Impact Point

Q2IMPACT
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technology, policy, and people, and how they all come together to create real-world change.

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  1. Aid Is Not Charity, It's Investment; Syria, Security, and the Future of US Assistance with David Lillie of Syrian American Medical Society

    19 мая

    Aid Is Not Charity, It's Investment; Syria, Security, and the Future of US Assistance with David Lillie of Syrian American Medical Society

    David Lillie, Executive Director of the Syrian American Medical Society, has spent 25 years delivering humanitarian assistance in conflict zones, including Syria, Sudan, and Rwanda. In this episode, he makes the case that humanitarian aid is not charity. It is crisis prevention, and the cost of cutting it is measured in instability, disease, and displacement, not budget savings. With over 320 million people globally in need of aid and US funding declining sharply, David lays out what breaks first when the money stops, why Syria demands sustained attention after liberation, and how AI and better data practices can help the sector do more with less. KEY TAKEAWAYS 00:00 Introduction.  00:42 After funding was cut, agencies faced immediate life-or-death decisions about continuing services in the field. 04:18 Humanitarian crises and big gaps do not disappear when attention and funding dry up; they become more dangerous. 06:00 Syria's displacement crisis shows how sustained investment prevents regional instability and disease spread. 18:27 Return on humanitarian investment shows up in population movement, crises that emerge,t and private sector growth, not government reports. 21:29 When funding stops, local partners collapse first, and there is a huge cost to rebuilding. 30:34 70% of humanitarians use AI, but only 3% use it for anything beyond basic summaries and translation. 38:46 AI will not replace humanitarian workers, but it can help them see risks faster and catch fraud earlier. 45:26 Humanitarian assistance is not compassion. It is a smart investment. It has a framing issue and we need to let the data speak about why HA is an investment and why it matters. RESOURCES MENTIONED David Lillie https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lillie-60158196/?isSelfProfile=false Syrian American Medical Society | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/syrian-american-medical-society/ Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) | Website https://sams-usa.net/  Humanitarian Data Exchange: https://data.humdata.org/ GeoWrangler: https://geowrangler.thinkingmachin.es/  Thanks for listening to the "Impact Point" podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance

    47 мин.
  2. The Drone Threat Is Not Waiting: C-UAS, Speed, and the Adaptation Imperative with Brad Halsey of Building Momentum

    15 апр.

    The Drone Threat Is Not Waiting: C-UAS, Speed, and the Adaptation Imperative with Brad Halsey of Building Momentum

    The drone threat is no longer a future problem. Recent incidents at El Paso and Fort Hancock have exposed a critical vulnerability — not in technology, but in how organizations coordinate decisions under pressure. The biggest counter-UAS readiness gap is a practice problem, not a hardware one. In this episode of “Impact Point,” we sit down with Brad Halsey, Founder of Building Momentum and former Navy Surface Warfare Officer. Brad draws on two decades of defense innovation and experiential learning to explain why adaptation speed now trumps technology sophistication, how government access restrictions are stalling domestic innovation, and why the organizations that will hold the line are built on continuous iteration — not advanced hardware. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 06:15 There is no DARPA Hard anymore, only DARPA Fast. The drone threat moves faster than two-year development cycles. 10:08 Counter-UAS agility requires rethinking the business model, not just the technology stack. 13:00 Government access restrictions have prevented war fighters from building the reps that matter most. 14:00 Risk tolerance in garrison should be higher than in combat, not lower. That cultural inversion is slowing adaptation. 16:21 Drone incidents aren't surprising because the threat is new. They're surprising because we've never practiced responding to them in the environments where they occur. 35:00 World Cup preparation should focus on the asymmetric scenarios, not the ones every security team already has an SOP for. 38:00 Fluid multi-authority communications must be practiced, not assumed. Coordination failures in low-stakes drills become casualties in real events. 44:19 The speed of adaptation is the shield. For government leaders, industry, and venture capital alike, that's the only durable competitive position. Resources Mentioned: Brad Halsey http://linkedin.com/in/brad-halsey-74109933 Building Momentum | LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/company/building-momentum-llc Building Momentum | Website http://buildmo.com Defense Acquisition University (DAU) http://dau.edu Q2IMPACT http://q2impact.com Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The “Impact Point” podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance

    47 мин.
  3. Why Good Intentions Fail: The True Cost of Ignoring AM&E in Security Cooperation with Mick Crnkovich of Stratagem Consulting, LLC

    9 мар.

    Why Good Intentions Fail: The True Cost of Ignoring AM&E in Security Cooperation with Mick Crnkovich of Stratagem Consulting, LLC

    Billions are spent on US security cooperation every year. Mick Crnkovich, one of the most candid practitioners in the field, joins us to make the case for treating assessment, monitoring, and evaluation (AM&E) not as compliance overhead, but as the decision infrastructure that protects taxpayer investment and keeps security cooperation honest. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:16 AM&E was built to be a decision infrastructure, not paperwork. 09:06 AM&E expertise does not exist inside the Department of Defense. 12:17 A single vendor created consistency. Fragmentation broke it. 16:55 DoD culture is the biggest obstacle to lasting AM&E progress. 20:31 Effective AM&E integrates data, people, and culture as one system. 25:18 Choosing the cheapest vendor produces garbage in, garbage out. 28:33 Big primes are a mile wide and an inch deep. AM&E needs specialists. 39:18 Rigorous AM&E aligns directly with this administration's efficiency priorities. 48:25 No one inside the combatant commands was held accountable for AM&E outcomes. 50:16 AI and ML must be integrated into SSCI proposals. The talent exists. 53:21 AM&E professionals speak a language most DoD stakeholders do not understand. 55:00 The best teams combine AM&E expertise with former security cooperation officers. 01:09:48 The enterprise is at a restart point. Not from scratch, but a deliberate reset. Resources Mentioned: Mick Crnkovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-crnkovich/ Q2IMPACT https://www.q2impact.com Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) https://www.dsca.mil/ Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) https://dscu.edu/ U.S. Code § 383 — NDAA 2017 AM&E of Programs and Activieties https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/383 SCIP — Security Cooperation Information Portal https://scip.dsca.mil/welcome/ The Good American: The Epic Life of Bob Gersony https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/588768/the-good-american-by-robert-d-kaplan/ Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance

    1 ч. 14 мин.
  4. From Research to Reality: What’s Missing in the US Innovation System with Sreenivas Ramaswamy of NobleReach™️

    17 февр.

    From Research to Reality: What’s Missing in the US Innovation System with Sreenivas Ramaswamy of NobleReach™️

    Building resilient supply chains, translating talent across sectors, and aligning public and private incentives are becoming defining challenges for US competitiveness. Sreenivas Ramaswamy, Chief Innovation Officer of NobleReach™,️ joins us to explore how innovation policy, procurement reform, and workforce development must evolve to meet today’s national security and economic realities. Drawing from his varied career, including his role in shaping the CHIPS and Science Act, Sree explains why government, industry, and academia often struggle to work in sync.  Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:10 Sreenivas moves from space engineering to economics and McKinsey. 05:51 NobleReach™ is built to bridge language gaps between government, industry, and academia. 07:42 Moving innovation from lab to market requires addressing systemic gaps. 12:57 Capital is available, but ecosystem gaps and misaligned talent slow investment. 17:22 Solving talent gaps requires bringing capital allocators and operators into government. 18:34 Effective change management starts with clearly defining the real problem. 19:01 US–China competition requires public and private sectors to align and break down silos. 21:43 Fragmented workforce programs drive ongoing skill gaps. Resources Mentioned: Sreenivas Ramaswamy https://www.linkedin.com/in/sreeramaswamy/ NobleReach™ | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/noblereach/ NobleReach™️ | Website https://noblereach.org/ CHIPS and Science Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4346 Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #DigitalTransformation

    28 мин.
  5. Inside the Talent Shift: How AI and Procurement Reform Are Reshaping GovCon with Jake Frazer of Precision Talent Solutions

    20 янв.

    Inside the Talent Shift: How AI and Procurement Reform Are Reshaping GovCon with Jake Frazer of Precision Talent Solutions

    The GovCon landscape is undergoing seismic change, and navigating it requires a new kind of leadership, talent strategy, and organizational mindset. In this episode, we sit down with Jake Frazer, President and Co-Founder of Precision Talent Solutions, to explore how CEOs, executives, and transitioning professionals can adapt, upskill, and thrive in a rapidly shifting market. Jake shares insights from decades in the industry, highlighting what today’s GovCon leaders must understand about procurement reform, AI-driven shifts, and the changing nature of business development. He also discusses career pivots, organizational mapping, and how empathy and human connection remain irreplaceable in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:20 CEOs face the most turbulent GovCon talent landscape since 9/11. 05:14 AI now handles major BD tasks that once required full teams. 08:12 CEOs should use assessment tools to see who can adapt to rapid change. 10:32 Assess team personalities to identify who can adapt. 14:59 Career Concierge launches to provide structured career guidance. 22:01 Hire for future behavior, not past experience. 24:23 AI frees recruiters to focus on a deeper understanding of customers and candidates. 26:23 Critical hires deserve support from expert search partners. Resources Mentioned: Jake Frazer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/ Precision Talent Solutions | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/precision-talent-solutions/ Precision Talent Solutions | Website https://pts.careers/ The Future of GovCon Podcast https://pts.careers/podcast GovWin Intelligence Platform https://iq.govwin.com/neo/home Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #DigitalTransformation

    30 мин.
  6. Inside Saudi Arabia’s Innovation Wave and Investment Boom with Sean Jones of The American University in Cairo

    15.12.2025

    Inside Saudi Arabia’s Innovation Wave and Investment Boom with Sean Jones of The American University in Cairo

    Saudi Arabia is transforming at a scale and speed rarely seen, reshaping perceptions, markets, and opportunities across the Middle East. In this episode, we sit down with Sean Jones, Adjunct Professor of The American University in Cairo and Board Member of the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt, to unpack what this shift means for businesses, policymakers, and innovators. We explore firsthand impressions from Riyadh, the forces driving the country’s rapid change, and why now is a pivotal moment for engagement in the region. Key Takeaways:  00:00 Introduction. 01:21 Saudi Arabia’s rapid change defies common preconceptions. 04:40 Leadership and vision, not wealth, drive Saudi Arabia’s momentum. 07:56 A large forum unites small companies with investors from around the world. 08:34 Young entrepreneurs and tech-focused startups are converging on new opportunities. 13:15 Success in Saudi Arabia requires strong relationships, not just an American business label. 16:42 Real change happens when strong political will is paired with bold incentives. 21:22 Saudi Arabia’s global integration is aligning economic, cultural, and social norms. 23:05 Now is the moment to enter the region and bring forward new ideas. Resources Mentioned: Sean Jones https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-jones-920648a/ The American University in Cairo | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/aucegypt/ The American University in Cairo | Website https://www.aucegypt.edu/ Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulbright-egypt/ Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt | Website https://fulbright-egypt.org/ Garage Startup Ecosystem https://thegarage.sa/ Saudi Vision 2030 https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    25 мин.
  7. From Policy to Practice: Embedding Evaluation Across the State Department with Sarah Kohari of Kohari Consulting, LLC

    24.11.2025

    From Policy to Practice: Embedding Evaluation Across the State Department with Sarah Kohari of Kohari Consulting, LLC

    Systematic change in government organizations doesn’t happen overnight. It takes structure, collaboration, and a commitment to learning. In this episode, we speak with Sarah Kohari, Principal at Kohari Consulting, LLC, and former Chief for Planning, Performance, and Learning at the US Department of State. She shares how the 18 FAM 300 policy transformed monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) practices across the State Department, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:34 The evaluation policy showed bureaus lacked clarity on project goals. 05:33 Many staff already supported 18 FAM 300 and welcomed the rollout. 11:17 The policy now drives ownership and program design at every bureau level. 14:56 Diplomatic results take years, from curbing narcotics to advancing cybersecurity laws. 16:54 Monitoring feels slow, but evaluations show what drives success. 21:33 AI can help organize decades of bureau project data. 25:25 Faster analysis tools now turn complex data questions into quick insights. 28:45 Strong leadership and clear expectations make monitoring sustainable. Resources Mentioned: Sarah Kohari https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-m-kohari/ US Department of State | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/doscareers/ US Department of State | Website https://www.state.gov/ 18 FAM 300 Policy https://fam.state.gov/Volumes/Details/18FAM Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The “Impact Point” podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    31 мин.
  8. Building Credibility in a World of Generative AI with Jake Shapiro of Princeton University

    28.10.2025

    Building Credibility in a World of Generative AI with Jake Shapiro of Princeton University

    The world is entering a post-documentation era where truth and evidence are no longer easily verifiable. In this episode, we speak with Jake Shapiro, John Foster Dulles Professor of International Affairs at Princeton University, to explore how technology, reputation, and trust shape our understanding of facts in a rapidly changing information landscape. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:27 The era of trusting recordings as undeniable proof of truth is coming to an end. 05:09 Chains of reputation sustained high-trust trade across long distances. 12:35 Large-scale aid in Iraq shows how efforts can miss long-term goals. 14:32 Reaching rural women means bringing programs to them. 16:50 Solving problems works best with a customer development mindset. 18:23 ESOC connects researchers and practitioners to better address and reduce conflict. 20:25 Different leaders process information differently, so tailoring communication is key. 24:07 New technology shapes how people choose information, and evidence has its limits. Resources Mentioned: Jake Shapiro https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-shapiro-502b811/ Princeton University | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/princeton-university/ Princeton University | Website https://princeton.edu Empirical Study of Conflict Project (ESOC) https://esoc.princeton.edu/ Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    26 мин.
  9. Innovation, Agility, and the Next Era of Foreign Assistance with Neelima Grover and Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    07.10.2025

    Innovation, Agility, and the Next Era of Foreign Assistance with Neelima Grover and Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    Foreign assistance is undergoing one of its most dramatic transformations in decades, forcing organizations to rethink strategies, funding sources, and innovation models.  In this episode, Neelima Grover, Founder and CEO of Q2IMPACT, and Rob Jenkins, Senior Advisor of Q2IMPACT, explore the challenges and opportunities facing foreign assistance amid geopolitical shifts, funding uncertainty, and the rise of emerging technologies like AI. They discuss how adaptive management, innovation, and private sector leadership are shaping the future of global development. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 00:45 Foreign assistance is evolving into a transformative new chapter. 05:48 With no clear roadmap, organizations must adapt and innovate. 10:07 Despite challenges, billions in funding remain available for future programs. 14:16 Adaptive management and a systems approach are crucial for lasting impact. 20:33 Delays in decision-making have long hindered effective action in foreign assistance. 25:38 AI can gather real-time insights from social media to transform data collection. 30:11 The private sector must drive adaptive, systems-based solutions as government lags. 32:55 State Department must rebuild systems to manage funds and seize opportunities. Resources Mentioned: Neelima Grover https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/ Rob Jenkins https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name Q2IMPACT LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/ Q2IMPACT website https://q2impact.com/ Global Fragility Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2116 USAID https://www.usaid.gov/ *Podcast recorded prior to Government shutdown. Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    34 мин.
  10. Preserving Human Value in an AI-Dominated Future with Dr. Varun Grover of the University of Arkansas

    23.09.2025

    Preserving Human Value in an AI-Dominated Future with Dr. Varun Grover of the University of Arkansas

    The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping not only technology but also how humans define knowledge, value, and dignity in their work. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Varun Grover, George and Boyce Billingsley Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of the University of Arkansas ­- Sam M. Walton College of Business, to explore the concept of benchmark inversion and the future of human-AI collaboration. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:01 ChatGPT highlights the shift from programmed to data-driven AI. 04:25 AI mimics empathy and judgment, but it lacks true consciousness. 09:33 Throwing AI tools at employees without integration is not a recipe for success. 14:22 True change management needs leadership to overcome resistance. 16:52 Unlike functional tools, AI is defined by open-ended potential. 18:11 AI should be implemented at the speed of trust, not the speed of technology. 21:23 Humans enhance their value by using AI. Resisting it risks replacement. 24:56 As AI grows, preserving human dignity and identity is essential. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Varun Grover https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-grover-0a44a03a/ University of Arkansas | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-arkansas/ University of Arkansas | Website https://www.uark.edu/ MIT AI Strategy and Leadership Program https://executive-ed.xpro.mit.edu/ai-strategy-and-leadership NVIDIA https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/ Gartner Hype Cycle https://www.gartner.com/en/research/methodologies/gartner-hype-cycle Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    25 мин.
  11. Cutting Through the Noise at the Crossroads of AI, National Security, and Global Change with Neelima Grover, Marsha Grodnicki, Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    16.09.2025

    Cutting Through the Noise at the Crossroads of AI, National Security, and Global Change with Neelima Grover, Marsha Grodnicki, Rob Jenkins of Q2IMPACT

    We’re living through a defining moment where technology, geopolitics, and national security converge at an unprecedented pace. In this inaugural episode, Neelima Grover, Founder and CEO of Q2IMPACT, Marsha Grodnicki, Managing Director of Q2IMPACT, and Rob Jenkins, Senior Advisor of Q2IMPACT, discuss how organizations can navigate disruption, harness reliable data, and lead with innovation in an AI-first world. Together, they reflect on the pivotal role of reliable information, change management, and forward-looking leadership in shaping resilient strategies for government, industry, and society. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 00:19 Impact Point launches with a focus on national security and AI. 00:36 Geopolitical change and ubiquitous AI are reshaping the landscape. 01:00 Leaders with practical experience will share actionable insights. 01:38 The show moves past jargon to deliver real impact. 02:44 This moment in history demands immediate attention and action. 03:13 Rapid change requires reliable data and practical solutions. 04:06 Organizations must learn to navigate and thrive through disruption. 04:29 Change management puts people at the center of transformation. 05:20 AI frees people to focus on higher-level, creative work. 06:04 There's optimism about new opportunities emerging from change. 07:14 Global partnerships enable creative collaboration and innovation. 08:02 Q2IMPACT connects dots across sectors for maximum impact. 09:08 Change affects national security and every other domain. 10:05 Every episode will deliver practical, actionable takeaways. 10:31 Impact Point invites listener ideas and active engagement. 11:03 The show does things differently and makes it a conversation. Resources Mentioned: Neelima Grover https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/ Marsha Grodnicki https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-grodnicki-a1985415/ Rob Jenkins https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name Q2IMPACT | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/ Q2IMPACT | Website https://q2impact.com/ Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.  The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation

    12 мин.
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technology, policy, and people, and how they all come together to create real-world change.

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  • Автор
    Q2IMPACT
  • Годы выхода
    2025 - 2026
  • Выпуски
    11
  • Ограничения
    С ненормативной лексикой
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    © Copyright 2025
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