DIB Innovators

EP 26 — Peak InfoSec’s Matthew Titcombe on the Ins and Outs of Achieving CMMC Certification Success

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Matthew Titcombe, CEO and Sr. Information Security Consultant of Peak InfoSec, to explore the intricacies of cybersecurity compliance. Matt emphasizes the critical role of conducting thorough gap assessments as the first step toward achieving CMMC certification. 
He discusses the common challenges organizations face, including a lack of understanding of requirements and cultural resistance to change. Additionally, Matt shares strategies for fostering a culture of security awareness and developing tailored compliance plans. He also provides valuable guidance for businesses looking to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity and enhance their security posture. 
 
Topics discussed:
The importance of conducting thorough gap assessments to identify compliance weaknesses and establish a roadmap for achieving cybersecurity certification.
The complexities of the CMMC and what organizations need to know to succeed.
The frequent hurdles businesses face, including misunderstandings of compliance requirements and insufficient preparation for audits.
How cultural resistance within organizations can impede progress toward achieving cybersecurity compliance and how to address it.
Developing customized compliance strategies that align with an organization’s specific needs and risk profile.
The importance of fostering a culture of security awareness through training and education for all employees.
How organizations can create effective remediation plans based on the findings from their gap assessments to address identified vulnerabilities.
The need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of cybersecurity practices to keep pace with evolving threats.
How organizations should seek collaboration with cybersecurity experts to navigate the complexities of compliance and enhance their security posture.

EP 25 — goTenna’s Ari Schuler on Overcoming Challenges in Educating Customers About New Technologies

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Ari Schuler, CEO of goTenna, to explore the transformative journey of his company. Ari discusses goTenna's strategic pivot from a consumer-focused business to serving government needs, highlighting the critical decisions and innovations that drove this shift. 
 
He shares his expertise on the power of mesh networks for reliable off-grid communication, emphasizing their importance in military and emergency scenarios. Ari also offers insights on the challenges of educating customers about new technologies and overcoming traditional biases. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
Strategic shifts from consumer markets to focusing on government and defense needs, emphasizing key decisions and innovations.
The role of mesh networks in enabling reliable off-grid communication, particularly in remote and contested environments.
The difficulties in educating customers about new technologies and overcoming traditional biases and resistance to change.
The importance of mission-driven culture, along with its impact on attracting and retaining the right talent.
The challenges of developing and implementing innovative defense technologies while navigating complex governmental requirements.
The significance of strategic hiring in ensuring the right expertise and experience for goTenna’s growth in the defense sector.
How demonstrating real-world applications of goTenna’s technology helps build trust and acceptance among government users.
Insights into the future of communication technology, particularly in off-grid and contested environments.
The importance of having clear metrics and a common language to measure the success and impact of new technologies. 

EP 24 — RMCI’s Kenneth Speaks on Revolutionizing Rotorcraft Maintenance with Real-Time Data

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David chats with Kenneth Speaks, Founder and CEO of RMCI. Kenneth shares his insights on how technology is revolutionizing the aviation industry, in particular the importance of real-time data analysis for rotorcraft, highlighting how advanced sensor technology and condition-based maintenance are reducing downtime and enhancing safety. 
 
Kenneth discusses RMCI's innovative solutions for predictive maintenance and their vision for the future of aviation technology over the next 5-10 years. He also touches on how RMCI is setting new standards and leading the charge in aviation maintenance innovation. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
The importance of real-time data analysis in rotorcraft maintenance and how it transforms raw data into actionable knowledge.
How condition-based maintenance is reducing downtime and increasing safety by predicting and preventing failures before they occur.
The impact of advanced sensors on monitoring rotorcraft performance and identifying early signs of mechanical issues.
Innovative solutions for predictive maintenance that RMCI is developing to set new standards in the aviation industry.
Kenneth's vision for the next 5-10 years in aviation technology and how RMCI plans to stay ahead of industry demands.
Key challenges faced by the aviation industry and how RMCI aims to address them with cutting-edge technology.
Strategies for securing government contracts within the defense industrial base and responding to governmental requirements.
Real-world examples of how RMCI's technology has prevented failures and improved the maintenance processes for their clients.
Kenneth's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the defense industrial base and innovate with new technologies.

EP 23 — American Lithium Energy’s William Hadala on Scaling Lithium Battery Production in the US

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with William Hadala Jr, VP of Strategy at American Lithium Energy. William shares his remarkable journey from serving in the Air Force to becoming a key leader in the lithium battery industry. 
 
He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in scaling battery cell manufacturing in the US, emphasizing the importance of optimizing processes and efficiency. William also addresses the need for honesty and transparency within the industry and the critical role of environmental considerations in energy production. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
Responsibilities of a VP of Strategy, including overseeing manufacturing processes and expansion into mega- and gigafactories.
Strategies for enhancing efficiency, yield, and overall optimization in lithium battery production.
The challenges and importance of bringing battery cell manufacturing back to the United States.
Addressing the environmental impact of lithium battery production and the industry's responsibility towards sustainability.
The importance of integrity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence in leadership roles.
Securing close to $30 million in government programs tied to the Department of Defense.
Navigating the divide between technological innovation and environmental sustainability within the energy sector.
Insights into the future of lithium battery technology and its applications in various industries, including military and civilian sectors. 
 

EP 22 — Benchmark Space Systems’ Ryan McDevitt on the Future of Satellite Mobility

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Ryan McDevitt, CEO and Co-Founder of Benchmark Space Systems, about the future of space mobility. Ryan shares his journey from academic research to co-founding a cutting-edge space technology company. 
 
Ryan emphasizes the importance of satellite mobility for collision avoidance and mission success, as well as the innovative propulsion solutions Benchmark provides to navigate increasingly congested orbits. Ryan also highlights the challenges of balancing commercial and government timelines in the space industry. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
Why satellite maneuverability is crucial for avoiding collisions and ensuring mission success in increasingly crowded orbits.
Insights into the hurdles faced by tech startups, including the importance of having the right execution plan, team, and capital.
The complexities of managing different timelines and expectations when working with both commercial and government sectors.
How Benchmark aims to make customers' lives easier by providing comprehensive support, from ground fueling to in-space mobility.
Educating the industry through conferences, papers, and outreach activities to promote safe and effective propulsion technologies.
The broader implications for managing space congestion and the evolving strategies required to maintain order in orbit.
Tips and lessons learned from Ryan's journey, including the value of persistence and thorough preparation when entering the space industry.
The importance of building strong relationships and networks within the industry to drive innovation and growth. 

EP 21 — AWS’s Travis Goldbach on Future Trends in Cloud Security and Zero Trust

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Travis Goldbach, Global Head of CMMC Go-To-Market at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Travis is an expert in DFARS, NIST, and CMMC compliance and uses his knowledge to dive into the challenges small and medium-sized businesses face in navigating complex defense compliance requirements and offers practical advice on how to meet these standards. 
 
Travis highlights the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures for reducing exposure to threats. Additionally, he discusses exciting future trends in cloud security, including zero trust strategies and advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
How small and medium-sized businesses can understand and meet DFARS, NIST, and CMMC compliance requirements in the defense sector.
How AWS supports businesses in achieving and maintaining compliance with stringent defense industry standards.
The importance of educating businesses on specific compliance requirements and providing resources for better understanding and implementation.
Insights into the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against nation-state-level threats and secure controlled unclassified information.
Adopting a risk management approach tailored to each organization's needs for protecting sensitive data.
Strategies for strengthening supply chain security to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance overall defense readiness.
Exploration of upcoming trends in cloud security, including the adoption of zero trust strategies and their impact on the defense sector.
How advancements in AI and ML are shaping the future of cybersecurity in the defense industry.
The role of independent assessments, such as those by C3PAOs, in verifying compliance with all required standards.
Importance of leveraging partnerships to enhance compliance efforts and cybersecurity measures, ensuring a more secure defense industrial base.

EP 20 — Evolution Energy Solutions’ Stacy Newstead on Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Tech and Defense

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Stacy Newstead, CEO of Evolution Energy Solutions , the US subsidiary of Evolution Energy Minerals, to explore her journey to leadership in the tech-defense sector. Stacy shares invaluable insights on balancing personal and company goals, highlighting how aligning these objectives can drive mutual success. She also dives into the complexities of navigating regulatory challenges while fostering innovation, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict regulations. 
 
Stacy also discusses the significant impact of advanced technologies on national defense, offering strategies for enhancing defense capabilities through strategic partnerships. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
The importance of aligning individual objectives with company goals to drive mutual success and achieve organizational growth.
Insights into how to adhere to strict regulations while fostering innovation in the tech-defense sector.
How advanced technologies can enhance national defense capabilities and the importance of integrating these innovations.
The significance of fostering global partnerships while ensuring national security and navigating international collaborations.
Understanding and mitigating risks within supply chains to ensure stability and efficiency in technological industries.
The role of critical thinking in leadership and how it can drive effective decision-making in complex scenarios.
The balance between economic interests and national security needs in the tech-defense landscape.
The time and money involved in qualification processes for new technologies and how they impact company strategies.
The necessity of investing in research and development to drive technological advancements and maintain a competitive edge.

EP 19 — Spirit Electronics’ Marti McCurdy on Inspiring the Next Generation in STEM

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Marti McCurdy, CEO of Spirit Electronics. Marti shares her remarkable journey from serving in the Air Force to leading an aerospace and defense company. She discusses the challenges she faced and overcame, the importance of fostering innovation within her industry, and her dedication to engaging the younger generation in STEM fields. 
 
Marti emphasizes the value of a strong network and the critical role of teamwork in driving success. She also offers her strategies for creating a strong, collaborative company culture. Marti also touches on the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and her commitment to supporting the next generation of STEM professionals. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
The biggest challenges of starting and leading a company, and the strategies used to overcome them.
Fostering a culture of innovation within the company to stay ahead in the competitive aerospace and defense sector.
The importance of creating a collaborative and adaptive culture that accommodates multiple generations of employees.
The critical role of teamwork and having a strong network in driving the success of her company.
The commitment to engaging and inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals to ensure a bright future for the industry.
The complexities of meeting compliance and security requirements in the aerospace and defense industry.
Addressing the challenges related to supply chain security and how to manage these effectively.
The need for specialized skill sets in the industry and the gaps in the current education system.

EP 18 — Long Capture’s Russell Long on Crafting Winning Government Proposals for Startups

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Russell Long, Founder & CEO of Long Capture, to explore the intersection of innovative technology and government contracts. Russell shares his journey from military service to founding Long Capture, aiming to bridge the gap between tech startups and government funding. 
 
Russell discusses strategies for crafting compelling proposals that communicate the value of tech solutions, building essential relationships with government clients, and leveraging programs like SBIR to scale startups effectively. He also offers valuable insights and expert advice on securing government contracts for companies with tech innovations ready to scale. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
The importance of creating clear and impactful proposals that effectively communicate the value of tech solutions to government clients.
Leveraging the SBIR program to help tech startups scale from initial phases to substantial government contracts.
Strategies for conducting customer discovery during the early phases of a project to identify the right government customers for tech innovations.
The significance of developing strong relationships with government clients and understanding their needs to secure long-term contracts.
Differentiating between various SBIR types and understanding the role of feasibility analysis in securing funding for tech projects.
How to effectively communicate the practical benefits and potential impacts of tech innovations to government stakeholders.
The process of conducting targeted outreach to identify and engage the right government offices interested in specific tech solutions.
Preparing proposals with a focus on the client's pain points and addressing how the tech solution can meet their specific needs.

State of Cybersecurity in the DIB [Webinar]

On this week's special episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Chris speaks with Tony Bai, CSO at RISCPoint; Christopher Leslie, CIO at Red6; Vince Petrecca, VP of Sales & Business Development at PreVeil; and Peter Romness, VP of Partnerships at IsI Enterprises. They talk about the challenges that this segment faces in terms of addressing cybersecurity and the threats that are coming after them, which were highlighted in a recent survey RADICL conducted to understand how the DIB is viewing cybersecurity. 
 
The topics of the survey touched on questions such as what this segment’s  challenges are, their concerns, the incidents they've experienced, how they view CMMC, how they outsource service providers, and more as it pertains to protecting their data and operations and ultimately withstanding the advances of nation-state-level threat adversaries.
 
The panel also explores the transformative role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity protocols by making systems more resilient, offers practical advice on safeguarding businesses against emerging cyber threats, and tips for developing robust security measures.
 
Topics discussed:
 
The necessity of robust compliance measures for businesses to effectively tackle cybersecurity threats in the defense sector.
The need for comprehensive security plans to stay ahead of potential cyber threats and ensure organizational resilience.
How AI can enhance cybersecurity protocols by making systems more adaptive and resilient to emerging threats.
Practical steps for businesses to develop and implement effective security measures to protect against cyber attacks.
Tips for evaluating MSSPs and MDRs, focusing on their differences and how to choose the right provider for cybersecurity needs.
Predictions on upcoming trends and challenges in the cybersecurity landscape, offering insights into what businesses should prepare for.
The significant challenges businesses face in maintaining accurate and thorough documentation for compliance purposes.
The importance of integrating comprehensive policies and processes as part of a holistic cybersecurity strategy.
How cybersecurity is a team sport, requiring collaboration across various departments to effectively manage and mitigate risks.
Advice and wisdom on what businesses should focus on to enhance their cybersecurity posture.