Welcome to OODAcon 2024

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OODAcon 2024 Agenda

Bootstrapping the Future – Welcome to OODAcon 2024 

This opening session with Matt Devost sets the stage for OODAcon 2024 by exploring the foundational elements driving future innovation and technology convergence. Attendees will gain insight into the key themes of the conference and how these will shape discussions on the future of business, technology, and society.

Cyber Diplomacy for Cyber & AI Safety 

Ambassador Nate Fick, the U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, will explore the critical role of diplomacy in shaping global cybersecurity and AI policy and action. Expect insights into the intersection of policy, technology, and national security that can inform and shape our actions. 

Beyond Human Limits:  Charting the Future of AI Innovation

Dr. Amr Awadallah, an experienced innovator who co-founded Cloudera and is now the founder and CEO of Vectara, will delve into the status of AI innovation, focusing on how generative AI can be applied to business data while addressing challenges such as accuracy, security, and explainability. With over 25 years of experience in big data and AI, Amr will provide a forward-looking perspective on how scalable AI systems can transform industries while ensuring ethical and enterprise ready deployment.

The Net Assessment for the Future

Net assessment is a strategic framework used to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of competing entities, particularly in the context of national security. In this session, moderated by Matt Devost, Dr. James N. Miller, a former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, and Will Hurd, a former Member of Congress and cybersecurity executive, will conduct a net assessment of the global landscape. They will examine geopolitical, technological, and policy challenges, providing insights into the forces shaping the future of national security and global strategy.

Touching the Void:  Persona Based AI and the New Age of Expertise

Dara Ladjevardian, CEO of Delphi, will explore the cutting-edge realm of persona-based AI, focusing on how digital clones can amplify human productivity and interaction. As the technology behind platforms like Devost.ai and bobgourley.ai, this session will highlight how AI-driven personas are transforming industries by scaling time, monetizing expertise, and engaging audiences at an unprecedented level.

Disruption as a Thermodynamic Catalyst: Tech Innovations That Will Solve Global Challenges

Using the pseudonym “Beff Jezos” and an endless supply of logic, humor and memes, Guillaume Verdon created a movement called Effective Accelerationism (e/acc), which embraces technological innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence. Expect a big dose of fact filled optimism from Guillaume, as he paints a more positive view of current and future innovation. Guillaume is also the co-founder and CEO of Extropic, a company that has brought a new form of computing from theory into reality. Guillaume will outline how Thermodynamic Computing can deliver extreme compute power for fractions of the energy cost, enabling continued growth in massive scale AI applications. 

China – Current Threats and Emerging Risks

Founder of the cybersecurity research conference ChinaCon Kristin Del Rosso will lead a discussion with security researchers Charity Wright and Eugenio Benincasa which will include insights from the latest ChinaCon and focus on the nature of current risks emanating from China. 

Annual Global Threat Brief

Johnny Sawyer is renowned for his ability to contextualize global risks and convey their nature in ways that can inform, educate and drive decisions. Corporate intelligence and investigations expert Jen Hoar will facilitate a discussion with Johnny that will provide expert analysis of the global threat environment, covering topics such as cybersecurity, geopolitics, and technological disruption. 

The Age of Exponential Blockchain Disruption

Blockchain technology is accelerating at an exponential pace, disrupting industries far beyond finance. This session featuring investor and innovator Angela Dalton will explore how blockchain is converging with other technologies like AI, gaming, and media to create new business models and transform global systems.

Cross Domain Innovation – Driving Deep Tech Convergence

This panel features three distinguished professionals—Katrina McFarland, Andrew Cote, and William “Mac” McHenry— each known for their ability to conceptualize the impact of exponential technologies on business and national security. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds in defense, deep tech, and innovation ecosystems, they will explore how convergence across domains such as AI, biotechnology, space/aerospace, and energy can help identify and accelerate technological advancements. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how these technologies can be harnessed to drive innovation and meet the goals of OODAcon—empowering decision-makers to anticipate, adapt, and thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

The Cybersecurity Dilemma: Board Expectations for Managing Cyber Risk

In this session, Matt Devost will moderate a discussion with Al Tarasuik, Citigroup’s Chief Information Security Officer, and Leslie Ireland, a Citigroup Board member. They will share insights on the evolving expectations for corporate directors and technology leaders as they navigate the complexities of driving value while mitigating systemic cyber risks. Attendees will gain practical lessons and best practices for balancing security, innovation, and corporate governance in an increasingly volatile threat landscape.

Cyber Resilience: Thriving in the AI-Powered World

This session features Jason Healey, Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University, and Dor Sarig, CEO of Pillar Security, as they discuss the fusion of AI and cybersecurity. Together, they will explore how organizations can build resilience by leveraging AI to detect threats, automate defenses, and thrive in an increasingly complex cyber landscape. Their combined expertise in offensive and defensive strategies will provide attendees with actionable insights into staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Materializing Tomorrow: Securing Supply Chains for National Competitiveness and Reindustrialization

This session will address the critical global supply chain issues impacting innovation, competitiveness, and defense. Molly Just Behr, leader of the CHIPS Coordination Cell (C3) at the Department of Defense, will explore the U.S. strategies and programs designed to mitigate supply chain risks, strengthen national security, and ensure technological superiority in a competitive global environment.

Navigating the Future: Strategic Insights and Global Trends from America’s New Map

In this session, geostrategist and author Thomas Barnett will provide a deep dive into the evolving geopolitical landscape based on his latest book, America’s New Map: Restoring Our Global Leadership in an Era of Climate Change and Demographic Collapse. Barnett will offer key insights into the shifting global dynamics and their implications for leaders in business, technology, politics, and national security, emphasizing the strategies needed to navigate this complex future.

Confirmed Keynote Speakers

Ambassador Nate Fick: Nathaniel C. Fick was sworn in on September 21, 2022 as the inaugural U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Prior to joining the State Department, Ambassador Fick was a technology executive and entrepreneur.  He was CEO of the cybersecurity software company Endgame from 2012 through its acquisition by Elastic in 2019.  Ambassador Fick spent nearly a decade as an operating partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, working with management teams to build technology businesses.  In 2018, he was named by Fast Company magazine as one of the “100 Most Creative People in Business,” and Endgame was selected by Forbes as one of the “100 Best Cloud Companies in the World.” From 2009 to 2012, Ambassador Fick was CEO of the Center for a New American Security, a national security research organization in Washington.  Earlier in his career, he served as a Marine Corps infantry and reconnaissance officer, including combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.  His book about that experience, One Bullet Away, was a New York Times bestseller, a Washington Post “Best Book of the Year,” and one of the Military Times‘s “Best Military Books of the Decade.” Ambassador Fick graduated with high honors in Classics from Dartmouth College and holds an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Thomas Barnett: Thomas is geostrategist, analyst and author whose groundbreaking works, like “The Pentagon’s New Map,” have shaped our understanding of global strategy and leadership. His latest book, “America’s New Map: Restoring Our Global Leadership in an Era of Climate Change and Demographic Collapse,” delves into the evolving geopolitical landscape and its implications for leaders in politics, international relations, science, technology, finance, and business. His perspectives are crucial for anyone interested in the future of global strategy.

Confirmed Speakers

Amr Awadallah: With over 25 years of experience in scalable systems, big data, and AI, Amr is passionate about changing our collective future for the better one startup at a time. As the founder and CEO of Vectara, the trusted GenAI Platform, he leads a team of talented AI engineers who are building a trusted GenAI platform for business data with the benefits of mitigating hallucinations, bias, copyright infringement and data privacy. His expertise in these fields positions him as a key figure in the ongoing AI revolution.

Dr. James N. Miller is President and CEO of Adaptive Strategies LLC, which advises private sector clients on technology trends and strategy. He is a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab and at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science & International Affairs, and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Center for a New American Security. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and the Defense Science Board, where he co-chaired a recent study on cyber deterrence. Dr. Miller served as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy from 2012 to 2014, and Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy from 2009 to 2012.  Dr. Miller received a B.A. with honors in economics from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. in public policy from the Kennedy School at Harvard University.

Will Hurd: For over two decades William Hurd has been involved in the most pressing national security issues challenging the country, whether in the back-alleys of dangerous places overseas, boardrooms of top international businesses, or the halls of Congress. He has had a diverse and impactful career as a Member of Congress, cybersecurity executive, undercover officer in the CIA, Artificial Intelligence policy pioneer, Presidential candidate, investment banker and is author of the book American Reboot.

Dara Ladjevardian: Pioneer in the use of AI to create digital clones to enable enhanced human productivity. CEO of Delphi, a company providing digital clones that scale time, help monetize knowledge and interact with audiences at scale. 

Guillaume Verdon: Known online as “Beff Jezos,” Guillaume Verdon has spearheaded a technological movement that encourages society to embrace technological innovation, particularly artificial intelligence. Marc Andreessen has dubbed him the “patron saint of techno-optimism.” His effective accelerationism movement (e/acc) advocates for the rapid development of technology as humanity’s best hope, challenging the naysayers of AI. As a physicist and quantum computing researcher, and the CEO of Extropic, he’s at the forefront of developing new AI chip architectures based on the new approach of Thermodynamic Computing.

Kristin Del Rosso has a background in security product management and threat intelligence. With a range of corporate experience, she has successfully launched and grown a variety of security and intelligence offerings, as well as focused on hands-on malware reverse engineering, malicious actor tracking, vulnerability research, and OSINT investigations. Kristin is also the Founder of the ChinaCon event series.

Charity Wright is a cyber threat Intelligence expert with over 17 years of experience in the US Army/NSA and the private sector. She has extensive experience in tracking, assessing and reporting on global strategic threats, state-sponsored cyber threats, and malign influence operations (especially from PRC).

Johnny Sawyer Following a distinguished 22-year military career as a U.S. Army officer, Johnny joined the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2001 and served in multiple positions of increased responsibility during his 20-year tenure there including principal deputy director for analysis; first director, Middle East/Africa Regional Center; chief, Middle East North Africa Office; chief, Defense Resources and Infrastructure Office; and senior expert for enterprise management. Mr. Sawyer’s last assignment at DIA was chief of staff. As the third ranking officer at DIA, he was the Agency’s chief operating officer—overseeing a sixteen thousand officers and a multi-billion-dollar budget and exercising broad responsibilities to ensure continued excellence while simultaneously developing plans, process improvements and strategies to prepare the Agency for future success.

Jen Hoar Jen is a corporate intelligence and due diligence executive and an expert in Human Source intelligence. She is a former journalist-turned-corporate investigator who has leveraged the potent act of asking, and listening, to turn strangers into sources and contacts into clients. She has a track record of interviewing smart people to inform executive decision-making.

Angela Dalton is the CEO & Founder of Signum Growth Capital, a FINRA-registered broker dealer, and Signum Growth Advisors, an investor, operating at the intersection of mass market culture and new economies that are bubbling up in new digital communities. Areas of expertise include video games, entertainment, and emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. Prior, she served in Tech/Media leadership roles as a Managing Director at UBS, Guggenheim, and Evercore Partners, where she served as Co-Founder and initial investor in Evercore Equities. Signum Growth acts as the Lead Advisor to ARK Invest, and Angela serves as the Co-Founder of the Women in Gaming Zoom (WIGZ), and recently served on the corporate board of FaZe Clan.

Katrina McFarland: A former senior executive at the DoD and commissioner of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, Katrina brings a wealth of knowledge on global and national security issues. Her unique perspective, informed by both historical and technological contexts, makes her a thought leader in the field.

Andrew Cote: An engineering physicist, tech scout, and entrepreneur, Andrew founded San Francisco’s Deep Tech Week, an event that draws investors and innovators in sectors like Energy, Biotech, Robotics, Neurotech, Computing, Manufacturing, Aerospace, and Defense. His work fosters significant advancements in these cutting-edge fields.

William “Mac” McHenry I highly regarded executive with extensive experience in industry innovation and government agency leadership. Mac pioneered new industry engagement models for DoD as a founding member of DIU and remains deeply engaged in the innovation ecosystem.

Al Tarasuik: Al is Citi’s Chief Information Security Officer. Joining Citi in 2020, Al has responsibility for protecting Citi’s information assets globally across all lines of businesses and functions. He leads Citi’s Cyber Security strategy and execution, Insider Threat program and all aspects of Citi’s cyber posture, including Data Protection. Al has 38 years of experience leading cyber security and technology at large global and complex organizations. Prior to Citi, Al was the global Chief Security Officer at Deutsche Bank, where he was responsible for cybersecurity and corporate security. He also served as the interim Group Chief Information Officer with responsibility for group-wide technology architecture and standards, digital workplace, IT infrastructure and corporate technology. Al previously served for over 28 years in the US intelligence community in several executive leadership roles including CIO of the US Intelligence Community, a position he was appointed to by US President Barack Obama.

Leslie Ireland: Leslie is a highly accomplished Board member and executive with a mission focus on protecting US economic and national security. Her background includes service as an Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the U.S. Department of Treasury and as a President’s Daily Intelligence briefer.

Jason Healey is a Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University. Jay’s career included pioneering work in military intelligence support to new cybersecurity missions, cybersecurity leadership in some of the globes largest financial institutions, senior government policy making roles and now academia. His highly sought after research is frequently at the forefront of major national cyber conferences including Blackhat, Defcon and RSA.

Dor Sarig is CEO of Pillar Security. He is a highly experienced information security expert driving offensive and defensive cybersecurity initiatives for global industry leaders with a special focus on the fusion of AI and security.

Molly Just Behr: Technology and defense-focused executive with 15 years of experience supporting technology investment and mergers and acquisition across the national security innovation base. Currently, leading the CHIPS Coordination Cell (C3) at the Department of Defense.

You can also dive into some of the results of OODAcon 2023 by downloading our event summary: “Imperatives for Action“.

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