Stanford Seminar - Silicon Valley & The U.S. Government: Sally Donnelly

The podcast explores the intersection of Silicon Valley and the U.S. government, featuring Sally Donnelly, a national security expert with experience in multiple presidential administrations and Time Magazine. Donnelly discusses her transition from journalism to national security, emphasizing the importance of strategic communication and understanding the motivations of those who serve. She shares leadership lessons learned from Admiral Mike Mullen and Secretary Mattis, highlighting the need for speed, building effective teams, and focusing on operational needs. Donnelly also addresses the challenges startups face when navigating government procurement processes, stressing the significance of patience, a strong capability, and identifying risk-takers within the Department of Defense. She advocates for increased dialogue between the DoD and the tech community to foster innovation and improve national security.