On this episode of The Defense Unicorns Podcast, the question isn’t just how to deliver software—it’s how to do it faster, safer, and smarter. According to Bryan Finster Distinguished Engineer at Defense Unicorns, the answer isn’t in rigid frameworks or bloated processes but in embracing continuous delivery, shortening feedback loops, and eliminating the bureaucratic roadblocks that hold teams back. Host Rebecca Lively sits down with Bryan to debunk DevSecOps’ myths, tackle the frustrations of “Agile theater,” and explore why real software success comes from a culture of ownership, not just following a set of rules.

Bryan makes a compelling case that rigid processes, review boards, and bureaucratic bottlenecks don’t make software safer—they make it fragile. He argues that adaptability is the real key to security, and that organizations clinging to outdated waterfall-style contracts are setting themselves up for failure. Drawing on experiences from Walmart’s supply chain to government defense systems, he explains how fostering a culture of ownership, feedback, and accountability leads to better outcomes—not just for users, but for the engineers who build the systems.

If you’re tired of buzzwords and top-down mandates that miss the mark, this conversation will hit home. Bryan isn’t just here to talk about DevSecOps—he’s here to challenge the way you think about software, leadership, and even history. Whether you want to deliver better software or just hear an unfiltered take on why Agile often fails in practice, this episode is worth a listen.

Key Quote:

“ The goal we have is number one, I need to be able to respond to the realities of what's happening in production as quickly as possible safely. I don't want to be making up ways to. Make change, I don't want to be cowboying change in when something's going wrong in production, either with security breach or functional problems or whatever it is, then I don't want to be throwing gasoline on a fire at three o'clock in the morning. I need to be able to recover from what's currently occurring as quickly and safely as possible. So operational responsiveness is key. The other part is, if I'm building something new, software development is not the same as building a car. Unless you think of it as designing the car we're going to build. We're prototyping everything all the time. And the bigger the thing is that we deliver. The more wrong is in that prototype. And so it's not about speed. It's about feedback.”

• Bryan Finster

Time Stamps:

(01:39) Balancing Speed and Safety in DevOps

(03:53) The Role of Feedback in Software Development

(12:35) The Power of Feedback and Continuous Improvement

(18:35) Understanding Conway's Law

(23:55) Building a Strong Engineering Community

(28:26) DevOps and Quality Assurance

(33:48) Being Agile in High-Risk Environments

(40:13) Lightning Round

Links:

Connect with Bryan Finster

Connect with Rebecca Lively

Learn More About Defense Unicorns

DevOps, culture, and the battlefield converge in this compelling episode of Defense Unicorns as host Rebecca Lively speaks with Dr. Noe Lorona, a platform engineer at the Army Software Factory. Together, they explore the nuances of DevSecOps, unraveling its critical role in the defense sector, where software isn’t just a tool but a lifeline. Dr. Lorona delves into how the Department of Defense has elevated security to the forefront, embedding it into every phase of the development process to ensure reliable and secure systems that protect both lives and missions.

Beyond the technical jargon, this episode shines a light on the human side of DevSecOps. Dr. Lorona emphasizes trust, transparency, and a blameless culture as the foundation of agile teams that thrive under pressure. From the necessity of shifting security left to fostering psychological safety in hierarchical environments, his insights offer a roadmap for cultivating innovation in even the most complex and high-stakes organizations.

If you’re passionate about the intersection of technology, leadership, and national defense, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Lorona and Rebecca Lively bring the mission of Defense Unicorns to life: showcasing thought leaders and experts driving transformational change in DevSecOps. Whether you're in the DoD or simply curious about the future of secure and agile software development, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.

Key Quote:

“ DevOps is not about the tools. DevOps is, it's the way that we work together, the way that we accomplish things. And. A funny thing, I actually say DevOps as a way of life. When they say, well, what is DevOps? I say, it's a thing you live by. It's the thing you show up to do. It's not a thing. It's not an object. It's a culture. It's the thing you live to do. It's a reason why we wake up so we can go do the DevOps.”

• Dr. Noe Lorona

Time Stamps:

(00:26) DevOps vs DevSecOps: What's the Difference?

(03:53) Implementing DevOps in the Department of Defense

(06:05) Building a Blameless Culture in the Military

(14:21) Education in DevOps

(24:47) Bringing Open Source Software in the DoD

(30:07) Future of DevOps: Exciting Trends

(30:42) Community and Collaboration in DevOps

(42:07) Career Advice for Aspiring Developers

(43:43) Sci-Fi Tech and Futurism

Links:

Connect with Dr. Noe Lorona

Learn more about Army Software Factory

Connect with Rebecca Lively

Learn more About Defense Unicorns

In this episode, Defense Unicorns welcomes Col. Sean Kern, the Director of Cyberspace Operations Strategy at SAIC, who brings experience in military and cybersecurity strategy. Kern shares his journey from military service to civilian leadership, sharing the unique challenges and adjustments required in the transition. He discusses how his military background shaped his understanding of systems and software engineering and how essential it is to cultivate a resilient and adaptable culture in any DevSecOps team. Kern emphasizes that trust, humility, and continuous learning are cornerstones for building high-performing cybersecurity operations, both in the military and private sectors.

The conversation dives deep into automation and the role of human judgment in high-stakes cybersecurity decisions. Kern puts a focus on a balanced approach, where automation speeds up processes without sacrificing the critical oversight humans provide. His thoughts on combating biases within AI and ensuring ethical applications of automation highlight the importance of strategic human involvement. His perspective illustrates how both tech innovation and human expertise are essential to adapting cybersecurity practices for dynamic challenges.

Kern also addresses the structural complexities of coordinating cybersecurity operations across military branches. He explores the need for a more unified organizational framework that could enhance operational readiness and efficiency in cyber operations. Drawing from his experience, Kern advocates for a strategic, flexible, and consistent approach to cybersecurity management, emphasizing that speed and adaptability are key to staying ahead of potential threats in today's world.

Key Quote:

“Culture is going to happen whether you do it or not. Like that's the scary part. It's going to exist. You know, if it's left to its own devices, then if you get anything good out of it, that's pure chance. That's pure luck and we don't need to fight China on pure chance or pure luck. So we need to be deliberate about the culture we put in place.”

• Col. Sean Kern

Time Stamps:

(00:32) Sean Kern's Military Background

(06:42) Transitioning from the Military to the Private Sector

(11:47) Building Effective Teams and Organizations

(19:59) The Importance of Culture

(28:24) Automation vs. Human Accuracy

(34:50) Organizational Design for Cyber Operations

(49:14) Lightning Round

Links:

Connect with Col. Sean Kern

Learn More About SAIC

Connect with Rebecca Lively

Learn More About Defense Unicorns