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Rapid Acquisition: Scaling Culture and Capabilities with Melissa Johnson, USSOCOM
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In this episode of Building the Base, Melissa "Mojo" Johnson, Acquisition Executive at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), offers a candid look into the world of military acquisition, drawing from her extensive experience with the Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office and SOCOM.
Five key takeaways from today's episode:
- To drive organizational growth effectively, Mojo advocates for horizontal scaling, emphasizing small, high-performing teams with direct communication and a flat chain of command over creating layers of bureaucracy.
- Acquisition success, according to Mojo, isn't about drowning in complex regulations, but about applying critical thinking - tailoring processes to solve specific problems and maintaining focus on the core mission.
- Breaking down barriers between commercial and military tech requires a continuous dialogue, Mojo believes, by bringing together venture capitalists, industry partners, and military leaders to understand and apply innovative solutions.
- When integrating new technologies, Mojo emphasizes understanding the end effect - moving beyond simply applying AI or new tech, and clearly articulating how a solution will enhance operator capabilities and reduce unnecessary burdens.
- For maintaining resilience in high-stress environments, Mojo recommends building a strong support system, taking time to gain perspective, celebrating successes, and recognizing that no challenge is entirely unprecedented.
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