In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Major General (Ret.) Dusty Schultz, former Director of Strategic Operations for the U.S. Army, to explore how data, space, and leadership are reshaping the future of defense and government contracting.From growing up on a small farm in Northern California to leading Army intelligence and operations worldwide, Dusty shares powerful lessons in service, innovation, and resilience. Together, they discuss how space and cyber are converging, why Latin America is becoming a key strategic front, and what it means to lead with integrity and hope in an age defined by technology.Dusty’s 37-year career spans command, intelligence, and strategy across the Army, SOUTHCOM, and the Pentagon. Known for her authenticity and forward-thinking leadership, she brings a unique perspective on how data, AI, and human-centered decision-making will define the next era of national security and GovCon.Key moments:(00:00) Are we on the brink of a global data war?(03:00) How did growing up on a small farm shape Dusty’s values and leadership style?(04:00) What did living in Spain as a teenager teach her about cultural diversity and dialogue?(06:00) Why did she apply to the Naval Academy — and what did her father say that changed her mind?(07:00) How did the New Mexico Military Institute set the foundation for her military career?(13:00) How did Dusty go from being a schoolteacher to an intelligence officer after 9/11?(20:00) What did she learn leading humanitarian coordination after the Haiti earthquake?(22:00) How did she build a “pickup team” battalion in Iraq and lead it to success?(24:00) What was it like standing up the first Intelligence Brigade for NORTHCOM?(27:00) How did she drive transformation in space, cyber, and data as Director of Strategic Operations?(29:00) Why does she believe data is the next domain of warfare?(37:00) How can truthful data create transparency and trust across GovCon?(48:00) What are the ethical challenges of AI and automation in national security?(52:27) Why does Dusty describe the future of GovCon in one word — Hopeful?Thanks to Major General (Ret.) Dusty Schultz for joining the show.Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazerThe Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry.If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnTtSTB0ptzvfxk3PfYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

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