DIB Innovators

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Jim Nelson , President at Aerostar , to explore the innovative advancements in stratospheric balloon technology and its applications in aerial communications. Jim shares insights into the importance of fostering a strong company culture, emphasizing how core values and team engagement drive success and innovation.    Jim discu...

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Joe Anderson , President and CEO of Rafael Systems Global Sustainment , who shares his insights on the intersection of military leadership and business success, in particular the importance of mentorship in fostering personal and professional growth, emphasizing how military principles like teamwork and adaptability can be app...

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David welcomes Jared Shephard , CEO of Hypori , who shares his remarkable journey from military service to entrepreneurship, focusing on the critical importance of secure mobile communications in today’s digital landscape and how innovative technology can address evolving cybersecurity challenges.    Jared emphasizes the need for mentorship and...

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Ian Cinnamon , CEO and Co-founder of Apex , shares his insights on the evolving landscape of the space industry, including the importance of vertical integration and how it enhances operational efficiency for satellite technology companies.    Ian highlights the growing demand for customizable satellite solutions tailored to specific mission ne...

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with William Kowalski , Co-founder & COO at Atomos Space , to explore the intricacies of launching a startup in the space industry. William shares his insights on navigating the challenges of raising capital, highlighting the importance of storytelling when pitching to investors.  He also discusses the critical role of team dyn...

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Frank Backes , CEO of Capella Space , shares his extensive experience in the satellite imaging industry and the innovative capabilities of his company, in particular how they fit into the DIB. He discusses the importance of providing real-time data for global transparency, even in challenging conditions such as nighttime and adverse weather.   ...

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Matt Shieh , Co-founder and CEO of Canopy Aerospace , to explore his journey to leading an innovative aerospace startup. Matt discusses the critical role of startup accelerators like UChicago's Polsky Center, Starburst, and Techstars in providing networking opportunities, investor introductions, and business model guidance.   ...

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Lee Rosen , Co-founder, President, and CEO of ThinkOrbital . Lee shares his journey from military service to leading innovative projects in the aerospace industry. He discusses the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving in overcoming challenges in space exploration.    Lee reflects on his experiences at SpaceX...

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, includi...

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 relia...

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.    Ken...

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 opti...

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 innovativ...

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 thes...

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...

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 STE...

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 compell...

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 af...

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....

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 sh...

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...

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 a...

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 di...

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 su...

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 tha...