our new host Michaela Flatau in episode 24 as we dive into the incredible career transition of Brandi McCall, who navigated from a 20-year career in healthcare to the tech world of DevOps. Discover how Brandy tackled the intensive Level Up in Tech bootcamp, the importance of expanding your network, and her experiences with Sparkle Academy's upskilling program. As a firm advocate for more women in tech, Brandy shares her insights on the gender gap in the industry and the potential for change. Get inspired by Brandy's fearless journey and the hard-earned triumph of her career switch. Don't miss out on this invigorating story of transformation from Nurse Practitioner to DevOps Engineer.

Join Tracy Gregorio, the innovative CEO of G2 Ops, Inc., as she shares her wealth of experience in the defense industry, and her relentless pursuit of fostering innovation. Tracy shares her insights on harnessing AI in defense, the challenges and lessons of government funding, the importance of treating departmental management as business management, and the invaluable lessons she's gleaned across her diverse career. Wrapping up with practical advice for small business owners and an inside look at her experiences with government over the past decade, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic intersection of technology, defense, and entrepreneurship. Follow Tracy’s journey by connecting with her on LinkedIn today.

Join Pete Newell, the trailblazing CEO of BMNT Inc., a pioneer in the national security innovation space. With years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army and an insatiable passion for innovation, Newell shares enlightening insights into the evolving landscape of business and innovation. Embark on this journey reiterating the importance of compelling narratives in the world of business and innovation. With his decades of leadership and strategy implementation experience, Pete Newell underlines the pivotal role of design thinking, not as an all-encompassing solution but as a single cog within a grand machine. We explore the crux of high-performing team assembly, starting with the simple, yet profound concept of getting out of the office and into the field.

Tune in as we deconstruct the commonly held belief that innovation equates to invention, or that every innovator is an entrepreneur. Newell posits an intriguing perspective around the 16-minute mark - "We're always at war. You just have to figure out where the battlefield is." A thought-provoking statement that underlines the continuous nature of struggle and competition in the realm of innovation.

Join us in this enlightening discourse that promises to redefine your understanding of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the persistent battles in the business landscape. Brace yourself for an hour filled with valuable insights, compelling storytelling, and engaging discussion with one of the brightest minds in the field.

Connect with Pete Newell On LinkedIn and Subscribe to our podcast to be updated when future mission heroes come on.

Join Andrew Clay Shafer, a DevOps and Agile pioneer who has been an active proponent of Agile methodologies and the cultural shifts necessary for organizations to truly adopt DevOps principles and practices. Andrew delves into the critical importance of collaborative problem-solving, the impact of charismatic leadership, and the powerful potential of asking the right questions. Follow Andrew's latest adventures by connecting with him on LinkedIn and subscribe to our podcast to join us on this captivating quest.

Episode 19: Ready for a thrilling ride through the heart of digital engineering in defense contracting? Dive into this episode with Matt Zimmerman where we unpack the riveting story of his founding of Beast Code. From bootstrapping their way from a team of seven to over 180, to throwing down with Navy Seals and pushing the envelope with their innovative tech solutions, Matt and his teams are truly shaking up the digital space inside the defense industry. Tune in to hear about their audacious journey, the hurdles they've cleared, and how they're boldly crafting the future of defense technology.

Subscribe to Defense Unicorns, A Podcast, to keep up stories from the mission heroes across the defense and technology communities.

In this episode of Defense Unicorns, a Podcast, we welcome Dr. Alethea Duhon, a cyber security expert and former Senior Executive of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), who shares her insights on the urgency of securing our digital world. As we become more interconnected through devices and technology, Dr. Duhon emphasizes the need for immediate action to protect our digital assets and ensure national security. Key points discussed in this episode include:

• The critical time we are in as a country and society, with the increasing reliance on digital technologies
• The importance of accelerating our efforts in securing the digital battlefield, as Dr. Duhon says, "We need to accelerate things and it needed to happen yesterday."
• The interconnectedness of our country and everyday lives, and the potential risks this poses
• The role of data as currency, both literally and figuratively, and its significance in the digital landscape

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Dr. Alethea Duhon as she highlights the challenges and importance of safeguarding our digital world as well as your role as a leader to enable and empower the next generation of innovation and workforce.

Be sure to connect with Alethea on LinkedIn to stay updated on her latest projects and endeavors.

"When you want to know if a program is real, just follow the money, budget and authority. If it's not going to the innovation stuff, it really doesn't matter."  Join Steve Blank as he shares his experience working across Silicon Valley, the Department of Defense and beyond. Steve goes into the current states of innovation and how he co-created the Department of Defense Hacking for Defense and Department of State Hacking for Diplomacy curriculums. We hope you enjoy this episode and encourage you to check out Steve on LinkedIn and learn from him like we have.

In this episode, Preston Dunlap takes you on the journey of his time as the former CTO and 1st Chief Architect of the Air Force. He details the importance of authority figures providing support and top cover for innovators trying to disrupt the status quo, and how to turn motivation into outcomes. He also talks of the importance of finding urgency without waiting for emergencies. Since his service with the federal government, Preston has founded Arkenstone Ventures. If you want to know more about Preston’s journey, you can follow him on LinkedIn

Join us this week with Michael A. Brown, former director of Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as he shares the importance of getting the best technology into the hands of the warfighter, today, before our adversaries. Brown also shares the value that DIU provides and how it has morphed over the years to meet the needs of the defense community. Connect with Michael Brown on LinkedIn to learn more.

“We need technologists to be the commanders,” - Angela Sheffield exclaimed while chatting with Rob about Artificial Intelligence, placing people in the right positions and more. She defines AI as bundle of technology that mimics what can normally be been done by humans. Angela has been around AI since before it was cool. Listen and Connect with Angela on LinkedIn today to stay tuned to whats new for AI.

Aniza Brown has been connecting communities for as long as anyone can remember. A common phrase across Utah is “Aniza knows someone and can get it done.” Join her and Rob as they discuss the power and value of connecting communities city, state, university, industry, and the Department of Defense levels. As Ogden Utah’s Catalyst Campus Executive Director, she is responsible for pushing innovation within the eco-system, driving modernization capabilities, and lowering the barrier of entry for small businesses. Follow and support her journey by connecting with Aniza Brown today on LinkedIn.

"We need that next generation of folks prepared to step in and lead and drive cultural change, that innovation and those outcomes for the mission.” Join Chris Hughes as Rob asks him how he puts the Security in Development, Security and Operations, (DevSecOps). Chris is co-founder and Chief Information Security Officer at Aquia Inc., and is a proven cloud and cyber security leader with nearly 20 years of experience in both the federal and commercial industries. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his passion in helping educate individuals in cybersecurity, cloud and DevSecOps.

“Crossing the Valley of Death” has become a buzz phrase across the Department of Defense Acquisitions community. Join Chris Benson, a co-founder of AFWERX, as he shares his story on how he helped create what is now known and the SBIR Open Topic and the AFWERX Accelerator Program for the United States Air Force. Key advice Chris also shares is: “Don’t manage your time, manage your motivation.” He has since left the air force but is still doing great things across industry. You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn to learn more and stay tuned to his career and journey.

"Let us work on the problems we're most passionate about with other people that want to move fast and break things,” said Artem Sherbinin as he shared his experiences working true artificial intelligence opportunities in the U.S. Navy. As an active duty Naval Surface Warfare Officer, he is solving problems for sailors with sailors. He goes on about the three elements of a foundational structure: development tools; talented personnel and the right governance. Follow Artem on LinkedIn to follow his career and join him in his fight to bring sailors and service members the tools they need to succeed.

“A grassroots team really only forms if they like it at their core, they believe in it,” Austen Bryan said while talking to Rob about about his time at Platform One and creating software teams from the ground up. Austen also shares what he would do if he could go back 5 years with the knowledge he has now; one being the value of learning from others in your ecosystem and learn how they did it, instead of just reading about it in books. Connect with Austen today on LinkedIn to stay up with his next adventures.

Innovative vs. Innovation: One is a buzzword, and the other is a way of thinking and is the trait of change agents at every level. Dr. Will Roper is known for challenging the status quo and he shares his experience being a leader who provides top cover to empower the right people to solve problems in both the public and private sectors. Rob inquires about Will’s time as head of Air Force Acquisitions and how he could accomplish what he did in such a short time. Quoting Dr. Roper, “I made sure I had the right people around me, and I gave them the top cover they needed.” Connect with Dr. Will Roper on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey. 

Insubordination: Conventionally recognized as a negative term but Captain Jake Singleton is committed to the idea that its exactly what our military leaders are asking for and what our acquisition community needs. Jake is an acquisitions officer in the US Space Force where he has spent a large part of his career supporting transformative opportunities for defense acquisitions through rapid capability development and working with the emerging commercial sector and international partners. He has been called insubordinate by his greatest champion and to “cease and desist” by lawyers that have become his greatest allies. Most important he has seen success and change! How can we develop more Guardians and Airmen willing to be vulnerable, and to develop practical skills in how to dissent effectively so that our organizations remain creative and relevant in the future? Connect with Jake on LinkedIn today. 

Greg Kurtzer joins Rob to talk about his 20 years working with linux, open source and high performance computing and his rocky origins on the scene, how he has changed his style and understanding of things, to include what he is up to now. He shares that he wishes someone told him at a younger age to challenge the status quo and thinking differently. Greg is well known in the HPC space for designing scalable and easy to manage secure architectures for innovative performance intensive computing while working for the U.S. Department of Energy and joint appointment to UC Berkeley. Greg founded and led several large open source projects such as CentOS Linux, the Warewulf and Perceus cluster toolkits, the container system Singularity, and most recently, the successor to CentOS, Rocky Linux. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn today. 

Enrique Oti joins Rob to discuss the origins of Department of Defense Software Factories and his strategy of innovation used to build Kessel Run, using a strategy opposite to most innovators, instead of keeping their head low and unseen, they made noise, told as many leaders as possible and eventually went all the way to the top for support. Enrique Oti is a retired Air Force Colonel of 23 years and the founding director of Kessel Run, an acquisition and operations unit that rapidly deploys modern software capabilities for Air Force programs, as well as completing many operations in Cyber Warfare and intelligence. He also co-founded the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is Silicon Valley. 

You may have not met Zack Butcher in person, but those who have used Google Cloud or Istio Service Mesh have shaken hands with his code. And if that doesn’t do it for you, he wrote the recommendations around micro services security for federal with NIST. Zack shares his way of innovating, starting new projects, and what it takes to reach success by finding whats broken and fix it in a way that provides value. He is currently a Founding Engineer at Tetrate and has helped in a variety of roles across the company - currently he’s Head of Product. Connect with Zack on LinkedIn today.

Join Air Force Major Jason Lowery as he talks about Bitcoin, its strategic importance for national defense and what it takes to be an innovator. Jason is an Air Force veteran and National Defense Fellow researching Bitcoin while pursuing a master's degree in engineering & management through the System Design & Management program jointly offered by MIT's School of Engineering & Sloan School of Management. You can follow Jason on Twitter at @JasonPLowery

Welcome to Defense Unicorns, A Podcast for mission focused innovators. We educate, inform, and provide mission heroes with DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and organizational transformation stories from the world's leading problem solvers. I'm your host, Rob Slaughter, and we're excited for you to join us on this journey.