Episode Details

On today's show I sat down with Ryan Vaughn, president and general counsel of EXOS, about his career from deputy prosecutor in Indianapolis to private civil litigation, politics, public affairs, Indiana Sports Corp, and joining the fast-growing cybersecurity, IT, and talent firm EXOS.

Vaughn describes campaigning for prosecutor Carl Brizzi, serving on and later leading the Indianapolis City-County Council during Mayor Ballard's first term, and major initiatives like Broad Ripple redevelopment and selling city utilities to Citizens.

He then served as Ballard's chief of staff, moved to lead Indiana Sports Corp, and highlighted Indy's collaborative edge in winning event bids, including the NBA All-Star bid delivered via IndyCar driven by Larry Bird, and hosting the entire 2021 NCAA men's tournament in a bubble.

Vaughn explains his "listen, learn, lead" approach to culture with EXOS, and the company's focus on AI, automation, and public-sector efficiencies. He also shares why Indiana's people and opportunities keep him here.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- Ryan Vaughn's Career Trajectory to EXOS
- Vaughn's Role with Indianapolis Mayor Ballard
- Vaughn's Experiences with Indiana Sports Corp
- What EXOS Does

Thank you to our partners:
Cowpokes Work & Western

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:00 Fast Growth Mindset
01:31 Guest Introduction: Ryan Vaughn, EXOS
02:47 Becoming Prosecutor
04:46 Trial by Fire Cases
07:13 Why Public Service
08:58 Mental Toll Trials
12:03 Switch to Private Firm
14:14 Civil Litigation Reality
16:58 Campaign Politics Outlet
19:35 City Council Path
21:23 Unigov Explained
23:56 Council Majority Flip
25:00 Utilities Dig Indy
28:58 Chief of Staff Role
33:18 Mayor Term Limits
34:46 Sports Corp Opportunity
36:51 Sports Commission Legacy
37:31 AAU Roots and Pan Am
39:41 Sports Corp Mission
40:27 Winning Big Event Bids
42:00 Community Impact Pairing
43:58 March Madness Bubble
48:12 Leaving Sports Corp
50:54 What EXOS Does
53:52 Building Team Culture
54:57 Listen Learn Lead
59:15 Career Change Mindset
01:02:29 AI and Public Sector
01:05:34 Why Indiana Home
01:07:41 Rapid Fire Indiana Picks
01:08:57 Hidden Gems and Hoosiers

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