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Content provided by Mark McGrath and Brian "Ponch" Rivera, Mark McGrath, and Brian "Ponch" Rivera. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mark McGrath and Brian "Ponch" Rivera, Mark McGrath, and Brian "Ponch" Rivera or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
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Drones, Airspace, AI, and Decision Making: DroneUp CEO on Leading in Complexity

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Manage episode 508421816 series 3692002
Content provided by Mark McGrath and Brian "Ponch" Rivera, Mark McGrath, and Brian "Ponch" Rivera. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mark McGrath and Brian "Ponch" Rivera, Mark McGrath, and Brian "Ponch" Rivera or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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When Tom Walker walked into a Best Buy and saw drone technology more advanced than the space shuttle selling for under $1,000, he knew aerial autonomous systems would fundamentally change society. What he couldn't have predicted was reconnecting with a former 13-96 OCS classmate decades later to discuss how military experience shapes innovation in the rapidly evolving drone industry.
The stakes couldn't be higher. With over a million drones now flying in US airspace—outnumbering manned aircraft four to one—and that number projected to double by 2027, we face an unprecedented airspace integration challenge without adequate systems to protect general aviation. Recent near-misses, go-arounds, and actual collisions with manned aircraft highlight the urgency of finding solutions that balance innovation with safety.
Drawing on his submarine background, Walker brings unique perspectives to these challenges. The military's emphasis on teamwork, contingency planning, and mission focus has directly influenced his leadership approach in an industry where pivoting is essential for survival. "I don't want the subject matter experts defining the outcome," he explains, "but I know I need them to help me understand the complexities of each stakeholder."
Perhaps most fascinating is the discussion around autonomy and human oversight. As AI advances, Tom and Ponch agree that human judgment remains irreplaceable in critical decision-making. When a drone approaches a target and discovers a daycare center nearby, or when a delivery drone encounters an unexpected dog, who makes the final call? This tension between technological capability and ethical judgment permeates both commercial and military applications.
The conversation culminates with a powerful insight about resilience: "Sometimes getting punched in the mouth means you're on exactly the right path. You just didn't realize the significance of the change you were trying to make." In an industry transforming how we think about airspace, transportation, and autonomy, this philosophy may prove essential for those brave enough to lead the way.
Want to hear more conversations with innovative leaders applying milit

NWO Intro with Boyd

March 25, 2025

Flow Learning Lab

Find us on X. @NoWayOutcast
Substack: The Whirl of ReOrientation
Want to develop your organization’s capacity for free and independent action (Organic Success)? Learn more and follow us at:
https://www.aglx.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@AGLXConsulting
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aglx-consulting-llc/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandrivera
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjmcgrath1
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemccrone
Stay in the Loop. Don't have time to listen to the podcast? Want to make some snowmobiles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive deeper insights on current and past episodes.
Recent podcasts where you’ll also find Mark and Ponch:

The No Bell Podcast Episode 24
...

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Reconnecting After 30 Years (00:00:00)

2. From Navy to Drone Entrepreneurship (00:05:26)

3. Military Lessons in Teamwork (00:10:36)

4. The Airspace Integration Challenge (00:18:23)

5. AI, Autonomy and Human Oversight (00:27:41)

6. Loss of Human Capability (00:38:16)

7. Industry Challenges and Innovation (00:50:26)

8. Diverse Thinking and Contingency Planning (00:56:36)

127 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 508421816 series 3692002
Content provided by Mark McGrath and Brian "Ponch" Rivera, Mark McGrath, and Brian "Ponch" Rivera. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mark McGrath and Brian "Ponch" Rivera, Mark McGrath, and Brian "Ponch" Rivera or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Send us a text

When Tom Walker walked into a Best Buy and saw drone technology more advanced than the space shuttle selling for under $1,000, he knew aerial autonomous systems would fundamentally change society. What he couldn't have predicted was reconnecting with a former 13-96 OCS classmate decades later to discuss how military experience shapes innovation in the rapidly evolving drone industry.
The stakes couldn't be higher. With over a million drones now flying in US airspace—outnumbering manned aircraft four to one—and that number projected to double by 2027, we face an unprecedented airspace integration challenge without adequate systems to protect general aviation. Recent near-misses, go-arounds, and actual collisions with manned aircraft highlight the urgency of finding solutions that balance innovation with safety.
Drawing on his submarine background, Walker brings unique perspectives to these challenges. The military's emphasis on teamwork, contingency planning, and mission focus has directly influenced his leadership approach in an industry where pivoting is essential for survival. "I don't want the subject matter experts defining the outcome," he explains, "but I know I need them to help me understand the complexities of each stakeholder."
Perhaps most fascinating is the discussion around autonomy and human oversight. As AI advances, Tom and Ponch agree that human judgment remains irreplaceable in critical decision-making. When a drone approaches a target and discovers a daycare center nearby, or when a delivery drone encounters an unexpected dog, who makes the final call? This tension between technological capability and ethical judgment permeates both commercial and military applications.
The conversation culminates with a powerful insight about resilience: "Sometimes getting punched in the mouth means you're on exactly the right path. You just didn't realize the significance of the change you were trying to make." In an industry transforming how we think about airspace, transportation, and autonomy, this philosophy may prove essential for those brave enough to lead the way.
Want to hear more conversations with innovative leaders applying milit

NWO Intro with Boyd

March 25, 2025

Flow Learning Lab

Find us on X. @NoWayOutcast
Substack: The Whirl of ReOrientation
Want to develop your organization’s capacity for free and independent action (Organic Success)? Learn more and follow us at:
https://www.aglx.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@AGLXConsulting
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aglx-consulting-llc/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandrivera
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjmcgrath1
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemccrone
Stay in the Loop. Don't have time to listen to the podcast? Want to make some snowmobiles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive deeper insights on current and past episodes.
Recent podcasts where you’ll also find Mark and Ponch:

The No Bell Podcast Episode 24
...

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Reconnecting After 30 Years (00:00:00)

2. From Navy to Drone Entrepreneurship (00:05:26)

3. Military Lessons in Teamwork (00:10:36)

4. The Airspace Integration Challenge (00:18:23)

5. AI, Autonomy and Human Oversight (00:27:41)

6. Loss of Human Capability (00:38:16)

7. Industry Challenges and Innovation (00:50:26)

8. Diverse Thinking and Contingency Planning (00:56:36)

127 episodes

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