DIB Innovators

EP 17 — Free Form Fibers’ Shay Harrison on Strategic Partnerships and Cybersecurity in Advanced Materials

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Shay Harrison, CEO at Free Form Fibers. Shay details the groundbreaking laser-driven chemical vapor technology that his company is pioneering, which aims to revolutionize the advanced materials industry. 
 
Shay discusses the critical role of strategic partnerships and securing capital to scale such innovative technologies. He also shares insights into the importance of protecting intellectual property and managing cybersecurity risks in a highly competitive market, especially for companies that eventually want to scale up and/or work with government entities. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
The challenges and strategies involved in scaling cutting-edge technology within a startup environment.
The importance of forming strategic partnerships to fuel growth and secure necessary resources.
Insights into the process of securing capital to support the scaling of innovative technologies.
Safeguarding intellectual property in a competitive market, especially for smaller companies and those looking to work with government entities like the DoD.
The unique aspects of working in a startup and how diverse backgrounds contribute to its success.
Current trends and future directions in the advanced materials sector.
 

EP 16 — Zulu Pods’ Rob Sladen on Navigating Government Contracts as a Small Business

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Rob Sladen, Co-founder, Chairman, & CEO of Zulu Pods, to explore his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative technology behind their modular lubrication systems, including the challenges of raising capital and how creating prototypes to show potential investors made a huge difference in showing their vision. 
 
Rob shares insights into the impact of building a resilient startup team and the importance of understanding market pain points. He also touches on navigating government contracts and leveraging SBIR topics to gain traction in the aerospace and defense sectors. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
The importance of assembling a team that collectively doesn't take no for an answer, emphasizing perseverance and collaboration.
Insights into the complexities of working with government agencies and the patience required to secure and manage contracts.
Utilizing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topics to gain traction and funding for their projects.
The significance of understanding market pain points and customer needs, and the role of effective prototyping in product development.
Strategies for raising capital as a small business in the competitive tech industry.
The necessity of adhering to industry standards and regulations to secure government contracts and ensure business success.
Implementing cybersecurity measures to protect intellectual property and comply with government requirements.
Practical tips and insights for entrepreneurs looking to turn their innovative ideas into successful products and businesses.

EP 15 — Swarmbotics AI’s Stephen Houghton on Leveraging Military Experience in Swarm Robotics Leadership

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Stephen Houghton, CEO and Co-founder at Swarmbotics AI, dives into his journey from Marine officer to tech innovator. Stephen shares how his military background has uniquely shaped his approach to strategic leadership and decision-making in the tech industry, particularly in innovating swarm robotics. 
In fact, he offers insights on the gaps and opportunities he and his co-founder, Drew Watson, sought to address with groundbreaking technologies that set Swarmbotics AI apart in the field of ground autonomy and swarm robotics. Stephen also talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing the multifaceted responsibilities of being a CEO while driving innovation and growth. 
Topics discussed:
How Stephen Houghton's experience as a Marine officer has influenced his strategic leadership and decision-making skills in the tech industry.
The groundbreaking technologies Swarmbotics AI is developing in the field of ground autonomy and swarm robotics.
The most exciting and challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur and founder in the defense industrial base.
Identifying and addressing strategic issues within the tech and defense sectors.
Stephen's approach to building a strong and effective company culture, including sharing his leadership philosophy and values with new team members.
Managing the multifaceted responsibilities of being a CEO, from product reviews to investor meetings, while driving innovation and growth.
Key milestones Swarmbotics AI aims to achieve in the next two years and their long-term vision for five to ten years down the road.
The importance of collaboration within the industry to deploy and employ new technologies effectively, including the capabilities they bring to the table. 

EP 14 — Dauntless XR’s Lori-Lee Elliott on Enhancing Defense Training and Operational Efficiency with Extended Reality

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Lori-Lee Elliott, Co-founder and CEO of Dauntless XR, to discuss the transformative power of extended reality (XR) in military applications. Lori-Lee dives into how XR technology is revolutionizing mission debriefing and operational efficiency for clients such as NASA and the Air Force, sharing insights into the challenges and solutions of integrating XR with government systems. 
Lori-Lee also highlights the importance of cybersecurity and accessibility in XR solutions. She shares how XR is cutting down rework by 90% and making training and maintenance tasks faster and more intuitive than ever before. 
Topics discussed:
The difficulties and solutions in integrating XR technology with the Air Force and other government systems.
How XR technology is enhancing mission debriefing processes for the Air Force by providing accurate, real-time data visualization.
The critical importance of cybersecurity and the specific vulnerabilities that XR applications face, along with strategies to mitigate these risks.
The need for no-code or low-code solutions to ensure widespread user adoption and effective rollout of XR technologies.
The original focus of Dauntless XR on industrial sectors and how those use cases transitioned to defense applications.
The journey through different phases of SBIR/STTR contracts and the challenges of crossing the “valley of death” to secure phase three funding.
How XR is being used to improve maintenance workflows, training, and operational efficiency, particularly in the context of agile combat employment and multi-capable airmen. 

EP 13 — Voyager Space's Matthew Kuta on Entrepreneurial Challenges and the Future of Aerospace

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Matthew Kuta, President and Co-Founder of Voyager Space, who shares insights on his transition from the Air Force to founding a space exploration company. 
Matthew discusses the challenges of starting Voyager Space with limited resources and offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the aerospace sector. He also dives into the unique mission of Voyager Space as the prime company tasked with creating the replacement for the International Space Station. Matthew reflects on the future of space exploration and usage, including implications for national security and defense. 
Topics discussed:
Matthew’s transition from Air Force to Voyager Space leadership, including challenges and achievements.
Challenges faced in starting Voyager Space and raising capital for the venture.
Voyager Space’s involvement in Starlab, the replacement for the International Space Station, and its innovative technology.
The importance of strategic partnerships such as those of Voyager Space’s with Airbus and Mitsubishi for the development of Starlab.
The importance of understanding the end goal of a company or project before starting and capitalizing it.
Mitigating risks in the space sector, including cyber threats and space debris management. 

EP 12 — CARR Machine & Tool’s Jim Carr on Navigating Compliance and Culture in Defense Manufacturing

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Jim Carr, President, CEO and Owner of CARR Machine & Tool, who shares how growing up in the family manufacturing business gave him insights into entrepreneurship, such as how to forge a strong company culture by connecting with your team. 
Jim discusses the challenges and successes of working with the defense industry such as navigating strict compliance measures, reflects on the relative ease of marketing in today's social media, and sheds light on the pivotal role of networking. 
Topics discussed:
Journey in the manufacturing industry, from deciding to work in his parents’ shop at 18 to being the sole shareholder and President.
Strategies for company growth and navigating challenges in the industry, such as finding your niche and doing what you’re best at.
Fostering a strong company culture with emphasis on core values, such as getting to know your team no matter how high up you are.
Security protocols and considerations in manufacturing operations.
Insights on working with the defense industry and compliance measures.
The importance of networking and building relationships for business success.
Effective marketing strategies and brand visibility tactics, including using social media, which is free and relatively easy.

EP 11 — World View’s Ryan Hartman on Envisioning a Radically Improved Future in the DIB

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks to Ryan Hartman, President and CEO of World View. The conversation explores Ryan's military background, highlighting how his experiences in the Navy and Air Force shaped his leadership style. They also discuss the importance of effective communication and servant leadership in corporate success. 
Ryan shares impactful stories that emphasize the significance of a purpose-driven mission and leadership style at World View. He explains how stratospheric balloons function and what their clients use them for, highlighting World View's focus on enhancing customer missions and their engagement with the defense industrial base.
Topics discussed:
Ryan Hartman's military background in the Navy and Air Force and the influence of those experiences on Ryan's leadership style.
The importance of effective communication and crew or team coordination.
What has shaped the purpose-driven leadership at World View, including stories illustrating the impact of purpose on company culture
World View's focus on enhancing customer missions and their engagement with the defense industrial base
Technical challenges and operational efficiency in stratospheric ballooning.
The potential evolution of stratospheric ballooning in commercial and security applications

EP 10 — Paragon's Grant Anderson on Building Teams that Make Innovation in the DIB a Regular Process

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Grant Anderson, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Paragon Space Development Corporation. They discuss why Paragon Space Development Corporation does not use PowerPoint and how Paragon Space Development Corporation's flagship products have contributed to the defense space. 
Grant also shares his approach to leadership and some advice on building an innovative team. He also talks about how Paragon Space Development Corporation stays up to date with industry standards and continues to drive innovation.
 
Topics discussed:
Grant's journey from being the controller of an aviation company to working with Lockheed Martin to starting Paragon Space Development Corporation.
How Paragon refuses to use PowerPoint, which sets them apart from other organizations in the best way. 
Paragon's flagship products and their contributions to the defense space.
Grant's approach to leadership and his advice on building a team that makes innovation a regular process.
Why Paragon has avoided organizing itself based on team functions, instead opting for a process-based, collaborative approach.
How Paragon stays ahead with industry changes and continues to drive innovation in response.

EP 9 — VirTra's Bob Ferris on Pioneering Virtual Training for Defense Advancement

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Bob Ferris, Founder and Executive Chairman of VirTra, about the journey from a team of one—himself—to becoming one of the field's leading innovators and the critical role of strategic planning in VirTra's expansion.
Bob also outlines the hurdles involved in crafting virtual training programs for law enforcement and military personnel, showcasing VirTra's adeptness in overcoming these challenges.
Topics discussed:
How the field of virtual training technologies has evolved, and why Bob is the "grandfather" of it all.
The strategic planning integral to VirTra's growth and success in the industry.
VirTra's groundbreaking initiatives and why the company has consistently remained ahead of its time.
Why it's so challenging to create effective virtual training products.
How VirTra keeps track of the trends and new technologies in the defense sector
Embracing rejection as a catalyst for progress and innovation. How moving forward can sometimes mean saying—and hearing—"no."

EP 8 — Thomas Weidley on How a Warrior Ethos Has Guided His Leadership from the Marine Corps to Capewell

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Thomas Weidley, President and CEO of Capewell, a safety, tactical, parachute, and aerial delivery solutions manufacturer. 
They discuss regrounding yourself in order to be a better leader. Tom also describes how supporting national security operations inspires Capewell employees to consistently deliver high-quality, reliable products. 
Topics discussed:
How a "warrior ethos" has guided Tom's leadership both in the Marine Corp and as CEO of Capewell.
Lessons from combat that transfer to the corporate landscape.
Regrounding yourself and getting back to basics to stay connected to your team.
How supporting national security operations shapes the ethos of Capewell and its employees.
Challenges to staying innovative in delivering high-quality, reliable systems.
How Capewell has incorporated AI and other tech in their operations and manufacturing.
Balancing keeping an innovation mindset with keeping your ideas secure.