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/
138 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 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/
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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