Leadership Launchpad

Most companies say they’re developing leaders.

But when you look at what actually happens on the floor, or inside a new manager’s first real team, it doesn’t line up.

Craig Coyle spent years as an Army aviator and now works with frontline leaders in manufacturing and defense environments. What he saw in both worlds is the same gap, people are promoted into leadership, then left to figure it out in real time, without the structure they were used to as operators.

In aviation, that doesn’t happen. You don’t just becom...

Most technical training programs fail before the first technician ever sets foot in the room. Not because the content is wrong. Because the entire design is wrong.

Traditional training asks: did they understand it? Technical training asks something harder: can they actually do it? And in aerospace, where it takes a million things to go right and one thing to go wrong.

In this first ever live episode of the Leadership Launchpad, Matt sits down with Roy Samson, a technical training veteran from the aerospace industry. Together they break down what it actually takes to...

Most leaders talk about speed. Ian Walsh doesn’t.

In this conversation, he separates speed from what actually matters in leadership: velocity, meaning speed with direction. Ian has spent his career in aerospace and defense, from flying Marine Cobra attack helicopters to leading companies through scale and transformation. Now as CEO of FDH Aero, he is operating inside an industry that is growing fast and getting more complex.

He starts every new role in listen and learn mode. No immediate changes, no playbook, just understanding how the business actually works. That mindset carries through how he...

Most people think leadership starts when someone gives them authority.

I don't think that's true.

One of the ideas that kept coming up in my conversation with Keith Ferrazzi is that leadership is rarely granted before it's demonstrated. The people who create outsized impact inside organizations aren't waiting for the title, the promotion, or the perfect moment. They're already acting like leaders long before anyone officially calls them one.

That matters more today than ever.

The pace of change is accelerating. Industries are being reshaped by AI, supply chain volatility, shifting...

Most teams don’t fail because they lack talent. They fail because they lose their ability to operate under discomfort.

In this solo episode of Leadership Launchpad, I look at why the ability to stay effective when things get uncomfortable has become a defining factor in how modern teams perform.

I draw a distinction between pressure that sharpens performance and pressure that overwhelms it, and why the difference between the two shows up in how teams are built, led, and developed over time.

This matters because most organizations are operating in environments where ch...

Most companies don’t fail because they lack process. They fail because they keep the wrong ones alive for too long.

Process starts as a survival tool. It reduces chaos, aligns people, and turns scattered effort into repeatable execution. But at scale, the same systems that create clarity slowly become the thing that blocks it. The real challenge isn’t building structure, it’s knowing when it stops serving the work.

Chap Snowden, COO of AstroForge, has had to live inside that tension in one of the most extreme environments possible: building a company trying to min...

Most people think leadership in technical companies is about being the most knowledgeable person in the room. Knowing the answers, setting the direction, and solving the hardest problems yourself. But the longer you spend actually doing the job, the more obvious it becomes that this is almost never what matters.

The real challenge is much simpler to describe and much harder to execute. Getting people aligned on what actually matters, making sure they’re working on the right problems, and then building the environment where they can keep improving how they do it. Most teams don’t fail...

Most leaders think their job is complicated. It’s not. I tend to break it down into three things: get people working together, get them working on the right things, and improve the work over time. The problem is that second one. Getting people focused on the right things sounds simple, but in practice, it’s where most teams fall apart.

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Gialich, CEO of AstroForge, to talk about what that actually looks like inside a company trying to do something insanely hard, mining asteroids in deep space. We get into...

This solo episode explores the challenges and opportunities facing hard tech and leadership in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape. The host announces the rebranding of their company from Better Everyday Studios to Built, with a renewed focus on training the next generation of hard tech leaders. The discussion covers why large-scale technology projects so often run over budget, highlights the critical role of leadership in the success of ambitious endeavors, and examines how AI is reshaping company sizes and the demand for effective technical leaders. The episode also outlines three key reasons why developing strong leaders is more es...

On this week’s episode of the Leadership Launchpad, we are bringing you a crossover episode from the VHTB podcast. If you enjoy the discussion and want more make sure to check out other episodes.

Where’s the line between pushing people to do their best work… and just being an asshole?

It’s a question that comes up a lot in high-performance environments especially in hard tech, where the stakes are high and the margin for error is small.<...

Most teams think leadership at SpaceX is about speed, pressure, and technical brilliance. Hans Koenigsmann, former VP of Build and Flight Reliability and one of the earliest employees at SpaceX, describes something more subtle: it’s about constantly operating outside your comfort zone, and learning how to make decisions when everything is changing at once.

In this conversation, Hans reflects on what it was like growing with SpaceX from a handful of people to over 14,000 employees, and how that scale forced him to repeatedly shift not just his role, but his identity as a leader. He talks ab...

Most teams don’t realize they’re missing critical data until something goes wrong.

In this episode, Austin Spiegel, co-founder and CTO of Sift and former SpaceX engineer, dives into why telemetry, simple in concept, a value and a timestamp, can become a massive problem in hardware. Miss even a fraction of a second, and you lose the story. Software engineers have plenty of tools to solve this. Hardware engineers haven’t, until now.

We also talk leadership, what it’s like stepping into management early, why teams can actually be too flat, and how your rol...

Most technical teams think they have a technology problem.

They usually don’t.

In this episode, Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, former head of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, talks about what actually goes wrong after overseeing dozens of missions and tens of billions in spend.

We get into why canceling missions isn’t failure. It’s what makes risk possible in the first place. If you don’t kill things, one bad bet can quietly consume everything around it.

He also breaks down something that feels backwards at first. Constraints are what make teams...

Most people ask what makes SpaceX different.

It's a fair question. But the answer isn't what most people expect.

In this solo episode, Matt breaks down the two qualities that separate organizations that thrive in chaos from the ones that get buried by it — and why most teams are unknowingly doing both of these things wrong.

The trigger was Jared Isaacman's changes to the Artemis program and a framing that came out of the Off Nominal podcast: nobody said they were the constraint. So Isaacman said, fine — let's go faster and find out who...

Most engineers don’t start their careers thinking, “I can’t wait to manage people.”

They want to build things. Tinker. Solve hard problems. See hardware fly.

In this episode, Brian Ippolito from Marotta Controls talks about what it’s been like to grow inside a third-generation aerospace company that grew from about 130 people to nearly 1,000 during his career.

We talk about the moment you stop being someone’s peer and become their manager, and how uncomfortable that shift can be. Brian shares what actually changes when you move from leading a team to leading l...

Managing people is still the hardest problem in business. We’ve built rockets, nuclear reactors, and AI systems… but getting humans to coordinate? Still unsolved.

In this episode, Casey Handmer talks about what leadership actually looks like when real stakes are involved when families depend on payroll, when bad decisions compound, and when “being liked” can quietly kill performance. He shares what he’s learned building Terraform Industries, why most management books aren’t that useful, and why firsthand accounts from people like General Groves hit differently.

This conversation gets into hard feedback, demanding standards, and first pr...

In this episode, Matt Gjertsen shares practical advice for managers on how to set clear expectations for their teams. Drawing from his experience as a former Air Force instructor pilot and talent development leader at SpaceX, he introduces the concept of "commander's intent," a military technique for effective delegation and communication. The episode breaks down the three essentials for communicating tasks: context (explaining the purpose and impact), outcome (defining what success looks like), and constraints (clarifying timelines, resources, and check-in points). Listeners will learn how these steps help ensure team members understand what is expected of them at work...

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, Matt Gjertsen shares practical strategies for developing talent within teams. Drawing on his military experience, Matt Gjertsen explains why building talent internally is often more effective than hiring externally. He emphasizes the importance of employee development in driving engagement and productivity, referencing Gallup research on workplace engagement. Matt introduces three simple questions leaders can use in one-on-one conversations to support employee growth: identifying one thing to improve, choosing an action to develop that skill, and setting a follow-up date. The episode offers actionable advice for managers looking to foster both team improvement and...

In this episode, host Matt Gjertsen shares a personal story about a mistake made early in her management career—talking too much and not empowering her team members. She explains how new managers often feel the need to prove themselves and end up dominating conversations, which can undermine team trust and engagement. Matt offers practical advice on shifting from providing all the answers to asking questions and encouraging others to contribute. The episode highlights the importance of stepping back, listening more, and allowing team members to have a voice, ultimately fostering a stronger, more confident team.

In this episode, Ajay Gnanasekaran, Senior Program Director for Battery Workforce Development at Argonne National Labs, shares his experiences leading large technical teams in high-growth manufacturing environments, including the build-out of Panasonic’s Gigafactory in Nevada. He discusses strategies for workforce development, overcoming challenges in recruiting and retaining talent, and the importance of cultivating a high-performance culture through servant leadership and accountability. Ajay Gnanasekaran explores how clear processes, technical education, and leadership training are vital for scaling operations and supporting rapid industry innovation. Practical examples and lessons highlight the need for adaptability and people-focused leadership to drive success in to...

In this episode, Susan Charlesworth, a specialist in human performance and former astronaut trainer for the European and UK Space Agencies, shares insights from her career in aviation psychology and leadership coaching. She discusses her path from early studies in psychology and aviation to working with astronauts and mission controllers, focusing on topics like leadership, teamwork, and communication. Susan Charlesworth explains the differences between structured, technical training environments and the realities of leadership in everyday organizations, highlighting the importance of trust, self-awareness, and adapting leadership frameworks to individual needs. The conversation also touches on the challenges technical professionals face...

In this episode, Paul Keutelian, CTO of Applied Atomics, discusses his experience leading teams to tackle complex engineering challenges in the nuclear and advanced industry sectors. He shares insights from his time at SpaceX, including the role of responsible engineers, the importance of ownership, and how to create a culture where mistakes are learning opportunities rather than career setbacks. The conversation explores how Applied Atomics approaches rapid innovation by aligning supply chain capabilities with practical engineering solutions, and how transparency and clear communication enable effective problem-solving. Paul Keutelian also emphasizes the significance of hiring the right team, building collaborative...

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest Lauren Waldman, a learning professional with a background in neuroscience, joins the show during the Dev Learn conference in Las Vegas. Lauren shares insights on how understanding the brain's mechanisms is essential for effective learning, behavior change, and habit formation in the workplace. The discussion highlights the differences between behaviors and habits, emphasizing that true, lasting change comes from creating strong memories through focus, repetition, and time. Listeners, especially managers and leaders, will learn why developing habits—not just one-off behaviors—is crucial for organizational success. Lauren also offers practical advice for desi...

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest Jess Almlie, a strategic learning and talent development consultant, explains why training isn't always the solution to team performance issues. Drawing on her experience and insights from her book "L&D Order Taker No More," Jess Almlie shares practical examples and questions managers can use to diagnose workplace challenges, such as misaligned reward systems and process inefficiencies. Listeners will learn when training is appropriate and when other interventions are needed, making this episode valuable for managers seeking to improve team outcomes through thoughtful problem-solving and collaboration with learning teams.

In this episode, leadership coach and trainer Jen Recla discusses the vital role managers play in supporting and sustaining employee development after formal training ends. Drawing from her experience with executive leaders in smaller organizations, Jen emphasizes that true learning and change occur in the workplace, where ongoing coaching and follow-up from managers are crucial. She offers practical advice for leaders on prioritizing team support, effective delegation, and creating growth opportunities—all while managing the demands and potential burnout of leadership roles. The conversation also covers how organizations can better equip managers with resources and how collaboration between leaders an...

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, Dr. Alaina Szlachta, founder and chief measurement architect of By Design Development Solutions, shares her perspective on the importance of evidence-based training requests. Drawing from her background in academic research and learning analytics, Dr. Szlachta explains why managers should bring data and tangible evidence—not just hunches or anecdotes—when approaching training teams for support. She highlights how numbers, including team feedback and performance metrics, help training teams identify gaps, validate proposed solutions, and measure the impact of learning initiatives. The discussion also covers challenges in accessing relevant data and emphasizes the collaborative role...

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, Brandon Carson, Chief Learning Officer at Docebo, shares his insights on the role of managers in the employee performance experience. Drawing from his extensive leadership background at major companies like Starbucks and Walmart, Brandon explores how managers can effectively connect individual strengths and opportunities to drive team performance. He emphasizes the importance of coaching, intentional talent development, and viewing training as an ongoing, business-connected process rather than a one-time event. Listeners will gain practical advice on building effective teams, adapting to the changing workforce, and developing managerial skills that foster continuous growth and...

In this episode, David James, Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning and host of the Learning and Development Podcast, shares insights on how training should directly relate to the work employees do. He emphasizes that effective training isn't just about delivering broad topics, but about addressing the real needs and skills required for specific roles. The discussion covers the importance of integrating learning with everyday work, focusing on closing proficiency gaps, and using data-driven approaches to development. Listeners will also hear practical advice on mapping out essential skills for teams and defining what good performance looks like. This conversation is...

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, Ryan Austin, founder and CEO of Cognota, shares his insights on what managers should understand about training and talent development. Drawing from his experience working with various learning teams, Ryan emphasizes the crucial role managers play in identifying capability gaps within their teams and making strategic investments to achieve business goals. The conversation highlights how managers, being close to frontline challenges, can offer valuable input in shaping training initiatives—often bridging the gap between top-down directives and real team needs. Practical advice is given on how managers can approach collaboration with learning and ta...

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, Kevin Yates joins the conversation to share insights on what managers should know about training and talent development. Drawing on his global experience as the "L&D Detective," Kevin highlights the importance of aligning development initiatives with business goals. He emphasizes that performance improvement is a collective effort, involving not just the manager and talent development, but also teams like marketing, product development, and software developers. The discussion covers the concept of a workplace performance ecosystem and introduces tools for conducting performance needs analysis, helping managers determine the most effective solutions for their...

In this episode, Debbie Richards, an international keynote speaker and AI strategist, shares insights from her experience working with enterprise organizations at the intersection of AI and learning. She emphasizes the importance of treating talent development as a strategic partner rather than just a source of training. Debbie discusses why simply implementing training isn't always the solution to business problems, highlighting the need for managers to provide context, feedback, and ongoing support after training sessions. She introduces the concept of using business-driven metrics for measuring success and explains her "AI North Star" approach to aligning training initiatives with real...

In this episode, Senior Space Editor and author Eric Berger joins the show to discuss the evolving landscape of the space industry. Drawing on his extensive reporting experience, he explores major trends such as the rise of China as a space power and the shift toward commercial space companies like SpaceX. Eric Berger shares insights into workplace culture, leadership traits, and the intense sense of mission driving innovation at companies like SpaceX and Stoke Space. The conversation covers the challenges of sustaining hard-driving environments, the importance of compelling vision, and alternate cultural models emerging within the industry. Listeners will...

This solo episode delves into the common misconception that training is a quick fix for workplace issues. Drawing insights from a recent industry conference, the discussion focuses on why training often fails to address real business problems and outlines four essential questions managers should ask before pursuing a training solution. Listeners will learn how to distinguish between individual performance issues and broader organizational challenges, the importance of proper documentation and resource availability, and the critical role of feedback in driving behavioral change. The episode offers practical guidance for managers looking to implement effective training that truly impacts performance, while...

In this episode, Lucie Nurdin, a chemical engineer and former interim technical director at Terraform Industries, shares her journey transitioning from academia to the startup world and from individual contributor to manager. She discusses the technical challenges of developing economically viable synthetic fuels from CO2 and sunlight, and reflects on her experiences leading and growing a technical team. Lucie Nurdin talks about building trust, effective delegation, fostering team communication, and the importance of empowering people by leveraging both their strengths and weaknesses. She also offers insight on how to create a collaborative and feedback-driven work environment, drawing on lessons...

In this episode, leadership strategist and executive coach Andrea Wanerstrand shares insights from her experience inside global companies like Microsoft, Meta, and T-Mobile. Andrea discusses the cultural and leadership transformation at Microsoft, highlighting the shift from a know-it-all to a learn-it-all mindset and the importance of psychological safety, growth mindset, and resilience. The conversation also covers her A3 philosophy—authentic, autonomous, and accountable leadership—and practical ways leaders can build trust, give effective feedback, and foster autonomy in their teams. Andrea emphasizes the value of consistent authenticity, clear communication, and caring leadership that balances kindness with accountability. The episode also...

Why is it so hard to get things done in large companies? In this solo episode of the Leadership Launchpad, Matt explores the benefits and the struggles of bureaucracy and gives tips every leader can use to help fight it on their teams. If you want your teams to be productive in a world that doesn't stop changing, you have to watch this episode.

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Why is it so hard to get things done in large companies? In this solo episode of the Leadership Launchpad, Matt explores the benefits and the struggles of bureaucracy and gives tips every leader can use to help fight it on their teams. If you want your teams to be productive in a world that doesn't stop changing, you have to watch this episode.

In this episode, Yaron Alfi, co-founder and CEO of Magenta, discusses his experiences in software and manufacturing at companies like SpaceX and ABL Space Systems. He explains why legacy software can be a limiting factor in manufacturing, the importance of building tailored software solutions, and how Magenta is leveraging AI to streamline manufacturing workflows. Yaron also shares leadership lessons from his time at SpaceX, his approach to building and scaling teams, and the value of trust in both formal and informal leadership roles. The conversation covers challenges in hiring for software roles, managing change, and providing effective support to...

In this episode, Warren Ernst joins the show to discuss his extensive experience in learning and development across several innovative startups, including SpaceX, Karma Automotive, Heliogen, and Impulse Space. The conversation focuses on the significant impact that manager development has on company success, especially in fast-growing organizations. Warren shares insights on common skill gaps for new managers, such as giving feedback, delegating tasks, and meeting discipline. He also highlights how lack of proper training for managers can lead to drops in productivity, retention issues, and culture challenges. The episode offers practical advice for both organizations and individual managers aiming...

In this episode, guest Tom Kelly, co-founder of Evona, a recruitment firm specializing in the space industry, discusses the current talent landscape and the impact of AI on recruitment. The conversation explores the most in-demand roles within the space sector, highlighting ongoing shortages in both engineering (especially electrical engineering) and sales positions. Tom shares insights into how AI-driven tools are transforming the hiring process, from sourcing candidates to automating outreach, as well as potential challenges, such as increased spam and the loss of personal connection in recruiting. He also considers the future of talent acquisition, including how candidates might...