Skunk Works VII: The Bleeping Navy

In this episode, Justin McMenamy concludes his examination of Kelly Johnson's 14 Rules of Management with a focus on Johnson's unwritten 15th rule. He explains the intricacies of creating and maintaining a 'Skunk Works' organization within a larger corporate entity, noting the challenges that come with resource and business model acquisitions. He highlights the importance of aligning with like-minded customers and suppliers and shares anecdotes from his time at Precision Planting, emphasizing an approach that prioritized autonomy and direct customer engagement. Justin's insights reveal the delicate balance required to sustain innovation while navigating corporate bureaucracy.