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FROM $75B TO $150B IN CONTRACTS PER YEAR,
 USING FEWER RESOURCES

WITH JAMES 'HONDO' GEURTS, CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISORY BOARD FOR SIERRA SPACE, AND FORMER UNDERSECRETARY OF THE NAVY

03:44     It’s not about creating another authority, process, or regulation
03:58     It's about mission-focused outcomes
05:22     Following process for process’s sake is obsolete  
05:35     Develop an abundance mindset, instead of a scarcity mindset  
05:50     Build and develop a broad network 
06:27     Go where someone has already gone: Don’t wait to invent  
07:30     We didn’t have a golden process or invent something new 
09:04     Bureaucracies never like to take risks. They’re not designed for it  
10:21      The 4Ds: The first is ‘decentralize’  
10:49     Learn to trust until it hurts
11:33     The second D is ‘differentiate’ 
13:06     Learn from each other 
13:46     The third D is ‘digitize the work’ 
14:00     The fourth D is ‘develop talent’
16:12      Learning lesson: Assign an initiative with a 50% chance of failure 
17:05     Teach how to learn fast 
17:35     Learn from what fails 
20:04    Before you ask for something, be sure to optimize what you have 
20:53.   Beware of gimmicks. Leverage everything available
21:20.    Do you have curiosity?
22:11     Do you have the humility to learn? 
22:27    Do you have the boldness to act? 
23:16    Don’t look for a hero 
25:58    Learn how to make a decision on your own 
27:09    Forced to learn at an early age
28:20    Encouragement for our listeners 
29:39    Don’t confuse leadership with a position in an organization 
03:44   It’s not about creating another authority, process, or regulation
03:58   When you are focused on the mission, it’s about achieving outcomes      
05:22   Following process for process’s sake is obsolete  
05:35   Develop an abundance mindset, instead of a scarcity mindset  
05:50   Build and develop a broad network 
06:27   Go where someone has already gone: Don’t wait for time to invent  
07:30   We didn’t have a golden process. And we didn’t invent something new 
09:04   Bureaucracies never like to take risks. They’re not designed for it  
10:21   The 4Ds: The first is ‘decentralize’  
10:49   Learn to trust until it hurts
11:33   The second D is ‘differentiate’ 
13:06   Learn from each other 
13:46   The third D is ‘digitize the work’ 
14:00   The fourth D is ‘develop talent’
16:12   Learning lesson: Assign an initiative with a 50% chance of failure 
17:05   Teach how to learn fast 
17:35   Learn from what fails 
20:04   Before you ask for something, have you optimized what you already have?
20:53   Beware of gimmicks. Leverage everything available
21:20   Do you have curiosity?
22:11   Do you have the humility to learn? 
22:27   Do you have the boldness to act? 
23:16   Don’t look for a hero 
25:58   Learn how to make a decision on your own 
27:09   Forced to learn at an early age
28:20   Encouragement for our listeners 
29:39   Don’t confuse leadership with a position in an organization 

Host Tim Templeton talks with James “Hondo” Geurts, Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board for Sierra Space, and former Undersecretary of the Navy. This lively discussion covers: focusing on mission outcomes instead of processes; the criticality of The 4 Ds -  Decentralize, Differentiate, Digitize, & Develop; and a fascinating story of doubling contract revenue with 10% less staff and 20% fewer contracts.

BIOGRAPHY

Over three decades of leadership in the national security sector, Mr. Geurts has been recognized for his abilities to rapidly field emerging technologies, create and scale innovative solutions, inspire teams, and develop diverse talent. He is a proven leader in the most challenging and complex situations. 

Currently, Mr. Geurts is a distinguished fellow at Business Executives for National Security, where he provides strategic oversight for their pioneering work related to shaping the nation's future industrial base. Hondo also serves as the Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board for Sierra Space, Vice Chairman for SYC Robotics, and serves on several other boards of innovative firms. 

Prior to his retirement from government service, Secretary Geurts performed the duties of the Undersecretary of the Navy, as the department's number two civilian with responsibility for the effective global operations of the over 1-million person, $200 billion US Navy and Marine Corps team.

From 2017 until 2021, after his presidential appointment and unanimous senate confirmation, he served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research Development and Acquisition. As the Department of Navy's most senior acquisition official, he was responsible for a $140 billion annual budget and ensured the effective procurement and sustainment of the platform systems, technology, and services to enhance the capabilities and readiness of the sailors and marines serving around the globe. 

Throughout his military and civilian careers, Mr. Geurts’s contributions have been recognized by numerous private and public institutions. These include twice earning the Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal and Presidential Rank Award. Mr. Geurts is married to his high school sweetheart, Dr. Kelly Geurts, and they are the parents of two adult sons. 

Biography

Over three decades of leadership in the national security sector, Mr. Geurts has been recognized for his abilities to rapidly field emerging technologies, create and scale innovative solutions, inspire teams, and develop diverse talent. He is a proven leader in the most challenging and complex situations. 

Currently, Mr. Geurts is a distinguished fellow at Business Executives for National Security, where he provides strategic oversight for their pioneering work related to shaping the nation's future industrial base. Hondo also serves as the Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board for Sierra Space, Vice Chairman for SYC Robotics, and serves on several other boards of innovative firms. 

Prior to his retirement from government service, Secretary Guerts performed the duties of the Undersecretary of the Navy, as the department's number two civilian with responsibility for the effective global operations of the over 1-million person, $200 billion US Navy and Marine Corps team.

From 2017 until 2021, after his presidential appointment and unanimous senate confirmation, he served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research Development and Acquisition. As the Department of Navy's most senior acquisition official, he was responsible for a $140 billion annual budget and ensured the effective procurement and sustainment of the platform systems, technology, and services to enhance the capabilities and readiness of the sailors and marines serving around the globe. 

Throughout his military and civilian careers, Mr. Geurts’s contributions have been recognized by numerous private and public institutions. These include twice earning the Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal and Presidential Rank Award. Mr. Geurts is married to his high school sweetheart, Dr. Kelly Geurts, and they are the parents of two adult sons. 

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