Lieutenant Colonel Michael Brabner’s journey from infantry combat leader to military robotics innovator shows how leadership can transform even the largest organizations. In this episode, he shares raw lessons from combat, where the absence of simple tools like soldier-borne sensors cost lives, and how those experiences fueled his drive to reshape the military’s approach to unmanned systems. Brabner reveals how visionary leadership—rooted in Boy Scout values, hardened in Ranger School, and tested in combat—has turned fragile, expensive assets into modular, mission-ready tools that give soldiers a decisive edge. His story is a powerful reminder that disruptive change requires both innovation and leaders willing to challenge the status quo.

William "Bill" Leahy, founder of Renaissance Reliability (RR), is a visionary leader on a mission to elevate American manufacturing to global heights by championing innovation, reliability, and manufacturing effectiveness.

Jack Ryan is a Business Development Director for FN America's Military Programs Team, focused on their infantry weapons and land systems portfolio. This includes current programs of record (small arms) and developmental weapons platforms for the U.S. military.

Before working for FN America, Jack served in various business development roles within the Aerospace and Defense industries. Jack has previously worked with Syncroness, an engineering design firm focused on developing Aerospace products, and Textron Aviation, supporting their commercial sales team (domestic Citation, King Air, and Citation sales).

Before entering the industry, Jack was an active-duty Infantry Officer and served as a rifle platoon leader in Afghanistan and as a company XO at Ft. Bliss, TX. Jack is continuing his military career as a Reservist and has had two company commands and various operations roles during his time in the Army Reserves.

Jack graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Smeal College of Business (Penn State University) and held an active private pilot's license (SEL) with an instrument rating.

Jack resides in Northern Virginia with his wife and four children. He enjoys cycling, backcountry skiing, and hiking during his off time.