In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with John Costello, a seasoned executive with an incredible journey that spans from a blue-collar upbringing in Chicago to leading global aerospace and defense initiatives at Microchip Technology. John’s life reads like a movie script—navigating family ties to organized crime, writing a memoir titled Executive Hoodlum, influencing semiconductor policy at the highest levels of government, and playing a pivotal role in programs that shape U.S. national security.
John shares the evolution of his career, the lessons learned from a gritty start, and how he blended technical expertise with political savvy to impact the semiconductor industry and defense ecosystem. From close calls abroad to policy wins in Washington, this conversation uncovers the resilience and strategic thinking required to thrive in both corporate boardrooms and government halls.
As we dig deeper, John reflects on balancing a complex personal history with professional ambitions and the critical work Microchip is doing today to strengthen the defense supply chain, pioneer high-performance space computing, and back up vital systems like GPS. This episode is a rare look into how personal grit and professional innovation intersect on a global stage.