How to Balance Execution and Innovation with Steve Blank

Defense Mavericks

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with the legendary Steve Blank, adjunct professor at Stanford and co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, to discuss the need for disruptive innovation and execution in the DoD. Steve shares his insights on the importance of adopting new methodologies, creating a culture that supports rapid innovation, and challenging the frozen middle. We also learn all about Steve’s experience co-founding Hacking for Defense, the Lean Startup Methodology, and the Gordian Knot Center. Tune in for an inspiring and honest conversation on the reality behind defense innovation.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:47) Steve’s entrepreneurial journey

(1:30) What is Hacking for Defense?

(3:37) Why we need to balance execution and innovation

(5:30) The SpaceX case study

(8:44) The state of innovation in the DoD

(11:05) Why tech adoption is so difficult

(15:45) The key to fast-tracking disruption in acquisitions

(19:13) The problem with most senior leaders

(26:31) The Lean Startup Methodology

(33:20) Steve’s definition of “innovation”

(35:05) The purpose behind the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveblank/

Gordian Knot Center: https://gordianknot.stanford.edu/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/