On this episode of Leaders and Legends in Government, host Aileen Black welcomes the Honorable Nazak Nikakhtar, former assistant secretary at Commerce’s International Trade Administration, and former acting under secretary at the Bureau of Industry and Security. She is now a partner at Wiley Rein.

Known for her ability to bridge national security, economic policy, and global trade, Nikakhtar shares her inspiring journey from immigrating to the United States as a child to shaping U.S. policy at the highest levels.

In this wide-ranging conversation, she reflects on early career lessons, leading under pressure, balancing innovation with national security, and navigating the challenges of public service, private practice, and motherhood—all while offering practical leadership insights for the next generation.

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Young Bang, former principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, joins Aileen Black on this week's Leaders and Legends.

He will discuss the leadership principles needed to take on the challenges and opportunities for Army innovation that will shape the future of defense IT.

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Technology executive and former federal CIO Clare Martorana joins host Aileen Black on this week's Leaders and Legends program.

Martorana served as federal chief information officer in the Biden Administration from March 2021 until January 2025.

She was the fifth person to hold the job which was created by the E-Government Act of 2002.

During the program, Martorana gives some valuable advice to executives who are leading during changing times.

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