Building The Base

Execucom

"Building the Base" - an in-depth series of conversations with top entrepreneurs and leaders from tech, financial, industrial, and public sectors. Our special guests are weighing in on a broad selection of topics such as: shaping our future national security industrial base, leadership in challenging times, experiences related to the intersection of business and national security, and personal anecdotes related to their positions of influence. Building the base is hosted by our own BENS member Lauren Bedula who is the Managing Director and National Security Technology Practice Lead at Beacon Global Strategies, and BENS Distinguished Fellow, Jim "Hondo" Geurts who retired from performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy and former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition. read less
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Episodes

Jim Hake, CEO and Founder - Spirit of America
Dec 20 2023
Jim Hake, CEO and Founder - Spirit of America
I love starting things. I love ideas, I love creating. And America provides the best opportunity for the realization of human potential there is. - Jim Hake .In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Jim Hake, the founder of Spirit of America, a unique nonprofit organization. The podcast delves into Jim's fascinating background as an entrepreneur and the inception of Spirit of America in response to the 9/11 attacks. The conversation explores the organization's role in providing private assistance to support national security objectives and filling gaps that government alone cannot address. Jim shares insights into the evolution of these gaps over two decades and emphasizes the importance of private philanthropy in enhancing national security. The discussion touches on Spirit of America's global impact, focusing on regions like Ukraine, Taiwan, West Africa, and Iraqi Kurdistan. Jim reflects on the challenges of navigating legal frameworks, building trust, and creating a collaborative ecosystem between private citizens and government entities. The episode concludes with a discussion on talent acquisition for nonprofit endeavors and the crucial role of a diverse, values-driven team. Jim also expresses optimism about the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in the national security space. Key Takeaways:1. Flexible Mission-Driven Capability: Spirit of America operates as a flexible, mission-driven capability that supports national security objectives through private assistance, emphasizing the relevance of this approach against evolving threats.2. Filling Gaps in National Security: Jim discusses how the organization fills gaps in national security objectives, highlighting the role of private assistance in areas where government efforts fall short.3. Nonprofit Impact in Global Relations:  The episode underscores how nonprofits like Spirit of America contribute to building trust, fostering partnerships, and delivering on commitments, thereby positively influencing global perceptions of American values.4. Talent Acquisition for Nonprofits: Jim emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people for nonprofit endeavors, focusing on values, openness, and a collaborative culture to drive success.5. Evolving Industrial Base: The podcast touches on the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in the national security space and the need for a diverse network, combining nonprofit and for-profit entities, to effectively address security challenges.
Honorable Dana Deasy Former Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO)
Dec 6 2023
Honorable Dana Deasy Former Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO)
"The DOD is designed to give responsibility down to the lowest level, and that is the complexity that must be solved for. But we are never going to move with speed if we keep it down at the lowest common denominator." - Dana Deasy In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome special guest Dana Deasy, former DOD Chief Information Officer with extensive experience in both the private and public service sectors. Dana's distinguished career includes roles as the Global CIO of JP Morgan Chase, CIO at BP, Tyco International, Siemens America, and Rockwell Space Systems. The conversation delves into Dana's journey, from his early career to becoming a global CIO, and his unexpected shift to government service as the DOD CIO.Key Takeaways:Diverse Career Trajectory: Dana's career path highlights the evolution of technology from the mainframe era to the current digital age. His willingness to take on roles with increasing scale and complexity led him to diverse sectors, including finance, energy, and defense.Patriotism and Public Service: Dana's unexpected entry into government service revealed a latent patriotic streak. His experience at the DOD ignited a passion for serving the country, emphasizing the rewards and challenges of working in the public sector.Challenges in Government Transformation: The discussion outlines the challenges of digital transformation in government, focusing on the protracted budgeting process and the complexities of the acquisition process. Dana highlights the need for a more agile approach and draws parallels with the private sector.COVID-19 and Government Agility: The COVID-19 pandemic served as a litmus test for the government's ability to adapt quickly. Dana shares the remarkable achievement of transitioning over a million DOD personnel to remote work in a short timeframe, showcasing the government's agility in crisis situations.Legacy Systems and Modernization Challenges: Legacy systems remain a significant hurdle in the modernization journey. Dana emphasizes the need to balance the autonomy given to individual units with the imperative to move swiftly, calling attention to the ongoing complexity of legacy issues.
Shelly O'Neill Stoneman, SVP Government Affairs Lockheed Martin
Nov 22 2023
Shelly O'Neill Stoneman, SVP Government Affairs Lockheed Martin
"It's not de-globalization; it's being really thoughtful about which allies and partners to use, and perhaps even 'friend-shoring'...thinking clearly about which allies and partners to use." - Shelly O'Neill StonemanIn this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Shelly O'Neill Stoneman, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Lockheed Martin. In the discussion, Shelly shares insights on her diverse career journey spanning government, non-profit, and private sectors. Shelly emphasizes Lockheed Martin's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration with startups, highlighting programs like LM Ventures. She discusses the importance of a diverse workforce and her role as the chair of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). Shelly also delves into the evolving defense industrial base, stressing the need for international partnerships, supply chain resilience, and the integration of technology. She underscores the significance of both established primes and emerging startups in addressing the dynamic challenges of the defense sector.Key Takeaways:Shelly highlights the importance of creating a mission-driven environment to attract talent to the defense industrial base, emphasizing the broader scope beyond traditional perceptions.The episode emphasizes the need for strong partnerships with allies and international collaboration, as seen in initiatives like AUKUS, to address supply chain challenges and enhance interoperability.Shelly underscores the role of primes like Lockheed Martin in fostering innovation and solving complex problems, challenging the perception that only startups bring innovation to the defense sector.Mentorship is crucial for career development, and Shelly shares her gratitude for mentors who played significant roles in her career, including James Allen Walden and Debbie James.The conversation touches on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) and the Leadership Council on Women in National Security (LC WINS), highlighting the importance of diversity in the defense sector and the need for mentorship at various career stages.
Gen. Joe Anderson , President & CEO Rafael Systems Global
Nov 8 2023
Gen. Joe Anderson , President & CEO Rafael Systems Global
In this episode of Building the Base, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome General Joe Anderson, former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-3/5/7, and current President and CEO of Rafael Systems USA, a defense company specializing in advanced defense systems. General Anderson shares his journey into the military, driven by a family tradition of service, and discusses his experiences transitioning from the military to the private sector. He emphasizes the challenges of building trust and fostering partnerships between startups and the Department of Defense (DOD). General Anderson highlights the importance of integrating new technologies into existing systems and the need for a more rapid and agile acquisition process. He also addresses the talent shortage in technical fields, suggesting the necessity of investing in education, training, and talent management. The episode takes a poignant turn as General Anderson discusses the recent conflict in Israel, expressing the personal and business impacts it has had on him and his colleagues at Rafael Systems USA. The episode sheds light on the complexities of defense industry partnerships, emphasizing the need for flexibility, trust, and adaptability in navigating the ever-changing landscape of military and defense technologies.Key Takeaways:Building trust and fostering partnerships between startups and the Department of Defense is essential for the successful integration of new technologies into defense systems.Rapid and agile acquisition processes are necessary to keep pace with technological advancements and prevent analog devices from becoming obsolete.The defense industry faces challenges in talent recruitment, requiring investments in education, training, and talent management to attract skilled professionals.Interoperability and integration are crucial for incorporating new technologies into existing defense systems without adding complexity or compromising functionality.Recent conflicts, such as the one in Israel, have a profound impact on defense companies, necessitating internal reprioritization and adaptability in response to changing circumstances.
Karen Dahut, CEO Google Public Sector
Oct 18 2023
Karen Dahut, CEO Google Public Sector
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.
Lauren Knausenberger, Former US Air Force CIO
Oct 4 2023
Lauren Knausenberger, Former US Air Force CIO
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: Cross-Pollination Between Sectors: The importance of collaboration between the private sector and government, leveraging each other's strengths and innovations.Challenges in Government Partnership: Overcoming cultural and perception barriers between the tech community and the government, addressing issues of trust and collaboration.Government Procurement Dynamics: Understanding that the government buys solutions, not just technology, emphasizing the need for integrated solutions rather than isolated technologies.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.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.
Balan Ayyar, Founder & CEO Percipient.AI
Sep 20 2023
Balan Ayyar, Founder & CEO Percipient.AI
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.
Katherine Boyle, General Partner Andreessen Horowitz
Sep 6 2023
Katherine Boyle, General Partner Andreessen Horowitz
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.
Nand Mulchandani, Chief Technology Officer at the CIA
Aug 16 2023
Nand Mulchandani, Chief Technology Officer at the CIA
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:Intelligence community challengesPrivate sector integrationCommunication gapsComplex government infrastructureModular software developmentSpeed and scalability in warfareStrengthening partnerships