EP 15 — Swarmbotics AI’s Stephen Houghton on Leveraging Military Experience in Swarm Robotics Leadership

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Stephen Houghton, CEO and Co-founder at Swarmbotics AI, dives into his journey from Marine officer to tech innovator. Stephen shares how his military background has uniquely shaped his approach to strategic leadership and decision-making in the tech industry, particularly in innovating swarm robotics. 

In fact, he offers insights on the gaps and opportunities he and his co-founder, Drew Watson, sought to address with groundbreaking technologies that set Swarmbotics AI apart in the field of ground autonomy and swarm robotics. Stephen also talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing the multifaceted responsibilities of being a CEO while driving innovation and growth. 

Topics discussed:

• How Stephen Houghton's experience as a Marine officer has influenced his strategic leadership and decision-making skills in the tech industry.
• The groundbreaking technologies Swarmbotics AI is developing in the field of ground autonomy and swarm robotics.
• The most exciting and challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur and founder in the defense industrial base.
• Identifying and addressing strategic issues within the tech and defense sectors.
• Stephen's approach to building a strong and effective company culture, including sharing his leadership philosophy and values with new team members.
• Managing the multifaceted responsibilities of being a CEO, from product reviews to investor meetings, while driving innovation and growth.
• Key milestones Swarmbotics AI aims to achieve in the next two years and their long-term vision for five to ten years down the road.
• The importance of collaboration within the industry to deploy and employ new technologies effectively, including the capabilities they bring to the table.