In this episode, Callye Keen engages with Mark Holden, a defense innovation expert in an insightful discussion on innovation in the defense industry. They delve into the challenges and opportunities within the defense industrial base, addressing topics such as scaling the force, modernization priorities, and the need for technological advancements in the ever-evolving landscape of great power competition.

Topic Highlights:

[00:00] Introduce Mark Holden
Callye Keen introduces Mark Holden, founder of HOLDEN, a professional services firm dedicated to offering top-notch content marketing and robust market strategy for companies, big and small, within the defense and aerospace markets.

[01:40] Challenges and Opportunities in Defense Innovation
Mark discusses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the defense industry, emphasizing the importance of staying agile in the face of emerging threats and modernization needs.

[07:20] The Role of Technology in Great Power Competition
The conversation highlights the critical role of technology in responding to the demands of great power competition. It underscores the need for technological advancements to ensure the military's effectiveness in an evolving operational environment.

[14:12] Unlocking Defense Industry Success
Mark offers sage advice for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs aiming to enter the defense industry. He emphasizes the importance of identifying evangelists and building social proof, showing how these elements play a crucial role in gaining government interest and procurement.

[33:00] Defining Lethality, Dispersion, and Mobility
Mark emphasizes the significance of lethality, dispersion, and mobility in defense innovation. These components are crucial for improving survivability in modern warfare scenarios and addressing the challenges posed by emerging threats.

[42:00] Engaging the Defense Customer
Mark offers insights into how innovators can effectively engage with the defense customer. He encourages asking thought-provoking questions, embracing intellectual curiosity, and making use of community resources to understand the government's modernization priorities.

"Embrace the era of defense innovation, stay curious, and be part of the transformation. We're here to support innovators and enthusiasts as we navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities in this space." - Mark Holden


Callye Keen - Kform
https://kform.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/
https://youtube.com/@kforminc
https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen

Mark Holden - HOLDEN
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-n-holden
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqk8UYrKBqChKnfMn1de0yQ
www.defensebyholden.com

Having served in our nation's military during the Global War on Terrorism, Mark transitioned to a Product Leader role in the Defense and Aerospace sector. Mark Holden has had the privilege of working with dynamic teams, focusing on advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, smart weapons, drones, missiles, tanks, lasers, and thermal imaging sensors. His collective effort has always been aimed at delivering game-changing, life-saving technologies for our warfighters.

Now, Mark helms HOLDEN, a professional services firm dedicated to offering top-notch content marketing and robust market strategy for companies, big and small, within the defense and aerospace markets.