The Skapa Podcast: Creating the Future

Saab, Inc.

The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security. Skapa is an operationally focused incubator within Saab, Inc. Our team, a blend of individuals from startups, military, academia, and government, shares a common characteristic: a passion for action and a commitment to solving complex problems.

Episodes

  1. 10 JUL

    Leading in Defense with Erik Smith

    In this episode, Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab Inc., reflects on his career journey to leading one of the fastest-growing defense companies in the U.S. He discusses Saab’s transformation into a unified, vertically integrated organization, and shares how the company balances innovation and execution.

    38 min

  2. 10 JUN

    Powering Policy with Whitney McNamara

    This time, Michael Brasseur is joined by Whitney McNamara, Senior Vice President at Beacon Global Strategies and a leading voice in defense innovation. Whitney shares her incredible journey, lessons on leadership, and a compelling vision for the future of warfare. Tune in to hear insights on software-defined warfare, empowering risk-takers, and how to turn big ideas into real-world impact. The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security.

    39 min

  3. 27 MAY

    From the Olympics to the Battlefield with Larsen Jensen

    This time, Michael Brassuer is joined by two-time Olympic medalist, former Navy SEAL, and Harpoon Ventures founder Larsen Jensen. Larsen discusses his extraordinary journey, from growing up on an almond farm to competing on the world stage, serving his country, and now investing in transformative defense technologies. With insights on leadership, innovation, and national security, Larsen shares how he’s shaping a future rooted in resilience, technology, and purpose. The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security.

    41 min

  4. 22 APR

    A Masterclass in Disruptive Innovation with Michael Stewart

    This time, we sit down with Michael Stewart, outgoing Director of the U.S. Navy’s Disruptive Capabilities Office, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of defense innovation. From decades of service across NATO, the Pentagon, and naval aviation, Michael shares insights on why the U.S. military must rethink its approach to technology, leadership, and risk. The views and opinions expressed by Michael Stewart in this episode are his own and shared in a personal capacity. They do not represent the official policy or position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy, or any other government agency.

    50 min

  5. 8 APR

    From Purpose to Prosperity with Fatema Hamdani

    This time, we sit down with Fatema Hamdani, co-founder and CEO of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, to explore the future of unmanned aerial systems. From building the world’s longest-endurance, 100% electric drones to creating resilient communication networks for defense and disaster response, Fatema shares how innovation, purpose, and a people-first philosophy are helping her reshape national security.

    40 min

  6. 25 MAR

    Redefining Impossible with Marcus Wandt

    Michael Brasseur and Rob Murray are joined by Marcus Wandt – astronaut, test pilot, and now Chief Innovation Officer at Saab. Marcus shares insights on the future of human space exploration, the role of AI and autonomy, and how to build innovative teams that turn bold visions into reality. From redefining "impossible" to building trust between humans and machines, this is a wide-ranging conversation about technology, mindset, and pushing the boundaries of what's next. The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security.

    41 min

  7. 11 MAR

    A Tactical Future with Peter W. Singer

    This time, hosts Michael Brasseur and Rob Murray speak with author and futurist Peter W. Singer about the evolving landscape of warfare. They discuss AI, robotics and military strategy, lessons from contemporary conflicts, and the role of useful fiction in national security. The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security. This conversation was recorded on 10/15/2024.

    43 min

  8. 25 FEB

    Innovation and Security with Michelle Giuda

    This time, hosts Michael Brasseur and Rob Murray discuss the intersection of technology, diplomacy, and national security with Michelle Giuda, CEO of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University. The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security.

    44 min

  9. 11 FEB

    Shaping Tomorrow’s Defense with Pål Jonson

    In our first full episode, hosts Michael Brasseur and Rob Murray are joined by the Minister For Defense of Sweden, Pål Jonson. Pål is a key figure in shaping Sweden’s modern security and defense policies. With a deep understanding of both traditional defense mechanisms and emerging technologies, Pål is at the forefront of ensuring Sweden's armed forces are prepared for the future. The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security.

    35 min

  10. 29 JAN

    Creating the Future

    Welcome to the debut episode of the brand-new podcast from Saab, Inc.! Join hosts Michael Brasseur and Rob Murray as they share an exciting preview of what’s in store for the upcoming season. Get ready for engaging conversations, exclusive insights, and much more! The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security. Meet the Hosts Michael Brasseur, VP, General Manager, Skapa & Chief Strategy Officer, Saab, Inc. Michael founded and served as the first Commodore of Task Force 59, the US Navy's first dedicated Robotics and AI task force, and strongly contributing to NATO's innovative efforts.  A former ship captain, Michael has sailed the world’s oceans with friends and allies. His journey reflects a dedication to creating the future of defense by dreaming BIG and delivering FAST. Rob Murray, Chief Innovation Officer, Saab, Inc. From his early days as a high school dropout to a British Army Officer, a Senior NATO official, and a Professor at Johns Hopkins University, Rob has consistently embraced risk, driving him to pioneer military robotics breakthroughs and create key initiatives like NATO’s DIANA and the $1 Billion NATO Innovation Fund.

    7 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

The Skapa Podcast invites visionary leaders across industries to share their ideal future, unbound by current constraints. Together, we explore what it would take to turn these visions into reality—discussing the necessary innovations, strategic shifts, and collaborative efforts to bring about transformative change in defense and security. Skapa is an operationally focused incubator within Saab, Inc. Our team, a blend of individuals from startups, military, academia, and government, shares a common characteristic: a passion for action and a commitment to solving complex problems.

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