Common Mission Podcast

In this episode, Jim and Rodrigo engage in a deep dive into the world of niche markets and dual-use technology, discussing how companies can pivot successfully in response to emerging market opportunities and technological advancements. They touch upon real-world examples, including the unexpected shifts in business models of companies like NVIDIA and the implications of AI in industries. The episode is a treasure trove for entrepr...

In this episode of the Common Mission podcast, join hosts Jim and Rodrigo as they delve into the intricate world of governance and its impact on mission-driven entrepreneurship and innovation. With a special focus on the recent developments at OpenAI, including the dramatic events surrounding Sam Altman's leadership, this episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and implications of governance in fast-evolving tech compani...

In this enlightening episode of the Common Mission podcast, join hosts Jim and Rodrigo as they traverse a myriad of engaging topics. The conversation uncovers transitions into deeper waters, exploring the crucial role of intellectual humility in both the business and governmental spheres. They delve into how embracing change and learning from customer feedback are pivotal in the Lean Launchpad methodology. Moreover, the episode she...

In this dynamic episode, we explore the transformative power of innovation tools, using engaging case studies like Slack's journey to market resonance and the AquaLink project, an H4 initiative at Stanford University. Jim and Rodrigo delve into the cultural nuances of innovation, illustrating how flexibility, understanding the beneficiary's needs, and responsiveness to the market can lead to astounding breakthroughs. Tune i...

In this episode, Rodrigo and Jim explore the parallels between innovation in military strategy and entrepreneurship, highlighting the significant impact of past experiences and technology on present strategies, as illustrated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By referencing both the past and the present, the dialogue underscores the dangers of being too anchored to a singular approach without flexibility. Innovators and entrepren...

In this episode of the Common Mission podcast, hosts Jim and Rodrigo welcome guest Jacqueline Tame, discussing her fascinating journey from a background in liberal arts to her roles in government, technology, and quantum computing. Jacqueline shares her passion for understanding the intersection of national security, technology, and policy, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and code-like analysis in shaping policy dec...

In this podcast episode, Jim Santa is joined by CMP founder and executive director Alex Gallo, to discuss the journey and mission of the Common Mission Project on their 4th birthday. They delve into the origins of the project, which was inspired by a desire to engage more people in addressing critical national security and societal challenges. Alex shares how his experience in national security and meeting influential figures like ...

In this insightful episode, retired LTG Jack Shanahan, a seasoned leader in the world of defense and artificial intelligence, shares his journey and experiences from his time working on Project Maven and within the Department of Defense. LTG Shanahan sheds light on the early days of Project Maven, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at harnessing AI to enhance military intelligence analysis.

Throughout the discussion, LTG Shanahan em...

In this episode of the Common Mission Podcast, Jim, Rodrigo, and special guest and CMP Executive Director Alex Gallo explore the concept of the "Red Queen problem" within the context of evolving national security challenges. They discuss how the Red Queen problem represents the need for continuous adaptation in the face of changing warfare dynamics and technological advancements.

Alex's personal story of graduating f...

Ready for an insightful podcast chat? Alex Osterwalder joins co-host Jim and Rodrigo and takes us on a journey through innovation and the art of testing business ideas. He delves into the intriguing dynamic between exploitation (nailing current operations) and exploration (pioneering new ventures) within organizations.

Alex shines a spotlight on the need for savvy entrepreneurial leaders who can seamlessly straddle both realms. He ...

In this episode of the Common Mission Project podcast, hosts Jim and Rodrigo are joined by special guest Curtis Valentine for their Board of Advisors series. Curtis, who is deeply involved in education policy and advocacy, shares insights about the challenges and innovations in K-12 education and its importance for national security and global competitiveness. They discuss the need to reform bureaucratic systems, embrace diversity ...

Discover the dynamic interplay between diversity, innovation, and inclusion. Hosts Rodrigo and Jim dive into how fostering an environment that welcomes various leadership styles, communication approaches, and backgrounds catalyzes creativity. As the pandemic reshaped interactions, the need for empowering introverted voices and embracing diverse communication methods became evident. They spotlight the dual significance of representa...

Back for our Board of Advisor Series, join hosts Rodrigo and Jim in a captivating conversation with Catherine Sendak, an Eastern European policy and national security expert. They delve into the intricate interplay between policy and technology in the context of national security and innovation. Explore how policy and technology are intertwined, shaping the modern battlefield and influencing strategic decision-making. From bridging...

Riding the wave of interest from the recent release of the movie Oppenheimer, In this episode, we explore mission-driven entrepreneurship through the lens of the lessons of the most radical case in the history of directed innovation: “The Manhattan Project.” A “military sponsored program” with civilian teams of academics working to solve an intractable problem with tactical and strategic implications? That sounds a lot like a H4D p...

Continuing with our Board of Advisors series, Rodrigo and Jim welcome Kim Lehn, Vice President at Beacon Global Strategies to discuss her impressive background on policy innovation as it relates to East Asia Pacific, and the implications on policy innovation in the United States. Kim most recently served as the Chief of Staff of the China Mission Center and previously the East Asia Pacific Mission Center at the Central Intelligence...

In this episode of the Common Mission Podcast, we speak with Lieutenant Colonels Adrian Garrett and Graham Rainey about the Hacking for MoD pilot at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of bringing together military, industry, and academia to solve real-world problems. We also talk about how the UK experience differs from the US experience, and what lessons can be learned from both.

Joining Rodrigo and Jim on this special CMP Board of Advisors series, CMP alumna, West Point Graduate, Army Veteran, and Venture Capitalist, Emily McMahan shares her extensive experience and insights on what it means to innovate, and why she continues to work with CMP to expand their mission and impact.

For anyone interested in early stage startup relationships with VCs, mission-driven innovators, and military veterans thinking ab...

In this episode of the Common Mission Project podcast, co-hosts Jim and Rodrigo discuss the differences between waterfall and lean launchpad methodologies. They explain how waterfall is a sequential approach that follows a linear path from problem identification to solution implementation, while lean launchpad is an iterative approach that allows for learning and adaptation throughout the development process. They also discuss the ...

In this special Board of Advisors episode of the Common Mission Project Podcast, Jim and Rodrigo talk with Dr. Bryan Price, a former Army helicopter pilot, Combating Terrorism Center director, and professor at Seton Hall University. Dr. Price shares his unique perspective on the intersection of hacking, defense, and entrepreneurship. He discusses his experience leading a team of cadets in a 2016 State Department, Facebook, and DOD ...