The Bob Johnston Podcast

Evan Burfield and Miles Taylor discuss the dynamic interplay between technology, policy, and leadership in Washington, DC. They offer distinct but complementary perspectives on the intersection of technology and policy. Evan, a startup enthusiast turned policy advocate, shares his journey from founding tech companies to fostering collaboration between technologists and policymakers through initiatives like Station DC. Miles, a self-proclaimed "lifer in government," brings his experience from key leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at the Department of Homeland Security, emphasizing the need for effective communication and delegation in leadership.Together, they explore the critical role of emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing in shaping the future. Their discussion underscores the urgency for policymakers and startups to work together in addressing societal challenges and leveraging technology for the public good. With their unique blend of experiences, Evan and Miles provide a compelling roadmap for navigating innovation in an era of transformation and disruption.Show Notes:[0:28] Evan’s journey from rebellious student to a tech founder and policy advocate.[5:20] Miles’ path as a high-achieving government insider and his leadership lessons.[10:41] How big and little tech shape societal transformation through policy.[13:48] The impact of AI, robotics, and frontier technologies on industries and daily life.[20:00] Tech policy predictions, defense modernization, and regulatory shifts.[27:28] Strategies for startups to influence Washington and align with policy narratives.[34:41] Station DC’s role as a hub for frontier tech and policy collaboration.[40:28] Curated events that connect founders with policymakers and corporates.ReferencesRegulatory Hacking by Evan BurfieldWTF? What’s the Future and Why It’s Up to Us by Tim O’ReillyStation DCCHIPS Act OverviewOpenGov 2.0 InitiativeOpenAIBoston DynamicsBrookings InstitutionCouncil on Foreign RelationsSpaceXAndreesen HorowitzTim O’Reilly’s talks on YouTubePodcasts: Exponent, Acquired

In this episode, we welcome Dov Seidman, founder of LRN and one of the leading thinkers on moral leadership, organizational culture, and ethics in business. Dov shares his insights on the role of inspired leadership in shaping behavior, navigating challenges with values, and how businesses can thrive by focusing on humanity. From lessons on patience and trust to the future implications of AI, this conversation is packed with timeless wisdom and practical strategies for leaders and organizations alike.SummaryWhat does it mean to lead with moral authority in today’s complex world? Dov Seidman has dedicated his life to answering this question. In this thought-provoking conversation, he discusses the intersection of leadership, philosophy, and organizational culture, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond compliance to foster inspired conduct. Dov explains how harmonizing required and inspired behavior creates a thriving workplace, touching on the power of trust, patience, and values-driven leadership.We also explore real-world examples of leadership in action, from transforming corporate culture to the ethical responsibilities surrounding AI. Dov sheds light on the evolving expectations of leadership, particularly the need to cultivate meaningful relationships and embrace a “how matters” approach in business. With anecdotes and frameworks, he inspires listeners to rethink leadership as a human-centric endeavor that builds trust, promotes innovation, and drives long-term success.About Dov Seidman:Dov Seidman is a pioneer in ethical leadership and organizational culture. As the founder of LRN, he helps organizations align their practices with values and purpose to achieve long-term success. With a background in moral philosophy and law, Dov’s work bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering businesses to navigate both compliance and inspired conduct. He is the author of the bestselling book How: Why How We Do Anything Means Everything and a sought-after speaker on the future of leadership and culture.Show Notes:[0:00] Dov Seidman’s journey: from philosophy to founding LRN[4:48] The philosophy of “how” and the importance of values-based behavior[10:18] Harmonizing governance, culture, and leadership for success[18:00] Leadership lessons from Ukraine and the democratization of leadership[28:02] Transforming organizational culture through trust and moral clarity[36:39] Measuring behavior: from compliance to inspired conduct[47:04] The art of pausing: practical wisdom for better leadership[55:35] Building a human operating system for today’s challenges[1:02:09] The ethical challenges and opportunities of AIReferencesHow: Why How We Do Anything Means Everything by Dov SeidmanLRNStart with Why by Simon SinekDare to Lead by Brené BrownThe Infinite Game by Simon Sinek“The Role of Trust in Organizational Success” (Harvard Business Review)Research on the democratization of leadership post-pandemic (McKinsey)Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark“AI and the Moral Compass” (World Economic Forum)

 In this episode, Ann Dunkin, Chief Information Officer at the Department of Energy, shares her inspiring journey across the corporate and government sectors. Ann discusses her leadership philosophy, the critical role of AI in reshaping energy and infrastructure, and the importance of diversity and collaboration. Whether you're a leader, tech enthusiast, or advocate for change, this episode offers invaluable insights and wisdom.Summary How do leaders navigate innovation in today’s complex landscape? Balancing modernization, sustainability, and human connection is no small feat—but Ann Dunkin shows us how it’s done.Ann discusses her journey as CIO at the Department of Energy, exploring the intersections of leadership, technology, and organizational culture. Key topics include:Personal Influence and Leadership: Lessons from Hewlett-Packard and the HP Way.Innovation in Government: Modernizing systems with Workday and AI-driven grid management.Navigating Complexity: Fostering partnerships and managing diverse stakeholders.AI’s Role in the Future: Streamlining permitting and revolutionizing energy research.Workplace Culture and Diversity: Creating an inclusive, mission-driven environment.Gain inspiration from a leader bridging technology and purpose!About Ann Dunkin: Ann Dunkin is the Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she leads efforts in modernization, cybersecurity, and AI. Previously, she was CIO at the EPA during the Obama administration and began her career at Hewlett-Packard, where the “HP Way” shaped her leadership style.Show Notes:(0:00) Introduction and Ann’s career journey(3:21) Lessons from the HP Way and early influences(10:20) Transitioning to public sector leadership(22:59) Modernizing systems and addressing cybersecurity(29:12) AI’s role in energy grid innovation(36:24) Small modular reactors and clean energy(44:18) Building motivated teams and workplace satisfaction(54:34) Ann’s passions: books, Georgia Tech football, Formula OneReferences:One Mile at a Time - Travel BlogWashington Post 7 PodcastMarketplace PodcastWomen Who CodeRegulations.govMake Me Smart PodcastFormula One Official Site

In today’s episode, futurist David Mattin, co-founder of The Exponentialist, discusses the evolving role of technology in shaping human behavior. From AI to robotics, David shares insights into how these innovations fulfill timeless human desires and the ethical challenges they bring. Whether you’re leading a business or exploring future trends, David offers practical advice on harnessing technology to drive meaningful change.We all wish we had a better grasp on upcoming trends. Better yet, wouldn’t it be great to have a framework to anticipate trends, i.e. see into the future? If so, you'll love futurist, David Mattin. Among other topics, David and I cover:• What is the critical role of understanding human needs in predicting the future?• What is the evolving relationship between technology and human behavior?• How are technologies like AI are not just tools but partners in fulfilling age-old human desires like connection, status, and convenience?• What are the ethical challenges of rapid innovation, the decentralization of AI, and its impact on governance, creativity, and the workplace?I hope you enjoy David’s thought-provoking perspectives and roadmap for thriving in a world shaped by exponential technological change!David’s Bio:David Mattin writes about the trends, ideas, innovations, and people set to reshape our shared future.His work delves into the evolving relationship between technology and human behavior. With a rich background in journalism and history, David transitioned from covering technological revolutions at The Times to consulting global brands on the impact of emerging innovations. He is also co-founder of The Exponentialist, a research service created with RealVision that explores the exponential age of technology. David is passionate about helping individuals and organizations navigate transformative trends in AI, robotics, and beyond.He gives practical and inspiring talks that bring these ideas to life and works with leading organisations to orient their innovation around the trends and futures scenarios that matter.At the heart of his work is an attempt to understand this version of technological modernity. What is its nature? Where is it leading us? How can we make that future better for everyone?His writing has appeared everywhere from The Times, to Quartz, to Google Think Quarterly, and David has written and presented documentaries for BBC Radio 4. Previously, David sat on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Consumption. 

The intricacies of entrepreneurship and scaling a startup are massive – from hiring talent to raising capital to securing customers, the clock is often the enemy. Today, we dive into the life of launching and running a startup with Eleonore Crespo, CEO of Pigment, a fast-growth company based in Paris. Eleonore and I discuss the rewards of leadership and taking care of your teams (and yourself and family!), aimed at providing valuable insights, whether you sit in the founder's seat at a startup or are scaling a new project within a Fortune 100 company. We cover the following topics:Work-Life Balance: Eleonore shares her journey of managing a growing business while balancing family life, emphasizing the non-traditional hours and dedication it requires.Motivation and Growth: We discuss how personal motivation, influences, and expectations can be your guideposts as things scale.Leadership Philosophy: Eleonore discusses advice she receives from seasoned leaders (she has several top leaders in Silicon Valley on speed dial)Team Dynamics: She highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment, where work ethic sets the toneLong-Term Vision: We explore the importance of sustainable growth strategies and the patience required for building a successful organization.I hope you enjoy the insights and experiences from one of my inspiring leaders, Eleonore Crespo!‍About Eleonore:Eléonore Crespo is a dynamic leader and co-founder of Pigment, a business planning platform designed to empower organizations to make better, faster decisions in an ever-evolving landscape. Built for agility and scale, Pigment connects people, data, and processes in one elegant, feature-rich platform that allows planners in every department to prepare for any eventuality. The company is trusted by industry-leading companies around the world including Unilever, Merck, Klarna, Miro, and Poshmark.Before launching Pigment, Eléonore was an investor at Index Ventures, where she collaborated closely with entrepreneurs and led investments in innovative companies such as Alan, Spendesk, Swile, and Slite. Her prior experience includes a significant role as a senior analyst at Google, where she reported directly to the EMEA president and CFO, focusing on strategic planning and initiatives.Eléonore holds a background in quantum physics and engineering, having studied at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure and the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines, two of France's most competitive institutions of higher education. Her unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial insight positions her as a prominent figure in the business planning landscape.

Has your approach to leadership and organizational culture evolved? Navigating these areas can be challenging—especially with the rapid changes in today’s workforce and work environments.In this episode, I sit down with Wonzie Gardner to explore the complexities of modern leadership and organizational dynamics. Together, we dive into critical areas that are reshaping the work culture landscape, all to benefit you:Personal Influence and Values: Wonzie reflects on how his father’s servant leadership shaped his own approach, offering a powerful perspective on leading with purpose. Community and Connection: We discuss the importance of maintaining strong personal connections, even in a hybrid work world where face-to-face interactions are fading.HR’s Evolving Role: As remote work and the pandemic continue to reshape the workplace, we delve into how HR can support both employee well-being and organizational goals.Transparency and Vulnerability: Wonzie opens up about the value of authentic leadership and shares personal challenges that helped him build a supportive, transparent workplace culture.Future of Work: We tackle the delicate balance between physical and virtual workspaces, and the ongoing efforts to create a sustainable and cohesive organizational culture.Enjoy the wisdom and insights from one of my favorite leaders, Wonzie Gardner!

How's your nutrition discipline and exercise routine going this Summer? If you're anything like me, it's been up and down due to loads of travel and too many restaurant meals. So...in today’s episode, Dr. Joey Mattina and I go down the rabbit hole to cover our current exercise, nutrition and supplement strategies and see where we can get optimized.Of note, we dive into the following areas and try to demystify and distill all of the noise we hear in the media, particularly social media:Resistance training: Why it's crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone density as we age. He emphasizes the importance of challenging your body with heavier weights to trigger essential hormonal responses and maintain overall health.Data, data, data: Comprehensive blood tests and scans designed for early detection of health issues. Tests Joey and I have done and want to do.Supplements: Do they matter? How do we know if they're working? ‍We cover a ton of topics for busy people, regardless of whether or not you want to get started from a standstill and little knowledge, are hoping to get back on track, or are pretty optimized and want to level up.Enjoy!About JoeyDr. Joey Mattina, DC earned his doctorate from Southern California University of Health Sciences where he graduated magna cum laude and salutatorian. He has extensive training and experience in myofascial release and osteopathic manipulation of both the soft tissue and skeletal systems. Dr. Mattina aims to improve tissue function through manual techniques that typically involve slow, firm, compressive pressure in very specific anatomical locations and positions. Through this direct pressure he is able to reorganize the skeletal system while simultaneously treating the overlying tissue layers. Treating in this way helps joints move properly, stimulates the secretion of synovial fluid, improves glide and lubrication between tissue layers, and decreases inflammation that has become trapped in taut or damaged tissue.Dr. Mattina began his professional career as an intern studying under Dr. Dennis Colonello. In that role, he honed his craft at Peak Wellness working side-by-side with Dr. Colonello for 7 years. Dr. Mattina served as the team chiropractor for the Los Angeles Clippers for 4 years and the LA Kings hockey team for 2 years. Known for his keen clinical acumen and deft diagnostic and treatment skills, Dr. Mattina has been entrusted to care for a plethora of important clientele.

Philip Rowley, CFO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, might just win the award for The Most Interesting CFO in the World. Aside from having amassed decades of knowledge about his industry and craft, he's also extremely well-read and and has an incredible knack for leadership, based in part, at least, on his breadth of reading (Side note on reading: Mark Twain once said, "The man who does not read had no advantage over the man who cannot read."). Philip and I cover a lot of ground, including:• How he became a company President at age 29• Navigating the complexities of supply chains in the Music industry• Leveraging technology and AI as a lens into data standardization and integrationOne of my biggest takeaways is the importance of adapting one's leadership style over time – i.e. don't be rigid, be flexible – and emphasizing continuous learning. (Note: Philip's reading list has been widely circulated at his company. See show notes).He also shares his belief in managing for value rather than short-term metrics, providing contrasting examples from his time at AOL Europe and Sony Pictures. Bill highlights the significance of balancing short-term and long-term goals and describes his approach to leadership as one that fosters intrinsic motivation and trust within teams. Additionally, he touches on the challenges of avoiding overwork and the importance of leveraging coaching to empower employees. And, a lot more!Enjoy!About PhilipPhilip Rowley is Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). Mr. Rowley is responsible for all of the Company’s financial affairs and oversees SPE’s information technology, facilities, procurement, security, and health and safety divisions. Rowley was at AOL Europe in London from 2001-2007. As CFO, he was instrumental in moving the company into profitability and was in due course named COO, and later CEO. Before AOL, Rowley was at Kingfisher PLC, where he served as Group Finance Director; at Golden Books Family Entertainment as COO and CFO, and was co-founder and Managing Director of Tribeca Technologies in New York, a technology company specializing in ISDN connectivity and sound compression technologies. Rowley was based in New York as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of EMI Music Worldwide, where he was responsible for finance, strategic planning, information technology, human resources, and the studio's group (which included Abbey Road). During the six years in that role, he led the acquisition of Virgin Music, Chrysalis Records, and IRS Records. Before that, Rowley served in several senior roles at EMI Music including Finance Director for Europe. He was Vice President for Finance at Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment in Los Angeles; and Vice President for Finance and Planning for Thorn EMI Video in New York. Since 2007, Rowley has held several non-executive board seats including Promethean World plc, where he served as Non-Executive Director and then Chairman from 2010-2015; HMV Group plc, where he served as Non-Executive Director and then Chairman from 2007-2013; MISYS Plc and Tradus PLC; and ARM Holdings plc, where he served for over nine years, during which time he successively chaired the audit and remuneration committees.Rowley is known for his strong leadership skills, strategic mindset, and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. He is highly respected within the industry for his financial acumen, business acumen, and commitment to driving value for shareholders. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rowley is also actively involved in various industry associations and community initiatives. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from a prestigious university and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). His dedication to excellence and passion for the entertainment

Everybody is talking about longevity nowadays…such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink, supplements such as NAD to Rapamycin, and various blood tests and full body MRI scans. How does one sift through the noise and make sense of what’s what? Dr. Bill Kapp, CEO of Fountainlife, lays it out for us in layman’s terms. We discuss:Fountain Life's plans to make advanced health screening technologies more accessible by partnering with corporations, hotels, residential communities, and golf clubsHow you can leverage AI and wearables to make health tracking funThe potential of new technologies in extending life (he predicts major advancements by 2030)Why Peter Diamandis and Tony Robbins decided to create Fountain LifeDr. Kapp’s personal health and fitness philosophyAnd a whole lot more! Enjoy!Dr. Kapp's Bio:Dr. Kapp is a dynamic entrepreneur who has founded several healthcare start-ups, ranging from surgical centers and hospitals to electronic health record systems and medical real estate developments. He is passionate about introducing cutting-edge technology to enhance both the facilities and operations of healthcare organizations. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, former USAF Flight Surgeon, and type-rated jet aircraft pilot, Dr. Kapp has a unique combination of medical expertise and aviation knowledge. Moreover, he is dedicated to advancing the new healthcare paradigm that focuses on the detection and reversal of asymptomatic diseases. Dr. Kapp is deeply committed to this cause and strives to improve patient outcomes by leveraging the latest advancements in medical technology and innovation.

SummaryHave you ever wondered what kind of companies are being created in the Space industry, outside of the one or two that you've heard about such as SpaceX? It's a $500Bn market today (and trillions over the next couple of decades). You're invited to listen and absorb the knowledge of Space Capital's founder, Chad Anderson, as he takes us on the journey and provides a roadmap of what's in store. Chad has real vision and we discuss his career evolution in finance to creating the UK's first Space innovation center to ultimately shifting directly into launching a fund with an exclusive focus on the Space space. We discuss the emerging potential of the industry, navigate the challenges of investments in the sector during the early days, and how it's evolved now that the likes of Musk, Bezos, Branson and others are putting their weight behind the industry.One of my biggest takeaways is the the importance of recognizing trends, overcoming obstacles, and staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry. Through Chad's perspective, our audience gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities and complexities within the space investment landscape, painting a vivid picture of the future possibilities in the space economy.Enjoy!About ChadChad Anderson is a pioneering figure in the space investment industry, as highlighted by TechCrunch calling him "among the best-positioned people to weigh in on the current and future state of the space startup industry." As the founder and managing partner of Space Capital for over a decade, Chad has been instrumental in driving investments in the Space Economy. He is also the author of "The Space Economy: Capitalize on the Greatest Business Opportunity of our Lifetime," published by Wiley.With a strong media presence, Chad has been featured in reputable outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Financial Times. Apart from his work at Space Capital, Chad serves on the board of the Satellite Applications Catapult, contributing to the growth of the UK's space sector. He is also on the board of the Explorers Club, a nonprofit promoting scientific exploration, and has been a member of the User Advisory Committee for the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory.Prior to founding Space Capital, Chad had a successful tenure at JPMorgan Chase, managing a $50-billion real estate portfolio during the Great Recession. He holds an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation from the University of Oxford, showcasing his diverse expertise and experience in finance, entrepreneurship, and the space industry.