#10 Part 2: How the U.S. Can Win the Innovation Race with Startup Thinking

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Divot

Derek Andersen

23 episodes

1 day ago

Divot brings you weekly conversations with the people building the future—founders, creators, athletes, and visionaries pushing the limits of business, technology, sports, and entertainment. We go beyond success stories to explore the real moments that define a journey—the risks, the failures, the breakthroughs, and the lessons that can help you on your path. Stories of people making their mark, and how you can too. New episodes every Wednesday. #DivotPodcast #Business #Tech #Sports #Entertainment #Innovation

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#10 Part 2: How the U.S. Can Win the Innovation Race with Startup Thinking

Divot

1 hour 5 minutes 3 seconds

5 months ago

#10 Part 2: How the U.S. Can Win the Innovation Race with Startup Thinking

America used to lead the world in innovation. Now, it's falling behind — and no one in power wants to face the truth.

In Part 2 of this eye-opening conversation, we dive into how the U.S. lost its edge in science, technology, and defense. From bloated bureaucracies to outdated mindsets, the systems that once fueled American greatness are now holding it back.

You'll hear war stories from the frontlines of government innovation, uncover the forgotten WWII playbook that built modern America, and learn how China quietly leapfrogged U.S. capabilities. We explore why bold ideas get killed, how real change gets buried, and what kind of leadership we desperately need today.

This isn't just about startups — it's about the future of the country.

Follow Steve – X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/sgblank

Follow Derek – X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/derekjandersen

Timestamps:

0:00 – How China beat the U.S. at innovation

4:20 – The $1B audit failure nobody wants to fix

9:05 – The WWII playbook that built America

15:33 – What startups can learn from the Manhattan Project

21:10 – Leadership lessons from Navy to nonprofits

27:00 – Faith vs. facts: how decisions should be made

31:45 – The myth of "dumb" government workers

36:50 – Steve’s forgotten connection to Elon Musk