105. Zachary Long, Founder of ConductorAI

All Quiet on the Second Front

Government bureaucracy isn’t exactly the sexiest problem in defense—but it’s one of the most painful.

In this episode, host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Zachary Long, Founder of ConductorAI and former Palantir leader, to unpack how his team is taking on one of the biggest bottlenecks in government operations: paperwork.

From automating complex approval chains to bridging the gap between policy and real-world execution, Zach shares how ConductorAI is bringing modern software principles to the most frustrating parts of government workflows. He and Tyler get candid about startup lessons, from navigating base access and culture gaps to building tech that actually works for users in the field.

What's happening on the Second Front:

• Why “showing up on site” beats every virtual meeting
• How Palantir’s culture shaped ConductorAI’s approach
• The challenge of solving diffuse problems that everyone feels but no one owns
• Zach’s unconventional “king for a day” policy wish

If you’ve ever wrestled with a CAC renewal, an ATO, or just the endless maze of government forms, this one’s for you.

Connect with Zachary

• LinkedIn: Zachary Long

Connect with Tyler

• LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt