74. From FinTech To Defense Tech With Arun Nair All Quiet On The Second Front podcast

32:35

On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ Rowe (2F CRO) sits down with Samuel (Sammy) Semwangu, CEO of Bazze—a company redefining how commercial data is delivered into the national security enterprise. Sammy shares his journey from special operations to Silicon Valley, the tough lessons learned building in defense tech, and how Bazze evolved into the commercial data infrastructure behind some of today’s most forward-leaning intel operations. What’s Happening on the Second Front The shift from nation-state dominance to commercially driven intelligence How Bazze built a federated API to unlock insights from 20+ data vendors in seconds Why aligning with primes and integrators is key to scale—and survival The incentive problem inside the building—and why smart software alone doesn’t solve it Partner-led GTM, SBIR heartbreak, and why timing > everything Connect with Sammy LinkedIn: Samuel Semwangu Connect with TJ LinkedIn: TJ Rowe…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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89. Software Defined Warfare with Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan and Stephen Rodriguez 42:30

19天之前42:30

42:30

Dive into an exciting surprise episode of All Quiet on the Second Front with host Tyler Sweatt, joined by Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan and Stephen Rodriguez from the Atlantic Council's Software-Defined Warfare Commission. This episode cuts through the complexities of defense technology to focus squarely on the transformative role of software in modern warfare. Tyler, Jack, and Stephen discuss Department of Defense initiatives, underscore the urgency of innovative strategies, and share personal anecdotes that illuminate the path toward a software-driven defense landscape, shedding light on pivotal developments that are reshaping military engagement across the globe. Tune in to understand the stakes and opportunities in software-defined warfare. What’s Happening on the Second Front Insights into Project Maven and the JAIC’s impact on military strategies. Lessons from Jack Shanahan’s Air Force career and Stephen Rodriguez’s tech ventures. How the DoD is adapting to software-centric warfare for technological superiority. The need for rapid, actionable strategies to ensure future readiness. Connect with Jack LinkedIn: Jack Shanahan Connect with Stephen LinkedIn: Stephen Rodriguez Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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88. Greg Touhill, Director of the SEI’s CERT Division at Carnegie Mellon University 30:24

25天之前30:24

30:24

Episode 88. On this episode of All Quiet, host Tyler Sweat chats with cybersecurity expert Greg Touhill, director of the CERT Division at Carnegie Mellon's Software Engineering Institute. With a rich background as the U.S. government's first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and a seasoned executive in the U.S. Air Force and Department of Homeland Security, Greg discusses the trajectory of cybersecurity from its foundational days to its current critical role in national security and private sector strategy. Explore how AI and cybersecurity intersect and the essential steps today's leaders must take to safeguard our digital future. What’s Happening on the Second Front: Greg's journey from the U.S. Air Force to leading national cybersecurity initiatives. The impact of AI on cybersecurity—what does the future hold? Cybersecurity in the corporate world: How is it shaping business strategies at the highest levels? Emerging challenges: What are the next big threats, and how are we preparing to tackle them? Connect with Greg LinkedIn: Gregory Touhill Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt SEI resources discussed: SEI website: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/ AI/AI Security: Artificial Intelligence Security Incident Response Team (AISIRT) Risk and Resilience: Enterprise Risk and Resilience Management SEI GitHub: Software Engineering Institute · GitHub…

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87. Troy Demmer, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer at Gecko Robotics 32:15

6 weeks之前32:15

32:15

In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt chats with Troy Demmer of Gecko Robotics about transforming infrastructure with robotics, AI, and smarter data. They explore Gecko’s origins, its impact on defense and energy, and how better maintenance can drive national security and economic growth. From crawling robots to AI-powered insights, Troy shares how Gecko is tackling critical infrastructure challenges—and why the biggest threat isn’t new technology, but inertia. What's Happening on the Second Front Robots + AI = Smarter Infrastructure – How Gecko is transforming maintenance and inspection. Data Overload? – Why most organizations collect too much but use too little. Tech vs. Tradition – The real battle is overcoming industry inertia, not innovation. AI’s Hidden Flaw – Great power, terrible results—unless the data is right. The Future is Now – Edge computing, real-time insights, and maximizing what we already have. Connect with Troy LinkedIn: Troy Demmer Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

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86. Hon. Martha McSally, Former U.S. Senator & 2F Independent Board Director 30:32

8 weeks之前30:32

30:32

On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front , host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Hon. Martha McSally—former A-10 fighter pilot, U.S. Senator, and now 2F Independent Board Director—to talk about resilience, reinvention, and leading with purpose. Martha shares her journey from being one of the first women to fly a fighter jet in combat to navigating the world of politics and now advising leaders and companies. She discusses how to thrive through major career transitions, why identity isn’t tied to job titles, and how leaders can build trust, stay adaptable, and create high-performing teams. What’s Happening on the Second Front Martha’s path from fighter pilot to senator to board director. Why trust, clear communication, and self-awareness are critical for leadership. How to navigate career transitions and detach from external identity. Practical leadership tools, from curiosity to balancing work intensity. Why now is the best time to lean in, innovate, and lead. Connect with Martha LinkedIn: Martha McSally Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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85. Scott Sanders, Chief Growth Officier of Forterra 27:56

10 weeks之前27:56

27:56

On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front , host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Scott Sanders, Chief Growth Officer of Forterra, to talk about building elite teams, mission-driven leadership, and the realities of hiring in defense tech. Scott shares his journey from Marine Raider to early Anduril employee to leading a company that’s shaping the future of autonomous ground systems. What’s Happening on the Second Front Why so many veterans return to defense tech (even after swearing they wouldn’t) The “deployment test” for hiring and how to spot high-impact operators Balancing speed and quality in recruiting without breaking the culture The importance of taking time away from work to stay sharp Why military leaders struggle to let go—and how to fix it Connect with Scott LinkedIn: Scott Sanders Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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84. Bernard Brantley, CISO at Corelight || Ex-Amazon, Microsoft 36:22

12 weeks之前36:22

36:22

Episode 84. In this episode of All Quiet, Bernard Brantley, CISO at Corelight, joins Tyler Sweatt to delve into the interplay between rapid technological development and robust security practices. With a rich background at giants like Amazon and Microsoft, where he was instrumental in architecting network security solutions for Xbox Live and other high-value assets, Bernard offers deep insights into how security can coexist with fast-paced innovation. Discover how Bernard’s approaches at Amazon serve as a model for balancing innovation with stringent security, applicable across the tech industry. The conversation also explores the critical role of AI in modern security measures, highlighting real-life success stories and providing practical advice derived from Bernard's extensive experience in the field. What’s Happening on the Second Front Techniques for embedding security from the start of development How to balance security needs with engineering efforts so both can coexist and thrive Bernard’s role in architecting network security solutions for Xbox Live and other Microsoft assets Insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping security practices, offering both solutions and new challenges Connect with Bernard LinkedIn: Bernard Brantley Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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83. Ted Reynolds, Chief Revenue Officer at Decision Lens 38:15

14 weeks之前38:15

38:15

Episode 83. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ sits down with Ted Reynolds, Chief Revenue Officer at Decision Lens, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of selling software to the federal government. Ted shares insights from his 25+ year career, exploring the unique demands of public sector sales, the shift from "coin-operated" to mission-driven sales teams, and how Decision Lens is helping agencies navigate complex planning and prioritization. Tune in for a conversation about scaling in defense tech, overcoming barriers to entry, and aligning technology with mission impact. What's Happening on the Second Front Why hiring mission-oriented salespeople is crucial for success. How Decision Lens helps agencies prioritize resources effectively. Lessons on moving from early contracts to sustainable growth. Key differences between commercial and federal sales. Connect with Ted Ted Reynolds Connect with TJ TJ Rowe…

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82. Justin Fanelli, Acting Dept of Navy CTO 29:09

18 weeks之前29:09

29:09

Dive into a high-octane discussion on defense tech innovation with Justin Fanelli, the Acting CTO of the U.S. Navy, on All Quiet on the Second Front. On this episode, host Tyler Sweatt and Justin dissect the transformative shifts happening within the Department of Navy through dynamic public-private partnerships. Discover how these collaborations are paving the way for more agile, efficient, and impactful defense technologies. From breaking bureaucratic barriers to redefining portfolio management, this episode is a masterclass in driving change within one of the world’s most formidable bureaucracies. What's Happening on the Second Front enhancing Navy agility and efficiency streamlining tech development and deployment embracing change for greater innovation and results boosting military capabilities and economic benefits Connect with Justin LinkedIn: Justin Fanelli Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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81. Jeff Fields, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the FBI 36:42

19 weeks之前36:42

36:42

We’re bringing in the Feds! On this episode of All Quiet, Jeff Fields, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the FBI, joins host Tyler Sweatt to navigate the complex interplay of public and private markets. They’ll unpack the tangled webs of security, innovation, and risk—revealing what it truly looks like when the Feds meet the founders. Jeff brings a refreshing perspective to the vital role of federal agencies in shaping and securing the future of technological advancement. What’s Happening on the Second Front The relationship between public markets and private innovation in the context of security and risk management The evolving nature of global threats, including the strategic challenges posed by nation-states and non-state actors Case Study with FBI and Google: Illustrating what cooperation between the FBI and victim companies looks like during significant legal actions, like the Google indictment Celebrating U.S. cultural influence—from hip hop to Wu-Tang Clan and Nirvana, highlighting America's unique contributions to the global stage Connect with Jeff LinkedIn: Jeff Fields Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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80. Powering Software for the Free World with Second Front 38:56

20 weeks之前38:56

38:56

Episode 80. We’re going back to the beginning! In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler Sweatt is joined by Enrique Oti (CSO), TJ Rowe (CRO), and Sam Gray (VP of Strategic Engagements) to peel back the curtain. Last week, Second Front announced the launch of the 2F Product Suite so what better time to have a look back at all that’s happened since beginning. What’s Happening on the Second Front When product market fit isn’t enough Putting your end-users first (shout out to our first customers who clicked the believe button with us) Scaling together Recruiting the 10x hire Connect with the Team Enrique Oti: LinkedIn TJ Rowe: LinkedIn Tyler Sweatt: LinkedIn Sam Gray: LinkedIn…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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79. Don’t Forget What it’s Like to be in a Gunfight with John Goodson 30:17

22 weeks之前30:17

30:17

In this episode of All Quiet, former combat tech turned CEO and Founder of Darkhive, John Goodson, joins Tyler Sweatt to delve into the critical interplay between real-world military operations and the forefront of defense technology. With insights gained on the frontlines and in the tech lab, John discusses the critical importance of creating technologies that truly support soldiers in combat scenarios - because no one wants to deal with a software update while under enemy fire. Reflecting on the intersection of robust tech and real-world military needs, this discussion explores the essential balance of innovation and practical application in the heat of battle. What’s Happening on the Second Front Why "good on paper" doesn’t always mean "good under fire" How real-world combat experience shapes the future of defense technology The pros and cons of open-source vs. proprietary tech in defense What would happen if soldiers could choose their own tech? John has some ideas Connect with John LinkedIn: John Goodson Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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78. Bridging Borders: Collaboration in National Security with Saj Huq 25:19

23 weeks之前25:19

25:19

Episode 78. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt is joined by Saj Huq from Plexal, a key player at the forefront of defense and security innovation. As a former pilot in the UK Royal Air Force and a veteran in the tech industry, Saj brings a wealth of experience to the table. Dive into a discussion on how Plexal is creating impactful ecosystems by bridging gaps between government, industry, and academia. This episode explores the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of national security and private sector innovation, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and the roles different sectors play in enhancing global security and economic prosperity. What’s Happening on the Second Front: How Plexal is fostering ecosystems that merge government, industry, and academia. Critical contributions of private innovation to national security. The strategic roles of alliances like AUKUS and NATO in enhancing global security. How reducing access barriers can increase sector-wide participation in defense and security. Exploring the link between economic stability and national security for a resilient nation. Connect with Saj LinkedIn: Saj Huq Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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77. Innovation at the Edge with Michael Brasseur 30:13

24 weeks之前30:13

30:13

Episode 77. On this episode of All Quiet, host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Michael Brasseur, Chief Strategy Officer of Saab and GM at Skapa. Discover Michael's seamless shift from a distinguished naval career, with tours in the White House, Pentagon, and NATO and founding Task Force 59, to leading a cutting edge transformational task force in the private sector. They delve into the creation of Saab’s Skapa, an initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies and solutions. This discussion not only sheds light on the complexities of transforming large-scale operations but also on how to cultivate a culture that embraces innovation. Michael's insights on leadership, team-building, and strategic problem-solving offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to make a significant impact in their field. What’s Happening on the Second Front: Strategic thinking behind major defense innovations Effective leadership and team-building in high-stakes environments Integrating AI and robotics to solving operational defense problems The "Skapa Innovation Flywheel" and its real-world applications Connect with Michael: LinkedIn: Michael Brasseur Connect with Tyler: LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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76. Firmware Security & Vulnerabilities with Paul Asadoorian 31:33

25 weeks之前31:33