Graham Hogg

A fascinating new report from Silicon Valley Defense Group tracks the latest figures regarding private raised and federal awards to the 100 leading venture-funded, national security focused (and dual-use) startups. The headline figures of $52.9B in private capital raised to date versus $21.8B in federal awards serve to illustrate the very real gap between the surge in venture capital funding for defense technology and the U.S. government's spending on substantial contracts to startups. Further analysis paints an even starker picture. SpaceX, the number one finisher, accounted to fully 81% of the $22B in federal awards, or almost $18B, while accounting for some $9.8B in funding. I would go one step further, and subtract the figures for the other company founded by a very high net worth individual, Anduril Industries (SpaceX was, or course, founded by Elon Musk, and Anduril by Palmer Luckey - both deep pocketed visionaries). That paints an even starker picture, taking us from $22B in contracts for $53B in investment (42 cents on the dollar) to approximately $3.5B in contracts for $41B in investment (only 9 cents on the dollar). The lesson here, if there is one, is that is pays to be well provisioned when attempting to cross the defense technology "valley of death."

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Interested in how to protect aircraft, drones, and other autonomous vehicles from cyber threats? Come join us next week for a webinar, as part of MassDOT’s Aeronautics Division events for the Federal Aviation Administration's Safety Day. This won’t be a dry session focusing on IT—we’ll be talking about threats posed against all manner of transportation technologies, and the systems mindset that will enable us to catalyze safe and secure economic activity in the future. Questions? Want to talk about something specific? DM me and let’s chat!

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AoD Podcast | Balancing Drones, Carriers, and the Future of Defense Tech (feat. Raj Shah) Hudson Institute 24 JULY 2024 Arsenal of Democracy How can the Department of Defense build a strategy and budget around the increasing scenario of using $3,000,000 missiles to shoot down $15,000 drones? Host Marshall Kosloff talks with former Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Director, Raj Shah, about how to find innovation at the intersection of the government and private sectors to ensure that U.S. servicemembers never find themselves in a fair fight.   Explore Shah's upcoming book titled, "Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War:" 

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🎙️ "Bringing Order from Chaos: Biblical Leadership Principles for Overcoming Organizational Turmoil" Please check out my recent interview on the StrongTeams.com with Rodney Cox. It was such a privilege to be a guest on your podcast. 🔗 Check this link for the full episode: https://bit.ly/3xviJx3 #Faithbasedbusiness, #LeadershipDevelopment #Management #KingdomImpact #LeadFirst

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🚀 Accelerate Your Full Potential: Advanced Coaching & Facilitative Leadership Competencies 🚀 Join Michele Rae on September 3 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM for an immersive online experience that will transform your approach to coaching and leadership. This course is designed to help you become a masterful agent of transformation, equipping you with the principles and mindset needed to guide others in reshaping their personal paradigms. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your skills and impact lives through advanced coaching and facilitative leadership. 🌟 https://lnkd.in/gDsaVmZ5 #PersonalTransformation #FacilitativeLeadership #MicheleRae #Coaching #LeadershipDevelopment #OnlineCourse #ProfessionalGrowth #MasterYourPotential

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These initiatives under AFWERX's AFVentures, specifically aimed at helping small businesses transition their technologies from prototypes to operational capabilities within the Air Force and Space Force. These programs address the notorious "valley of death"—the challenging phase where many innovations falter due to insufficient funding or support. #smallbusiness #business #research #airforce #dod

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Psychological Safety in Cultures of High-Risk Innovation - Explore how cultivating psychological safety can drive innovation and enhance team dynamics in high-risk environments. https://hubs.ly/Q02-xYBL0

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It’s what I’ve been saying. Tech and AI are crucial components of the battle fields of today and the future. Tech enhanced tactics is real. Booz Allen’s purchase of PAR Govt solidifies that notion. This also highlights the need and benefit of the privatization of key aspects of defense growth and ingenuity.

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I just attended an eye-opening webinar by David W Duffy (author, 200+ board evaluations, and Chair of Corporate Governance Institute) on Boeing's governance crisis. The insights were profound. Thank you, David W Duffy! Key takeaways: • Size doesn't guarantee good governance - even century-old industry leaders can falter • Board composition and proper due diligence are as crucial as leadership structure • The journey from engineering excellence to safety concerns shows how quickly culture can erode • Survival depends on fundamental governance reforms, not just operational fixes The most striking revelation is that the same governance principles that brought down a 107-year-old aerospace giant apply to organizations of all sizes. When we combine Chair and CEO roles, are we creating efficiency or eliminating essential checks and balances? "It's not just about having governance structures - it's about having the right ones and using them effectively." - Ethical Leadership! What governance blind spots might be lurking in your organization? And more importantly, would you happen to have the courage to look for them? Thank you, The Corporate Governance Institute! Read also: https://lnkd.in/e8EMCu6v #CorporateGovernance #Leadership #BoardOfDirectors #BusinessStrategy #RiskManagement #Boeing Ignite Your Leadership Journey The Corporate Governance Institute Lisa Sweeney Sanjay Roye AVSM VSM Veblen Director Programme

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Organizations at all levels struggle to "see" a common operating environment. Whether in business or in combat, what your front line sales teams (or warfighters) see is often times outdated and useless before it reaches all the way up to the HQs and back down to support decisions and allocation of resources. (Powerpoint slides and red-tape can often be an obstacle to timely decisions) In this conversation in the "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM," co-hosts Lauren Bedula and James Geurts (Hondo) sit down with Brigadier General John Cogbill from CENTCOM. As they write on the website, they "explore the strategic implications of digital transformation in modern warfare. From operationalizing the commander's vision to fostering a culture of innovation, Brigadier General Cogbill provides insights into how headquarters are redefining their approach to digital warfighting." For me, I heard the uncanny parallels between the challenges of leaders at all levels both in and out of uniform. Here is a brief summary: 1. Innovation Culture: Programs and real-time experiments foster servicemembers' problem-solving skills. 2. Real-Time Digital Shift: Live data integration enhances situational awareness for command decisions. 3. Experiment and Partnering: CENTCOM balances operations with industry collaboration to boost digital skills and tactics. 4. Data Flow and Unity: CENTCOM works on data interoperability and streamlined decisions among allies. 5. Forward-Looking Strategy: CENTCOM aims for live data usage over conventional tools for mission success. It's this kind of dual use collaboration that sparks opportunity that reminds me of the work at Business Executives for National Security (BENS), Capital Factory (with Mary Gwinn and Nina Shelat at the Center for Defense Innovation) and Drew Scheberle at the National Security Innovation Council. The podcast is a must listen! (And including a shout out to John's days teaching at Department of Social Sciences, USMA-- Heidi Brockmann Demarest)

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America is facing the most challenging national security environment in half a century, and we need to move faster to address these challenges. Deterring our adversaries requires change—starting with activating a whole-of-nation approach that accelerates results, pushes boundaries, and disrupts long-standing barriers. We have seen the positive results of embracing this type of change already. By working together, Booz Allen Hamilton and Palantir Technologies are creating new mission capabilities that leverage both of our unique technologies and expertise to close mission gaps at the speed of now. https://lnkd.in/ee9EAAXx

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In collaboration with UK Space Command, PA convened a roundtable with experts from industry, academia and the government to ask: how do we solve the space sector’s PR problem? Read the recommendations for enhancing the sector's public relations strategy that emerged from these discussions. #CollaborateToProtect https://lnkd.in/eG4p_CNX

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I am pleased to announce my latest publication related to the transformation of defense entities! In a rapidly changing world, defense enterprises must change as well. We discuss six elements that defense agencies can use to successfully transform to improve their performance, adapt to changing circumstances, and ultimately fulfill their mission more. effectively. #BCGonPublicSector #Defense #Security Link: https://lnkd.in/d7F_MvAR

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DOD sub-optimal performance in "modernization" across the enterprise is reaching (or perhaps has already reached) a critical juncture where the Nation is at risk. Too much ink has been spilled (often successfully) in getting statutes, regulations, and polices adjusted and broadened to allow significantly improved processes that are capable of meeting needs faster. So, why haven't we seen a corresponding improvement across the entire DOD? It's no longer about improving the processes, now we have to improve the people.

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Too Late: A Cautionary Tale for Winners and Losers 2024 is poised to be a pivotal year, marked by critical decisions in industrial policy and military modernization. These choices will shape the next generation of military capabilities. The success or failure of the emerging #defense #industry, backed by venture capital, will determine the future for generations to come. #Innovation is the only path forward. This is my key takeaway from our insightful trip to Silicon Valley, where FINCANTIERI launched the Innovation Antenna project with Mind the Bridge This initiative will usher in a new chapter of our #Open #Innovation #strategy

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