Vulcan Elements

On Friday we concluded the inaugural Industrial Base Leadership Development Program (IBLDP) — a week filled with powerful insights, practical tools, and meaningful conversations. We began with dinner and remarks from Patrick N. Kelleher (DASW Materiel Readiness), who framed the week with his priorities, challenges, and expectations. Monday featured Dr. Peter Brews, Dean Emeritus at USC’s Darla Moore School of Business and author of Lead, Follow, or Fail. His work fueled a dynamic morning discussion on productivity and leadership. In the afternoon, Shannon McKeen led our first structured problem framing session, guiding participants through exercises using AI tools to reframe real-world problem statements. We closed the day with Hon. (Ret) Kevin Fahey, who shared four decades of experience in the Organic Industrial Base. Tuesday was anchored by Derek Gibson, who showed how data analytics and AI enable smarter decision-making. In the afternoon, Joe Diana (CALIBRE Systems, Inc.) unpacked Working Capital Funds, Navy Shipyard Mission Funds, and financial mechanisms driving sustainment operations. Wednesday featured perspectives from senior leaders: RDML Eric VerHage (OSD IBP) on current initiatives, Josh Pavluk on industry engagement, and Robin Brown on obsolescence — reminding us, “You can’t stop obsolescence, but you can outsmart it.” The morning wrapped with an exceptional update from James Crocker, focused on how an OIB gains future capabilities. That afternoon, Dr. Brews returned for hands-on case studies using AI tools, and we closed the evening with Hon. (Ret) Christopher Lowman, who shared candid insights and strategic imperatives for the defense industrial base. Thursday started with a participant-led overview of critical minerals by Megan Rutkai (OSD IBP), followed by a site visit to Vulcan Elements in Durham, where leaders including John Maslin, Jake Bowles, Piotr Kulik, and Scott Glover discussed the future of rare earth magnets. Special thanks to Jonah G. for arranging the visit. The afternoon commenced with a brief overview of Vulcan, the Army OIB data-driven decision-making tool, by @Stephanie Hoagland. Afterwards, Dr. Chris Bingham introduced his “Strategy as Simple Rules” framework, enabling participants to simplify complexity and finalize analysis of their problem statements. We closed with graduation remarks from Hon. (Ret) Chris Lowman, who delivered a powerful call to action. On Friday, participant teams delivered thoughtful, innovative solutions — demonstrating the collaboration, creativity, and leadership this program is designed to foster. We were honored to be joined by Chris Michienzi, Ph.D., who provided exceptional feedback to each group. Chris’ insights were invaluable, final inputs to the week and ensured learning occurred through program conclusion. This first IBLDP set a high bar. Deep thanks to all our speakers, partners, and participants for making it such a success. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward.

“If you're just copying and pasting China, you're doomed.” U.S. manufacturing needs new tools—like AI agents and live process optimization—to win on its own terms. Vulcan Elements is using AI agents + real-time feedback to fine-tune every part of production. Hear more on Sourcery: https://lnkd.in/e9m94cQ6

“We have incredibly sophisticated technicians in this country.” John Maslin, CEO of Vulcan Elements Skilled hands, generational knowledge, and new energy from the next wave of builders. Full episode: https://lnkd.in/e9m94cQ6