Get ready for an engaging conversation with Ryan Connell. Joined today in his personal capacity, Ryan is a defense acquisition professional with over 15 years of experience and a passion for innovation in integrating cutting-edge technologies.

In this episode, Ryan shares personal stories and lessons learned from navigating the complex world of defense acquisition, collaborating with nontraditional contractors, and exploring how commercial technology can support national security. Drawing from his leadership roles, including on the NCMA Boston Board of Directors and with the Defense Entrepreneur Forum, Ryan dives into the challenges and opportunities of modernizing acquisition processes and building bridges between government and industry.

This episode isn’t just about what Ryan does—it’s about how his journey has shaped his perspectives on leadership, technology, and breaking down barriers for innovation. Whether you’re curious about defense, tech, or leadership, you’ll leave inspired by Ryan’s stories and actionable insights. Don’t miss it!

https://youtu.be/4pM_pH2nYIo

In his professional capacity, Ryan Connell is the Chief of Acquisition Experiments in the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). In this role, he is charged with heading CDAO contracting, building novel contracting pathways, AI Tools for Acquisition, and AI acquisition education. 

Mr. Connell joined CDAO in 2024. He previously supported the congressionally mandated Commercial Item Group, focused on DoD contract strategy for the integration of commercial technology, leveraging commercial business practices, and removing barriers to entry for nontraditional defense contractors 

Mr. Connell has 15 years of Defense acquisition experience including cost estimating, pricing, negotiation, cost analysis, & compliance. Ryan has his MBA, DAWIA certifications in both contracting and program management, is on NCMA Boston’s Board of Directors, and has previously supported Defense Entrepreneur Forum, and ACFEA in leadership roles 

00:00 Open

1:26 – How Did You Get Drawn Into Public Service?

3:05 – How Close Are You to Who You Wanted to Be Growing Up?

4:52 – Reflections on Boston

7:06 – 5 Keys to Better Connecting with Remote Team Members

9:54 – The Importance of Doing Something Creative

13:14 – How Do You Stay Current with Technology?

18:39 – What Do You Love About Working in Government?

22:30 – How Can Contractors Improve?

24:48 – What Do You Find Truly Delightful?

27:17 – Advice for Success

32:01 – What Is Your Superpower?

Are you ready to explore the intersection of cutting-edge technology, national security, and public sector transformation? In this episode, we bring together two powerhouse leaders from Appian Corporation who are redefining what’s possible with low-code automation.

🔑 Featuring:

• Li Ma, Area Vice President of Defense & Intelligence at Appian, shares her mission to empower the warfighter and safeguard national security through innovative workflow automation solutions tailored for the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

• Jason Adolf, Vice President for Appian’s Global Public Sector, unpacks how he helps agencies revolutionize their workflows to deliver faster, better, and more accurate results for their constituents, drawing from 25+ years of government contracting expertise. Together, Li and Jason discuss how Appian’s low-code platform is driving efficiency, empowering mission outcomes, and delivering measurable results across both defense and civilian sectors.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Behind-the-scenes insights on delivering automation solutions to the most complex challenges in national security and public service.

• How innovation in workflow automation is transforming the way government agencies operate.

• Personal stories and lessons learned from their journeys as leaders in the tech and public sector landscapes.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of technology and its impact on the missions that matter most.

https://youtu.be/kB0f4vnwadw

Li Ma serves as the Area Vice President of Defense & Intelligence at Appian Corporation, a premier low-code workflow automation platform provider. With a commitment to enhancing mission outcomes across both public and private sectors worldwide, Appian is dedicated to driving efficiency and innovation. In her capacity as a technology executive, Li leads the charge in overseeing Appian’s engagements with the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, leveraging her expertise and highly skilled workforce to ensure the delivery of optimal solutions. Passionate about both technology and customer success, Li strives to empower the warfighter and safeguard national security interests through cutting-edge technology.

Jason Adolf is the Vice President for Appian’s Global Public Sector vertical. Jason specializes in helping agencies automate any workflow to deliver better, faster, and more accurate results to their constituents. He is responsible for go to market strategy and manages a team of experts who bring subject matter expertise into the consultative selling approach.  In this role he advises customers on ways to make the most out of their investments in the Appian platform, leaning on 25 years of government contracting experience, 8 as an Appian customer. Prior to joining Appian, Mr. Adolf served as an executive level Director of Shared Services Consulting and Technical Solutions Portfolio at Serco. Mr. Adolf has deep experience in delivering complex technical and business process solutions to large Federal customers including CMS, GSA, VA, FDA, and several DoD customers. Prior to Serco, Mr. Adolf was a principal at SRA International, where he led both internal and external facing teams in deployment of business process management solutions.   Mr. Adolf has served as solution architect and advisory roles on major systems implementation include the Eligibility Support Services contract as part of the ACA at CMS and the FDA MARCS program while at SRA International. His expertise in Business Development and Capture Management has made him a key stakeholder in multiple program wins over $100 million dollars. Mr. Adolf holds a degree in Finance from The George Washington University. 

00:00 Open
2:17 – Why Did You Choose to Work at This Company?
5:35 – How Did Your Leadership Style Evolve Post-COVID?
9:24 – Insights on the Public Sector
16:04 – A Little-Known Story About Your Journey
22:31 – Reflections on LI MA
27:44 – Finding the Right Person for the Job
30:34 – Defining Success: What Does It Look Like?
35:10 – Who Are You Inspiring?
37:15 – Two Pieces of Advice for Success
38:43 – What Is Your Superpower?

Ever wondered why government contracting feels like a maze? Or why businesses struggle to navigate public procurement? This week, we’re excited to have Troy Francis, Chief Contracting Officer for the DC Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP), on the show! With over $10 billion in acquisitions across agencies like DDOT, HHS, and DOD, Troy brings unmatched insight into the world of government procurement.

But that’s not all—Troy is also an entrepreneur and investor, on a mission to:

✨ Make government contracting more marketable and efficient

✨ Unlock the potential of public-private partnerships

✨ Educate businesses on navigating complex regulations and optimizing opportunities Whether you’re a contractor, entrepreneur, or public sector professional, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you succeed in the world of government contracting.

🎧 Tune in now to hear Troy’s expert advice and learn how to make government procurement work for YOU! 

https://youtu.be/LC4Do_WKv1I

What does it take to reinvent government for the 21st century? In this powerful new episode, Adrian Brown, former Executive Director of the Centre for Public Impact, shares his vision for reshaping government and driving transformative change. With over 20 years of experience leading innovation across the UK government, and roles at BCG, McKinsey, and Harvard Business School, Adrian has a wealth of insights every changemaker needs to hear.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

• Secrets to building resilient governments by learning from failure

• Rebuilding trust between citizens and public institutions

• Why innovation is the key to navigating an uncertain future

• The role of creativity, incentives, and forward-thinking strategies in driving real change Adrian’s deep expertise in public service transformation provides a roadmap for the future of government—one where innovation, trust, and strategic thinking lead the way.

✨ Tune in for actionable advice, inspiring stories, and fresh perspectives on how we can rethink the role of government in the 21st century. 👉 Listen now and be inspired to think differently about the future of governance.