Michael DownardinSilicon MountainSupra Coder Development — After the CapstoneThere is a small but interesting program within the Space Force that mimics the Air Force’s Airmen Coder program. It is called the Supra…Apr 13, 2023Apr 13, 2023
Michael DownardinSilicon MountainLessons Observed: Going Too Digital in the DoD — Silicon MountainI desperately want to say “lessons learned” instead of “observed.” My doubts overwhelm me, though. In order to protect the innocent and…Apr 5, 2023Apr 5, 2023
Michael DownardinSilicon MountainThe True Cost of Government ContractingThe military deserves to work with the brightest, most passionate, and hardest working people in the world. Most of the smartest, most…Aug 31, 2022Aug 31, 2022
Michael DownardinSilicon MountainDefense Innovation — Why it Starts with SBIRSBIR = Small Business Innovation and Research — A program funded by the SBA (Small Business Administration)May 20, 2022May 20, 2022
Michael DownardinSilicon MountainChasing Purpose (and Titles)What do you want to be when you grow up? We’re asked this question in elementary school, then again in middle school, high school, college…Mar 18, 2022Mar 18, 2022
Michael DownardinSilicon MountainAward TourLet me start by saying that this is a wholly unnatural experience for me. Sure, in the course of my career, I have experienced winning team…Mar 4, 2022Mar 4, 2022
Michael DownardinSilicon MountainCommunication is HardWe work in technology. I suppose that means we should always embrace the madness of data and information in exchanges. However, since I…Feb 16, 2022Feb 16, 2022
Michael DownardinSilicon MountainNonverbal Reactions in LeadershipMost of us that work in innovation want to have a safe environment for failure. Failure is inevitable when you’re wading into the waters of…Dec 14, 2021Dec 14, 2021
Michael DownardinSilicon MountainEveryone Has StressIt is the holiday season. For many of us that means celebration with close friends, family, coworkers, or reflection on the happenings of…Dec 7, 2021Dec 7, 2021
Michael DownardinSilicon MountainProximity — A Dual-Edged SwordWe recently started a couple of experiments within our own team. Since we have experience as a distributed team, these seemed to be…Nov 30, 2021Nov 30, 2021