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

In this episode of Disruptive by Design, we bring you a compelling panel discussion from the AFCEA Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium (RMCS26), centered on a critical yet often overlooked driver of mission success: relationship building.Moderated by Maj. Gen. John W. Maluda, USAF (Ret.), the panel brings together a diverse group of leaders, including David Stickley, Former Services Executive at DISA and National Guard Bureau Advisor, U.S. Cyber Command; Col. Hansang Bae, USA (Ret.); Col. Von Gardner, USAF (Ret.) and Cadet Emile Olivier, USAF Academy.Featuring an introduction by Alisha Kelly Faulkner, Program Chair, RMCS 2026 and VP of Membership, AFCEA Rocky Mountain Chapter.

In this recorded webinar from January 2026, hear directly from Emerging Leaders (EL) panelists representing AFCEA’s Alamo, Bethesda, Bonn, Hawaii and San Diego chapters as they discuss their personal journeys, lessons learned and how mentorship has shaped their professional paths.Learn more about AFCEA’s EL program: https://www.afcea.org/emerging-leaders

Episode 1 of our Emerging Leaders series features a recorded webinar with Parker Woods, an Emerging Leaders Advisory Council (ELAC) member. Tune in as Parker gives an overview of the Emerging Leaders program and shares the ins and outs of how to leverage this community as you build your career. Listen today! Learn more about AFCEA's Emerging Leaders program: https://www.afcea.org/emerging-leaders

Cyber risk is no longer a distant threat—it’s a business reality. In this episode, host Kimberly Underwood is joined by two cyber experts, Brian O’Connell and Travis Rosiek, to break down the essentials of cyber insurance in today’s evolving threat landscape.Report: Cyber Insurance 2026 insurancequotes.com/insurance-tips/cyber-security-guide-2026Brian O'Connell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-o-connell-a92aa7a/ Travis Rosiek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-rosiek-3255b669/Rubrik Agent Cloud https://www.rubrik.com/products/rubrik-agent-cloud

In this Disruptive by Design episode, repurposed from the #WEST2026 Emerging Leaders panel, hear experts discuss the future of human-AI collaboration. Agentic Experience (AX) defines a new stage in human–AI collaboration where intelligent systems act on intent, not instruction. This model is particularly relevant to the Navy, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard, where operational tempo, data complexity, and mission interdependence demand both speed and trust. Take a listen!

In our latest Disruptive by Design episode, Kimberly Underwood sits down with Russ Feller from AFCEA’s Rocky Mountain Chapter. Learn about the Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium, Pikes Peak Robotics and the different programs supporting school-age literacy and robotics initiatives aimed at strengthening the future workforce. Don’t miss this episode!

SIGNAL Media’s Nuray Taylor sits down with Vice Admiral Michael Vernazza, Commander of the Naval Information Forces, for a forward-looking conversation on the future of naval information warfare. Tune in for a preview of the WEST 2026 conference in San Diego and insights into key initiatives from Vice Adm. Vernazza’s team, including AI integration, the Navy’s first Information Warfare Squadron, and Maritime Operations Centers.Register for WEST 2026: https://www.westconference.org/West26/Public/Enter.aspxNavy’s First Information Warfare Squadron:navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/4353901/a-paradigm-shift-navy-establishes-first-information-warfare-squadron/Maritime Operation Centers:https://news.usni.org/2025/04/08/maritime-operations-centers-need-better-data-standards-to-fight-future-conflicts-says-panel

In this episode, repurposed from an AFCEA Small Business Committee meeting, hear from guest speaker Ken Harvey. A former NFL Pro Bowl linebacker turned author, speaker, and creative entrepreneur, Harvey connects the mindset of professional football to what it takes to win in small business—discipline, teamwork, and preparation.

After meeting at AFCEA’s TechNet Transatlantic conference in Frankfurt, Germany, Kimberly Underwood sits down with Stanislav Novotný, founder of CZECH CYBER TV, for a conversation on today’s cybersecurity landscape. From ransomware attacks to sophisticated phishing scams, Stanislav shares real-world insights and lessons learned. His advice? Be skeptical and always verify.

Our newest #DisruptivebyDesign episode features a panel recorded at this year’s TechNet Transatlantic conference in Frankfurt, Germany. “Communication in a Security Contested Environment” is moderated by Matthias Klaus, Senior Business Analyst at Capgemini, and includes panelists Martijn Antzoulatos-Borgstein, Senior Sales Director Defense & Security at LiveDrop BV and Álvaro Saavedra, Manager, Detecon International GmbH.

In this episode, host Kimberly Underwood speaks with Master Sgt. Michael Gresens, USAF, about operating in the area of responsibility (AOR) of the Indo-Pacific. Gresens shares key challenges and opportunities in the region and reflects on his impactful work with the AFCEA Hawaii chapter and its Emerging Leaders community.

Welcome to this special episode of Disruptive by Design. HostKimberly Underwood sits down with Manager Emily Lund and Coordinator Brittany Cardenas—team members from AFCEA International’s Educational Foundation, the nonprofit philanthropic arm of the member-based association. The foundation provides incentives, opportunities andassistance to student and teachers engaged in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines, with programs focused on information technology, cybersecurity, telecommunications and electronics supporting thecyber, defense, homeland security and intelligence communities. The foundation, in conjunction with AFCEA chapters worldwide, provides more than $2 million inscholarships a year.We’ve released this episode to coincide with the upcomingGiving Tuesday global day of giving. On this Giving Tuesday (or throughout the year), please consider a tax-deductible donation to the AFCEA Educational Foundation. Your donations help AFCEA empower teachers and students and strengthens the future workforce. 

Operating across the Indo-Pacific region means contending with the vastness of the theater, limited and degraded infrastructure, and the reality of a contested information environment. In this newest Disruptive by Design episode, repurposed from TechNet Indo-Pacific 2025 in Hawaii, hear from AFCEA’s Emerging Leaders on “Assured Command and Control in the Indo-Pacific.” Featuring Andria Gagnon, Christine Devlin, Alan Delgado, Capt Mason Millsap, USMC and Maj. Steven Sifuentes, USMC.

On this newest joint episode of Disruptive by Design, host Kimberly Underwood is joined by SIGNAL Media’s Editor in Chief, George Seffers, and Luca Pagni and Joyson Cherian from Gov & Beyond. Tune into this special episode to learn more about SIGNAL Media and W2, a strategic communications agency.

In this crossover episode with Long Blue Leadership podcast, AFCEA International’s VP for Defense, Col. Michael Black, USAF (Ret.), walks us through his career, talks about staying calm under pressure and shares his “Five F’s Leadership Philosophy.”Check out this exciting episode today!

Check out our newest #DisruptivebyDesign episode, repurposed from our Emerging Leaders panel at TechNet Augusta 2025! As government agencies often experience pressure to acquire new tools to address emerging threats, capabilities of current enterprise systems are often overlooked. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) is a significant concern that manifests uniquely across various organizations, as risks range from outstanding financial losses to national security vulnerabilities. This panel examines how agencies can leverage their existing enterprise systems to reduce FWA, providing actionable strategies for integrating existing software to proactively address unique FWA challenges.

In this episode, host Kimberly Underwood speaks with ArnieBellini, a technology entrepreneur, venture capitalist and philanthropist in Tampa Bay. He talks about his passion for cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and U.S. technology innovation, and is especially concerned with growing the next generation of leaders in these fields. In fact, Bellini and his wife donated $40 million to establish the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing at the University of South Florida. He also is starting cybersecurityconference called CyberBay to connect leaders and companies in the area to advanced solutions for cybersecurity.

Step into this special episode of Disruptive by Design wherethe future is funded. Tune in for this panel discussion featuring top venture capital experts who’ve backed the boldest ideas, scaled the fastest-growing startups and shaped the innovation economy from the inside out. Originally presented at AFCEA’s TechNet Emergence event in July, this episode is a front-row seat, whether you're a founder seeking funding, an operator looking to level upor simply curious about how the smartest money moves.

In this newest episode, repurposed from an AFCEA International Small Business Committee (SBC) meeting, learn about AI and small business growth. Dan Roche, Senior Director of Capture at ICF, walks us through the dos and don’ts of artificial intelligence.

In this episode, host Kimberly Underwood speaks with Meredith Caligiuri with Viasat, whose breadth of knowledge, capacity to innovate and expertise are as outstanding as is her passion for STEM education. Tune in to learn about her work on the space frontier and Meredith's dedication to STEM and a robotics team. If STEM is your passion, be sure to check out AFCEA's Educational Foundation, awarding millions in STEM-based student scholarships and teacher grants: afcea.org/afcea-educational-foundation

In this special crossover episode with Tech Transforms, we showcase a recent interview between host Carolyn Ford and AFCEA President and CEO Lt. General Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.) The two share a compelling conversation about the future of national defense in an AI-powered world. Together, they unpack: Why cybersecurity and data integrity must be the foundation of AI adoption How real-world conflicts like Ukraine are reshaping battlefield technologies What ethical AI deployment looks like across the military, government, and industry Why collaboration, not competition, is key to staying ahead of adversaries How to prepare today’s workforce for tomorrow’s digital fight They also discuss the value of participating in AFCEA’s TechNet Emergence, where government, industry and academia will unite to set the stage for #emergingtechnologies. The future of national security isn’t years away. It’s happening now. Event is July 15 and 16 in Reston, VA, and on-site registration is available. https://www.afcea.org/events/technet-emergence-2025   *Registration is FREE for active-duty military and government 

In this week's episode, host Kimberly Underwood sits down with Dr. Charles Clancy from MITRE to talk all things #TechNetEmergence. Join us on July 15-16 in Reston, VA! Don't miss this opportunity to hear from government, industry and academia experts that will unite to set the stage for emerging technologies.Register: https://buff.ly/iUaSMM4Check out sponsorship opportunities: https://buff.ly/HnGCPKi*Registration is FREE for active-duty military and government

In this special episode, AFCEA International Vice President for Defense, Col. Mike Black, USAF, (Ret.), sits down for a conversation with two AFCEA Emerging Leaders. Tune in to hear insights from John Barker, DevOps Engineer, Knack Works, and Viplav Patel, Government Account Manager, CALIBRE Systems.Learn more about AFCEA’s Emerging Leaders program: https://www.afcea.org/emerging-leaders

In this special episode, we are presenting the Emerging Leader panel from AFCEA's TechNet Cyber conference, held in May 2025. Quantum computer development is advancing rapidly, presenting an imminent threat to current cryptographic systems. Many traditional encryption methods will soon be vulnerable to decryption by our nation’s adversaries, putting sensitive data at risk and challenging the security of critical communications and networks. This panel explores Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), focusing on the latest research, technologies and NIST standards designed to protect the defense community with quantum-resistant networks. Experts will discuss the implications and next steps for transitioning to an interoperable architecture capable of defending against both classical and quantum attacks. The panel will also address how to develop this architecture to be scalable, efficient, and seamlessly integrated, minimizing risk to your network. Note: Episode is audio only

In this newest episode,Disruptive by Design host Kimberly Underwood speaks with Andrew Borene,Executive Director for Global Security and International Markets at Flashpointand lifetime AFCEA member. Learn about how to navigate the biggest cybersecuritythreats and hear his advice for emerging leaders. Also in this episode:breaking down Flashpoint’s 2025 Global Threat Intelligence Report.Resources:ISC2: CybersecurityCertifications and Continuing Education isc2.orgFlashpoint 2025 Global ThreatIntelligence Report flashpoint.io/resources/report/flashpoint-2025-global-threat-intelligence-gtir/

Navigating Careers: Tools, Resources and Support for Those Transitioning to the Private SectorIn this Disruptive by Design episode, experts will address the critical need for the government to have a capable and ready workforce and how developing such a workforce involves a multi-disciplinary approach across policy, program development, strategy, data analytics and data science. Resources:www.afcea.org/afcea-membership/afcea-career-centerwww.afcea.org/eventsFeaturing:Patrick Johnson, Director of the Workforce Innovation DivisionOffice of the DOD CIOTom WeinertFounder, Mount IndieEDWOSBNancy HilliardDirector of Corporate MembershipAFCEA International

In this special episode, Katie Arrington, who is performing the duties of chief information officer (PTDO CIO), speaks with SIGNAL's podcast guest host Nuray Taylor about her priorities at the Department of Defense and the work being done to provide warfighters the best options, the best technology, the best chance of survival.

In this special episode, Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton, director of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and commander of Joint Forces Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN), speaks with SIGNAL's guest hosts George I. Seffers and Nuray Taylor about his priorities for both organizations, which include readiness, campaigning, continuous modernization and establishing lethality in the cyber arena as a means of deterring attacks.

Ret. Maj. Gen. Patrick Higby joins SIGNAL Media’s Kimberly Underwood to discuss life after the service and offer advice on planning for success after the military. Learn about life beyond the uniform and nonprofit organizations that support veterans! Resources: Freedom Hunters - A veteran-focused hunting organization that helps veterans, particularly disabled veterans, participate in outdoor activities: https://freedomhunters.org/ No Person Left Behind (NPLB) Outdoors - An organization focused on helping wounded warriors and veterans by providing various outdoor activities like hikes, beach trips, and shooting events: https://www.nplboutdoors.org/

In this week’s episode, Kimberly Underwood sits down with Persistent Systems Executive Vice President for Corporate Strategy, Leslie Hulser as she delves into the company’s newest project. Learn about the Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) and its installation in the Baltic Sea Nations.Resource links:Persistent Systems website: https://www.persistentsystems.com/Leslie Hulser LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lesliehulser

In this newest Disruptive by Design episode, we repurposed the Emerging Leaders panel from WEST 2025 (01/28/2025).Today’s critical infrastructure must defend against a diverse and evolving threat landscape. With new technologies that pose an increased potential for harm against our nation’s security, reliance on existing compliance processes is insufficient. To optimize cybersecurity solutions, particularly in a highly interconnected networking environment, Systems Security Engineering (SSE) provides an Engineering mission-first approach to constructing a cyber-resilient architecture.Speakers:- Robert Morgan, Ph.D., Senior Cyber Software Engineer, Beyond Ordinary Software Solutionshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robertpurpose/- Kasey Cleaver, Ph.D., Technical Program Manager, Dark Wolf Solutionshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kasey-cleaver-ph-d-ba4857163/?trk=public_post_feed-actor-image- Johnathan Villalobos, Cyber Piloting and Transitions Lead, PEO Digitalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johnathanvillalobossolutions/Moderator: - Andy Sauer, CEO and Co-Founder, Sentinel Bluehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andysauer-sb/

The U.S. Air Force is making history with an initiative thatbrings back the warrant officer role in the cyber space domain. Podcast host Kimberly Underwood speaks with Lt. Col. Justin Ellsworth, the division chief, Cyber Force Management & 17X Career Field Manager assigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations,on the decision and what it means for the service and its airmen during a time of great global power competition and significant shifts in the strategic environment. The service’s warrant officer program focuses on maintaining technical leadership and highly perishable skills in the cyber domain.

In this week’s Disruptive by Design, hear from Jarrod, a member of the Central Florida AFCEA Chapter’s Emerging Leaders. Jarrod talks to us about his career in cybersecurity, cyber threats and how to safeguard critical infrastructure to protect national security. Check it out! Resources mentioned in this episode: Southern Illinois University Information Technology Program - https://academics.siu.edu/computing-and-technology/information-technology/ NDIA Greater Tampa Bay - The Greater Tampa Bay Chapter of the National Defense Industry Association (NDIA): https://www.ndiatampabay.org/ Cyber Florida: The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida: https://cyberflorida.org/ AFCEA Central Florida Chapter - https://afceacentralflorida.org/ Censys - The Leading Internet Intelligence Platform for Threat Hunting and Attack Surface Management: https://censys.com/ The 2024 State of the Internet Report - https://censys.com/the-2024-state-of-the-internet-report/ Connect with Jarrod on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrodechols/

In the last episode of this three-part series on misinformation and disinformation, we delve into how to combat disinformation without compromising free speech rights. Host Kimberly Underwood is joined by Andy Norman, the executive director of the Cognitive Immunology Research Collaborative (CIRCE) and author of “Mental Immunity,” and John Gilligan, president and CEO of the Center for Internet Security (CIS). In this episode, our guests discuss first amendment-friendly measures that institutions or organizations can take as they combat misinformation and disinformation.

For this episode, we repurposed a panel discussion from TechNet Indo-Pacific, a flagship event co-hosted by AFCEA International and the AFCEA Hawaii Chapter in October 2024. In the fast-paced realm of cybersecurity, inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. This panel delves into the transformative power of addressing the unique challenges within the community, and how aligning organizational values with inclusive practices, industry and government can accelerate innovation, bolster resilience and enhance overall performance.

In this episode, part two of a three-part series, learn a little more about the differences between misinformation and disinformation and how the dividing line boils down to one word: intent. Host Kimberly Underwood speaks with experts who address how foreign nation-states take advantage of the pathways that have developed to spread both misinformation and disinformation to influence democratic populations. It’s easy to do and we are all vulnerable. Tune in to learn how to discern the increasingly indiscernible, how to become better informed and for valuable resources that will help to better navigate the murkiness of disinformation and the influence by foreign actors.

Series: Part 1 of 3. In this episode, we learn more about the rapidly evolving cyber threats related to misinformation and disinformation, and how artificial intelligence, deep fake technology and machine learning have the potential to greatly expand the capabilities and reach of the phenomenon. Tune in as experts suggest how best to counter and not fall victim to these emerging threats. We are thankful for this episode's sponsor, Janes, which provides interconnected OSINT data assets with more than 130 million assured connections, links to military platforms, subsystems, installations, units, orders of battle and manufacturers. Janes’ global team of more than 250 analysts and subject matter experts and their OSINT tradecraft honed for decades to deliver data and analysis that you can trust, combine to deliver the intelligence needed for mission critical decisions. Learn more at janes.com.

In this special episode, hosted by the Emerging Leaders of AFCEA's Rockbridge Shenandoah Chapter, a panel of experts focus on smart city development, helping communities learn from each other, improve on successes and build smart city standards. Hear from: Moderator: Nickie Hawkins, Director, the Virginia Innovation Accelerator and Services for the Advancement Center Michael Dunaway, Associate Director for Innovation at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Tamra Lipscomb, Associate Professor - Information Systems Technology Program Head at Mountain Gateway Community College Kyle Hawkins, Major Account Manager at Arista Networks Tom Roberts, Buena Vista Community Development Director The AFCEA Emerging Leaders Program is a dynamic initiative dedicated to empowering members under the age of 40 to accelerate their professional growth and cultivate invaluable connections within the industry. Through a comprehensive framework of networking events, volunteer engagements, leadership development opportunities, and tailored events, this program fosters a vibrant community where Emerging Leaders can thrive. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources within AFCEA, young professionals gain access to a wealth of knowledge, guidance, and support, propelling them toward fulfilling and impactful careers in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and defense. Learn more about the Rockbridge Shenandoah Chapter.

In this episode, we hear from a panel of Emerging Leaders that, in today's complex battlespace, secure and reliable communication is fundamental to achieving mission success. This panel, who spoke at #TechNetIndoPacific, explores the next generation of secure communication technologies and their applications. They discuss the cutting-edge developments in areas such as software-defined radio, radio frequency and optical communications, encryption methodologies with quantum resistance, and the role of drone and vehicle swarms. Additionally, the panel will address critical aspects of reliability through the lens of systems engineering, as well as strategies to counter adversarial tactics like jamming and intercepting. The learning objective of this panel is to gain a deeper understanding of the future of secure communications, encompassing both technological advancements and strategies for ensuring reliable and resilient communication in contested environments.

In this episode of SIGNAL Media’s Disruptive by Design, podcast host Kimberly Underwood interviews Brian Cook, the technical director of 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) about the service’s Phoenix Initiative, an effort to help pull in more innovation through improved relationships. The Phoenix Initiative is designed to be an innovation incubator, focusing on forging a community and culture of innovation, thought leadership and mission enhancement. Tune into the discussion to learn more.

Take a listen to this interview with AFCEA's Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer Tim Reyna, a retired U.S. Army warrant officer, as he talks about the association's journey of digital modernization to better support AFCEA's global family. You'll glean insights on how today's experts can stay ahead of the rapidly changing field (hint hint—being a member of a professional association is one sure way). Enjoy.

For this episode, we repurposed the a panel discussion from one of AFCEA International's flagship events, TechNet Augusta, which took place in August 2024. In the fast-paced realm of cybersecurity, inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. The panelists delve into the transformative power of addressing the unique challenges within the community, and how aligning organizational values with inclusive practices, industry and government can accelerate innovation, bolster resilience, and enhance overall performance. 

In this episode, host Kimberly Underwood speaks with Aaron Pierce, CEO of Pierce Aerospace. The two discuss what Pierce refers to as the "Golden Era of Aviation," or the merging of existing and emerging aviation technology for an exiting future and what it will take to secure the new domain. He also speaks of his company's internship program that has produced a new generation of entrepreneurs and if there is anything he hopes to be his best at, it's mentoring future leaders.

In this episode, we hear from a panel of Emerging Leaders speaking about secure communications at an AFCEA International flagship event, TechNet Augusta, which recently took place August 19-22, 2024. The panelists talk about how in today's complex battlespace, secure and reliable communication is fundamental to achieving mission success and explore the next generation of secure communication technologies and their applications within the Army. The session is audio only, but you're hearing from the following: - Christian Keebler, CEO of Southeastern Cyber - Ryan McArthur, CTO, Public Sector, Federal at Zscaler - Parker Woods, engineer at Equator Corporation - Yun Zhou, lead software engineer at Tyto Athene The learning objective of this panel is to gain a deeper understanding of the future of secure communications, encompassing both technological advancements and strategies for ensuring reliable and resilient communication in contested environments.

Podcast host Kimberly Underwood speaks with Ronak Shah, senior director of research at Shift5, a startup that brings onboard data to light, helping defense, aviation and rail build and maintain intelligent fleets. Shah paired his passion of engineering with cyber to scratch his itch in both domains.

It's said society is but three meals away from total collapse, or variations of that mindset. It's terrifying to think about as we consider how much the world relies on a stable supply chain and infrastructure system. This complex network of vendors and interconnected components presents a significant attack surface for malicious actors. Implementing a zero-trust cybersecurity architecture within this domain offers a robust and proactive approach to mitigating risks and safeguarding data. But how? Tune in as a panel of experts delves into the critical need for zero-trust supply chain security and explores its potential to prevent the introduction of corrupted hardware, malicious code injections and other vulnerabilities.

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.