Behind the Win

Flip the Script: Behind the Mic with Sarah Bertagnolli

Welcome back to Behind the Win. Today, we're doing something a little different. We're flipping the script. I'm Kevin Jacobson, Director of Administration here at LSI, and Sarah's assistant. And instead of Sarah hosting, I'll be putting her in the hot seat. Sarah is our president and CEO, the force behind this podcast, and today, we're going to get to learn more about her story, her leadership, and what really goes into Behind the Win.

Wins in Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection

Welcome back to Behind the Win. This week, we're doing something a little different for Thanksgiving. Instead of talking strategy, innovation, or leadership, Sarah pauses to reflect on gratitude. Wins are important, but so are the people, lessons, and moments that get us there. Today, you'll hear a few reflections from members of the LSI team on what we're thankful for this year.

Deploying Innovation: Lessons from the Frontlines of Change

Welcome back to Behind the Win. Today I'm joined by Aniza Brown. She started her career as a software engineer, went on to leadership roles at Hill Air Force Base, and is now shaping Utah's tech and defense innovation ecosystem. We'll talk about deploying innovation in government environments, fostering partnerships across academia, startups and industry, and overcoming resistance to change. And on a personal note, we'll hear how Aniza's own health challenges have shaped her leadership journey.

Real World Supply Chain

Welcome back to Behind the Win. Today we're going deep into the world of supply chain and logistics with someone who has seen it from every angle. Defense, firefighting, classrooms, and command. James Taylor is the Senior Vice President of supply chain management and logistics at LSI, an adjunct professor at Weber State and honorary commander at Hill Air Force Base. We'll talk about what really works in the field when things get messy, why some logistics professionals succeed or fail, and the lessons James has learned from leading teams on critical programs like CALFire and Department of Defense missions.

From Capital to Community: Building Companies with Purpose

Welcome to Behind the Win, the podcast that goes inside the minds of leaders shaping business, government and innovation. Today's guest is Chaitali Patel, founder and CEO of Evergood Impact. Chaitali is an entrepreneur, investor and advisor who has built her career at the intersection of finance, innovation and purpose. From her leadership with the 100 Women in Finance to launching Evergood, she brings a rare blend of expertise and lived experience to building organizations that align capital with her community impact.

The Power of Nuclear: Fueling Our Future

Welcome to Behind the Wind, where we go deeper into how visionary leaders are shaping industries and communities. Today, we're busting the biggest myths about nuclear energy, from safety to cost, and why it could be a quiet engine for American jobs, especially across the West. We'll share how our team helped launch a new association bringing utilities, tribes, manufacturers, universities, and communities into the same room.

Defense Innovation in Action: Chip Laingen on Building the Alliance

Welcome to Behind the Win, the podcast that goes inside the minds of leaders shaping business, government, and innovation. Today's guest is Chip Laingen, Executive Director of Defense Alliance at LSI and a nationally recognized voice in defense innovation. A navy veteran turned strategist, Chip has spent over 2 decades building one of the country's top innovation clusters. In this episode we dive into how to build lasting partnerships, lead with purpose, and position small businesses at the forefront of national security.

People First, Always: Jessica Dixon on Strategic HR

Welcome to Behind the Win, where we go deeper into how visionary leaders are shaping their industries and communities. Today we're joined by Jessica Dixon, the people-centered leader behind LSI's evolving HR strategy. Jessica has helped transform hiring, culture, and internal development during one of the most complex times in the workforce. In this conversation she shares how to hire with intention, lead with empathy, and build with culture that truly lasts. 

From Boardrooms to Ballfield's: Val Hale's Playbook for Purposeful Leadership

Welcome to behind the win, where we dive into the stories and strategies behind game-changing leadership. Today's guest is Val Hale, former Athletic Director at BYU and former Executive Director at the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development. We'll explore how Val built a winning culture in college athletics, mastered the business of sports, and helped shape Utah's economic growth story.

Building the Next Economy: Innovation, Incentives & Investment in Utah

Welcome to behind the win, where we explore the leadership behind economic progress and innovation. Today's guest is Ryan Starks, who recently stepped into the role of president and executive director at Economic Development Corporation of Utah after leading the Governors Office of Economic Opportunity. He helped bring over 13,000 jobs and over $16 billion in capital investments into Utah. We'll dive into how Utah's winning at economic development, building effective public and private partnerships and leading with purpose in a fast-moving world.