Disruptive by Design, A SIGNAL Media Podcast, AFCEA Emerging Leaders

In this episode, host Kimberly Underwood speaks with Tyler Watkins, a senior regional sales manager with Spirent Communications, about his career journey that began as a student athlete at small universities, including Coastal Carolina, turned U.S. Marine, turned sales manager—and how for his current role, he needed to embrace those learning years and become a "student of the process" as he transitioned from active duty to civilian life.

In this episode, we've repurposed the panel discussion presented during the conference TechNet Cyber 2024. This panel of national security experts discuss how to encompass the evolving landscape of inclusion within the cybersecurity workforce, particularly addressing the challenges and opportunities for individuals who may require different accommodations. As we navigate the intricate terrain of cyber threats, it's paramount to acknowledge and integrate diverse perspectives and talents into our defensive strategies. The panelists explore the imperative of fostering an inclusive environment within the cybersecurity sector, where individuals with differing abilities contribute unique skills and insights to fortify cyber defenses. From adapting technologies to accommodating various needs and cultivating supportive workplace cultures, the panelists delve into practical approaches for promoting accessibility and equity within the cyber workforce.

We repurposed a recent webinar for and by AFCEA's Emerging Leaders for this podcast episode — and you will learn from some of the brightest association ambassadors all about the initiative dedicated to empowering members under the age of 40 to accelerate their professional growth and cultivate invaluable connections within the industry.

Host Kimberly Underwood speaks with Julie Brodell Smith, Director of Growth for the Rockwood Company and a member of AFCEA's Emerging Professionals in the Intelligence Community, or EPIC, Committee. They chat briefly about a recent analysis of artificial intelligence Smith and a co-committee member undertook for EPIC, and delve into Smith's work. Some sage advice to come from this episode: work hard at work, but find time to do the things that bring actual joy.

Podcast host Kimberly Underwood speaks with Luke Johnson, the operations director at The Cognitive Immunology Research Collaborative, or CIRCE. The recent graduate from the University of Chicago with a degree in neuroscience takes us on a fascinating journey of the organization’s work to deepen society’s understanding of mental immunity and how the staff works to advance ways to combat misinformation and disinformation.

Host Kimberly Underwood talks with Sheila McCoy, AFCEA’s director of the continuing education program. The program is a value proposition and commitment the association makes to its members: To help provide opportunities for an educated, trained and relevant workforce, from early career to advanced training. “I find it exciting because we're giving people, or helping them, get something they need—they know they need it, and they appreciate getting it,” McCoy says in this episode. In addition to talking about how AFCEA supports members’ careers through educational offerings, the retired U.S. Navy captain shares tips and insights from her more than 30 years on active duty. Tune in.

Host Kimberly Underwood speaks with U.S. Space Force Col. Nicole Petrucci, Commander, Space Delta 3, Space Operations Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. She commands the Electromagnetic Warfare Delta with personnel deployed worldwide. To young professionals, the colonel advises to take, and make, opportunities to further careers and to learn to do your job—smartly. That means to question whether how you’re doing your job makes the most sense. Can it be done better? Differently to be more efficient? To more seasoned professionals, she advises that good ideas can come from everywhere, including the most junior of staffers, and that meetings need objectives. Wise. For all, Col. Petrucci likens the work-life balance to a teeter totter. It won’t always been perfectly balanced and the secret is learning to make the most of the ups and downs.

Kimberly Underwood, podcast host and SIGNAL Media director of digital news media, speaks with Jacob “Jake” Dustan, a cybersecurity consultant and Americas chief of staff for Aerospace & Defense at EY, and the new AFCEA Lowcountry Chapter president. Kim describes him as a mover and shaker in the cyber field, helping clients understand the ramifications of cyber threats and more. Jake started his career in the finance world and received AFCEA’s Distinguished Young Professional Award in 2023. Tune in.

In this episode, we take the liberty of showcasing a discussion between AFCEA President and CEO Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.) and Jane Rathbun, the Department of Navy’s chief information officer. The two conversed during an AFCEA’s Women’s Appreciation presentation at WEST 2024, held in mid-February in San Diego. Listen as the two renowned women discuss taking circuitous career journeys to becoming top leaders, offer tips for professional success and how sometimes it’s worth that investment in taking on the non-sexy jobs and turning those opportunities into something meaningful.

Molly Mobley found the optimal way of combining her childhood love for science and her desire to help people in an early career choice of becoming a nurse. She loved it. She thrived. And then she was exposed to the emerging world of health informatics. Shaped by her personal experiences of living in a sparsely populated rural community in Virginia and helping her aging grandparents access adequate health care, Molly found value and satisfaction in a new career field that uses computer structures and algorithms to improve communication, understanding and management of medical information. Tune in as Molly shares her journey with podcast host Kimberly Underwood and how she leverages her professional association memberships to network, connect with mentors and enhance her burgeoning career.

In this episode, we hear from a panel of Emerging Leaders speaking about AI at the WEST 2024 Conference in San Diego. They discuss how the recent advancements in AI and computational power provide an opportunity to optimize and protect supply chain and procurement processes. Natural language processing, advanced predictive analytics, cross-platform integration, and other automated support tools help Acquisition Professionals with risk-informed decision making. Data model resiliency demands zero trust security requirements’ tailoring and integration into the system architecture protecting AI automation. Effective cybersecurity metrics and machine learning algorithms thwart data poisoning attacks while providing readiness for AI’s achievement of its intended mission.

Then, gain additional insight by catching ⁠SIGNAL Media's coverage of the event⁠.

Experience the exciting journey of business development and sales and learn what it takes to keep up with the ever-changing technology domain with guest Alec Longarzo, director of defense and national security at eSimplicity.

New and exciting programs are launching in 2024 for AFCEA International's Emerging Leader community—those young professionals making their professional marks on leadership. These programs will help members maximize their association benefits, says Emerging Leaders Coordinator Veronica Snell, speaking with podcast host Kimberly Underwood. Tune in to learn more about what's in store for 2024.

Not every job supporting national security must be technical. Take a peek into the world of communications and marketing, a profession as equally important as the data scientists, cyber warriors and technologists. Matt Klein, the growth and communications lead at CACI International and a graduate of James Madison University, talks with host Kimberly Underwood about the importance of developing proficient soft skills, surrounding yourself with people who know more than you, networking and volunteering, and the importance of being “an open learner.”

Embark on a career journey for the dedication to mission, the satisfaction of the work, the opportunities for knowledge and growth—not for the paycheck, Disruptive by Design guest Gabe Solomon tells host Kimberly Underwood. Solomon is a cloud engineer at the Defense information Systems Agency, or DISA. Solomon is, as Underwood describes, “a young whipper snapper and superstar” hired at a very young age and without a college degree to run the global directory for the department. He put his interest in gaming, computers and operating systems developed when he was younger to good use, and followed those passions right into DISA. We can all learn important lessons from Solomon, such as not all knowledge is gained from linear thinking or book learning, and there is tangible value in real-time experiences. Solomon’s portion of this podcast in audio only.

In an earlier episode, we heard from a panel of Emerging Leaders speaking about AI at AFCEA's TechNet Augusta Conference. In this episode, we hear from young panelists speaking from another geographic area at TechNet Indo-Pacific. Same topic — different perspectives. Catch up on this episode now. (Audio only) Then, gain additional insight by catching SIGNAL Media's coverage of the event.

In this special episode, we hear from expert panelists from AFCEA's TechNet Augusta event in August 2023, where they discussed how securing today’s data-centric battlefield is increasingly difficult due to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and machine Learning (AI/ML) model and data poisoning attacks. As data privacy is threatened by these new self-learning and automated threat vectors, the U.S. Army must stand ready to defend itself with secure cyber defense measures. The panel explores how AI/ML can be used to counter these threats as well as architectures and software tools for best handling sensitive data in theatre, in networks, and on the Cloud.

This session is audio only.

In this episode, host Kimberly Underwood talks to Michelle Curran—one of only five women to fly for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds so far—about why, though a student of criminal justice, she joined the Air Force and became a fighter and Thunderbird pilot. Curran talks about facing social anxiety and overcoming imposter syndrome and how she realized she could create a better future for herself instead of listening to her fears. She went from pilot to entrepreneur and children’s book author, writing about confidence and reaching for bigger dreams. Her first book, titled Upside Down Dreams and the first in a series, is featured in the November issue of SIGNAL Kids. The key to progress, Curran says, is having the courage to start something when you're not ready but believing in yourself enough to know you will figure it out along the way. There’s no special sauce. It is just about being willing to stumble your way through it and knowing you are strong enough to deal with whatever obstacles are going to pop up along the way.

In this episode, SIGNAL Media's Kimberly Underwood speaks with Chris Hassett, executive director of product delivery supporting ManTech’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and Innovation and Capabilities Organization. However, his title alone does not define him. He is best described as an innovator, leader and veteran with an unwavering commitment to "Bringing Digital to the Mission" with solutions that address ever evolving security priorities.  Hassett is a member of AFCEA's Emerging Leaders program and a recipient of AFCEA's 40 Under Forty award, which highlights individuals making a difference in their industry, their organizations and for AFCEA.

In this episode, SIGNAL Media's Kimberly Underwood speaks with Jennifer Miller, business operations manager at the Defense Health Agency. Miller speaks about her love of learning and studying and always improving oneself, offering great advice about networking and how to really leverage professional development organizations and associations to build a dream career. Additionally, Miller is a prolific writer, having written several Disruptive by Design columns for SIGNAL Magazine. The opinions expressed in this podcast are of the presenter and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of AFCEA International or of any government agency.

In this episode, SIGNAL Media's Kimberly Underwood speaks with Melanie McCarthy, an Air Force Reserve veteran who now runs contracts for Maximus' Technology Consulting Service Division as an Army portfolio manager. McCarthy shares advice about project management, the importance of networking—even as an introvert—and how young leaders can affect change with purpose.

In this special episode, two leaders in their careers and AFCEA's Emerging Leaders program share how they found their local AFCEA chapter, why their work (and volunteering) matter and tips on how young professionals can find their place. Andrew Funk and Matt Denny, with AFCEA's Rocky Mountain Chapter, tell us it's not enough to stay in your lane, so to speak. Challenge the status quo. Be curious. Do something that expands your perspective and experience. Be sure to tune in.

In this special episode, we hear from expert panelists from AFCEA's TechNet Cyber event in May 2023. As cyber threats continue to proliferate and grow in complexity, organizations face an urgent need to ensure their defenses are focused, aligned, and ready to respond. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing cybersecurity operations, enabling organizations to proactively detect and respond to threats in real-time.

The experts discuss the latest developments in AI for cybersecurity and explore how AI enhances threat intelligence, automates threat detection and response and streamlines incident response processes.

This episode is audio only.

In this episode, Kimberly Underwood, director of Digital News Media at SIGNAL Media, talks with Michael Weigand, chief growth officer and co-founder of Shift5, a Virginia-based company working to build a "smarter, safer and more secure world by creating resilient and mission-ready fleets." Weigand is a former U.S. Army infantry officer turned cyber operator turned entrepreneur. While in uniform, he was among the first 40 officers to stand up the cyber branch of the U.S. Army. Though now a civilian, he says his service to the nation continues, even if he's traded the war room for the board room. Learn about the flyer that was instrumental in directing the trajectory of his military and civilian careers, and his "be fearless" advice to younger leaders.

In this episode of SIGNAL Media’s Disruptive by Design podcast, Kimberly Underwood sits down with Allison Hansard, manager of Inclusion and Diversity at AFCEA International and head of AFCEA’s Emerging Leaders, IDEA and Women in AFCEA programs, talks about the various ways the teams collaborate to make AFCEA’s programs and resources accessible to diverse groups. Hansard, who has long been involved with Emerging Leaders, discusses the paths to getting young professionals involved with AFCEA. Listen to the ways AFCEA can help you build connections and find opportunities even early in your career.

In the episode of SIGNAL Media's Disruptive by Design podcast, host Kimberly Underwood sits down with Alisha Kelly, a long-time association member and present vice chair of Women in AFCEA. Kelly, who works for Trace Systems in charge of the company's growth team, hails from Louisiana and knew when she was in school that she wanted to work in the defense and aerospace industry. Enjoy her journey as she talks about helping promote women and young professionals and their accomplishments across the organization and around the globe.

In this episode of SIGNAL Media’s Disruptive by Design Podcast, host Kimberly Underwood, director of Digital News Media, sits down with Clinton Austin, a U.S. Air Force veteran and now a strategic business manager at CDW-G. Austin entertains as much as informs as he talks about making the transition from active duty to defense contractor—and learning to understand the new “rules of engagement” of the civilian world. As an AFCEAn, he relied heavily on his network to build his leadership skills and to gently massage his communication style. Hear how in his current job he helps the U.S. Space Force navigate the challenges the command encounters as it establishes its own identity.   

From being the first female CIO for the U.S. Army to becoming the first female President and CEO in AFCEA International's 75-year history, Lt. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.) has been the definition of 'disruptive by design.' In this episode, AFCEA's very own fearless leader shares her journey of joining the military after graduating high school at 17 to recalling her time as a woman in uniform and providing words of wisdom for current and future generations who continue to break down barriers. Tune in for her brief conversation with SIGNAL Media.

In this episode, SIGNAL Media's Kimberly Underwood speaks with Brandon Lester, now the president of AFCEA's Hawaii Chapter. Brandon, an account technology strategist with Microsoft, talks about "reverse mentorship" and what seasoned professionals can learn from those coming up in the ranks.

Tune into this unique episode as we feature several emerging leaders who sat on the Disruptive by Design panel at the WEST 2023 conference, the premier sea service conference held annual in San Diego and co-hosted by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute. Four emerging leaders spoke about artificial intelligence at sea to resist future threats.

In this episode, SIGNAL Media's Kimberly Underwood speaks with Makana Anicas, Senior Account Executive, Indo-Pacific Command/Hawaii, Government Acquisitions, Inc. (GAI). Makana is a leader in the AFCEA Hawaii Chapter as the director, vice president of events. He offers a great perspective about the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, what is at stake for the United States, and how military leaders and industry are finding solutions to support operations in the vast region.

In this inaugural episode of SIGNAL Media's Disruptive by Design podcast, we hear from AFCEA International members Shawn Cressman and Kevin Rivera who speak about their Texas-sized dreams of getting to Mount Everest base camp, what it's like to pursue and support information technology in their region and how they got started in IT. Hosted by seasoned journalist Kimberly Underwood.