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In this episode, Joel Ogren, Founder and CEO of Assured Communications, shares the remarkable journey that took him from serving in the United States Marine Corps to leading a global communications infrastructure company focused on building resilient, mission-critical networks. Drawing on more than two decades of military leadership, including roles supporting the White House and the Department of Defense, Joel explains how his experience managing high-assurance communications systems shaped his approach to ensuring connectivity in some of the world’s most complex environments.
Joel discusses the evolution of Assured Communications from a small consulting practice into a global infrastructure partner delivering services across subsea cable systems, terrestrial networks, satellite connectivity, data centers, and strategic project development. A central theme throughout the conversation is the importance of taking a holistic view of infrastructure—one that considers not only technology, but also regulation, geopolitics, environmental factors, community engagement, and long-term economic impact.
The discussion explores the realities of managing large-scale infrastructure projects, including permitting challenges, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and the difficult decisions leaders sometimes must make to pause or redirect projects before significant capital is invested. Joel also highlights the growing importance of resilience, emphasizing that successful networks are not those that never fail, but those designed to recover and continue operating when disruptions occur.
Looking ahead, Joel sees tremendous opportunity in Asia as AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation continue to drive demand for connectivity and data infrastructure. He believes the future belongs to organizations that combine technical expertise, trusted partnerships, disciplined execution, and a long-term commitment to building reliable communications systems that support global growth.
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Important Links
- Connect with Joel Ogren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelogren/
- Assured Communications (ASSURED): https://www.assuredcomms.com/
- Let’s Get Digital with Carrie Charles
- Broadstaffglobal.com
About
Joel Ogren is the CEO and founder of Assured Communications (ASSURED), with over 38 years of experience in the Information and Communications Technology industry across both public and private entities. Joel has spent much of his career working with and for various agencies assisting in the development and operations ofthe critical infrastructure backbone of U.S. communication systems andconnectivity with global partners. Joel has managed the Center for National and Nuclear Communications and advised on disaster planning and continuity communications. Joel was a Telecom SME at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, as well as a founding member of the leadership for theUniversity of Hawaii Applied Research Laboratory. Transitioning to the commercial market, Joel has served as the COO for Ocean Networks managing the development of subsea fiber optic cable systems within the Pacific region and has also served as a Managing Partner ofGoTo Networks, focused on developing new submarine cable systems into underserved markets.
Leveraging his extensive experience within the telecom industry, Joel founded ASSURED in 2013 to connect the unconnected. He and his team are driven by the transformative power of connectivity for underserved and developing regions, working to develop innovative solutions to these complex challenges. Recognized as a trusted advisor in the mission-critical communications industry, Joel is known for his ability to deliver results when it matters most. As a retired U.S. Marine, Joel brings a disciplined and mission-driven approach to advancing global connectivity, a commitment that defines both his career and his vision for ASSURED.
Joel’s family resides in northern Virginia between his horse farm and river home, along the Rappahannock river. He is an avid outdoorsman and aspiring musician.