Shows
DIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit EditionEide Bailly's Anders Erickson on Cutting CMMC Scope from 70 Licenses to 3 Using CUI Flow MappingA manufacturer approached Eide Bailly expecting to buy 70 Azure GovCloud licenses for CMMC compliance. Principal Anders Erickson scoped them down to 3 people by mapping actual CUI flow. The company received purchase orders and occasional schematics from DOD, but everything they manufactured went to commercial markets. Commercially available products don't require the same controls as true CUI, which most SMBs miss entirely.Anders spent 11 years auditing NSA, NRO, and Homeland Security systems before bringing that federal risk-based methodology to Eide Bailly's SMB clients. The assessment advantage comes from partnerships: when Eide Bailly sees RADICL prepared a company, they...
2026-02-0419 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 83 — Oura's Geoff Wylde on Building Wearables That Guide Troop Readiness and EffectivenessOura tracked an armored unit's gunnery qualification and found baseline heart rate variability statistically predicted top-quartile performance on weapons platforms. Their three-tier privacy architecture gives individuals AI-driven feedback, lets them share data with coaches by explicit consent, and provides command aggregate de-identified metrics. This information helps command know not only when to back off on training, but when they can push harder and how trainees are recovering.Geoff Wylde, VP & General Manager of Health & Human Performance, discusses how Oura invested in NSA-approved hardware that operates in airplane mode for SCIF access and edge applications that sync intermittently...
2026-01-2739 min
DIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit EditionPalo Alto Networks' Daryan Dehghanpisheh on Extending Vulnerability Management to AIAI's democratization of capabilities creates a paradox: the same technology that enables a three-person firm to compete with enterprise operations also enables nation-state actors to target them at scale. Daryan Dehghanpisheh, North America’s GTM Leader for AI Security at Palo Alto Networks, breaks down why defense contractors can no longer operate under the assumption they're too small for sophisticated targeting. Daryan’s two-debt framework separates technical debt from organizational debt (the latter being significantly harder to pay off) making security solutions that eliminate both critical for companies that can't afford to build internal security teams.
2026-01-2323 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 82 — DEWM's Clark Haymond on Using Networks to Accelerate Product Validation CyclesClark Haymond, COO of DEWM, leveraged active duty relationships to compress validation timelines that would take years through traditional AFRL sequences. Having friends now in squadron leadership enabled direct jet time allocation for hypothesis testing, proving DEWM's DART could complete actual SEAD kill chains before committing to the formal program of record pathways. This network-driven approach delivers a combined operation with real-time feedback loops impossible in controlled SBIR phases.
Clark also explains why Air National Guard units became initial customers: state-controlled budgets enable faster procurement decisions than ACC. Guard wings need robust EW environments but f...
2026-01-2029 minDIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit EditionHHI's Trevor Scott on Using Defense Tradeshows to Discover Who Needs What and How You Can HelpSmall defense manufacturers face a relationship continuity problem that costs them contracts: your primary contact at a base rotates out every 2 years with no formal transition to their replacement. Trevor Scott, Senior Procurement Manager at HHI Corporation, rebuilds these institutional relationships through a three-pronged approach: trade shows, on-site base visits to understand actual problems, and strategic cold calling to find new decision-makers. His procurement workflow runs from initial customer contact through estimate facilitation to drawing release, where production management takes over.Trevor reflects on how his welding background creates bidding advantages invisible to pure engineers, including revealing...
2026-01-1611 minDIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit EditionSAE's Jake Bodily on Why Speed Requirements Can Kill Tech Adoption Despite BenefitsJake Bodily, Director of Business Development at SAE, walks through why their test for automation success is binary: done right, technology spreads through your operation like wildfire; done wrong, you get an expensive paperweight in the CFO's corner office. He offers a cobot failure as a case study: Jake sold 12 collaborative robots to a major manufacturer, but all 12 were donated to education within months because inherent speed limitations killed operational fit regardless of safety benefits. His core framework is now: the robot is the engine, the integrator builds the car. Essentially, you're buying the complete solution, not c...
2026-01-1422 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 81 — Inversion's Justin Fiaschetti on Hiring Engineers Who Think Like FoundersStoring cargo in orbit is becoming cost-comparable to maintaining hundreds of terrestrial warehouses scattered globally, but in orbit, they’re not as vulnerable to atmospheric conditions, geographic limitations, and single points of failure.
Justin Fiaschetti, CEO & Co-founder of Inversion, explains how this approach requires orders of magnitude fewer units to cover the same geographic area because any satellite can deliver to any location within its coverage zone. When launch costs continue declining with reusable systems like Starship, the economics shift dramatically toward orbital warehousing that eliminates moisture, temperature variations, and the fragility of ground-based logistics networks while pr...
2026-01-1341 minDIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit EditionDRYOUT's Romney Williams on Converting Introductions into Programs of RecordRomney Williams, CEO & Board Member, shares how DRYOUT reached Special Forces program-of-record status within months of a single introduction, bypassing the typical valley of death: already having domestic manufacturing partnerships and proven production capabilities from their consumer product line. It also helped that their moisture extraction technology absorbs 3,400 times more than DoD-standard silica gel in third-party testing.The strategic sequencing matters: DRYOUT spent years manufacturing tech sleeves and firearm storage bags before military conversations began, building cut-and-sew partnerships across the United States and refining their patented material sandwich construction. When Special Forces saw their helmet bag, qualification...
2026-01-0916 minDIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit EditionDraper's Paul Hendrickson on 80% Delivered Today vs. 100% in YearsDraper scaled from 0 to 23 employees in Utah within 2 years by rejecting the relocation model, building classified engineering facilities where talent already lives rather than forcing engineers to their headquarters in Cambridge, MA. Their 30,000-square-foot Hill Air Force Base facility targets strategic systems work with full classified infrastructure for development and production. Paul Hendrickson, Program Director of Air Force Strategic Systems & Utah Campus Lead, walks through how Draper Sparks directly attacks the funding gap: pairing small businesses with defense customers and capital in a single program, explicitly designed for companies that can't access traditional defense channels yet.Paul...
2026-01-0715 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 80 — Lothric Labs' Jonathan DiMattei on Capability vs Compliance in Defense ManufacturingJonathan DiMattei, Founder & CEO of Lothric Labs, describes his pathway into defense manufacturing as fearless, relentless, and totally unbiased networking. He attended every ribbon cutting, grand opening, and Chamber of Commerce event he could find, regardless of industry. The breakthrough came at World Trade Center Denver, where events put him directly in front of United Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and defense contractors. His team's thousands of hours of lived 3D printing experience made the elevator pitch natural rather than rehearsed. Ten months after opening Lothric Labs to the public, they secured over 50 active clients and became the US strategic partner...
2026-01-0635 minDIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit EditionMountain CNC's Adam Kjar on Building Supplier Stability with Mid-career MachinistsAdam Kjar, Owner & CEO of Mountain CNC, deployed a post-acquisition playbook that flipped the typical integration approach. He started off by buying 100% ownership, which eliminated founder attachment to legacy processes, then he asked his team what had frustrated them for the last decade and systematically automated those pain points. Two estimators now handle the workload of five. New horizontal palletized machines run lights-out for 20 hours daily versus the previous 8-hour manual operations on three-axis mills.Adam also offers his workforce strategy, which deliberately targets mid-career machinists who've been in the trade since 17-18, addressing the industry's demographic...
2025-12-1928 minDIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit EditionVector's Andy Yakulis on Building an Attritable Defense PrimeVector bypasses traditional procurement by selling capability on service contracts using O&M dollars instead of procurement funding, enabling delivery in the year of execution rather than multi-year acquisition cycles. Their "modern warfare as a service" model means customers don't purchase drones as end items; they contract for training, tactical integration, product development, and drone delivery under a single service umbrella. This structure creates a legal pathway to iterate hardware without going back through requirements validation. When an attritable system gets consumed, Vector replaces it with an updated version incorporating recent battlefield innovations.Andy Yakulis, CEO & Co-founder...
2025-12-1723 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 79 — PrimerAI’s Sean Moriarty on Time-Bounded Mandates vs Incremental Reform in AI AdoptionPrimer.ai reduced a 50-day intelligence analysis timeline to hours, enabling operators to redirect friendlies away from hostile forces before collision. CEO Sean Moriarty explains why this speed advantage stems from working backward from customer need rather than leading with AI capabilities — understanding workflow bottlenecks where analysts spend more time assembling information than analyzing it, then building software that starts their day where it used to end.
Sean's product background shaped his counter-intuitive approach to government AI deployment: aggressive, rapid vetting with proper oversight beats trying to solve hypothetical risks in abstract policy frameworks. He als...
2025-12-1649 minDIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit EditionComplete Aerospace Solutions' Rick Sanford on 3 Tenets for Aerospace ExecutionRick Sanford, CEO of Complete Aerospace Solutions, Inc., is deploying capital through reverse mergers where founders retain 100% equity ownership while accessing growth funding. They provide capital for scale, but the original ownership keeps their equity and board control. Instead of taking upfront equity stakes, Complete Aerospace participates in a small percentage of annual growth each year until exit. The bottleneck isn't capital availability, however; the constraint is finding companies fast enough to deploy it. They're currently in due diligence on 20 companies with 50 more in the pipeline and operating across five verticals leveraging syndicate partners who've already completed d...
2025-12-1331 minDIB Innovators: Zero Gravity Summit Edition47G's Aaron Starks on Why VCs Are Finally Betting on Hard TechUtah's aerospace and defense sector drives 20% of the state's annual economic activity and impacts 500,000 jobs, yet the industry struggled with fragmentation until Aaron Starks, Co-founder, President, & CEO, founded 47G as an industry-led private nonprofit. The organization's structure is intentionally dual-purpose: one side connects 200 member companies with buyers, partners, and investors through annual planning sessions, while the other executes state economic development priorities like building spaceports and developing rare earth element extraction. Aaron reflects on how the venture capital landscape for defense and hard tech companies is shifting dramatically after years of exclusive focus on software-as-a-service companies offering 10x...
2025-12-1027 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 78 — Epsilon3’s Laura Crabtree on Compliance as a Trust Signal for Defense CustomersSpaceX's early mission operations exposed a fundamental problem: mission-critical teams were executing complex procedures across Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, and fragmented communication channels, creating dangerous gaps where hardware gets destroyed and critical data falls through the cracks. Laura Crabtree, Co-founder & CEO of Epsilon3, built Epsilon 3 to solve this after watching teams flip through paper documentation at T-minus countdowns instead of focusing on root cause analysis.
Her platform now digitizes operational decision-making across aerospace, defense, and robotics, enabling real-time visibility across distributed teams without voice loop confirmations, automated conditional branching that redirects operators to the right procedures wh...
2025-12-0939 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 77 — Lazarus Alliance’s Michael Peters on A Security Trifecta that Replaces Checkbox ComplianceMichael Peters, CEO & Founder of Lazarus Alliance, built his cybersecurity career on one principle: turn over rocks before the bad guys do. After 25 years conducting audits, he's watched DIB companies treat compliance frameworks like magical protection. For Michael, however, passing CMMC means you had two good weeks, not 50 weeks of security. His Security Trifecta framework overrides this checkbox mentality with three layers: governance that documents policies in writing, technical enforcement that operates without human bias or fatigue, and vigilant teamwork for everything technology can't solve. As Michael puts it, defenses actually fail not because of the hardware, but “the we...
2025-12-0442 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 76 — OpsLab's Arun Nair on Teaching AI the Art of SchedulingOpsLab's scheduling platform saves Air Force squadrons 200 hours per month — time previously spent by pilots manually fixing flight schedules until late at night. Arun Nair, Founder & CEO, showcases how OpsLab's three-layer intelligence system went from 30% scheduler acceptance to operational deployment across 75+ squadrons by combining operations research algorithms, reinforcement learning from daily user feedback, and LLM interfaces that let commanders simulate scenarios like losing 20% of their fleet while managing ATOs and continuation training simultaneously.
Arun warns how Phase III SBIR contracts aren't the finish line everyone thinks they are — the real Holy Grail is program-of-record status. His t...
2025-11-2532 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 75 — Elara Nova's Kim Crider on Balancing “Shiny Objects” & Foundational InfrastructureWhen Kim Crider, Founding Partner at Elara Nova, became the Air Force's first Chief Data Officer, she had no mandate, minimal staff, and skeptical four-star commanders. Her CORONA presentation changed everything: using actual pilot retention data and analysis, she demonstrated how insufficient training aircraft was driving attrition. The Secretary's response unlocked buy-in across the service.
Kim shares how she did it: start with the decision you need to make, then work backwards to determine what data you need, where to get it, and how to manage it. This problem-first approach drove real outcomes, from identifying la...
2025-11-2046 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 74 — Roger's Jill Castilla on Building Fee-Free Banking for Under-18 Military RecruitsRoger fills gaps other military banks ignore: free credit score monitoring that typically costs $20 monthly, 2% yield on checking with savings rates reaching 5.25% during peak periods, and zero overdraft fees while competitors generate significant revenue from service member overdrafts. Jill Castilla, President & CEO of Roger Bank/Citizens Bank of Edmond, walks through how the platform's fraud detection handles the reality that 75% of account opening attempts come from bots, while allowing legitimate zero-balance accounts to remain open for a year pre-enlistment.
All Roger staff have military experience and provide 24/7 access for financial mentoring, addressing the recruiter-reported problem of...
2025-10-3045 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 73 — Ethos's Sasha Seymore on Training Warfighters at the Speed of Weapons InnovationSasha Seymore, Co-founder & President at Ethos, walked onto the UNC basketball team as a senior, struggled with outdated playbook training, and turned that frustration into a company that cuts military schoolhouse failure rates by two-thirds while saving millions per location. His co-founder Andrew was student body president studying active learning pedagogy, and together they built a platform that measures knowledge gaps impacting performance rather than just tracking completion.
The dual-use approach serves defense, life sciences, manufacturing, and retail customers with one unifying principle: accelerating time to competency on critical knowledge that directly affects performance outcomes. Sa...
2025-10-1740 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 72 — Zone 5's Thomas Akers on Why Production-Focused Requirements Beat Performance GoalsZone 5 Technologies cut cruise missile costs from $1.5 million to $200,000 by rethinking not just the engineering, but how you build the supply chain and factory floor around cost targets from day one. Thomas Akers, CEO, shares how his team goes from contract award to weapon flight in 4 months by keeping engineers right next to the production line, writing all their own software, and doing machining in-house. When a problem hits the shop floor, an engineer can be there in a minute.
The real insight is what he calls their "production-focused requirement set." Instead of designing for m...
2025-10-0240 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 71 — Skydio’s Mark Valentine on How Sanctions Freed Them from Supply Chain DependenceWhat happens when China sanctions your drone company? For Skydio, it became the catalyst for complete supply chain independence and battle-tested technology that now guides Ukrainian artillery strikes. Mark Valentine, Global Head of National Security Strategy, breaks down the story for Dave: when their drones in Ukraine failed due to single-band radios and GPS dependence, his team made 36 field visits over two years, embedded Ukrainian engineers, and developed Asimov software enabling complete GPS-jammed operation with frequency-hopping radios.
But the real revelation isn't military, it's civilian. While the DoD debates drone strategy, law enforcement has already cr...
2025-08-2649 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 70 — A-LIGN's Matt Bruggeman on External Service Provider Scope Issues That Kill CMMCDefense contractors assume they understand CMMC assessments, but Matt Bruggeman, Director of GTM Federal at A-LIGN, has a harsh reality check for them: organizations consistently arrive for certification without basic documentation like authorization boundaries or data flow diagrams. The gap between CMMC perception and assessment reality is creating a compliance crisis, he tells Dave.
A-LIGN operates as a top-3 FedRAMP assessor and C3PAO, giving Matt unique visibility into federal compliance across multiple frameworks. His unconventional background combining electrical engineering from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with professional improv comedy shaped his approach to explaining complex t...
2025-07-0342 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 69 — Venus Aerospace's Sassie Duggleby on Mach 5 Flight With No Moving PartsVenus Aerospace achieved the first flight of a high-thrust rotating detonation rocket engine, proving that decades of theoretical research can translate into breakthrough propulsion technology. Sassie Duggleby, CEO & Co-founder, tells Dave about conducting eight engine tests per day while maintaining manufacturing, mission control, and testing in the same facility compressed development timelines from decades into four years.
The breakthrough enables rockets to operate with 67% propellant instead of the industry standard 90%, creating massive payload advantages for defense applications. Sassie shares their strategic pivot from commercial hypersonic travel to defense applications as geopolitical realities shifted, and how co...
2025-06-2632 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 68 — Nooks' Sean Blackman on Classified Infrastructure as a Service ModelAmerica's defense innovation pipeline has a massive bottleneck that most people don't even realize exists: the infrastructure access problem that prevents our best technology companies and cleared talent from working on classified programs. Sean Blackman, Co-founder & CEO at Nooks, experienced this firsthand as a Navy F-18 pilot trying to get non-traditional companies onto classified contracts, only to discover the catch-22 that has plagued defense innovation for decades. His solution is treating classified infrastructure like cloud computing rather than requiring bespoke facilities
Sean's journey from the cockpit to Meta's anti-misinformation team to highlights why traditional approaches t...
2025-06-1940 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 67 — Vatn’s Nelson Mills on the Three Pillars Every Defense Startup Must MasterThe underwater domain has become central to great power competition, yet existing autonomous underwater vehicles cost $500,000+ and require teams of specialists to operate single units. Nelson Mills, CEO & Founder of Vatn Systems, and his team have flipped this equation, building vehicles that travel 30+ knots underwater while enabling one operator to deploy hundreds of units with minimal training.
Nelson's experience as an investor proved invaluable not just for fundraising connections, but for understanding what investors seek in defense companies and how to structure deals effectively. His focus on user experience draws from consumer technology principles, recognizing th...
2025-06-1239 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 66 — Albers Aerospace’s John Albers on Vertical Integration Approach Solving DIB GapsThe defense industrial base faces a manufacturing crisis that goes far deeper than workforce shortages, and John Albers, President/CEO of Albers Aerospace has positioned his company at the center of solving it. He grew Albers Aerospace from solo systems engineering to a $10 million vertically integrated manufacturer through 12 strategic acquisitions, all funded internally without outside investment until late 2024. His approach reveals how speed, strategic diversification, and long-term thinking can build resilient defense manufacturing capabilities even as traditional approaches struggle with slow cycles and demographic challenges.
John tells Dave that he attributes his business philosophy to r...
2025-06-0543 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 65 — Scientific Systems' Kunal Mehra on Affordable Mass RevolutionThe Ukrainian conflict revealed a stark reality that should light a fire under American defense planners: modern warfare consumes weapons at rates that would exhaust our entire arsenal in months, not years. In his conversation with Dave on the latest DIB Innovators, Kunal Mehra, President of Scientific Systems, brings a unique perspective to solving this crisis, shaped by his family's experience fleeing partition-era India and his father's determination to strengthen democratic nations through advanced technology.
Kunal argues that our addiction to "exquisite systems" has created a fundamental mismatch between 20th century military thinking and 21st c...
2025-05-2939 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 64 — HAVOCai’s Paul Lwin on Winning Through Asymmetric Naval EconomicsWhen America's adversaries can outbuild us in ships, what's our strategic advantage? Paul Lwin, CEO & Co-founder of HAVOCai, shares how his company is revolutionizing maritime operations by creating affordable autonomous vessels that can operate in swarms. As a Myanmar refugee who first saw American uniforms during his evacuation at age 10, Paul brings a unique perspective to defense innovation, combining his military experience with Silicon Valley approaches to solving national security challenges.
On this episode of DIB Innovators, Paul tells Dave about how, in just 17 months, HAVOCai has delivered 31 autonomous vessels to the Department of Defense, g...
2025-05-2239 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 63 — Method MFG’s Rhys Andersen on Bootstrapping a Machine Shop into Aerospace ManufacturingWhen Rhys Andersen, Founder & CEO at Method MFG, moved to Texas with an architecture degree, he never imagined he'd end up machining components for spacesuits and rockets. Yet his journey from welding to founding his company exemplifies the untapped potential in American manufacturing. By combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on upskilling his entire team, Rhys has created a manufacturing environment that more closely resembles a tech company than a traditional machine shop — with white walls, white floors, and sophisticated software driving everything from quoting to production.
Rhys also shares with Dave his practical experience bui...
2025-05-1535 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 62 — Graham Manufacturing’s Matthew Malone on Why Defense Manufacturing Must Reinvest in ITPresident & COO Matthew Malone's journey from solving locomotive failures in Indonesia to leading Graham Manufacturing offers rare insight into how technical expertise transforms into business leadership. In this episode of DIB Innovators, Matthew tells Dave how Graham bridges the innovation gap between rapid-iteration space technology and methodical defense requirements while manufacturing critical components for Columbia-class submarines and Ford-class carriers. His perspective challenges conventional thinking about workforce development, supply chain management, and the often-overlooked IT infrastructure that enables entire organizations to function effectively.
Topics discussed:
How technical problem-solving skills translate directly to business st...
2025-05-0838 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 61 — Agile’s Chris Pearson on Mastering Space Propulsion with 3D Printing & Test InnovationThe race to protect America's orbital assets is accelerating, and Agile Space Industries is providing the engines needed for rapid spacecraft maneuverability. In this episode of DIB Innovators, CEO Chris Pearson walks Dave through how decades-old chemical propulsion technology is finding new relevance as Space Force openly prepares for potential conflict in space. Through vertical integration combining additive manufacturing and in-house test facilities, Agile has achieved 50% annual growth, turning a garage operation into a company with $42 million in backlog.
Chris also shares his journey from UK space engineer to Colorado-based entrepreneur, building multiple successful companies b...
2025-05-0139 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 60 — Bazze’s Samuel Semwangu on How Commercial Intelligence Is Transforming Modern WarfareSamuel Semwangu, CEO of Bazze, provides his insider perspective on the revolution happening in defense intelligence collection that most Americans aren't seeing. Bazze federates queries across dozens of commercial data vendors, delivering intelligence insights in seconds that previously took days. He also explains why the Ukraine war has become the ultimate proof point for commercial intelligence adoption and why our allies are moving faster than the US in embracing these technologies.
Samuel tells Dave his journey from spending a decade in the national security community to now at Bazze, highlighting the evolution of exclusive intelligence c...
2025-04-2931 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 59 — Lt. Gen. Nahom (USAF, ret) on Why Predictability Matters More Than Money in Military ReadinessIn a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Lt. Gen. Nahom, (USAF, ret), brings invaluable perspective on how Arctic security, budget realities, and emerging technologies are reshaping military strategy. In this episode of DIB Innovators, Lt. Gen. Nahom offers Dave unique insights into why the Arctic has become a critical frontier for national security while climate change creates new opportunities for competition between major powers.
His experience as the Air Force A8 provides a candid look at why the military struggles to rapidly adopt innovative technologies despite having seemingly large budgets and highlights the difficult trade-offs between ma...
2025-04-2450 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 58 — Advanced Space’s Bradley Cheetham on Using Orbital Mechanics to Cut Mission CostsAdvanced Space CEO & President Bradley Cheetham's journey from a PhD student at CU Boulder to successfully putting a satellite around the moon demonstrates how small, innovative companies can lead space exploration with minimal capital. In this episode of DIB Innovators, Bradley shares with Dave how his 14-year journey began with a purpose to enable the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space.
Rather than building hardware, his team focused on creating technologies, capabilities, software, and mission design solutions that didn't require giant rocket factories or satellite production facilities. This approach led to operating the CAPSTONE mi...
2025-04-1738 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 57 — Cyber Resilience at the Crossroads [Webinar]The security landscape has radically transformed from counter-terrorism to strategic competition with nation states who are actively positioning cyber assets to disable American infrastructure during potential conflicts. In this vital discussion examining National Security Memorandum 22 (NSM-22), Gen. VanHerck, former Commander of United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, shares that 80% of force projection in any global crisis flows from homeland facilities dependent on civilian infrastructure — from local energy grids to transportation networks, creating an unprecedented vulnerability that adversaries are exploiting daily.
Kevin Phillips, Chairman of the Board of ManTech, provides a rare insi...
2025-04-1048 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 56 — SkyRunner’s Stewart Hamel on How Their Unmanned, Multi-Domain Aircraft Enhances Strategic Capabilities for Special OpsStewart Hamel, CEO, took an eccentric side project for his ranch and transformed it into SkyRunner, a revolutionary air utility transport vehicle that's changing the future of defense sector mobility. In this episode of DIB Innovators, Stewart tells Dave how a viral CNN Money video caught military attention, leading to design input from special operations teams that transformed his vehicle into a tactical platform with dual-engine redundancy, field-serviceable components, and the ability to operate even after taking direct fire.
With a deployment speed of seven minutes versus a Blackhawk's 30 minutes and a price point 1% of tr...
2025-04-0427 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 55 — Piasecki Aircraft’s John Piasecki on Their Answer to Extended-Range Combat LogisticsVertical lift aviation is on the cusp of its biggest revolution since the helicopter itself, and John Piasecki, President & CEO of Piasecki Aircraft, is at the forefront with game-changing technologies that could cut operational costs in half while meeting complex military requirements.
In this episode of DIB Innovators John walks Dave through how his family's aerospace legacy is evolving from the iconic tandem rotor helicopter (now the Chinook) to hydrogen-powered compound helicopters and tilt-duct VTOL platforms.
The discussion illuminates the strategic shift from pure R&D to production capability with their acqu...
2025-04-0434 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 54 — Slingshot Aerospace’s Erik Ekwurzel on Low-Cost Optical Alternatives for Space Radar SystemsIn Dave’s latest conversation on DIB Innovators, he uncovers how Slingshot Aerospace has become one of the few major entities globally collecting space data at scale, alongside superpowers like the US, China, and Russia. Erik Ekwurzel, CDIO, explains how their patented optical sensor technology, which is deployed across 22 global sites, can detect objects as small as CubeSats while collecting critical photometric data that radar systems can't capture.
As space becomes increasingly contested and congested, and with satellite numbers projected to grow from 12,000 today to potentially 100,000 in less than a decade, Slingshot's mission to deliver "deci...
2025-03-2739 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 53 — Skydweller Aero’s Robert Miller on Transforming Solar Aircraft into Military-Grade AssetsImagine aircraft that can stay aloft for weeks, transforming how militaries conduct surveillance across vast distances — that's the game-changing reality Robert Miller, Co-founder & CEO at Skydweller Aero, shares with Dave in this episode of DIB Innovators.
With decades of aerospace experience from Stanford to leading classified projects at Northrop Grumman, Robert walks through how his team is revolutionizing military surveillance by transforming the record-breaking Solar Impulse 2 into an unmanned warfare platform that can fly for weeks without landing. He also cuts through industry hype with battle-tested expertise, emphasizing the critical distinction between flashy demonstrations and real...
2025-03-1837 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 52 — HTX Labs' Scott Schneider on Meeting Students Where They Are with Multi-Platform VRIn this episode of DIB Innovators, Scott Schneider, CEO & Co-founder of HTX Labs, takes us from his early days working on classified government programs at Texas Instruments to building a revolutionary virtual reality platform transforming military training. Scott highlights how they unexpectedly pivoted from corporate active shooter training to becoming a key partner with the US Air Force, creating immersive "digital classrooms" where aircraft can be made transparent to visualize complex systems in action.
In his conversation with Dave, Scott doesn't sugarcoat the journey, sharing both exhilarating wins (securing a $90 million IDIQ contract) and sobering challenges of b...
2025-03-0634 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 51 — Pindel Global Precision’s Bill Berrien on How Military Training Models Can Transform Manufacturing SkillsBill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision, has discovered a fascinating parallel: both special operations and advanced manufacturing rely on highly cohesive, highly trained teams enabled by cutting-edge technology to punch above their weight. In this episode of DIB Innovators, he reveals how he's revolutionizing manufacturing by adopting military principles, from creating a model for workforce training called "forward skilling" to implementing special operations team dynamics on the factory floor.
The results speak for themselves, as he tells Dave: employees mastering advanced automation have seen their wages double or triple, while the company has evolved fr...
2025-02-2735 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 50 — Inneos’ Brian Peters on Building the Nervous System for Autonomous Military VehiclesIn the early 1990s Brian Peters, Founder/CEO of Inneos recalls, "lasers were a solution looking for a problem. Today, Inneos is transforming military platforms by replacing traditional copper wiring with advanced fiber optic solutions, significantly reducing weight and enhancing security across air, land, and sea vehicles. In this compelling episode of DIB Innovators, Brian walks Dave through how this technology is revolutionizing military platforms through dramatic weight reduction and enhanced security.
Inneos, named by combining "innovation" and "Eos," the goddess of dawn, has developed a way to combine multiple signals onto a single fiber us...
2025-02-2137 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 49 — Atomic-6's Trevor Smith on Revolutionizing Aerospace Through Advanced Composite MaterialsHow does a former real estate broker end up revolutionizing satellite protection at Mach 21? Trevor Smith, President & CEO of Atomic-6, brings just this unique perspective about aerospace innovation to his conversation with Dave. His company is transforming space technology through groundbreaking composite materials, including their "space armor" that protects satellites from debris traveling at Mach 21, as well as innovative deployable solar arrays enabling new spacecraft capabilities.
Trevor explores Atomic-6's development of lunar power systems, hypersonic aircraft components, and their pragmatic approach to defense innovation. Trevor also offers valuable insights on bootstrapping a hardware startup, cr...
2025-01-3134 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 48 — EolianVR's Michael Simmons on Revolutionizing Military Mission Planning Through Immersive AR/VR TechnologyJoin Michael Simmons, Co-founder & COO of EolianVR, as he details the company's journey from conception — a chance reunion with his now business partner at Rockefeller Center — to becoming a leading innovator in defense technology. Their flagship product, ARTAK, is revolutionizing military mission planning by combining AR/VR capabilities with real-time data integration, creating immersive 3D environments for collaborative mission preparation.
Michael shares with Dave how Eolian has differentiated themselves in the crowded AR/VR space by focusing on mission planning rather than training, enabling users to create detailed digital twins of operational environments through drone scanni...
2025-01-2342 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 47 — Phantom Space's Jim Cantrell on Democratizing Space Access Through Affordable Launch SolutionsSpace industry pioneer Jim Cantrell, CEO & Co-founder of Phantom Space, joins in on this episode of DIB Innovators to share how his company is revolutionizing space access by developing cost-effective launch vehicles, building turnkey satellite solutions, and creating an innovative "space cloud" infrastructure.
Jim explains to Dave how the space industry is evolving from hardware-centric "Space 1.0" through today's commercial "Space 2.0" into an AI-driven "Space 3.0" future. Jim's practical insights on navigating launch site constraints, reducing manufacturing complexity, and solving space debris challenges through market-based insurance solutions offer a masterclass in space industry innovation.
To...
2025-01-1643 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 46 — Jetoptera’s Andrei Evulet on Ejector Propulsion and Aerospace InnovationIn this episode of DIB Innovators, Dave speaks with Andrei Evulet, Co-founder, CEO and CTO, Jetoptera. Andrei shares how their unique ejector-based propulsion system is addressing key aviation challenges, from noise reduction to speed optimization, which have potential for both commercial and government customers.
With applications ranging from unmanned drones to high-speed air taxis, Jetoptera is reshaping both military and commercial aerospace. Learn about partnerships with the DoD, innovative engineering solutions, and the future of scalable, high-speed VTOL technology in this insightful conversation.
Topics discussed:
How ejector technology achi...
2025-01-0943 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 45 — AZDIC’s Lynndy Smith on Partnering with Ukraine for InnovationIn this episode of DIB Innovators, Dave speaks with Lynndy Smith, President & CEO of the Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC). Lynndy shares how AZDIC brings together small and large defense companies to solve critical challenges like supply chain bottlenecks and foreign military sales delays. She highlights AZDIC’s work in helping Ukraine develop a domestic defense industry and supporting US companies in navigating bureaucratic hurdles.
Lynndy also discusses AZDIC’s focus on workforce development, including an upcoming nonprofit initiative to train veterans for high-level careers in defense. Whether you’re in the defense industry or just passio...
2024-12-1939 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 44 — HevenDrones’ Bentzion Levinson on Battlefield Applications of Modular Drone TechnologyIn this episode of DIB Innovators, Dave speaks with Bentzion Levinson, Founder & CEO of HevenDrones about the groundbreaking technologies shaping modern drone applications. Bentzion dives into how hydrogen fuel cells are revolutionizing long-endurance, stealthy drone operations, enabling energy independence even in remote battlefields.
He also highlights the role of modular drone designs in adapting to diverse missions, from logistics to autonomous air support. Finally, Bentzion discusses the importance of battlefield-proven solutions in driving innovation and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving defense landscape.
Topics discussed:
How hydrogen fuel cell...
2024-12-1242 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 43 — Auria Space’s Damian DiPippa on Space Domain Awareness and Asset ProtectionIn this episode of DIB Innovators, Dave speaks with Damian DiPippa, CEO of Auria Space, about the evolving challenges and innovations in the space industry. Damian shares insights from his extensive career, emphasizing the importance of space domain awareness in tracking thousands of objects in orbit to ensure safety.
Damian also discusses the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting space assets from emerging threats. Additionally, he highlights how Auria is leveraging gamification to enhance training for the next generation of space operators.
Topics discussed:
The importance of space domain awareness in tracking an...
2024-12-0540 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 42 — AVATAR Partners’ Scott Toppel on Revolutionizing Training with Emerging TechnologiesIn this episode of DIB Innovators, Dave speaks with Scott Toppel, President of AVATAR Partners, to explore the transformative power of augmented and virtual reality in training and operational readiness. Scott shares his experiences from the cockpit, illustrating how real-time information enhances decision-making in high-pressure environments.
Together, they also dive into the significance of digital transformation in military and industrial sectors, emphasizing its role in improving efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, Scott discusses the importance of immersive training solutions in preparing the next generation for skilled trades, ensuring they are equipped to meet future challenges.
...
2024-12-0233 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 41 — Red 6’s Kevin Huyck on Overcoming Challenges in Military Pilot ProductionIn this episode of DIB Innovators, Dave speaks with Kevin Huyck, COO of Red 6, to discuss the transformative role of augmented reality in military training. Kevin shares insights on how AR technology enhances pilot training by integrating synthetic entities into live flight scenarios, providing a more realistic and immersive experience.
He also addresses the challenges the military faces in pilot production and retention, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to optimize training efficiency. Tune in to learn how Red 6 is paving the way for the future of military aviation and improving readiness for warfighters.
...
2024-11-2650 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 40 — Rendered.ai’s Nathan Kundtz on the Power of Synthetic Data in AI DevelopmentIn this episode of DIB Innovators, Dave speaks with Nathan Kundtz, CEO of Rendered.ai, to explore the transformative potential of synthetic data in artificial intelligence. Nathan shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship and discusses the critical role of physics-based simulations in generating accurate datasets that enhance AI performance.
He emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in AI development, highlighting the need for responsible practices to mitigate biases. Additionally, Nathan addresses the challenges and opportunities within the defense sector, showcasing how synthetic data can revolutionize decision-making processes.
Topics discussed:
2024-11-2133 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 39 — Red Cat Holdings’ Brendan Stewart on Strategic Partnerships for Advancing Drone CapabilitiesOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Brendan Stewart, VP of Regulatory Affairs at Red Cat Holdings, about the transformative impact of drone technology in defense and aerospace. Brendan shares insights on the regulatory challenges that slow down innovation and the importance of strategic partnerships in developing tailored solutions for military applications.
He emphasizes the need for patient capital to support long-term growth in the drone industry. Additionally, Brendan discusses how drones are reshaping intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, highlighting drones’ indispensable role in modern military operations.
Topics discussed:
The...
2024-11-1433 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 38 — CMMC Compliance and Cybersecurity Challenges [Webinar]In this special episode of DIB Innovators, RADICL’s CEO, CTO and Co-founder, Chris Petersen steps in to host a webinar about all things CMMC. Chris welcomes five CMMC experts who can speak about why it originated, how it might evolve, and the impact on businesses in the DIB as they plan to address the impact of CMMC on their business. The guests include Gen. Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle, Retired, USAF, former President & CEO of the National Defense Industrial Association; Regan Edens, Founder, CISO & Chief Compliance Officer of DTC Global; Scott McDaniel, CEO of Simple Helix; Matthew Titcombe, CEO & Sr. Inf...
2024-11-0752 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 37 — LightRidge Solutions’ Josh Hartman on Competitive Endurance Theory in Orbital WarfareOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Josh Hartman, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer at LightRidge Solutions. Josh shares his insights on the evolving landscape of space defense. He discusses the impact of competitive endurance theory on orbital warfare, emphasizing the need for resilience and deterrence in the face of potential threats.
Josh also highlights how commercial advancements, particularly in affordable launch technologies, are reshaping military strategies and enhancing accessibility to space. Additionally, he explores the importance of integrating advanced processing and AI capabilities at the edge to enable real-time de...
2024-11-0131 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 36 — ZKX Solutions’ Collin Sweeney on Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Digital Identity SecurityOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Collin Sweeney, CTO & Co-founder of ZKX Solutions, who shares his insights on the innovative applications of zero-knowledge proofs in enhancing digital identity verification and cybersecurity.
He discusses the importance of collaboration in developing effective security solutions and emphasizes the need to understand customer pain points to tailor technologies that address real-world challenges. Collin also highlights how his team is working to make advanced cybersecurity measures accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Topics discussed:
How zero-knowledge proofs enabl...
2024-10-2438 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 35 — Ultraview’s Colby Harvey on Mentorship and Startup SuccessOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Colby Harvey, CEO & Founder of Ultraview, to explore his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative solutions his company is bringing to the aviation sector. Colby shares valuable insights on the importance of listening to customer feedback, which has been pivotal in shaping Ultraview's product development.
He also discusses the transformative role of mentorship, particularly through his experience with the Techstars accelerator program. Additionally, Colby outlines his vision for integrating advanced AI technologies into drone inspection processes, positioning Ultraview as a leader in the industry.
...
2024-10-1528 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 34 — Aerostar’s Jim Nelson on the Future of Aerial CommunicationsOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Jim Nelson, President at Aerostar, to explore the innovative advancements in stratospheric balloon technology and its applications in aerial communications. Jim shares insights into the importance of fostering a strong company culture, emphasizing how core values and team engagement drive success and innovation.
Jim discusses the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the integration of new technologies and the impact of mission-driven work on community initiatives. He also discusses how Aerostar is shaping the future of aerial solutions and the vital role of...
2024-10-0842 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 33 — Rafael Systems Global Sustainment’s Joe Anderson on the Power of Mentorship for Success in the DIBOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Joe Anderson, President and CEO of Rafael Systems Global Sustainment, who shares his insights on the intersection of military leadership and business success, in particular the importance of mentorship in fostering personal and professional growth, emphasizing how military principles like teamwork and adaptability can be applied in the corporate world.
Joe also explores the integration of artificial intelligence in enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes. He shares his valuable perspectives on building strong networks and navigating the complexities of the defense industrial base, al...
2024-10-0330 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 32 — Hypori’s Jared Shephard on Securing Mobile Communications in a Digital WorldOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David welcomes Jared Shephard, CEO of Hypori, who shares his remarkable journey from military service to entrepreneurship, focusing on the critical importance of secure mobile communications in today’s digital landscape and how innovative technology can address evolving cybersecurity challenges.
Jared emphasizes the need for mentorship and support for veterans transitioning to civilian careers, highlighting his initiative, Warriors Ethos, which provides resources and guidance. He also shares valuable insights into effective leadership, the role of technology in enhancing security, and the impact of community support in empo...
2024-10-0132 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 31 — Apex’s Ian Cinnamon on Sustainability and Innovation in AerospaceOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Ian Cinnamon, CEO and Co-founder of Apex, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of the space industry, including the importance of vertical integration and how it enhances operational efficiency for satellite technology companies.
Ian highlights the growing demand for customizable satellite solutions tailored to specific mission needs, emphasizing the need for innovation in design and functionality. He also addresses the critical role of sustainability in aerospace, advocating for environmentally responsible practices in satellite development.
Topics discussed:
The necessity of ve...
2024-09-2635 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 30 — Atomos Space’s William Kowalski on Effective Communication in Complex Space MissionsOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with William Kowalski, Co-founder & COO at Atomos Space, to explore the intricacies of launching a startup in the space industry. William shares his insights on navigating the challenges of raising capital, highlighting the importance of storytelling when pitching to investors.
He also discusses the critical role of team dynamics in fostering innovation and maintaining morale in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, William offers his perspective on the significance of effective communication during complex space missions, providing valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to thrive in this competitive field.
2024-09-2439 min
Cyber Defense RadioCyber Defense Radio - Chris Petersen - RADICL - Hotseat - Podcast - 2024Hosted by Gary Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine, this hotseat interview is with Chris Petersen Cofounder and CEO of RADICL (https://radicl.com/) @RADICL_XTP, the Next Gen MSSP offering SOC as a Service to DIB and CI SMBs of high interest to nation state threats and organized criminals, who deserve and need "military-grade" defense-in-depth protection. Gain new insights into cybersecurity from our always free monthly publication, no strings attached. Subscribe here: https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com/free-subscription/ and market with us at https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com/cybersecurity-marketing/ #CDM #CyberDefense #SOC #MSSP #cybersecurity #AI #automation #CI #DIB
2024-09-1916 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 29 — Capella Space’s Frank Backes on Transforming Global Transparency with Satellite ImagingOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Frank Backes, CEO of Capella Space, shares his extensive experience in the satellite imaging industry and the innovative capabilities of his company, in particular how they fit into the DIB. He discusses the importance of providing real-time data for global transparency, even in challenging conditions such as nighttime and adverse weather.
Frank highlights how artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing the analysis of satellite data, making it more accessible for various sectors, including national security and disaster response. He also emphasizes the significance of building tr...
2024-09-1939 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 28 — Canopy Aerospace’s Matt Shieh on Accelerator Programs for Propelling Growth in the Aerospace IndustryOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Matt Shieh, Co-founder and CEO of Canopy Aerospace, to explore his journey to leading an innovative aerospace startup. Matt discusses the critical role of startup accelerators like UChicago's Polsky Center, Starburst, and Techstars in providing networking opportunities, investor introductions, and business model guidance.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer problems to develop effective solutions. Matt also shares strategies for balancing fundraising with company growth and highlights the innovative work Canopy Aerospace is doing in advanced manufacturing, offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
...
2024-09-1727 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 27 — ThinkOrbital’s Lee Rosen on Innovating the Future of Space ExplorationOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Lee Rosen, Co-founder, President, and CEO of ThinkOrbital. Lee shares his journey from military service to leading innovative projects in the aerospace industry. He discusses the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving in overcoming challenges in space exploration.
Lee reflects on his experiences at SpaceX, emphasizing the value of collaboration and building a talented team that embraces forward-thinking. He also explores the exciting prospects of human habitation in space and how emerging technologies are shaping the future of the industry.
To...
2024-09-1236 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 26 — Peak InfoSec’s Matthew Titcombe on the Ins and Outs of Achieving CMMC Certification SuccessOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Matthew Titcombe, CEO and Sr. Information Security Consultant of Peak InfoSec, to explore the intricacies of cybersecurity compliance. Matt emphasizes the critical role of conducting thorough gap assessments as the first step toward achieving CMMC certification.
He discusses the common challenges organizations face, including a lack of understanding of requirements and cultural resistance to change. Additionally, Matt shares strategies for fostering a culture of security awareness and developing tailored compliance plans. He also provides valuable guidance for businesses looking to navigate the complex landscape of c...
2024-09-1049 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 25 — goTenna’s Ari Schuler on Overcoming Challenges in Educating Customers About New TechnologiesOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Ari Schuler, CEO of goTenna, to explore the transformative journey of his company. Ari discusses goTenna's strategic pivot from a consumer-focused business to serving government needs, highlighting the critical decisions and innovations that drove this shift.
He shares his expertise on the power of mesh networks for reliable off-grid communication, emphasizing their importance in military and emergency scenarios. Ari also offers insights on the challenges of educating customers about new technologies and overcoming traditional biases.
Topics discussed:
St...
2024-09-0541 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 24 — RMCI’s Kenneth Speaks on Revolutionizing Rotorcraft Maintenance with Real-Time DataOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David chats with Kenneth Speaks, Founder and CEO of RMCI. Kenneth shares his insights on how technology is revolutionizing the aviation industry, in particular the importance of real-time data analysis for rotorcraft, highlighting how advanced sensor technology and condition-based maintenance are reducing downtime and enhancing safety.
Kenneth discusses RMCI's innovative solutions for predictive maintenance and their vision for the future of aviation technology over the next 5-10 years. He also touches on how RMCI is setting new standards and leading the charge in aviation maintenance innovation.
...
2024-09-0327 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 23 — American Lithium Energy’s William Hadala on Scaling Lithium Battery Production in the USOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with William Hadala Jr, VP of Strategy at American Lithium Energy. William shares his remarkable journey from serving in the Air Force to becoming a key leader in the lithium battery industry.
He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in scaling battery cell manufacturing in the US, emphasizing the importance of optimizing processes and efficiency. William also addresses the need for honesty and transparency within the industry and the critical role of environmental considerations in energy production.
Topics discussed:
2024-08-2928 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 22 — Benchmark Space Systems’ Ryan McDevitt on the Future of Satellite MobilityOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Ryan McDevitt, CEO and Co-Founder of Benchmark Space Systems, about the future of space mobility. Ryan shares his journey from academic research to co-founding a cutting-edge space technology company.
Ryan emphasizes the importance of satellite mobility for collision avoidance and mission success, as well as the innovative propulsion solutions Benchmark provides to navigate increasingly congested orbits. Ryan also highlights the challenges of balancing commercial and government timelines in the space industry.
Topics discussed:
Why satellite maneuverability is cr...
2024-08-2229 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 21 — AWS’s Travis Goldbach on Future Trends in Cloud Security and Zero TrustOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Travis Goldbach, Global Head of CMMC Go-To-Market at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Travis is an expert in DFARS, NIST, and CMMC compliance and uses his knowledge to dive into the challenges small and medium-sized businesses face in navigating complex defense compliance requirements and offers practical advice on how to meet these standards.
Travis highlights the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures for reducing exposure to threats. Additionally, he discusses exciting future trends in cloud security, including zero trust strategies and advancements in artificial in...
2024-08-1519 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 20 — Evolution Energy Solutions’ Stacy Newstead on Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Tech and DefenseOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Stacy Newstead, CEO of Evolution Energy Solutions , the US subsidiary of Evolution Energy Minerals, to explore her journey to leadership in the tech-defense sector. Stacy shares invaluable insights on balancing personal and company goals, highlighting how aligning these objectives can drive mutual success. She also dives into the complexities of navigating regulatory challenges while fostering innovation, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict regulations.
Stacy also discusses the significant impact of advanced technologies on national defense, offering strategies for enhancing defense capabilities through st...
2024-08-0842 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 19 — Spirit Electronics’ Marti McCurdy on Inspiring the Next Generation in STEMOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Marti McCurdy, CEO of Spirit Electronics. Marti shares her remarkable journey from serving in the Air Force to leading an aerospace and defense company. She discusses the challenges she faced and overcame, the importance of fostering innovation within her industry, and her dedication to engaging the younger generation in STEM fields.
Marti emphasizes the value of a strong network and the critical role of teamwork in driving success. She also offers her strategies for creating a strong, collaborative company culture. Marti also touches on...
2024-08-0120 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 18 — Long Capture’s Russell Long on Crafting Winning Government Proposals for StartupsOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Russell Long, Founder & CEO of Long Capture, to explore the intersection of innovative technology and government contracts. Russell shares his journey from military service to founding Long Capture, aiming to bridge the gap between tech startups and government funding.
Russell discusses strategies for crafting compelling proposals that communicate the value of tech solutions, building essential relationships with government clients, and leveraging programs like SBIR to scale startups effectively. He also offers valuable insights and expert advice on securing government contracts for companies with te...
2024-07-2531 min
DIB InnovatorsState of Cybersecurity in the DIB [Webinar]On this week's special episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Chris speaks with Tony Bai, CSO at RISCPoint; Christopher Leslie, CIO at Red6; Vince Petrecca, VP of Sales & Business Development at PreVeil; and Peter Romness, VP of Partnerships at IsI Enterprises. They talk about the challenges that this segment faces in terms of addressing cybersecurity and the threats that are coming after them, which were highlighted in a recent survey RADICL conducted to understand how the DIB is viewing cybersecurity.
The topics of the survey touched on questions such as what this segment’s challenges are...
2024-07-2456 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 17 — Free Form Fibers’ Shay Harrison on Strategic Partnerships and Cybersecurity in Advanced MaterialsOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Shay Harrison, CEO at Free Form Fibers. Shay details the groundbreaking laser-driven chemical vapor technology that his company is pioneering, which aims to revolutionize the advanced materials industry.
Shay discusses the critical role of strategic partnerships and securing capital to scale such innovative technologies. He also shares insights into the importance of protecting intellectual property and managing cybersecurity risks in a highly competitive market, especially for companies that eventually want to scale up and/or work with government entities.
Topi...
2024-07-1828 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 16 — Zulu Pods’ Rob Sladen on Navigating Government Contracts as a Small BusinessOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Rob Sladen, Co-founder, Chairman, & CEO of Zulu Pods, to explore his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative technology behind their modular lubrication systems, including the challenges of raising capital and how creating prototypes to show potential investors made a huge difference in showing their vision.
Rob shares insights into the impact of building a resilient startup team and the importance of understanding market pain points. He also touches on navigating government contracts and leveraging SBIR topics to gain traction in the aerospace and defense se...
2024-07-1131 min
Security UnfilteredProtecting Small Businesses in the Digital Age With Chris Petersen From RadiclSend us a textEver wondered how a degree in accounting could lead to a thriving career in cybersecurity? Join us as Chris Petersen shares his riveting journey from Colorado State University to becoming a cybersecurity expert. Initially hesitant to dive into engineering, Chris leveraged his minor in accounting information systems and a golden opportunity at Price water house to pivot into IT. His story underscores the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities, offering invaluable insights for anyone contemplating a career shift in the tech industry.Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in critical sectors often...
2024-06-2451 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 15 — Swarmbotics AI’s Stephen Houghton on Leveraging Military Experience in Swarm Robotics LeadershipOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Stephen Houghton, CEO and Co-founder at Swarmbotics AI, dives into his journey from Marine officer to tech innovator. Stephen shares how his military background has uniquely shaped his approach to strategic leadership and decision-making in the tech industry, particularly in innovating swarm robotics.
In fact, he offers insights on the gaps and opportunities he and his co-founder, Drew Watson, sought to address with groundbreaking technologies that set Swarmbotics AI apart in the field of ground autonomy and swarm robotics. Stephen also talks about the challenges and rewards of b...
2024-06-2030 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 14 — Dauntless XR’s Lori-Lee Elliott on Enhancing Defense Training and Operational Efficiency with Extended RealityOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Lori-Lee Elliott, Co-founder and CEO of Dauntless XR, to discuss the transformative power of extended reality (XR) in military applications. Lori-Lee dives into how XR technology is revolutionizing mission debriefing and operational efficiency for clients such as NASA and the Air Force, sharing insights into the challenges and solutions of integrating XR with government systems.
Lori-Lee also highlights the importance of cybersecurity and accessibility in XR solutions. She shares how XR is cutting down rework by 90% and making training and maintenance tasks faster and more i...
2024-06-0643 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 13 — Voyager Space's Matthew Kuta on Entrepreneurial Challenges and the Future of AerospaceOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Matthew Kuta, President and Co-Founder of Voyager Space, who shares insights on his transition from the Air Force to founding a space exploration company.
Matthew discusses the challenges of starting Voyager Space with limited resources and offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the aerospace sector. He also dives into the unique mission of Voyager Space as the prime company tasked with creating the replacement for the International Space Station. Matthew reflects on the future of space exploration and usage, including implications for national security a...
2024-05-2339 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 12 — CARR Machine & Tool’s Jim Carr on Navigating Compliance and Culture in Defense ManufacturingOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Jim Carr, President, CEO and Owner of CARR Machine & Tool, who shares how growing up in the family manufacturing business gave him insights into entrepreneurship, such as how to forge a strong company culture by connecting with your team.
Jim discusses the challenges and successes of working with the defense industry such as navigating strict compliance measures, reflects on the relative ease of marketing in today's social media, and sheds light on the pivotal role of networking.
Topics discussed:
Journey in the ma...
2024-05-0937 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 11 — World View’s Ryan Hartman on Envisioning a Radically Improved Future in the DIBOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks to Ryan Hartman, President and CEO of World View. The conversation explores Ryan's military background, highlighting how his experiences in the Navy and Air Force shaped his leadership style. They also discuss the importance of effective communication and servant leadership in corporate success.
Ryan shares impactful stories that emphasize the significance of a purpose-driven mission and leadership style at World View. He explains how stratospheric balloons function and what their clients use them for, highlighting World View's focus on enhancing customer missions and their engagement with t...
2024-04-2539 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 10 — Paragon's Grant Anderson on Building Teams that Make Innovation in the DIB a Regular ProcessOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Grant Anderson, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Paragon Space Development Corporation. They discuss why Paragon Space Development Corporation does not use PowerPoint and how Paragon Space Development Corporation's flagship products have contributed to the defense space.
Grant also shares his approach to leadership and some advice on building an innovative team. He also talks about how Paragon Space Development Corporation stays up to date with industry standards and continues to drive innovation.
Topics discussed:
Grant's journey from being the controller of...
2024-04-1144 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 9 — VirTra's Bob Ferris on Pioneering Virtual Training for Defense AdvancementOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Bob Ferris, Founder and Executive Chairman of VirTra, about the journey from a team of one—himself—to becoming one of the field's leading innovators and the critical role of strategic planning in VirTra's expansion.
Bob also outlines the hurdles involved in crafting virtual training programs for law enforcement and military personnel, showcasing VirTra's adeptness in overcoming these challenges.
Topics discussed:
How the field of virtual training technologies has evolved, and why Bob is the "grandfather" of it all.
The strategic planning inte...
2024-03-2836 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 8 — Thomas Weidley on How a Warrior Ethos Has Guided His Leadership from the Marine Corps to CapewellOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Thomas Weidley, President and CEO of Capewell, a safety, tactical, parachute, and aerial delivery solutions manufacturer.
They discuss regrounding yourself in order to be a better leader. Tom also describes how supporting national security operations inspires Capewell employees to consistently deliver high-quality, reliable products.
Topics discussed:
How a "warrior ethos" has guided Tom's leadership both in the Marine Corp and as CEO of Capewell.
Lessons from combat that transfer to the corporate landscape.
Regrounding yourself and getting back to basics to stay co...
2024-03-1434 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 7 — SAS's Heather Bulk on Building a Diverse and Passionate Workforce in the DIBOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Heather Bulk, President, CEO, & Co-founder at Special Aerospace Services (SAS), a tactical engineering and advanced manufacturing firm. They discuss how SAS grew from advisory services to providing tactical engineering in civil and DoD industries, and how they've seen the commercial space industry grow through increased interest, funding, and demand. They also talk about how to solve the challenges of workforce development in the DIB, efforts to get more women involved, and how they build diversity starting with how they recruit.
Topics discussed:
How SAS g...
2024-02-2938 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 6 — Umbra's Gabe Dominocielo on Differentiation and Self-Disruption in the Satellite IndustryOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Gabe Dominocielo, Co-founder at Umbra, an Earth observation company. They discuss how Umbra uses synthetic aperture radar to observe the Earth, how they built the business for maximum IRR, and what they do to differentiate themselves from other satellite companies. They also talk about the long-term benefits of working with the US Government, how they foster a culture of security, and how Umbra seeks to continuously disrupt itself.
Topics discussed:
What synthetic aperture radar is and how Gabe and his business partner saw its...
2024-02-1538 min
Secure Ventures with Kyle McNultyRADICL: Chris Petersen on AI in the SOCChris:
Co-founder, CEO, and CTO of RADICL, which is building an AI SOC analyst
Was co-founder of LogRhythm, which sold to Thoma Bravo in a rumored billion dollar deal
Check out the episode for our discussion on building with friends and family, collecting enough data to develop an effective AI SOC analyst, and what it took for him to take the leap to start his first company.
2024-02-1345 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 5 — Orbit Fab's Daniel Faber on Launching and Protecting Their "Gas Stations in Space"On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Daniel Faber, CEO and Co-founder at Orbit Fab, a satellite refueling service provider. They discuss the problem of "sitting duck" satellites and how Orbit Fab is solving that problem with "gas stations in space" to supply fuel to spacecraft in orbit, launching in 2025. They also talk about the challenges of building a business in a market that hasn't previously existed, how they tested a proof of concept on the ISS, what working with NASA is like, and the cybersecurity steps they’re taking to protect products and cu...
2024-02-0136 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 4 — Parts Life's Sam Thevanayagam on Solving the Problem of Obsolescence in the DIBOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Sam Thevanayagam, President and CEO at Parts Life, Inc. and DeVal Lifecycle Support, a leader in life cycle sustainment. They discuss the challenges of end-of-life asset management in the defense industry, and how Parts Life is working to solve those problems with their R.O.P.E. process. They also talk about how to protect IP and the supply chain, being a good steward in the DIB, and advice for young entrepreneurs.
Topics discussed:
How Sam started Parts Life to solve the problem of...
2024-01-1835 min
People Fundamentals by BetterworksRADICL CEO Dan Riley on Driving Radical Change in Employee ExperienceOn this episode of the People Fundamentals podcast, I’m joined by Dan Riley, co-founder and CEO of RADICL, an employee experience advisory company. We discuss what it means to change employee experience, how AI affects how people work, and what starting a business, being in a band, and making a film all have in common.
Show notes: https://www.betterworks.com/magazine/driving-radical-change-in-employee-experience-dan-riley
2024-01-0827 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 3 — Rogue Space Systems’s Jeromy Grimmett on the Horizon-less Possibilities of In-Space ServicesOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Jeromy Grimmett, Founder & CEO at Rogue Space Systems Corporation, a provider of sustainable in-space services. They discuss how the company was created and went from idea to an "orbot" in space in four years, what satellite projects they're working on, and the process for getting a craft onto a rocket and launched. They also discuss team leadership, how to drive innovation in the space arena, and what opportunities lay ahead for space economies and communications.
Topics discussed:
How Rogue Space Systems Corp. got off...
2024-01-0434 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 2 — ATLAS Space’s John Williams on the Space Community’s Evolving Place in the DIBOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with John Williams, Chief Executive Officer at ATLAS Space Operations, the leading provider of ground software as a service in the space communications industry. They discuss John's extensive career both in the Air Force and various defense companies, how innovation and business models in the DIB are evolving, and how the space community is becoming its own entity. They also talk about the importance of cybersecurity, what tech investments ATLAS is making to better manage terabytes of data, and advice for entrepreneurs.
Topics discussed:
How...
2023-12-2138 min