Artificial Intelligence, Open-Source Security, and Defense Unicorns with Rob Slaughter

07/19/23 • 48 min

Episode Summary:
Callye Keen discusses the complexities and challenges facing defense technology innovation with guest Rob Slaughter. They explore the landscape of government defense contracts, the role of open-source software in innovation, and the potential of leveraging AI in the defense sector.
Topic Highlights:
00:00 - The Government and Open Source
Rob Slaughter discusses the pros and cons of using open-source software in the defense sector. He highlights the barriers to adoption, including policy restrictions and security concerns. This conversation provides an in-depth look at the potential for change in governmental processes.
15:47 - The Security of Open-Source
Slaughter delves into the security implications of using open-source software. He expresses a nuanced understanding of the benefits and drawbacks, such as the potential for a broader community to identify vulnerabilities versus the risks of exposure.
30:02 - Balancing Innovation and Practicality
There is a struggle between pushing for innovation and adhering to practical limitations. Rob and Callye explore this balance, discussing the importance of clear communication, understanding end-user needs, and the careful management of resources.
38:49 - AI's Role in Defense
Delving into the opportunities AI presents, Rob paints a vivid picture of how machine learning models could process and extract information from government documents. However, he acknowledges the complexity of marrying classified information with AI, emphasizing the need for continued research and development.
40:39 - Auditing vs Implementation
Callye Keen introduces a significant problem in the defense industry - the focus on audit standards over implementation standards. This shift in approach could significantly alter the way businesses interact with government defense contracts and improve operational efficiency.
42:40 - The Incentive Dilemma
Both Callye and Rob underline the tension that exists between innovation and profitability in the defense sector. This part of their discussion explores the reasons behind the defense sector's reluctance to embrace open source and the potential loss of expertise that could ensue.
44:12 - Shaping Defense Innovation
Rob draws attention to the innovation ecosystem within the defense industry, the budget allocations, and the impact of leadership changes. He also expresses his concern about the rapid turnover of personnel in government innovation programs, likening it to the challenges startups face.
Callye Keen - Kform
https://kform.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/
https://youtube.com/@kforminc
https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen
Robert Slaughter -
https://www.defenseunicorns.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcslaughter/
https://www.youtube.com/@defense-unicorns
https://twitter.com/DefenseUnicorns

Previous Episode

Magic Cloaks, Paper Clip Problems, and the Art of Navigating Defense Entrepreneurship with Trish Martinelli

Episode Summary:
In an enlightening conversation with Trish Martinelli, Callye Keen delves into the heart of problem-solving within the realm of defense innovation. They explore the intersection of bureaucracy and technological advancements, focusing on the role of an innovation mindset in revolutionizing the defense industry.
Topic Highlights:
00:00 - Embracing an Innovation Mindset
Adopting an innovative mindset is vitally important, even within bureaucratic settings. Encouraging risk-taking and creativity, Martinelli highlights the need to foster an environment that facilitates progress and experimentation.
16:01 - The Value of Innovation in Defense Industry
In an engaging discussion with Callye Keen, Trish talks about the crucial role of innovation in the defense industry, emphasizing the need for industry-wide adoption of an innovation mindset to ensure national security and development.
28:33 - Collaborative Approach to Innovation
Discussing the evolution of the defense industry, Callye Keen shares his perspective on the increasing role of collaboration. The blending of commercial innovation and defense industry requirements is helping to expedite problem-solving and development.
31:01 - Putting Users at the Center of Solutions
Trish elucidates the need for user-centric solutions within the defense department. She shares insights from Marina's book, "Hack your Bureaucracy", illustrating the need to improve user experience in the defense sector.
29:00 - Learning from Commercial Giants
Drawing comparisons with UPS, Google, and Amazon, Callye encourages the defense sector to learn from the logistics and tracking systems of these industry leaders. This cross-industry learning is crucial to foster rapid innovation.
33:42 - Engaging with Defense Entrepreneur Forum
As the Executive Director Emerita of the Defense Entrepreneur Forum, Trish advocates for joining passionate communities that are committed to problem-solving and innovation within the defense realm.
34:00 - Understanding Ingredients and Knowing People for Success
Martinelli lists two essential components for success in the defense department: understanding the systems and data, and knowing the right people. Building networks and asking good questions can significantly impact progress.
Parting Thought:
"Ask good questions, offer good solutions, and follow up. If you don't have a personal CRM or a way to process through LinkedIn connections and business cards, find your system that works or find a person that will do it for you." - Trish Martinelli
Callye Keen - Kform
https://kform.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/
https://youtube.com/@kforminc
https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen
Trish Martinelli - Defense Entrepreneur Forum
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishmartinelli-differencemaker/

Next Episode

Big Aerospace, Countering Drones with EMP, and Spartan Radar with Nathan Mintz

Callye Keen engages with tech entrepreneur Nathan Mintz, known for his excellent ability to attract and develop talent. A discussion on successful team building, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, and identifying individuals with a shared vision is explored. Mintz's journey from aerospace to start-ups, and even his political run, serves as a backdrop for this deep dive into leadership dynamics.
Topic Highlights:
00:00 - Radar Innovations: Insights from Spartan
Nathan Mintz discusses the founding of Spartan, its products, and the unique value proposition they bring to the automotive sector.
03:15 - Technological Evolution: From Military to Civilian Use
Mintz talks about the challenges and opportunities of transitioning technologies from the defense sector to civilian uses, such as automated vehicles.
06:42 - Navigating a Start-Up: Spartan’s Growth Strategy
Mintz discusses Spartan's approach to developing its product, growing the team, and the key elements to their success.
09:30 - Competition and Innovation: Radar Technology's Future
The discussion touches on how competition fuels innovation in the radar technology industry. A competitive landscape can stimulate innovation, pushing companies to continually evolve their products. In a field that is advancing rapidly, staying ahead necessitates constant exploration of new possibilities.
15:04 - AI and Radar: Unlocking New Potential
Mintz provides insights on the use of AI and machine learning in radar systems and its potential to revolutionize the field.
19:17 - Attracting Top Talent: Transition at Spartan
Nathan Mintz details his decision to step back from the operational role at Spartan, making way for Dr. Matt Markle. He underlines the importance of understanding one's role in the company and picking the right successor for each stage of development.
20:00 - Insightful Leadership: Choosing The Right Role
Mintz talks about the self-awareness and humility required in leadership roles. He describes his aspiration to always be the 'dumbest person in the room,' illustrating the significance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals.
23:02 - The Start-up Experience: Finding the Right Fit
According to Mintz, individuals who are content with monotony may struggle in the chaos and unstructured environment of a start-up. He stresses the importance of the pioneering spirit and curiosity in thriving amidst the uncertainties of a start-up.
24:15 - The Political Drive: An Engineer in the Assembly
Mintz’s political aspirations show a through-line of dissatisfaction and a desire to change things for the better. His experiences, including running for state assembly and co-founding the non-profit, California Common Sense, are highlighted.
26:05 - Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Self-Doubt
Mintz encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the first step towards their entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that the fear of not realizing one's full potential should never hold one back.
Callye Keen - Kform
https://kform.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/
https://youtube.com/@kforminc
https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen
Nathan Mintz
https://spartanradar.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nmintz/
https://twitter.com/mintz4assembly

The Startup Defense - Artificial Intelligence, Open-Source Security, and Defense Unicorns with Rob Slaughter

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.401

the thought of engaging with an adversary that has advanced AI capabilities at scale To , when we are struggling , deliver anything . It absolutely terrifies me . It terrifies me to think , sending people to war illicit from a software perspective .

Speaker 200:00:16.471

Welcome to the startup defense . Today I have Rob slaughter . This is a little bit of a ce