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Dozens of Democrats wrote a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought on Wednesday demanding information on the Department of Government Efficiency's unauthorized use of artificial intelligence systems. The letter, which was led by Reps. Don Beyer, D-Va., Mike Levin, D-Calif., and Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M. and signed by 45 other lawmakers, expressed concerns about privacy and security risks associated with the group's use of federal data in unapproved AI systems, as well as potential conflicts of interest involving Elon Musk, who leads an AI firm called xAI. Specifically, the lawmakers flagged reports of DOGE affiliates inputting data into unapproved AI systems and the risk that sensitive federal data could be used to train future commercial models. Douglas Matty assumed the role of the Pentagon's Chief Digital and AI Officer on Monday, according to an internal unclassified email viewed by DefenseScoop. The principal deputy who has been temporarily leading the AI hub ahead of the Trump administration's selection for the new chief, Margie Palmieri, sent the announcement to several senior officials Friday morning. In the email, she indicated that more communications on the team's path ahead would soon follow, once Matty takes the reins. Matty previously founded the Army AI Integration Center under Army Futures Command, which he led between 2020 and 2022. Palmieri wrote: “We are excited to get appointed leadership at the helm of CDAO so early in the administration. The prioritization on filling the top Al and data related leadership position in DoD will enable the Department to better accelerate and scale the adoption of data, analytics, and Al in line with the Secretary's priorities.” The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
A discussion with Doug Hague, Executive Director, Corporate Engagement at UNC Charlotte. In recent years, he helped UNC Charlotte establish its School of Data Science. Prior to that, he spent many years with Bank of America ending with the role of Chief Analytics Officer of Bank of America Merchant Services. Doug discusses how the variety and growth in the financial industry kept him happy over the years. He also discusses his long-term plan and path to academia and how his management style has had to adjust. We have a back and forth on how the roles of CAO, CDO, and CDAO have evolved. He finishes with some good advice for students and early career professionals, as well as some insights into how to stay relevant in the age of generative AI. #analytics #datascience #ai #artificialintelligence #generativeAI #banking #finance
Em 2025, a escalada da IA Generativa mira a consolidação, com os primeiros casos de uso corporativo gerando resultados, métricas de ROI e aprendizados. Mas ainda há dúvidas se a IA trará uma boa relação custo-benefício e se a conta vai fechar. Como passar da fase de experimentação para a fase de execução? Essa é a pergunta que vale muitos milhões. Convidamos Thiago Viola, Diretor de inteligência Artificial, Dados e Automação na IBM Brasil, para responder. Este é o sexto episódio da minissérie BeeYond AI, uma cocriação The Shift e IBM Brasil.Links do episódioA página do LinkedIn de Thiago ViolaPara não perder nenhum episódio, siga o fio:Confira o primeiro episódio da segunda temporada de BeeYond AI, "A IA como alidada da produtividade", com a participação de Marina Bellini, Chief Operations Officer no Itaú, e Claudia Nolla, executiva de IA, Soluções Cognitivas & Analytics na IBM BrasilNo segundo episódio, o tema é Transformação sustentável e IA, com a participação de Gabriel Santamaria, Head de Sustentabilidade no Banco do Brasil, Pedro Bramont, Diretor de Soluções em Meios de Pagamento e Serviços do BB, e Carlos Tunes, Líder de Sustentabilidade da IBM Brasil. Ouça por aquiNo terceiro episódio, mergulhamos no mundo do FinOps e no que acontece quando a IA entra na equação. Ricardo Kenji, Tech Leader FinOps & ARM & Observability na IBM Brasil, e Walter Antonio Pereira Junior, Head de IT Efficiency Management, FinOps e SAM, no F1rst Santander, explicam.No quarto episódio, discutimos o "efeito turbo" do uso da IA na hiperpersonalização da jornada de atendimento e relacionamento com clientes. Na conversa estão Gabriela Platinetty, IBM Partner de customer transformation, e Edson Lisboa, superintendente de TI no Sicoob. Confira.No quinto episódio, como a IA e a computação quântica se juntam para transformar a tecnologia em finanças. Uma jornada que ainda vai longe, mas que está cada vez mais próxima. Quem investir agora vai ter vantagens no futuro. Convidados: Wagner Arnaut, CTO da IBM Brasil, e Rafael Cavalcanti, CDAO do Bradesco. A The Shift é uma plataforma de conteúdo que descomplica os contextos da inovação disruptiva e da economia digital.Visite o site www.theshift.info e assine a newsletter
In Episode 9, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast. Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Paul Hollands, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at AXA where they talk about value as the North Star, in which they discuss:How structuring the data agenda can drive impact as the first CDAO at the UK & Ireland level. How a clear North Star helps AXA UK & Ireland focus on the commercial impact of data and AI. Building strong foundations to execute data and AI use cases effectively. Balancing central coordination and business unit autonomy with a federated operating model. How business sponsorship from engaged CEOs supports the data mission. The value of having a team fully aligned behind a clear vision. Using a strong North Star to simplify complex processes and stay on track. How understanding the business environment helps measure data leaders' performance. Tackling the irony of CDOs being expected to excel at measuring value but lacking clarity on their metrics. Why being business-focused in theory doesn't always translate to practice. The difficulty of measuring the value of certain data processes. How stakeholder management and strong relationships drive data success. Encouraging CDOs to share more stories about their impact. Building knowledge-sharing communities to promote value-driven data practices. How GenAI is being industrialised and trust is being built around its use. Exploring how AXA and its staff are using GenAI in practical ways. Adapting data strategies over time as GenAI shapes the direction of data and AI. Avoiding distractions from shiny new trends in data and analytics by staying focused on long-term value. Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.
Guy Cavallo, the chief information officer of the Office of Personnel Management since July 2021, will retire from federal service on Jan. 13, he confirmed to FedScoop. Cavallo leaves federal service having held several top technology roles over the past decade, including as deputy CIO of the Small Business Administration and executive director of IT operations at the Transportation Security Administration. He also served as OPM's principal deputy CIO and acting CIO before being named permanent CIO. As the longest-tenured CIO of OPM in recent memory, Cavallo led that charge on a two-year sprint replacing or migrating over 50 applications from legacy on-premises data centers to the cloud and the launch of the new Postal Health Benefits System last year for more than 1.7 million postal workers and retirees. He touted the system as fully operational 100% of the time with no unscheduled downtime throughout the Open Season. The Pentagon's Chief Digital and AI Office recently completed a pilot exercise with tech nonprofit Humane Intelligence that analyzed three well-known large language models in two real-world use cases aimed at improving modern military medicine, officials confirmed Thursday. In its aftermath, the partners revealed they uncovered hundreds of possible vulnerabilities that defense personnel can account for moving forward when considering LLMs for these purposes. A Defense Department spokesperson told DefenseScoop the findings revealed biases that could impact the military's healthcare system, such as bias related to demographics. They wouldn't share much more about what was exposed, but the official provided new details about the design and implementation of this CDAO-led pilot, the team's follow-up plans and the steps they took to protect service members' privacy while using applicable clinical records. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
Implementation plans for artificial intelligence in the Defense Department are long overdue. That's according to the DoD Office of Inspector General. The IG found confusion over who does what and for more Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis spoke to the IG evaluations and intelligence chief David Edwards. He talked about issues surrounding the Chief Digital and AI office itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We are in the thick of The Age of Transitions now. It's a time of technocracy, and control by Big Tech oligarchs who have bought and paid for the government. Not even the former beneficiaries of the MIC are safe from their data driven rule by force. Topics include: Chuck not well, Ochelli Radio Network, new Rumble channel, Patreon content, Singularity Summit interviews, new Themes & Memes episode, peers, tech oligarchs, shadow banning, share the show, AI powered guest referral systems, transcripts, artificial intelligence, MIC shifting from aerospace to Big Tech contractors, Space X, Palantir, Anduril, Open AI, consortium, retooling DoD, CDAO, JAIC, DDS, JADC2, Trump presidential campaign, tech billionaires, technocracy, cybersecurity, cyber 9/11, War on Terror, national security, social media, global propaganda matrix, exploitation of anti-establishment ideas, rise of online media, analytics, data surveillance, weaponization of culture war, Ramaswamy and Musk, acquisition of foreign talent in tech, MAGA base racist, Andreesen, Thiel, deportation agenda, new Cold War, China as antagonist, drag time story hour, divide and conquer, Trump himself not in charge, watch for narrative changes, TikTok divestment, Trump meeting with Bytedance CEO, Bezos, media now bowing to new administration, no one cares about truth, DOGE tool to remove regulation, civil liberties, privacy, Project 2025, prison industrial complex cashing in on deportation, police state, martial law, PNAC, Neocons, War on Terror continued, Mangione, billionaire podcast guests
זה זמן לאיקומרס מבוסס נתונים. ״איקום.דאטה.טיים״ אם תרצו. מתמר קורן למדתי המון דברים. למשל, כשבעולם בו הרווחיות לא תמיד בשמיים אפשר וצריך לסגל מתודולוגיית קבלת החלטות עסקיות על סמך איסוף וניתוח הנתונים הנכונים. שצריך לנהל באופן מודע כלכלה מבוססת מידע ושאין פתרונות קסם בצ׳אט GPT, אלא מקבץ חשוב של פתרונות טקטיים שאותם אנחנו, אנשי המקצוע צריך לתעדף ולשקלל בתהליך. אז, הנה הצצה לעולם ניהול האיקומרס מבוסס הנתונים ולא (רק) תחושות הבטן עם תמר קורן הנהדרת, שפיתחה פרקטיקה עצמאית של CDAO בשם ״דאטה אבולושן״. מה אוספים? איך מנתחים? מה הרווח הצפוי? למי זה מתאים? כמה זמן זה לוקח? כמה זה עולה? זאת ועוד בפרק 133 של קומרסיישן. שיעור מעניין ולא שגרתי כולל סימולציה לחנות חולצות הכדורגל שלי.תודה לתמר קורן, לאלי אלון, לחברים ב- BiZi וב- Adio .Support the show: https://www.gordon.co.il
This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Keith Scheffler from Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to discuss the role that blockchain plays in their manufacturing division. Keith dives into the evolution and broader applications of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrency, AFRL's approach to addressing technology gaps, the integration of digital tools in modern manufacturing, and the critical interplay of cybersecurity and the supply chain. He also shares insights into the complexities of the defense industrial base and the innovative use of graph theory to predict industry trends and interconnections. Tune in to learn all about how blockchain is transforming the defense industrial base. TIMESTAMPS: (1:20) AFRL's Role in Manufacturing (3:22) How blockchain plays a role in manufacturing (6:20) Blockchain beyond crypto (8:54) How blockchain ensures data integrity and security in manufacturing (13:33) Importance of cybersecurity in defense manufacturing (17:34) Commodity parts in the defense industry and supply chain considerations (24:19) Scaling advanced manufacturing across the DoD (26:48) How to embrace innovation and break from traditional approaches LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Keith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-scheffler-a2823920/ AFRL: https://www.afrl.af.mil/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This episode of the D-Suite delves into the big ideas and small details that make up a strong data culture. The hosts reflect on experiences from the past year of Gartner conferences, and lessons from data and analytics leaders who have succeeded (and failed) to optimize their culture. The main topics covered include:How to make people genuinely care about their data culture.How to go from talking about being data-driven to actually being data-driven.Drivers of poor culture and things to watch out for. What active leadership and cultural influence look like.Sarah James is a Senior Research Director in Gartner's CDAO practice where she focuses on topics at the intersection of data and human behavior — including CDAO impact and influence, data-driven culture development, bringing people along on the data journey, self development, effective delivery, neurodiversity, and more.Peter Krensky is a Senior Director, Analyst on Gartner's Analytics and AI team, specializing in data science and machine learning, including predictive and prescriptive analytics, generative AI, analytics and data science tools and platforms, self-service, data science team structure, AI talent management and data and analytics education. Before Gartner, Peter was a research analyst with Aberdeen Group. Please subscribe and share the episode with your colleagues. Thank you for listening. Gartner Podcasts are a production of Gartner, the world's leading research and advisory company. Equipping executives across the enterprise with indispensable insight, advice, and tools to achieve their mission critical priorities. You can learn more at Gartner.com. All content in Gartner Podcasts is owned by Gartner and cannot be repurposed or reproduced without Gartner's consent. Gartner is an impartial, independent analyst of business and technology. This content should not be construed as a Gartner endorsement of any enterprise's product or services. All content provided by other speakers is expressly the views of those speakers and their organizations.
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Therman Trotman, a.k.a. "Mr. SharePoint," to talk about the powerful ways SharePoint can transform workflows and enhance team efficiency. Therman shares his journey from the Bronx to becoming an expert in SharePoint, diving into his unique take on branding, confidence, and overcoming imposter syndrome. He breaks down practical ways to leverage SharePoint's full capabilities, discusses the importance of people-first technology, and gives his insights into building a successful career in tech, including how he started SharePoint Helpdesk. Tune in to this fun conversation on SharePoint and self-branding success. TIMESTAMPS: (1:09) Therman's journey to “Mr. SharePoint” (3:12) Building a personal brand (6:13) Overcoming imposter syndrome (9:49) What SharePoint can do today for DoD (15:04) The power of automation (17:24) Therman's “CMD” framework (20:41) Creating internal sites (22:51) Making data-driven decisions (28:49) Therman's favorite success story (29:07) Advice on confidence & branding LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Therman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therman-trotman-15790b33/ SharePoint Helpdesk: https://thesphelpdesk.com/ Freebie: https://sharepointfreebie.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Scott Sanders, Chief Growth Officer of Forterra, to talk about the advancements and challenges of integrating autonomous systems in defense and industrial sectors. Scott shares his insights on the deployment of full stack and ground autonomy, balancing human and machine roles, and accounting for the diverse terrains of war zones. He also dives into the financial feasibility and operational reliability of autonomous solutions, the nuances of defense acquisitions in this space, and the importance of balancing cost, safety, and efficiency in both military and industrial applications. Tune in to learn all about the future of autonomy in defense. TIMESTAMPS: (0:43) Scott's journey from Marine Corps to Forterra (1:25) What is full end-to-end autonomy? (3:52) How to ensure reliability and safety in autonomous systems (7:17) Balancing hardware and software in autonomy (11:37) Pricing strategies for DoD vs. commercial markets (16:31) The future of autonomy and human roles (19:10) How to manage risk in autonomous system (23:51) What are the acquisition strategies in this space? (28:02) Tip for navigating defense acquisition as a small business LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbsanders/ Forterra: https://www.forterra.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Lori Wade, Chief Data Officer for the Intelligence Community, to talk about the pivotal role of quality data in driving AI and emerging technologies in the IC. Lori shares her insights on data interoperability, public-private collaboration, and the complexities of managing data across the 18 Intelligence Community elements. She also shares her journey implementing the IC Data Strategy, preparing the workforce, and achieving data readiness by 2025. Tune in for a deep dive on the challenges and opportunities the Intelligence Community faces when it comes to data and emerging tech. TIMESTAMPS: (1:03) Meet Lori Wade (4:25) Key challenges in data management (8:28) How to use Smart Data Questions (12:31) What is the role of the Chief Data Officer? (16:33) How AI plays a role in the digital c-suite (18:51) Managing data reference architecture and quality (20:47) Why mission reliance is on data (23:26) Creating end-to-end data management plans (29:19) What does the future of data in the IC look like? LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Lori: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-wade-212551221/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with cybersecurity expert Chris Hughes, CEO of Aquia, a veteran-owned cloud and cybersecurity digital services firm. Chris brings two decades of experience from the federal IT space, sharing insights on everything from AI adoption in the government to the importance of continuous ATO. Chris dives into the challenges and opportunities of experimenting with new technologies, the balance between security and usability, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity compliance in the DoD. Whether you're a tech professional, a government contractor, or someone interested in the future of defense technology, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways. TIMESTAMPS: (0:49) Chris's journey in federal IT and cyber (2:25) Diving into cybersecurity practices (4:33) Balancing “build vs. buy” in cybersecurity (12:30) A deep dive on FedRAMP and ATO (16:45) How to leverage AI for cybersecurity (18:13) Navigating software supply chain security (20:57) How to overcome software supply chain security challenges (27:30) If Chris was king of Dod for the day, what would he change? LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientcyber/ Aquia: https://www.aquia.us/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Maj. Gen. Alice Treviño, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting in the Department of the Air Force, as she shares insights from her 32-year career. They explore the challenges of contracting, her leadership philosophy, and the evolution of AI tools within the Air Force. Major General Treviño emphasizes the importance of patience, positivity, and curiosity for change agents in contracting, and shares advice on scaling innovation across the Air Force. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on what it takes to succeed as a contracting leader. TIMESTAMPS: (1:51) General Treviño's journey to becoming a senior leader in Air Force contracting (6:49) How to delegate authority in high-visibility projects (9:41) The critical role of contracting in mission success (12:52) A day in the life of a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting (18:45) The concept of the “flight plan” and “Tools, Not Rules” (19:46) Building and scaling tools across the Air Force (27:26) Advice on change agency for junior members in the Air Force (32:55) The importance of maintaining relentless positivity as a leader LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Maj. Gen. Treviño: https://www.linkedin.com/in/major-general-alice-“ali”-t-834a6414/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
In this episode of the D-Suite, we hear from Angela Pearce, chief data and analytics officer at Pension Insurance Corporation. She shares the moments that helped her learn what she needed for executive leadership, reveals the three things every chief data and analytics officer (CDAO) needs, and details the early challenges in delivering and scaling AI.Later, Gartner Group Vice President Sheila Childs joins the show to share the surprises she encounters in her role as a senior executive leader for Gartner and what helps her successfully manage a diverse business portfolio. She discusses her perspective as a female executive looking back and ahead, along with her advice for young people embarking on leadership trajectories. Please subscribe and share the episode with your colleagues. Thank you for listening. Gartner Podcasts are a production of Gartner, the world's leading research and advisory company. Equipping executives across the enterprise with indispensable insight, advice, and tools to achieve their mission critical priorities. You can learn more at Gartner.com. All content in Gartner Podcasts is owned by Gartner and cannot be repurposed or reproduced without Gartner's consent. Gartner is an impartial, independent analyst of business and technology. This content should not be construed as a Gartner endorsement of any enterprise's product or services. All content provided by other speakers is expressly the views of those speakers and their organizations.
We sat down with Bonnie Evangelista, a trailblazer in government acquisitions and digital innovation. As the Acting Deputy Chief Digital and AI Officer for Acquisitions at the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, Bonnie shares insights into how she navigates the complex world of government acquisitions, leveraging emerging technologies to drive modernization. Bonnie walks us through her career journey, from her early days studying at Virginia Tech (#Hokies) to becoming one of the driving forces behind initiatives like the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace—a digital platform that connects the DoD with cutting-edge solutions from industry, academia, and individuals. She also reflects on her time as the host of Defensive Mavericks, the CDAO podcast, and how you never know what experiences will pop up in your career. But Bonnie isn't all government—we chat about her family's winery and what it's like to have a life in the vineyard. Enjoy! LINKS: + Bonnie: https://bit.ly/4dsnbf5 + MetroStar: https://bit.ly/3TNSTMQ + Tradewinds: https://bit.ly/3zHx7n5 The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. 0:00 Intro 1:54 Hosting CDAO's Podcast 9:55 Talking about AI 12:48 Resistance to Tech 15:22 Recruitment in Acquisitions 17:39 Getting a Job in Government 23:00 Asking Questions as a Skill 26:29 Cost Analysis for the TSA 29:44 Mentorship 34:16 Your Sphere of Control 38:24 Tradewinds 46:37 Protests in Tradewinds 50:17 Contract Vehicles in Tradewinds 54:15 Owning a Winery
This week, Ryan Connell experiments with Google's cutting-edge AI tool, NotebookLM. Ryan challenges the AI to generate a podcast episode based on the Tradewinds Solution Marketplace Customer Handbook, which dives into the DoD's efforts to streamline the acquisition of advanced technologies. Listen as AI characters Andy and Ethel discuss the handbook, touch on key defense innovations, and explore how the Tradewinds Solution Marketplace is reshaping procurement in the defense sector. Look out for tangents and surprising insights that put into perspective how powerful AI can be. TIMESTAMPS: (0:30) Ryan's experiment with Google NotebookLM (1:06) Meet our fake guests “Andy & Ethel” (2:08) How Tradewinds can help the DoD acquire cutting-edge tech faster (2:50) Streamlining the contracting process (3:08) OTs explained (4:40) Involvement of Kessel Run & DARPA (5:41) Attracting the right tech talent (8:16) How Tradewinds fosters agility and innovation (9:39) The start of a new era in defense LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Google NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
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This week, Ryan Connell sits down with the legendary Steve Blank, adjunct professor at Stanford and co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, to discuss the need for disruptive innovation and execution in the DoD. Steve shares his insights on the importance of adopting new methodologies, creating a culture that supports rapid innovation, and challenging the frozen middle. We also learn all about Steve's experience co-founding Hacking for Defense, the Lean Startup Methodology, and the Gordian Knot Center. Tune in for an inspiring and honest conversation on the reality behind defense innovation. TIMESTAMPS: (0:47) Steve's entrepreneurial journey (1:30) What is Hacking for Defense? (3:37) Why we need to balance execution and innovation (5:30) The SpaceX case study (8:44) The state of innovation in the DoD (11:05) Why tech adoption is so difficult (15:45) The key to fast-tracking disruption in acquisitions (19:13) The problem with most senior leaders (26:31) The Lean Startup Methodology (33:20) Steve's definition of “innovation” (35:05) The purpose behind the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveblank/ Gordian Knot Center: https://gordianknot.stanford.edu/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Alex Martin, the CEO and co-founder of Clearspeed, to discuss how they are using AI-enabled voice analytics to revolutionize risk assessment in defense. Alex shares his personal journey from the Marine Corps to tech entrepreneur and how he's aiming to solve the age-old problem of vetting individuals efficiently and at scale. He elaborates on the challenges of building a technology company in the defense and enterprise sectors, emphasizing the importance of trust, speed, and the human element in AI applications. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on startup success and the future of risk assessment. TIMESTAMPS: (1:09) Meet Alex Martin (2:22) Why Clearspeed was born out of tragedy (5:44) How to scale risk assessment (9:57) Productizing a defense engine for enterprise (12:28) How to find pockets of people with imagination (15:27) Is this an invasion of privacy? (19:02) How to balance speed and security (21:47) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs (25:42) How to build a passionate team (30:50) Creating a purpose-driven culture (37:37) Why imagination is critical in VC LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandersmartin/ Clearspeed: https://www.clearspeed.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan Connell chats with Jonathan Mostowski, author, public speaker, and president of Agile Acquisitions LLC, about the truth behind “hacking” bureaucracy in government contracting, the development and impact of agile acquisition frameworks, and his career journey from a contracting officer to an innovative leader in the field. Jonathan shares his insights into creating culture change through contracting, the importance of understanding rules and strategic risk-taking, and his experiences authoring the TechFAR handbook. Tune in for a refreshing conversation on how to look at the defense procurement process with different eyes. TIMESTAMPS: (1:19) Meet Jonathan (3:18) What is a Scaled Agile Framework? (4:08) How Jonathan created the TechFAR Handbook (7:49) The biggest challenge contractors face (10:40) Why Jonathan doesn't “hack” bureaucracy (13:35) Culture change needed in contracting (15:01) Jonathan's writing process (18:55) What would you change if you were king for a day? (22:09) Why reward systems are key to success (26:26) Are SBIRs sustainable? (32:02) The reality behind the Valley of Death LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmost/ Leading Agile Acquisitions Book: https://www.agileacquisitions.com/product-page/leading-agile-acquisitions TechFAR Hub: https://techfarhub.usds.gov/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
Tiffany Perkins-Munn (@tperkinsmunn) is an award-winning data science leader. As the Head of Data and Analytics for the innovative CDAO organization at J.P. Morgan Chase, she leverages her expertise in everything from machine learning, AI, and data-driven decision-making to help companies implement cutting-edge customer experiences in everything from marketing, to operations, to finance. We discuss how gathering and using data benefits companies, businesses and the general public, and how companies using data science creates a more beneficial relationship with consumers. We also talk about data literacy and how we as the general public can better understand this world and also arm ourselves for privacy if we want to. You can find out more about Tiffany over at https://tiffanyperkinsmunn.com & on her YouTube channel. Fill out the quick form here: https://forms.gle/AH1tusHRXkC3N5yM6 and be in with the chance of winning an Amazon Gift card Get your 2-month free trial of my Inner Circle here https://bit.ly/InnerCircle2MTrial Join the FREE Facebook group for The Michael Brian Show at https://www.facebook.com/groups/themichaelbrianshow Follow Mike on Facebook Instagram & Twitter
Episode OverviewAre you struggling to better understand what it means to implement a modern data platform, and why doing so is relevant to your business?If yes, check out this week's episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, where Emerson Gatchalian, the CDAO of the Blackbelt Team within Microsoft, shares his insights on how his largest clients and Microsoft are implementing more adaptable, scalable, and AI-ready data infrastructures.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Emerson Gatchalian on LinkedIn
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director of FutureG, to discuss the complexities and innovations behind wireless communications, from the defense applications of 5G to the groundbreaking potential of 6G. Tom shares his insights on the role of AI in wireless technology, the importance and challenges of interoperability within NATO, and the potential of open-source platforms in driving wireless innovation. Tune in to this eye-opening conversation on the seemingly “invisible” role this technology plays in the world of defense and beyond. TIMESTAMPS: (0:52) Meet Dr. Tom Rondeau (1:36) What is 6G? (2:23) The ins and outs of 5G technology (5:54) How 5G plays a role in military and national security (8:05) The importance of interoperability (13:22) Cybersecurity in wireless communications (16:01) AI and the future of 5G (23:45) The potential of open source and open RAN (30:09) Why this technology is critical to our everyday lives LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Dr. Tom Rondeau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrondeau/ FutureG: https://rt.cto.mil/futureg-home/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
Uma conversa sobre como a IA e a computação quântica se juntam para transformar a tecnologia em finanças. Uma jornada que ainda vai longe, mas que, ao mesmo tempo, está cada vez mais próxima. Portanto, quem investir agora em suas capacidades quânticas vai ter vantagens no futuro. Nossos convidados: Wagner Arnaut, CTO da IBM Brasil, e Rafael Cavalcanti, CDAO do Bradesco.Links do episódioConfira o primeiro episódio da segunda temporada de BeeYond AI, "A IA como alidada da produtividade", com a participação de Marina Bellini, Chief Operations Officer no Itaú, e Claudia Nolla, executiva de IA, Soluções Cognitivas & Analytics na IBM BrasilNo segundo episódio, o tema é Transformação sustentável e IA, com a participação de Gabriel Santamaria, Head de Sustentabilidade no Banco do Brasil, Pedro Bramont, Diretor de Soluções em Meios de Pagamento e Serviços do BB, e Carlos Tunes, Líder de Sustentabilidade da IBM Brasil. Ouça por aquiNo terceiro episódio, mergulhamos no mundo do FinOps e no que acontece quando a IA entra na equação. Ricardo Kenji, Tech Leader FinOps & ARM & Observability na IBM Brasil, e Walter Antonio Pereira Junior, Head de IT Efficiency Management, FinOps e SAM, no F1rst Santander, explicam.No quarto episódio, discutimos o "efeito turbo" do uso da IA na hiperpersonalização da jornada de atendimento e relacionamento com clientes. Na conversa estão Gabriela Platinetty, IBM Partner de customer transformation, e Edson Lisboa, superintendente de TI no Sicoob. Confira. A The Shift é uma plataforma de conteúdo que descomplica os contextos da inovação disruptiva e da economia digital.Visite o site www.theshift.info e assine a newsletter
This week, Ryan Connell discusses entrepreneurial approaches to problem-solving in defense with Pete Newell, 32-year Army veteran turned entrepreneur, educator, investor, and co-founder and CEO of BMNT. Pete dives into the inception and impact of the Hacking for Defense program and shares his insights on the importance of rapid adaptation and how ingenuity can drive mission acceleration in both government and commercial sectors. Tune in for an in-depth lesson on what it takes to win on the battlefield. TIMESTAMPS: (0:35) Meet Pete Newell (1:37) The evolution of Hacking for Defense (3:53) Problems are like fish bait in Silicon Valley (9:41) Building interdisciplinary teams (14:39) The difference between innovation and ingenuity (18:28) Important takeaways from Ukraine battlefield (20:48) Acquisitions are not the problem (32:38) How to professionalize the building of people LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Pete: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewell/ BMNT: https://www.bmnt.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
From the DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, Glenn Parham, a Software Engineer and Data Scientist, and Andrew "Drew" Brooks, Lead Scientist for Responsible AI tools, join us on this episode of AI, Government, and the Future by Alan Pentz. They'll shed light on how the DoD leverages the potential of generative AI, LLMs and ethical AI in defense operations, and discuss the future impact of generative AI on the DoD.
With the long-awaited release of NIST's post-quantum cryptographic standards last week, there's work ahead for federal agencies to make sure they're ready for the age of quantum. Nick Polk, senior adviser on cybersecurity in the Office of the Federal CIO, joins the podcast to break down the significance of the new standards, how the White House is coordinating government and industry to take next steps, and what else agencies should be thinking about regarding their cybersecurity in the future. U.S. intelligence agencies have accused Iran of being behind attempts to infiltrate the Trump presidential campaign and said Tehran has also tried to spy on the Biden campaign, according to a statement released Monday. The statement comes after several cybersecurity companies released reports that detailed Iran-linked operations, including fake news campaigns and attempts to phish a high-ranking presidential campaign official. And, Bill Streilein, the Pentagon Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office's first technology chief who helped set the foundation for that nascent defense tech hub, is departing the Pentagon to return to academia. In a statement shared exclusively with DefenseScoop by a spokesperson Monday morning ahead of the official announcement, CDAO leadership thanked Streilein for “his immense technical leadership over the last two years as he prepares to transition back to MIT Lincoln Labs at the end of the summer.” The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
This week, Ryan Connell is joined by John Janek, Chief Technologist at Dev Technology Group, to talk about the critical elements of rapid acquisitions and agile budgeting in government. John shares his insights on the evolving role of technology in hiring and organizational improvements, the importance of community, the need for cross-functional collaboration, and why transparency is the ultimate value stream. Tune in for practical advice on fostering community, leveraging technology, and the impactful shift of dynamic team building. TIMESTAMPS: (0:30) Who is John Janek (1:39) The importance of community in government (6:32) The secret to rapid acquisition (9:06) How technology plays a role in problem-solving (13:18) What is systems thinking? (17:58) Will we ever achieve agile budgeting in government? (20:48) Transparency is the ultimate disinfectant (31:25) The power of sitting next to someone in meetings LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjanek/ Dev Technology: https://devtechnology.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Steve Barva, federal acquisition consultant, to discuss the importance of breaking rules and cutting through red tape in the DoD. Steve shares his insights on competition in contracting, innovative solicitation practices, and the value of listening to fresh ideas from junior team members. He dives into numerous examples and insights on how to challenge norms and implement meaningful changes in acquisition practices. Tune in to this inspiring episode on how to affect change in the DoD. TIMESTAMPS: (0:29) Why every rule is meant to be broken (2:29) Finding innovative contracting solutions (3:51) How to overcome bureaucratic hurdles (6:02) Why leaders become risk averse over the years (10:40) Encouraging innovation in younger generations of procurement analysts (15:45) Are you gold-plating your requirements? (20:04) Why is it so hard to break the norm? (23:55) Leaders need to allow their teams to break the rules (28:12) If you're not disrupting, you're not trying LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-b-14459860/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Russ Long, founder and CEO of Long Capture, to talk about the different pathways to success a defense startup can take in the DoD. Russ shares his journey from his former Air Force contracting days to now helping tech startups bridge the gap to military adoption (a.k.a. surviving the Valley of Death.) They dive deep into the importance of impactful innovation, the evolving role of programs like SBIR, and how strategic and tactical financing are driving the second wave of defense innovation. Tune in to learn all about how to drive innovation in the defense acquisition process. TIMESTAMPS: (0:57) Russ's journey from contracting officer to CEO (1:55) What is “cool” technology? (2:55) The Benefits of SBIR and CSO Programs (5:47) How TACFI and STRATFI programs work (11:03) Do you have to be a commercial-first company to survive in DoD? (14:46) What is the second wave of defense Innovation? (19:49) Why sole source authority is critical (26:47) What Russ looks for in a startup (30:20) Free ways to learn from Long Capture LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Russ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-long/ Long Capture: https://longcapture.com/ Project Mercury: https://projectmercury.us/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
Amid concerns about U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Technology Committee advanced several AI-focused bipartisan bills on Wednesday. However, fault lines emerged, signaling potential growing tension between the parties. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who chairs the committee, highlighted the global stakes for AI development, noting that the technology could increase U.S. GDP growth by $1.2 trillion to $3.8 trillion per decade, while China and other countries invest heavily to gain economic and national security advantages. Cantwell emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to drive innovation. The committee advanced nine AI bills, including the Future of AI Innovation Act, the CREATE AI Act, the NSF AI Education Act, the VET AI Act, and the TEST AI Act. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, criticized the bills, arguing they would over-regulate the U.S. AI industry and stifle innovation, enabling other countries, namely China, to take the lead. Cruz's amendment to eliminate President Joe Biden's executive order on AI was voted down, but he stressed that repealing it is a part of the Republican platform. In other news, the Pentagon's Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO) has introduced a new role focused on management and business operations. Julie Cruz, a longtime strategic planner and military workforce expert, has been selected as the CDAO's new director of business operations, making her the first to hold this title. A CDAO spokesperson explained that this position is a maturation of the previous “resource management” role and is part of a broader effort to institutionalize good governance processes. Promoted to the Senior Executive Service in June, Cruz's responsibilities include overseeing HR, internal contracting, resourcing, and key mission support functions such as space planning, IT, and records management. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
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/
In this episode, DOD Chief Digital and AI Officer Dr. Radha Plumb joins Greg Allen to discuss the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO)'s current role at the department and a preview of its upcoming projects. The CDAO was established in 2022 to create, implement, and steer the DOD's digital transformation and adoption of AI. Under Dr. Plumb's leadership, the CDAO recently announced a new initiative, Open Data and Applications Government-owned Interoperable Repositories (DAGIR), which will open a multi-vendor ecosystem connecting DOD end users with innovative software solutions. Dr. Plumb discusses the role of Open DAGIR and a series of other transformative projects currently underway at the CDAO.
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/
In this episode of the D-Suite, we take you behind the scenes at Gartner's Data and Analytics (D&A) Summit in London, providing insights from Gartner analysts on trending topics and key takeaways. Our guest, JP Bhamu, chief data and analytics officer (CDAO) at GEMS Education, shares his experience in driving culture change and value in his organization. The key points he covers include:A deep dive into the role of a CDAO in shaping business strategy and driving culture change, with JP sharing his approach to building a team focused on creating data valueThe importance of regular communication with the CEO, the need for domain knowledge, and the significance of empathy and collaboration in changing data cultureThe impact of data-driven culture change on business outcomes, with specific examples from GEMS Education's strategy and growthJP Bhamu is the group CDAO for GEMS Education and recipient of the Chief Data and Analytics Officer of 2023 award at the Middle East Enterprise AI & Analytics Summit, UAE Edition. With nearly 30 years of IT industry experience in leadership and executive positions for large multinational commercial and public sector organizations, JP's forte is in institutionalizing data as a corporate asset to deliver positive business outcomes and shape business strategies.JP has a flair for harnessing the power inherent in data and AI to drive evidence-based public policy formulation, innovation, digital transformation and data monetization. He is a thought leader, writer and regular speaker with deep technical delivery expertise and the ability to communicate and influence peers to drive the boardroom narrative. His work has spanned such industry sectors as education, the U.K. public sector, oil and gas, consulting, insurance, pension, wealth management, and telecoms based in the United Arab Emirates, the U.K., the U.S., Singapore, and continental Europe. Please subscribe and share the episode with your colleagues. Thank you for listening. Gartner Podcasts are a production of Gartner, the world's leading research and advisory company. Equipping executives across the enterprise with indispensable insight, advice, and tools to achieve their mission critical priorities. You can learn more at Gartner.com. All content in Gartner Podcasts is owned by Gartner and cannot be repurposed or reproduced without Gartner's consent. Gartner is an impartial, independent analyst of business and technology. This content should not be construed as a Gartner endorsement of any enterprise's product or services. All content provided by other speakers is expressly the views of those speakers and their organizations.
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/
Today on The Daily Scoop Podcast, Capt. Brian Erickson was appointed as the U.S. Coast Guard's first ever chief data officer in 2021. Not long after that, the service added artificial intelligence to his portfolio, making him also the first chief data and AI officer for the Coast Guard. Now Erickson has been called on by the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency for the Coast Guard, to serve as deputy director for the department's presidential transition office. As he makes the switch to that new role, Erickson recently sat down for an exit interview of sorts to share what he accomplished during his time as CDAO for the Coast Guard, his nontraditional path to a career in technology, what's ahead as he pivots to focus on the 2024 presidential transition, and much more.
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/
This week, Bonnie joins the GovExec's AI Spotlight Series hosted by George Jackson for a roundtable discussion on the DoD's role in AI with Tyler Sweatt from Second Front Systems, Jason Preisser from DARPA, and Alexis Bonnell from AFRL. Together, they explore the transformative potential of AI, focusing on AI adoption, process innovation, and the cultural shifts that need to happen within the DoD to leverage AI capabilities. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how AI can revolutionize the defense space, if we let it. TIMESTAMPS: (4:25) How do we increase acquisition speed? (6:02) The unsexy reality of government's use of AI (8:49) Why the department still operates from an industrial age approach (12:13) How to cheat time in procurement (18:10) Why we need to focus on governance and attention as a currency (20:05) Three key decision-making traits to push innovation forward (27:22) Integrating AI with mission and people at scale (30:20) Why the DoD needs to guide industry LINKS: Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/ Follow Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylersweatt/ Follow Alexis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisbonnell/ Follow Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-r-preisser-05878220/ Follow George: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-jackson-70b37b2a2/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ GovExec: https://govexec.com/
Key Moments:The voyage to a data-driven US Coast Guard (5:21)Navigating data-driven approaches to US Coast Guard operations (20:28) Balancing experience-based decision making with data-informed decision making (25:34)In whose data do you trust? (30:10) Measuring the value of data (33:80)Should an AI ethicist be part of the team or should everyone really be an ethicist? (45:00) Key Quotes:“Up until three years ago when we started this, some people – and really our entire organization – just thought data as IT. They didn't think much past that, because no one had ever really challenged them to think about it. So it wasn't really thought of as, ‘this is the data that we have, and this is the commander's business. This is how the business is going to run. It's not just letting IT figure it out.'” “I think that technology has helped us along the way to visualize data that otherwise would be difficult and time consuming to conceptualize and understand. And as we continue to find ways to make humans understand better what it is that they're looking at – especially in extremely dynamic and complex data situations – I think you'll start to see a shift of trust and that's really experience. It's experience in using data informed decision making activities.” “Would an ethics, an AI ethics advisor to the CDAO be a great thing? Absolutely. Are we all just ethicists? Yes, but I would say that there is a lot of understanding needed. There's a huge area where you could be an expert in the ethics of artificial intelligence and provide sound guidance day after day. I would think that this particular type of employee would be extremely valuable.” Mentions:U.S. Coast Guard 11 Missions AI U.S. Executive Orders White House Orders Federal Agencies to Name Chief AI Officers America's Cyber Defense AgencyMake Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World Bio: Captain Brian Erickson currently serves as the United States Coast Guard's first Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer and is principally responsible for the coordination of data and artificial intelligence activities across the organization. His previous assignments focused primarily on engineering and operations, serving at five operational assignments piloting rotary and fixed wing aircraft performing search and rescue, law enforcement and other military mission profiles. Brian is a licensed Professional Engineer specializing in aerospace and also served in the Office of Budget and Programs working directly for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In 2020, he was selected as the Coast Guard's MIT Sloan Fellow following service as Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, GA. Brian is a 1998 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and holds a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University as well as a Master of Business Administration from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a 2022 DataIQ Top 100 most influential persons in data and the 2023 MachineCon AI Leader of the Year. Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.
This week, Bonnie sits down with Brian Morrison, retired Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force Reserve, for a candid conversation on innovation in the DoD. Brian dives into his unique (and some might say “weird”) journey from active duty to innovation leader and the keys behind translating ideas into operational success on the battlefield. He shares his insights on pushing for excellence, navigating the complex acquisition process, and becoming a true defense innovator. Tune in for a raw and honest conversation on the highs and lows of bringing innovative solutions to life. TIMESTAMPS: (0:57) Brian's unique journey from active duty to innovation leader (4:32) The stark difference between pre and post AFWERX innovation (13:04) How to push past the theatrics of innovation in the DoD (20:21) Practical strategies for deploying ideas to the field (26:12) The best advice for aspiring defense innovators (30:52) What does true innovation look like in defense acquisition? LINKS: Follow Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-morrison-ab5595109/ Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Bonnie sits down with Casey Perley, Director of Army Applications Lab, to talk about how to accelerate tech transfer and innovation within the military. Casey shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in transitioning commercial technologies to benefit our soldiers. From the importance of collaboration and cross-functional teams to the pressing need for speed in accessing new tech, this episode dives into the strategies and approaches to drive impactful change. Tune in for a deep dive into military innovation and problem-solving. TIMESTAMPS: (3:15) Lessons learned from DIU 1.0 (6:48) Why cross-functional teams are a must for successful tech transfer (10:22) Navigating funding sources for innovation and acquisitions (14:50) Balancing end user needs with budget constraints (18:37) How Catalyst Pathfinder is empowering soldiers with low-cost solutions (22:19) How to build relationships with transition partners (25:56) Measuring success in tech innovation projects (30:10) Why listening to both soldiers and industry is key LINKS: Follow Casey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyperley/ Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/ Army Applications Laboratory: https://aal.army/
This week, Bonnie sits down with Emma Bates, founder of PaaS tool Cachai and a veteran DoD strategy thinker, live from South by Southwest 2024. Emma shares her journey from a DIU fellow to founding Cachai, driven by her mission to tackle complex coordination challenges in computer systems for national defense. They dive into the significance of human connections, the reality behind SBIR STTRs for dual-use companies, and the importance of clear communication when working with the DoD. Tune in for a great discussion on modernizing technology in defense and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. TIMESTAMPS: (3:28) The bottleneck in state management for distributed systems (9:17) How the name “Cachai” came to be (15:25) Why dual-use startups should not focus on government first (18:23) The challenge of translating military requirements into tech terms (23:31) The missing piece from DoD that could streamline private sector innovation (30:15) Why most transition funds are unusable (35:25) How collaboration empowers clear next steps for innovation LINKS: Follow Emma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmasophiabates/ Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/ Cachai: https://cachai.io/
This week, Bonnie is joined by Will Roper, CEO of Istari and former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, to talk about the future of military technology and innovation. Will shares his journey from theoretical physicist to defense acquisition leader and what it took to drive innovation along the way. He dives into the impact of digital engineering, the role of software and data in modern warfare, and the importance of adapting to rapidly evolving technological landscapes. Tune in to learn more about how the defense sector can effectively compete on a global scale. TIMESTAMPS: (2:39) How a theoretical physicist revolutionized military procurement (3:20) Why software factories are the Air Force's new frontier (8:45) Will's playbook for innovation & sustainable enterprise change (12:30) The secret to successful digital engineering (17:15) What's next for AI operationalization? (24:49) Advice for current and future acquisition professionals (29:24) The key to scaling innovation and moving past the “planting of seeds” (31:13) Underestimated difficulty of creating digital engineering platforms (34:03) Formula One and federal acquisitions—parallels and lessons LINKS: Follow Will: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamroper/ Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/ Istari: https://www.istaridigital.com/
CDO, CDAO, CAIO, CIO, CTO! Oh my, it's a cluster! Sol Rashidi joins Tim and Juan to help navigate this cluster, sharing honest no bs advice from her vast experience in the Data and AI world. If you are a leader, or a practioner aspiring to go to leadership, this is the must listen episode!
CDO, CDAO, CAIO, CIO, CTO! Oh my, it's a cluster! Sol Rashidi joins Tim and Juan to help navigate this cluster, sharing honest no bs advice from her vast experience in the Data and AI world. If you are a leader, or a practioner aspiring to go to leadership, this is the must listen episode!
This week, Bonnie is joined by Brennan Townley, CEO of Collaboration.AI to dive into the world of government contracting, innovative teamwork, and the impact of technology in defense collaboration. Brennan shares his unexpected journey into the DoD, highlighting the nuances of navigating government contracts and the power of connecting the right people to the right problems. Tune in to learn how storytelling and human-centered collaboration are shaping the future of tech in government. TIMESTAMPS: (1:30) Solving the government's hairiest problems (5:16) How to succeed despite continuous government turnover (7:41) Why a startup mentality helps you test & iterate faster (12:37) Transitioning from SBIR phase II to III (16:23) Struggling to define customer personas (20:31) How to connecting the right people for collaboration opportunities (26:17) Linking non-traditional contractors to military programs (28:13) Connecting with people beyond transactional relationships LINKS: Follow Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennantownley/ Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/ Collaboration.AI: https://collaboration.ai/