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Building The Base

Building The Base

Execucom

"Building the Base" - an in-depth series of conversations with top entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders from tech, financial, industrial, and public sectors. Our special guests provide their unique perspectives on a broad selection of topics such as: shaping our future national security industrial base, the impact of disruptive technologies, how new startups can increasingly contribute to national security, and practical tips on leadership and personal development whether in government or the private sector. Building the Base is hosted by Lauren Bedula, is Managing Director and National Security Technology Practice Lead at Beacon Global Strategies, and the Honorable Jim "Hondo" Geurts who retired from performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy and was the former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition and Acquisition Executive at United States Special Operations Command.
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Top 10 Building The Base Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Building The Base episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Building The Base for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Building The Base episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome back Jason Rathje, Director of the Department of Defense's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), as the first-ever repeat guest. Jason shares his personal journey from an early passion for technology and innovation to leading OSC’s groundbreaking efforts. He highlights the progress made since his last appearance, including a major announcement of $984 million in available credit to bolster U.S. industrial capacity and national security, further bridging private capital with defense technology to maintain America's competitive edge.

Five Key Takeaways:

  1. OSC’s Impact: OSC has introduced a scalable financial approach, using federal credit programs to drive investment in critical technology.
  2. New Funding Model: A loan and loan guarantee program, that allows private sector partners to access affordable, long-term credit.
  3. First Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA): Nearly $1 billion for loan distribution to modernize, procure, and refurbish manufacturing equipment.
  4. Strategic Competition: By offering longer loan terms, OSC supports companies that are vital to national security, counteracting the market's reluctance to invest in high-risk, low-return areas such as hardware technology.
  5. Future Opportunities: OSC’s approach will continue to evolve, with more financial products being launched based on industry feedback.

Memorable Quotes:

  • Jason Rathje: "Raising twins is maybe the hardest thing we’ve ever done... it’s certainly right up there with starting a brand-new organization in the Pentagon."
  • Jason Rathje: "This is a seismic shift in how the Department of Defense engages with our industrial base... We are offering something scalable, unlike direct government spending."
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In this episode of the "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM,"co-hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Brigadier General John Cogbill from CENTCOM to explore the strategic implications of digital transformation in modern warfare. From operationalizing the commander's vision to fostering a culture of innovation, Brigadier General Cogbill provides insights into how headquarters are redefining their approach to digital warfighting.

Key Takeaways:

1. Culture of Innovation: Initiatives like the Dragon's Lair and the Innovation Oasis are pivotal in unlocking the potential of servicemen and women, empowering them to become problem solvers rather than just problem identifiers.

2. Digital Transformation in Real Time: The integration of live data and real-world scenarios enables unprecedented levels of situational awareness, allowing commanders to make informed decisions and maintain a common operating picture across the AOR.

3. Experimentation and Collaboration: Despite the demands of real-world operations, CENTCOM prioritizes experimentation and collaboration with industry partners to drive digital literacy and refine warfighting capabilities.

4. Interoperability and Integration: Ensuring interoperability across components and with partner nations remains a critical focus, with ongoing efforts to streamline data flow and optimize decision-making processes.

5. Strategic Vision: Looking ahead, the command envisions a future characterized by live data-driven decision-making processes, minimizing reliance on traditional methods like PowerPoint and maximizing the effectiveness of digital tools in achieving mission objectives.

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Building The Base - Lauren Knausenberger, Former US Air Force CIO
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10/04/23 • 41 min

In this episode of Building the Base Laruen Bedula and Hondo Geurts chat with, former Chief Information Officer of the Air Force, Lauren Knausenberger. Lauren shares her journey from the private sector to government service and her experiences in driving innovation and collaboration between the tech industry and the Department of Defense (DOD). She emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government and private sector, highlighting historical examples like GPS and the internet that originated from DOD research. Knausenberger stressed the need for a cohesive strategy, shared market awareness, and strong relationships between startups and the government. She also highlighted the challenges of navigating the bureaucratic processes and cultural differences, emphasizing the significance of persistence and differentiation in gaining government contracts. Reflecting on her time in government, she recognized the progress made in understanding technology but emphasized the need for continued efforts to bridge the gap between tech and the DOD.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Cross-Pollination Between Sectors: The importance of collaboration between the private sector and government, leveraging each other's strengths and innovations.
  2. Challenges in Government Partnership: Overcoming cultural and perception barriers between the tech community and the government, addressing issues of trust and collaboration.
  3. Government Procurement Dynamics: Understanding that the government buys solutions, not just technology, emphasizing the need for integrated solutions rather than isolated technologies.
  4. Building Relationships: The significance of building relationships and understanding the needs of the government agencies, emphasizing the role of hustle, persistence, and a compelling pitch in establishing these connections.
  5. Evolving Government Engagement: The changing landscape of government engagement, including the role of venture communities, industry events, and platforms like AF Works, highlighting the need for adaptability and innovation in engaging with government agencies.
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Building The Base - Intro - Digital Warfare Series : U.S. CENTCOM
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04/04/24 • 8 min

In this kickoff episode of the Special Four Part Series, "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM," our Hosts Lauren and Hondo chat with Schuyler Moore, the Chief Technology Officer of Central Command (CENTCOM). Schuyler puts in context the ongoing digital transformation efforts within CENTCOM as a prelude to the four episodes which follow in this special series.

The series highlights how CENTCOM is driving digital transformation innovations across various echelons of the command. We hear real-world examples and experiences from those in the command driving this transformation day to day as they apply these new tools and approaches to improve the Command’s operational effectiveness in both the crises of today and those they need to be prepared for in the future.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vision for Digital Transformation: CENTCOM's vision for digital transformation encompasses people, partners, and innovation, emphasizing the need for creative solutions to address complex operational challenges.

2. Real-world Testing and Adaptation: Recent events have served as a real-world test for digital tools and processes, highlighting the importance of adaptability and user feedback in refining capabilities.

3. Echelons of Focus: The series highlights efforts across different echelons, from base defense operations to multinational coordination, providing a comprehensive view of digital initiatives at CENTCOM.

4. Role of Relationships: Success in digital transformation hinges on fostering strong relationships, both within the military and with industry partners, to ensure integration, collaboration, and sustainability.

5. Operational Awareness: Understanding the operational problem set is essential for developing effective solutions, bridging the gap between technical expertise and operational needs.

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Building The Base - Picking Winners w/ Trae Stephens , Co- Founder Anduril
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04/02/24 • 39 min

“If you create opportunities, and don't pick winners, then there are no winners, and then the capital runs away, the founders that are interested in the market run away, and you end up right back where you started” - Trae Stephens

In this episode of the Building the Base podcast, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts interview Trae Stephens, the co-founder and chairman of Anduril. Stephens discusses his background in national security, his experience as a venture capitalist, and his vision for the future of the defense industry.

Get a unique perspective on the convergence of technology and national security along with Trae’s path from journalism to venture capital and the genesis of Anduril. He highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the defense industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government and tech companies to address evolving threats.

Key Takeaways:

The government needs to pick winners in the defense industry. Stephens argues that the government needs to be more selective in its funding of defense startups. By investing in a small number of companies with high potential, the government can help to create a more competitive and innovative defense market.

  1. The government needs to move away from bespoke solutions. Stephens says that the government has been too focused on bespoke solutions, which are expensive and inefficient. He argues that the government should instead focus on investing in commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions, which can provide similar capabilities at a much lower cost.
  2. The government needs to do a better job of understanding software. Stephens says that the government has a poor understanding of software and its capabilities. This has led to the government making poor decisions about how to invest in software companies and how to use software in the defense industry.
  3. The government needs to be more accountable for its decisions. Stephens argues that the government needs to be more accountable for the decisions it makes about defense spending. He says that the government should be held to the same standards as private sector companies when it comes to making decisions.
  4. The future of the defense industry is bright. Stephens believes that the future of the defense industry is bright. He says that the government is making progress in its efforts to reform the defense industry. The defense industry will increasingly rely on commercial off-the-shelf solutions.
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Building The Base - Karen Dahut, CEO Google Public Sector
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10/18/23 • 37 min

In this episode of Building The Base, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Karen Dahut, the CEO of Google Public Sector, to explore her incredible journey from the Navy to leading Google's public sector business. Karen shares her story, highlighting the influence of her parents' service and her personal dedication to making a difference. She discusses the evolving defense industrial base, emphasizing the need for greater integration and technical program management. Karen delves into the significance of innovation, emphasizing that it is a mindset and culture.

Together they address the challenges and importance of transparent communication within organizations, drawing from her experiences at Google. The conversation touches on the power of partnerships, the role of AI in national security, and the global perspective on technology integration.

5 Key Takeaways:
Innovation is a Mindset: Innovation is not just about doing something; it's about creating a culture where innovation is embraced, empowering individuals to think boldly and make a difference.

Transparency is Key: Transparent communication within organizations, especially regarding important decisions, fosters trust and understanding among employees, leading to better collaboration.

Empowerment and Responsibility: Empowering individuals at all levels while holding them accountable for their responsibilities can accelerate their careers and help them make informed decisions.

Prioritizing Personal and Professional Goals: Clearly defining priorities in personal and professional life and evaluating them regularly empowers individuals to make decisions that align with their values and goals.

Networking for Growth: Building a genuine network of connections is crucial for personal and professional growth. Authentic interactions and a willingness to learn from others can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives.

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Building The Base - Balan Ayyar, Founder & CEO Percipient.AI
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09/20/23 • 45 min

In episode one of Building the Base, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts chat with Balan Ayyar, retired US Air Force General Officer and now CEO of Percipient AI, a Silicon Valley-based artificial intelligence and machine learning firm. Balan's unique background, spanning military service, government IT, and startup leadership, provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of national security and technology innovation.

Bullet-Pointed Topics Discussed:

  • Balan Ayyar's Personal Journey: Balan shares his immigrant background, family inspiration, and how he transitioned from a distinguished military career to becoming a tech entrepreneur.
  • Fundraising Challenges: We hear the early challenges of securing investment in the national security and intelligence technology sector and the skepticism faced by startups like Percipient AI.
  • The Fast-Moving Nature of Technology: Balan highlights the rapid evolution of AI and machine learning technologies, making government requirements quickly outdated and challenging for primes to keep up.
  • Incentivizing Primes and Government Agencies: The conversation emphasizes the need to align incentives for defense primes to adopt commercial technologies and for government agencies to prioritize solutions that improve user experiences and operational effectiveness.
  • Mission-Tuned Software: The importance of customizing or "mission tuning" software to meet the specific needs of national security and intelligence organizations is discussed, emphasizing the need for dedicated efforts from technology companies in this space.
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Building The Base - Katherine Boyle, General Partner Andreessen Horowitz
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09/06/23 • 35 min

In this week's episode of Building the Base, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts are joined by Katherine Boyle from Andreessen Horowitz. Katherine, a general partner at Andreessen, leads the American dynamism practice, which focuses on national security, aerospace, defense, public safety, housing, education, and industrial sectors. Katherine discusses her journey from being a reporter at The Washington Post to venture capitalism, emphasizing the growing importance of technology in the defense industry. The episode explores the role of venture capital in supporting companies that address critical national security challenges.

Top Five Things to Know:

1. The defense industry is experiencing a shift as technology and venture capital become increasingly intertwined, emphasizing the need for collaboration between Silicon Valley and national security.

2. The American dynamism practice at Andreessen Horowitz focuses on investing in early-stage companies addressing national security challenges, emphasizing founder-driven missions.

3. Venture capitalists play a vital role in supporting founders beyond providing capital, offering mentorship, networks, and knowledge sharing to help them navigate the complexities of the defense industry.

4. Collaborative networks are forming among venture capital firms with a shared mission, recognizing that investments in capital-intensive sectors require cooperation and expertise.

5. Education and awareness within the venture ecosystem are crucial, as early believers work to expand understanding and engagement in the defense and national security sector, ensuring innovation and support for critical missions.

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Building The Base - Nand Mulchandani, Chief Technology Officer at the CIA
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08/16/23 • 30 min

In this podcast episode, Nand, a former founder and now a representative of the intelligence community, shares valuable insights on the intersection of the private and public sectors in the realm of national security. He emphasizes the need for better communication between startups and intelligence agencies, highlighting the challenge of understanding the specific needs of the intelligence community due to its inherently secretive nature. Nand calls for increased transparency, expressing the intention to broadcast the agency's needs more effectively. He also addresses the integration problem faced by the defense industry, stressing the importance of modular software and systems that can seamlessly interface with existing infrastructure.

The discussion touches on the complexity of modern warfare and the changing nature of intelligence operations. Nand encourages startups to focus on enabling speed and scalability for commanders and senior leaders, rather than attempting to eliminate humans from the equation. He emphasizes the importance of viewing human capital as valuable and the potential for technological advancements to enhance decision-making processes. Throughout the conversation, Nand demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both the private sector and the intelligence community, striving for stronger partnerships and shared goals in ensuring national security.

In this episode, Lauren, Hondo and Nand discuss:

  1. Intelligence community challenges
  2. Private sector integration
  3. Communication gaps
  4. Complex government infrastructure
  5. Modular software development
  6. Speed and scalability in warfare
  7. Strengthening partnerships
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Building The Base - Venture Meets Mission with Arun Gupta
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06/11/24 • 45 min

In this episode of Building The Base, Hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts dive in with Arun Gupta venture Capitalist, CEO of the Noble Reach Foundation and Author of "Venture Meets Mission". They Discuss the growing trend of mission-driven entrepreneurship and the need for collaboration between government agencies and entrepreneurs to create positive social impact.

Arun emphasized the importance of understanding government networks and problems and highlighted the benefits of having "dual-citizens" in government. We hear a candid discussion about the challenges faced by government agencies in fostering innovation and suggestions on how to embraces positive intent and promote collaboration between government and entrepreneurs.

Major Takeaways

  • Merging entrepreneurship, government, and technology to solve societal problems.
  • Shaping the next generation of tech talent for mission-oriented work.
  • Bridging public service and entrepreneurship.
  • Humanizing government and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  • Scaling AI in government with optimism and collaboration.
  • Private capital in national security sector with insights on potential losers and future growth.
  • How to foster collaboration between government and entrepreneurs to solve big problems.
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FAQ

How many episodes does Building The Base have?

Building The Base currently has 58 episodes available.

What topics does Building The Base cover?

The podcast is about Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Technology, Business, Innovation and National Security.

What is the most popular episode on Building The Base?

The episode title 'Honorable Dana Deasy Former Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO)' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Building The Base?

The average episode length on Building The Base is 37 minutes.

How often are episodes of Building The Base released?

Episodes of Building The Base are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of Building The Base?

The first episode of Building The Base was released on Apr 8, 2022.

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