Episode 98: John Spencer on Connected Soldiers and the Future of Conflict
Release Date: 05/13/2022
Episode 126: John Boyd, Maneuver Warfare, and the Future of the Marine Corps – A Conversation with Ian Brown
OODAcast
In this episode of the OODAcast, Bob Gourley speaks with Ian Brown, retired Marine Corps officer and author of A New Conception of War, which explores the influence of John Boyd on the Marine Corps and the evolution of maneuver warfare. Ian shares insights from his 20-year career in the Marines, including his experiences as a CH-53 helicopter pilot, forward air controller, and operations officer at the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Future Warfare. The conversation dives into the history and adaptability of the Marine Corps, Boyd’s impact on military strategy, and how maneuver...
info_outline
Episode 125: Unmasking Cyber Threats: Trevor Hilligoss’s Mission to Disrupt Criminal Networks
OODAcast
In this OODAcast, Bob Gourley interviews Trevor Hilligoss from SpyCloud, diving into his career trajectory from the U.S. Army to cybercrime intelligence. Hilligoss shares his unconventional path, starting as a forward observer in the Army before transitioning to law enforcement and later working with the FBI’s Joint Ransomware Task Force. He explains how his investigative experience led him to SpyCloud, a company dedicated to collecting intelligence on cybercriminals and using it to prevent attacks. The discussion highlights how cyber threats evolve and why proactive intelligence is crucial...
info_outline
Episode 124: The History and Future of Cyberwar with Matt Devost
OODAcast
In this episode of the OODAcast we turn the microphone over to Dr. Bilyana Lily, the world renowned cyber and geopolitical expert, who interviews OODA’s CEO and co-founder Matt Devost. The session provides insights which can benefit any entrepreneur, board member, investor or cybersecurity practitioner. Bilyana reviews Matt’s journey from a small-town in Vermont to becoming a global leader in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and risk management and then dives into Matt’s work founding groundbreaking companies like FusionX and the Terrorism Research Center, his insights into AI and cyber...
info_outline
Episode 123: Forging Leadership: Admiral Studeman on Intelligence, National Security, and Proactivity
OODAcast
In this OODAcast, Bob Gourley interviews retired Admiral Mike Studeman, a leader with over 35 years of experience in operational intelligence and national security. Admiral Studeman shares his journey, from joining the Navy at the close of the Cold War to serving as the Director of Intelligence for Southern Command and Indo-Pacific Command, and ultimately as the Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence. He offers deep insights into the evolving nature of intelligence, emphasizing the importance of operational intelligence in driving informed decision-making at all levels. Admiral Studeman...
info_outline
Episode 122: Embracing the Future: Insights from Brandon Jones
OODAcast
In this episode of the OODAcast, Bob Gourley sits down with Brandon Jones, CEO of , to explore his career journey, the importance of liberal arts in technology, and the innovative work of Throughline. The conversation highlights the value of a diverse educational background and the pivotal role of communication and storytelling in driving organizational success. Brandon Jones shares his foundational story, emphasizing the impact of his time at St. Mary’s College in Maryland, where he graduated with a computer science degree while also engaging deeply with liberal arts. His experience...
info_outline
Episode 121: Dr. Bilyana Lilly on Russian Information Warfare and Navigating Future Risks
OODAcast
In this OODAcast, Matt interviews Dr. Bilyana Lilly who is an expert on Russian information warfare and geo-political risk. Bilyana is also the author of the book Russian Information Warfare and the novel Digital Mindhunters. Dr. Lilly shares her fascinating origin story and how she emerged as one of the premiere experts on Russian information warfare and geopolitical dynamics. Bilyana has worked tracking international arms and weapons supply chains, conflict zones, and other geo-political dynamics in academia, the private sector, and at internationally renowned think tanks. She shares...
info_outline
Episode 120: Leadership and Innovation with Former NASA CIO and Current Executive Leader Renee Wynn
OODAcast
In this episode of the OODAcast, Bob Gourley interviews Renee Wynn, former Chief Information Officer (CIO) of NASA. Renee Wynn’s career trajectory is a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of professional journeys. Starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from a liberal arts college, Renee navigated through various roles, ultimately becoming the CIO of NASA. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on capabilities rather than specific job titles, a mindset that allowed her to seize unexpected opportunities. The Value of Liberal Arts in Technology Renee underscores the...
info_outline
Episode 119: Megan Jaffer on Leadership, Intelligence, Innovation and Iron Butterfly Media
OODAcast
In this episode of OODAcast, Megan Jaffer joins the conversation to discuss her journey in the intelligence community and the creation of Iron Butterfly Media Group. Megan also discusses the expansion of Iron Butterfly Media, including new podcast series and a documentary on women in intelligence. Megan shares her background, including her studies in international relations and her experiences in South Korea. She highlights the origins of the Iron Butterfly podcast, which began as a small project during COVID-19 and has grown significantly, becoming influential in both academia and...
info_outline
Episode 118: Decision-Making and Deep Tech with Laura Thomas: Insights from a Former CIA Officer
OODAcast
In this episode of OODAcast, Bob Gourley interviews Laura Thomas, a deep tech consultant and former CIA officer. Laura discusses her journey from a small town in North Carolina to a career in the CIA, where she served as a case officer. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and decision-making under uncertainty, and how these skills have translated to her work in deep tech. Laura also highlights the potential of quantum computing and fusion energy, stressing the need for innovation and strategic investment in these transformative technologies. Laura’s refreshing comments...
info_outline
Episode 117: Leading Cyber Change: Allan Friedman on the Revolution of SBOM & Future Cybersecurity Initiatives
OODAcast
Allan Friedman is a senior strategist at CISA (the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency) where he coordinates all of their cross-sector activities on the topic of SBOM: The Software Bill of Materials. Allan is widely known as a change agent in both the public and private sector. In government he led initiatives that created positive change in major community-wide initiatives around vulnerability disclosure and vulnerability management. He also championed efforts that made dramatic improvements in the ability to reduce risk due to the proliferation of Internet of Things devices...
info_outlineJohn Spencer is a writer, thinker, speaker scholar who currently serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the US Military Academy. He brings the experience of a veteran who has led in combat to his work, and in his latest book, Connected Soldiers, also provides insights from his time as a stay at home parent as his wife deployed. His analysis of connectivity and ints impact from multiple angles makes his book a very well rounded examination of how the Internet age is transforming how nations go to war.
In this OODAcast we discuss the book as well as John's career and insights he has for leaders, including leaders in business. We examine:
- The US Army Rangers, their mission and spirit and ability to focus
- How lessons in leadership from John's early career informed his leadership in combat
- Boredom in war and how soldiers fill down time and how connectivity and new technology is used in down time
- Ways connectivity and gaming impacted soldiers under John's command in combat
- What it was like for John to be a stay at home dad when his wife deployed and how connectivity impacted that experience
- Unit cohesion and unit motivation and lessons relevant beyond the military
- Lessons from history being repeated in the Ukraine situation.
- John Boyd and the OODA Loop as an example of studying our own way of thinking and seeking to learn better and optimize decision making
For more see: