Episode 18: Innovating Across Domains - Inside NIWC Pacific with Mike 'Spock' McMillan
Empowering Excellence with Art & Frankie
Release Date: 12/16/2024
Episode 22: Modernizing with Purpose: How NAVWAR Is Empowering People, Not Just Upgrading Tech
Empowering Excellence with Art & Frankie
In this episode of Empowering Excellence with Art & Frankie, we sit down with NAVWAR’s Command Information Officer, Ben Motten, to explore what it really means to modernize with purpose. This isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a people-first, mission-aligned transformation. Tune in to hear how his team is cutting through legacy red tape, driving smarter processes, and answering the big question: Are we winning? From secure access with Flank Speed to building a digitally confident workforce, this episode breaks down the metrics, mindset, and modern tools behind NAVWAR’s tech...
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Episode 21: The Heart of Leadership with CMC Jen Hafer
Empowering Excellence with Art & Frankie
In this episode of Empowering Excellence with Art and Frankie, Command Master Chief (CMC) Jen Hafer joins the conversation to discuss her role at NAVWAR and her vision for the command. As the senior enlisted leader, CMC Hafer focuses on the human factors that contribute to mission success—mentorship, professional development, and overall well-being—rather than technical expertise. She introduces her philosophy of Vitamin C—Connections, Character, and Competence, emphasizing the key attributes that shape strong leaders and teams. She also shares how the Power of Positivity (POP) can...
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Episode 20: Get to Know RADM Seiko Okano - Leading NAVWAR with Vision and Purpose
Empowering Excellence with Art & Frankie
Join us for an inspiring conversation with NAVWAR’s new commander, RADM Seiko Okano, who came aboard in August 2024. In this first-ever video podcast episode, RADM Okano shares her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and the role models who shaped her leadership style. She also talks about her vision to unite the NAVWAR workforce, helping everyone feel the power of what NAVWAR brings to the fight. Her focus is on creating alignment—connecting the entire team to the mission, the challenges we’re working to solve, and showing each person how they fit into the bigger picture. Don’t...
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Episode 19: Shaping Innovators: NIWC Pacific's Pathways to Excellence
Empowering Excellence with Art & Frankie
In this episode of Empowering Excellence with Art and Frankie, we’re joined by Mike McMillian, aka "Spock," the Executive Director of NIWC Pacific for part two of his interview. Spock sheds light on the incredible career opportunities at the Navy’s premier research lab, highlighting the New Professionals Program, which offers rotational technical tours across departments to build diverse skills and experiences. He also explores the importance of diversity—particularly diversity of thought—and how it fuels innovation to solve the Navy’s toughest challenges. He dives into NIWC...
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Episode 18: Innovating Across Domains - Inside NIWC Pacific with Mike 'Spock' McMillan
Empowering Excellence with Art & Frankie
In this episode of Empowering Excellence with Art and Frankie, we are joined by Mike "Spock" McMillan, Executive Director of Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC). Spock provides an in-depth overview of this extraordinary organization, which stands as one of the only entities within the U.S. Navy to oversee programs spanning the entire technology lifecycle: research and development, prototyping, test and evaluation, production, and sustainment. With 800+ active programs supporting all warfighting domains—from land and sea to space and cyberspace—NIWC PAC plays a pivotal role...
info_outlineIn this episode of Empowering Excellence with Art and Frankie, we are joined by Mike "Spock" McMillan, Executive Director of Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC). Spock provides an in-depth overview of this extraordinary organization, which stands as one of the only entities within the U.S. Navy to oversee programs spanning the entire technology lifecycle: research and development, prototyping, test and evaluation, production, and sustainment.
With 800+ active programs supporting all warfighting domains—from land and sea to space and cyberspace—NIWC PAC plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and ensuring operational readiness.
Join us as Spock highlights the unique contributions of NIWC PAC, the groundbreaking work being done across these domains, and the vital impact this organization has on advancing the Navy’s mission.