#10 Part 2: How the U.S. Can Win the Innovation Race with Startup Thinking

May 14

America used to lead the world in innovation. Now, it's falling behind — and no one in power wants to face the truth.

In Part 2 of this eye-opening conversation, we dive into how the U.S. lost its edge in science, technology, and defense. From bloated bureaucracies to outdated mindsets, the systems that once fueled American greatness are now holding it back.

You’ll hear war stories from the frontlines of government innovation, uncover the forgotten WWII playbook that built modern America, and learn how China quietly leapfrogged U.S. capabilities. We explore why bold ideas get killed, how real change gets buried, and what kind of leadership we desperately need today.

This isn’t just about startups — it’s about the future of the country.

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Timestamps:
3:37: Hacking for Defense -- how a new form of national service is changing how national security problems are solved
6:27: Why DoD struggles to innovate
11:31: How China beat the U.S. at innovation
21:00: How the U.S. became a science superpower
27:00: Faith vs. facts: how decisions should be made
35:15: Why the Office of Strategic Capital is one of the most creative things to happen to DoD
40:47: How to get to the outcome you want: Fact-based conversations vs. Faith-based conversations
43:51: Putting startup risk in context
50:34: Redefining service
52:30: Retirement, legacy & how to measure your life

Episode Partners:

Salesforce
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