b'From the Editors DeskReadying Now for the Next ShockAs the pandemic recedes, there may be a tendency among people and institutions to bounce forward thinking in terms of the last disruption. Leaders must not fall prey to this tyranny of the present. The next shock to the system is less likely to be a global pandemic. Regardless of what is on the horizon, a single constant remains: uncertainty abounds. The most effective way to navigate the unknown and discover value in the unexpected rests on the importance of being resilient. So, anticipating the futuregetting ahead of events rather than being subsumed by thembecomes integral to positioning, resourcing, and preparing an agency for what may come, while always keeping focus on primary responsibilities.Here are summaries of what you will find in this edition of The Business ofGovernment magazine. Conversations with LeadersThroughout the year, I have the pleasure of speaking with key government executives and public sector leaders about their agencies, accomplishments, and visions of government in the twenty-first century. The leaders profiled exemplify a commitment to visionary thinkingmanifesting the leadership and strategic foresight to meet their varied missions. Michael Brown, Director, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) directs the only U.S. Department of Defense organization focused exclusively on fielding and scaling commercial technology across the U.S. military to help it solve critical problems and build a future-ready force. DIU is building the technology pipeline, explains Michael Brown, director of the DIU. We work to ensure our global leadership, alongside our allies and partners, by forging new partnerships and growing the innovation ecosystem. A thriving public-private ecosystem is essential to maintaining American competitiveness. Brown joined me on The Business of Government Hour to discuss DIUs critically important mission, his fast-follower strategy, and how DIU uses alternative acquisition approaches to bring commercial technology into the U.S. Department of Defense.Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) leads the U.S. Government Accountability Office, working with Congress to improve the performance of government, ensure transparency, and save federal funds. Today, the agencys work spans all federal programs and spending. GAO performs a range of oversight, insight, and foresight-related work, explains Gene Dodaro, to support the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people. Comptroller General Dodaro joined me on The Business of Government Hour to discuss the evolving mission of GAO, how it is innovating the way it conducts its oversight mission, and what the future holds for the agency.Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard leads one of the oldest continuously operating naval service of the United States with the motto Semper Paratus (Always Ready), which is more than a motto; it goes to the core of its mission. Todays complex maritime operating environment demands nothing less. As the twenty-sixth commandant of the Coast Guard, explains Admiral Schultz, my guiding 6 www.businessofgovernment.org The Business of Government'