AFWERX Open Topic and Accelerator Origin Stories with Chris Benson

On this episode of Defense Unicorns, a Podcast, Air Force Captain Will Walker’s journey from university to the Air Force, focusing on his involvement in software development, DevOps technologies, and cybersecurity. It touches on his experiences with ROTC, passion for software, and the balance between technical involvement and leadership. The conversation delves into creating CICD pipelines, driving innovation in structured organizations, and the importance of questioning the status quo for change. Additionally, Will reflects on the value of software development, emphasizing its disruptive potential, impact on pushing boundaries, and the power of open-source collaboration in the tech field. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join us this week in talking with Mohawk Matt Denny, a figure renowned for building bridges, connecting silos, and fueling innovation across the Department of Defense. Dive into Matt’s fascinating narrative - from his first Marine Corps experiences to his unorthodox strategies for bringing about change. Listen as he details his infamous “one day procurement” triumph, earning him the nickname of “bureaucracy slayer.” But it isn’t just about cutting the red tape. Matt prompts us to reconsider the status quo, asking if that red tape should perhaps be yellow or even green. Mohawk Matt shares his incredible journey, highlights the power of building relationships, and discusses the significance of breaking through imposter syndrome. We end with a powerful message for senior leaders and an unforgettable “Be Awesome” ending. Follow Mohawk Matt’s latest adventures by connecting with him on LinkedIn.

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

Many people are all talk when it comes to workplace culture, but Michaela 🦄 Flatau is taking action by teaching others how to put the Human back in Human Resources. She is considered a thought leader across the United States Department of Defense and the startup community for her insights on workplace culture and HR. For Michaela, growing up as a military brat created a passion for serving the Warfighter and empowering others to serve the military and government mission as well. Her first step towards that goal was joining the United States Department of the Air Force civil service, where she worked through all facets of HR. As the head of recruiting at Defense Unicorns, aka our Collector, she continues her mission to bring talented people to the company and show others that in building a good workplace culture, people should always come first. Subscribe to Defense Unicorns, a podcast to meet more mission heroes across the defense and tech startup communities.