In this episode, Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab Inc., reflects on his career journey to leading one of the fastest-growing defense companies in the U.S. He discusses Saab’s transformation into a unified, vertically integrated organization, and shares how the company balances innovation and execution.
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37:55
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37:55
Powering Policy with Whitney McNamara
This time, Michael Brasseur is joined by Whitney McNamara, Senior Vice President at Beacon Global Strategies and a leading voice in defense innovation. Whitney shares her incredible journey, lessons on leadership, and a compelling vision for the future of warfare. Tune in to hear insights on software-defined warfare, empowering risk-takers, and how to turn big ideas into real-world impact.The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security.
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38:54
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38:54
From the Olympics to the Battlefield with Larsen Jensen
This time, Michael Brassuer is joined by two-time Olympic medalist, former Navy SEAL, and Harpoon Ventures founder Larsen Jensen. Larsen discusses his extraordinary journey, from growing up on an almond farm to competing on the world stage, serving his country, and now investing in transformative defense technologies. With insights on leadership, innovation, and national security, Larsen shares how he’s shaping a future rooted in resilience, technology, and purpose.The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security.
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41:22
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41:22
A Masterclass in Disruptive Innovation with Michael Stewart
This time, we sit down with Michael Stewart, outgoing Director of the U.S. Navy’s Disruptive Capabilities Office, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of defense innovation. From decades of service across NATO, the Pentagon, and naval aviation, Michael shares insights on why the U.S. military must rethink its approach to technology, leadership, and risk.The views and opinions expressed by Michael Stewart in this episode are his own and shared in a personal capacity. They do not represent the official policy or position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy, or any other government agency.
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50:16
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50:16
From Purpose to Prosperity with Fatema Hamdani
This time, we sit down with Fatema Hamdani, co-founder and CEO of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, to explore the future of unmanned aerial systems. From building the world’s longest-endurance, 100% electric drones to creating resilient communication networks for defense and disaster response, Fatema shares how innovation, purpose, and a people-first philosophy are helping her reshape national security.
The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security.
Skapa is an operationally focused incubator within Saab, Inc. Our team, a blend of individuals from startups, military, academia, and government, shares a common characteristic: a passion for action and a commitment to solving complex problems.
Netherlands