The Mission Ready Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Howard “Howie” Lind, a seasoned leader with experience across the military, government, and private sectors. He shares his journey from college baseball at Virginia Tech to a 20-year Navy career and key roles in post-9/11 reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Howie reflects on his time as President of ISOA, discusses the evolving landscape of stability operations and global challenges, and previews his upcoming book, Not Qualified, But Coming Anyway, highlighting perseverance as a cornerstone of leadership.      

A story of Perseverance, Service, and Leadership — with Howie Lind

Chris Decker speaks with Ambassador John F. Masto, a 35-year U.S. Foreign Service veteran. They explore the evolution of diplomacy, covering bilateral and multilateral relationships, democratic transitions in Latin America and the Philippines, and the roles of China, Russia, and regional powers in global affairs. Ambassador Masto reflects on navigating the National Security Council process, working with President George W. Bush, and balancing U.S. interests with democratic principles, emphasizing continuous engagement, cultural understanding, and adaptability as essential qualities for effective diplomacy. Listen in!  

We sit down with Declan Galvin, Managing Director of Exigent Risk Advisory a leading Nairobi-based strategic risk advisory firm supporting clients across the African continent. With over a decade of experience navigating complex environments across Africa and emerging markets, Declan offers deep insight into the region’s geopolitical, operational, and security challenges.

With over a decade of experience navigating complex environments across Africa and emerging markets, Declan Galvin Managing Director Exigent Risk Advisory brings deep insight into the region’s geopolitical, operational, and security challenges. Listen in!

We’re joined by Rupert Hammond-Chambers, President of the US-Taiwan Business Council, a timely conversation on Taiwan, exploring its strategic significance, defense partnerships, and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. We unpack how regional dynamics and stability operations continue to shape global security and economic cooperation.

We take a closer look at the US–Philippines alliance, built on more than a century of shared history, challenges, and cooperation. From the days of #SubicBay and #ClarkAirBase to today’s #EnhancedDefenseCooperationAgreement (EDCA), this partnership has adapted to shifting regional and global security needs. A timely conversation on why this alliance remains vital for Indo-Pacific stability. 🇺🇸🇵🇭

We explore the US–Philippines alliance, from its century-old roots to today’s evolving security ties under the EDCA. A timely conversation on why this partnership matters for regional stability. 🇺🇸🇵🇭 Listen in!

Through 236 combat missions in Vietnam and a diverse career in the Air Force, Tom Lampley learned resilience and adaptability. His experiences shaped his transition to the commercial sector, where he now excels at KBR Government Solutions. The journey from squeezing tomatoes for subsistence contracting to influencing military logistics and congressional affairs is filled with valuable lessons for navigating both military and civilian careers. Listen in!

What’s driving tensions in the #IndoPacific, and how are nations responding? We sit down with Ray Powell, a retired U.S. Air Force officer with 35 years of experience, to unpack key issues shaping the region: ➡️ U.S.–China relations & historical context ➡️ Defense strategy shifts in the Philippines ➡️ Multinational military exercises like Balikatan ➡️ Maritime transparency and public-private partnerships ➡️ China’s civil-military fusion strategy Tune in!

We sit down with Ray Powell, Director of SeaLight and co-host of Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific?, to unpack the strategic challenges shaping the region today. With 35 years in the U.S. Air Force and deep experience across Asia and the Pacific, Ray brings a sharp, on-the-ground perspective. Listen in!

How does U.S. policy shape the world? From Middle East strategy to the future of global aid, we break down the critical decisions driving international affairs—and what they mean for all of us. In this episode of the Mission Ready Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Grieco, an international development expert and former USAID leader, to explore the key issues shaping Washington, foreign policy, and global stability. Listen in!

In this episode, we explore the stability concerns facing East Africa and the Horn, featuring insights from Matt Bryden and Hutch. Matt shares his 35 years of experience, from serving in the Canadian Armed Forces to leading the UN Sanctions Monitoring Team, and now heading SAHAN, which advises governments on conflict and post-conflict challenges. Hutch, a geomarket partner at Control Risks, offers his expertise in risk management, particularly in fragile states. Drawing from his background in military operations and crisis management, he emphasizes the need for businesses to understand the local context and build relationships to ensure success in these environments. We discuss the challenges of operating in conflict zones, the importance of security and rule of law for investment, and the evolving dynamics of international relations in Africa. Both guests highlight the potential of Africa's youth and the role of the private sector in driving sustainable development and stability. Listen In!

In the latest episode of mission ready podcast, two experts, Matt Bryden and Robert Hutchinson, share their insights on the stability concerns in East Africa and the Horn region. With decades of experience in the field, they shed light on the challenges faced by governments and organizations operating in these conflict-affected areas. The discussion also touches on the role of private investment, cyber resilience, and the need for policy changes to address these complex issues. Stay tuned for the full episode up next!

In this episode, Chris Decker delves into the intricate dynamics of collaboration between Filipino engineers and the US military, with a particular focus on operations at Subic Bay and other strategic locations in the Philippines. The episode features Rogelio Payumo alias ‘Ogie’ a seasoned Filipino engineer who shares invaluable insights from his decade-long experience working with the US Navy Public Works Center. Listen in.

We sit down with Ogie a Senior Engineering expert to explore first-hand experiences, lessons learned on the ground, and insights into navigating complex tasks in the field of Engineering. Stay tuned for the full episode up next!