Think Orbital's Disruptive Journey in Space Innovation with Lee Rosen
Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting
Release Date: 04/10/2024
Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting
“What this industry didn’t need was another aerospace executive. It needed someone willing to ask why we do things the way we do” – Peter Krauss Peter Krauss didn’t grow up in aerospace. He never worked in defense. So how did he become CEO of one of the most innovative space tech companies in the world? That’s exactly what makes this episode of Mission Critical so powerful. As the new CEO of Terran Orbital, Peter brings a fresh, entrepreneurial lens to a legacy industry—and it’s shaking things up. He’s spearheading “Terran 2.0,” a return to the company’s disruptive...
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“the reality is people, through their careers, have been held back because of taking risk and failing” – Mitch Stevison The space industry is evolving at warp speed, and the leaders who will thrive are those willing to embrace disruption, challenge legacy thinking, and build resilient teams. In this episode, Mitch Stevison shares what future CEOs and executives in aerospace and defense must change to stay ahead in an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting global priorities. As commercial and government space initiatives accelerate, the demands on leadership are changing. The...
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"The last two to three years have brought more change to the satellite industry than the previous two decades combined." – Tim Winter In this episode of Mission Critical, Katherine Jerald sits down with Tim Winter, CEO of iDirect Government, to discuss the massive disruptions shaping the satellite communications (SATCOM) industry and what they mean for government, defense, and commercial players. Tim shares insights on how companies can compete in a rapidly evolving market, the role of LEO vs. GEO satellites, and why secure, multi-orbit communications are crucial for military operations....
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Ready for a masterclass in team building? Trailblazer Chandra Marshall from Lockheed Martin shares her journey from political science major to influential leader in multi-domain combat systems. Chandra's leadership style is anchored in psychological safety—creating environments where team members are free to voice their ideas and challenge the status quo, thereby driving innovation and effectiveness. Highlighting the power of diverse perspectives, she explains how inclusive decision-making not only overcomes biases but also fosters robust collaboration and problem-solving. In addition to...
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Why is this very moment in history being called the "gold rush of our time"? Retired Colonel Ram Riojas joins Katherine to tell us all. With 26 years of distinguished military service, Ram has been a trailblazer in the evolution of air, space, cyber and Special Ops, as a founding member of the US Space Force and US Space Command, essentially helping shape the Space Force before it even existed. Ram has led budgets of up to 64 billion in space and cyber programs, shaping the future of national defense. Ram also walked the entrepreneurial path, founding Delta defense and scaling it from zero to...
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Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace and former Apache pilot, is here to share his extraordinary journey from the cockpit to the cutting edge of space technology. Discover how space's vital role in our daily lives, from communications to finance, also makes us vulnerable to global threats. Tim delivers a stark warning about the dangers of ignoring space security, urging us to consider the implications of actions by nations like China and Russia. As a leader with experience spanning military and tech industries, Tim's insights on aligning technology with mission needs are invaluable. We dive...
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What does it take to lead a company at the forefront of hypersonic technology? You’re about to find out! Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major, joins Katherine to unpack his unique journey from Navy nuclear engineer to attorney, and now, a visionary leader transforming aerospace innovation. With over 100 days as CEO, Dan shares his leadership philosophy, the power of adaptability, and how he’s building a company culture where values are not just written on a wall, but are lived every single day. Dan also uncovers the fascinating link between humility and paranoia in business, and reveals...
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What happens when space science patterns unlock the future of expertise. This week, Dr Layla Martin, a Harvard, Yale, and MIT alum, and the creator of the groundbreaking Orbit methodology, joins us to discuss how to turn your expert knowledge into income in today’s AI-driven economy. As a space theorist and pattern recognition expert, Dr Martin reveals how she translates natural patterns into actionable monetization strategies, helping experts create sustainable, recurring revenue streams. Dr Martin also introduces her concept of Astrofeminism, a fresh perspective on space exploration that...
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Imagine skyrocketing a company from $800 million to a multi-billion dollar entity—how is it done? This week our guest is Alfonzo Ianniello, the visionary CEO of Codan Limited. Codan is a manufacturer and supplier of communications, metal detection, and mining technology. It’s products include Minelab, DTC & Zetron “Always be dissatisfied at all elements of the organization, whether it's your customer interactions, whether your internal processes or your tech roadmaps. Always be dissatisfied, always push for what good is and improve that current state.” – Alfonzo...
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Ready to master change? This week, inspirational leader and a powerhouse in aerospace and energy, Lee Steinke, joins Katherine to discuss her uncommon career switch from the oil and gas sector to aerospace. Hear how, during the chaos of the pandemic, Lee seized the opportunity to pivot industries, using her geological expertise to find surprising similarities between drilling rigs and rocket launch pads. Lee also opens up about the emotional journey from being a senior executive to taking on unpaid volunteer work—and how it ultimately led her to her current roles as COO at Cislunar...
info_outlineThe trajectory of a career in the space industry can be as unpredictable and exhilarating as a rocket launch, and Lee Rosen's journey is a prime example. Join us as we delve into the story of industry superstar Lee Rosen, CEO of Think Orbital, unveiling his pioneering vision poised to disrupt traditional constraints and discover how his experiences, from overseeing nuclear missiles to facilitating groundbreaking SpaceX launches, have profoundly influenced his visionary venture.
Assembling a dream team isn't about filling seats; it's about finding those who thrive in high-pressure scenarios. Throughout the discussion, Lee shares his secret sauce for assembling high-performing technical teams, his philosophy that pushes the boundaries of physics, and emphasizes the significance of trust and diversity in driving innovation. Are you ready to learn how Think Orbital is leading the charge in reshaping the future of space exploration? Join us as we delve into the mind of this visionary leader and explore the boundless possibilities of orbital technology. Key points throughout include:
- How Think Orbital are revolutionizing space infrastructure and construction
- From rocket scientist to entrepreneur: A Journey of hands-on innovation
- Hiring strategies: The value of high-stress experience when onboarding talent
- Physics first: Overcoming technical hurdles with fundamental principles
- The secret sauce to crafting optimal team dynamics
- Insights into how diversity fuels innovation
- Disrupting the industry: Addressing space challenges through groundbreaking solutions
- Lessons learned from a SpaceX mission failure and the benefits of embracing setbacks
"When I think about recruiting, I'm not so much about position players. I'm more about best athletes because I think best athletes can go out and do anything you assign them, as long as they have that intellectual curiosity and skill set." – Lee Rosen.
Get connected with Lee Rosen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leewrosen/
Get connected with your host Katherine Jerald:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/
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