The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 25, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 16.
Next is Cybersecurity Executive of the Year finalist in the Private Company category for annual revenue less than $250M Brandon Gulla, chief technology officer at Rancher Government Solutions. Here, he talks about proud career moments and breaking industry rules.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
While many in the federal sector transition between contracts and FSIs, I too followed a similar path. However, in 2020, when I had the chance to establish Rancher Federal, I recognized an exceptional opportunity. Instead of succumbing to the typical ‘reactive’ nature of federal contracting, I envisioned a proactive approach ⏤ building an institution truly worthy of our clients. Two core beliefs have always anchored my leadership: the importance of the mission and the value of people.
My aspiration was to create an entity that prioritized mission accomplishments while also fostering an environment where talented individuals could not only excel but also flourish professionally. At Rancher Government, I am elated to affirm our commitment to these principles.
Reflecting on our journey, it won’t be the contractual triumphs or the annual CAGR growth that will resonate most with me. Rather, it will be the missions we’ve championed and the professional evolution of our dedicated team. In essence, while milestones may be celebrated, it’s the heart of our mission and the growth of our people that will forever define our legacy.
This is what I am most proud of, and what I will continue to drive here at Rancher Government.
Which rules do you think you should break more as a government/industry leader?
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Department of Defense industry, adopting a ‘fail fast’ mentality is paramount. Traditional approaches, characterized by prolonged periods of planning and development, can lead to obsolete solutions by the time they’re deployed. The nature of modern threats demands agility and rapid innovation.
By embracing a ‘fail fast’ approach, the DOD can quickly identify what doesn’t work, learn from these experiences, and pivot to more effective strategies with minimal resource wastage. This ensures that our defense mechanisms remain ahead of adversaries, continuously adapting and improving.
Moreover, in an environment where the stakes are incredibly high, the ability to promptly discern and rectify missteps can prove invaluable, safeguarding national security while fostering a culture of agile innovation. We should not trade reluctant stability for innovation, our mission demands more.