Episodios
-
In this episode, Matt shares the single easiestâand most overlookedâtechnique any manager can use to start building trust and psychological safety within their team: icebreakers. Drawing on his leadership experience in the US Air Force and as the former head of training and development at SpaceX, Matt explains why personal connections are the driving force behind team engagement, retention, and high performance.
Matt breaks down the science behind small talk and âphatic language,â showing how even just five minutes of intentional, non-work conversation at the start of a meeting can bond teams, reduce friction, and foster trust. He offers practical tips for getting started, handling concerns around introversion and cultural differences, and structuring these moments to keep meetings productive. Whether youâre leading a newly formed team or looking to improve an established group dynamic, this episode gives you straightforward steps to boost morale and productivityâstarting at your very next meeting.
-
In this episode, leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry joins the show to discuss the challenges and nuances of leadership development. He shares his perspective on the limitations of leadership style models and personality tests, emphasizing that while they can provide insight, they often oversimplify complex human behaviors and risk becoming limiting identities rather than useful tools. Kevin highlights the importance of leaders taking time for self-improvement, encouraging practices like reflection, blocking time on the calendar for growth, and conducting listening tours with teams. He also addresses common hurdles new managers face, such as balancing task work with people management, and provides actionable advice on building trust, fostering dialogue, and developing strong team relationships. The conversation offers practical steps for leaders at any level looking to become more effective in their roles.
-
¿Faltan episodios?
-
In this episode, guest Colonel Kris Saling, Director of Innovation for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in the U.S. Army, shares insights on the evolving landscape of talent management. The discussion covers how traditional talent processesârooted in the industrial eraâare being transformed by rapid technological changes, the importance of feedback loops, and the need for ongoing development for employees. Colonel Saling explains how the Army is using data and people analytics to empower lower-level leaders and individuals to make better talent decisions. The conversation also addresses common challenges such as retaining top performers and encouraging internal mobility, offering actionable advice for managers in both large and small organizations.
-
In this episode, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian from EMC Leaders discuss the impact of relationships and emotional connection within teams and organizations. Drawing on their experience working with technical and creative teams, they highlight how unresolved conflicts and a lack of emotional awareness can lead to disengagement, decreased productivity, and high turnover. The guests introduce their structured approach to building trust, increasing self-awareness, and repairing broken relationships in the workplace. They also share actionable steps for leaders and managers to create emotionally safe environments, emphasizing the value of vulnerability and clear communication. Listeners will gain insights into recognizing the signs of disconnection and learn practical tools to foster stronger, more collaborative teams.
-
In this solo episode, Matt explores the common challenges managers face with delegation. Drawing from personal experience and insights from leaders at all levels, the episode examines why new managers often struggle to delegate tasks and the impact this has on teams and individual performance. Matt shares practical steps for improving delegation skills, including starting small, being clear about desired outcomes, and establishing appropriate check-in routines. The episode also provides examples and actionable advice for new and experienced leaders alike, aiming to help listeners avoid burnout and foster more empowered, engaged teams.
-
In this episode, Kassi Kincaid, a speaker, trainer, and expert in creative leadership, joins the show to discuss the importance of creativity in leadership and team performance. She shares her five-step framework for fostering creativity within teams: generating ideas, pursuing them, overcoming disappointment, taking time to rest, and remembering how far you've come. The conversation highlights practical strategies for managers to encourage creative thinking, support team members through setbacks, and create an environment where new ideas can thrive. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to apply creativity as an ongoing process, not just as a means to a specific outcome.
-
In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest Andrew Barry, founder and CEO of Curious Lion, joins the discussion to explore the role of creativity in solving complex and open-ended problems. Andrew shares practical insights on what creativity truly means, drawing from research and his own experience, and highlights the importance of curiosity in the workplace. The conversation covers how organizational culture can both hinder and support curiosity, and offers actionable strategies for managers to encourage creativity among their teams. Key topics include building trust, allowing for experimentation, making time for creative thinking, and embracing the messy process of iteration. The episode provides useful advice for leaders looking to foster an innovative and supportive environment in their organizations.
-
In this episode, Sajid Mohamedy, co-founder of ExoFarm and Executive Vice President at Nisum, shares his insights on leadership in rapidly scaling organizations. He discusses the challenges of maintaining authentic communication and building trust as companies grow, drawing on his experiences leading teams across different continents and industries. Sajid also talks about ExoFarmâs mission to accelerate crop and pharmaceutical research using AI and automation, with applications on Earth and in space. The conversation covers practical strategies for reinforcing company culture, the importance of intentional listening, and adapting leadership styles to fit personal values and organizational needs.
-
In this episode, Matt focuses on effective goal setting for managers and their teams. He addresses common areas of confusion, including the difference between milestone goals and daily activity goals, the role of personal goals within organizations, and the importance of considering interdependencies when creating goals. Listeners will hear practical advice on balancing different types of goals, aligning personal development with company objectives, and ensuring individuals are set up for success. The episode offers actionable strategies to help managers set clear, meaningful, and achievable goals that drive better engagement and performance across teams.
-
In this episode, attorneys John Gordon and Shawn Cheadle from Taftâs Aerospace and Defense practice group join the show to discuss the essential role of compliance for leaders in the aerospace and defense sectors. They break down the unique challenges that small and large companies face, such as building compliance frameworks from scratch, handling government contracts, navigating export regulations, and complying with OSHA requirements. The conversation highlights practical steps managers and founders should take to protect their organizations from costly fines or legal trouble, with real-world examples and a helpful overview of the fundamental policies every company should have in place.
-
In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, Dan Ceperley, co-founder and COO of LeoLabs, discusses the importance of focus and time management for startups. He explains how LeoLabs, a company that tracks objects in low Earth orbit, has rapidly built a global network of radar stations since its inception in 2016. Dan shares insights into the necessity of prioritization, especially in the fast-paced environment of a startup where time is more valuable than cash. He also touches on transitioning from an engineering role to leadership, emphasizing the importance of simplifying communication and being patient with team members. The episode concludes with valuable advice on how to constructively receive feedback to facilitate personal growth and improvement.
-
In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest David Hirschfeld, a seasoned software development veteran, discusses the role of systems and protocols in building exceptional teams. Drawing from his extensive experience and his work at Techies, Hirschfeld sheds light on the importance of focusing on the root problems faced by customers rather than becoming consumed by product features. The conversation delves into AIâs evolving role in software development, emphasizing the current limitations and the need for effective project management systems to enhance team productivity. Hirschfeld also shares insights into hiring smarter team members and encourages the creation of playbooks and measurement systems to foster continuous improvement within teams. This episode provides valuable perspectives on leadership, team dynamics, and innovation in the tech industry.
-
In this crossover episode of Leadership Launchpad, we are sharing an episode of the VHTB podcast with Brian Mejeur and Justus Killian to talk about the transition engineers face when moving into management roles. The discussion highlights the lack of resources and guidance for engineers aspiring to become managers, contrasting it with the abundance of material for business professionals. Key points of the conversation include the shift in skills required from technical to people-focused abilities, and the common pitfalls of new managers, such as relying on pace-setting leadership. The episode underlines three essential skills for effective management: building trust, giving feedback, and setting goals. Additionally, the importance of listening is emphasized as a foundational element for successful leadership.
-
In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest Paul Day, co-founder and VP of Engineering at Muon Space, discusses the transition from top-level individual contributors to people managers. He emphasizes the importance of trust, empowerment, and a concept he terms "organizational EQ" in managing technical teams. Paul shares insights into the challenges engineers face when moving into management roles, such as overcoming the need for perfection and shifting from hands-on problem-solving to decision-making and team empowerment. Furthermore, he delves into Muon Space's approach to tackling the complexities of satellite production through vertical integration and modular design, aiming to reduce time and costs associated with traditional satellite manufacturing. The episode underscores leadership strategies for fostering a productive and empowered team environment.
-
In this episode of the Leadership Launchpad, guest Brian Manning, co-founder and CEO of Xona Space Systems, discusses the complexities and strategies of effective leadership, particularly in technical fields. Brian shares insights from his diverse experiences, transitioning from an individual contributor to a people leader, and highlights the importance of trust and delegation in leadership roles. He also explores the intricacies of building a leadership team capable of driving innovation at Xona Space Systems, a company dedicated to developing a high-performance alternative to GPS using small satellites. The conversation delves into the delicate balance required between maintaining technical knowledge and empowering team autonomy. Brian emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their areas of expertise and how these interface with other business aspects, advocating for a leadership approach that builds trust and bridges gaps between teams.
-
In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, the focus is on increasing team productivity by creating urgency. The episode discusses the Eisenhower decision matrix, which categorizes tasks by importance and urgency, and how it can help manage time more effectively. It addresses the challenge many face of spending too much time on urgent but not necessarily important tasks. It introduces the concept of setting tighter timelines to make important tasks also feel urgent, pushing teams to be more efficient. The episode also explores how leaders must prioritize and sometimes let go of less critical tasks to keep progressing. Practical examples are provided from SpaceX and business leaders like Peter Thiel and Alex Hermosi. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance productivity by making strategic decisions about urgency and importance in task management.
-
In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest Omar Halabieh, Director of Technology for Amazon Payment Services, shares insights from his leadership journey with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by new people managers, covering topics like delegation, relationship management, and building trust. Omar reflects on his first role as a people manager in an energy company and highlights key aspects that contributed to his leadership development, such as excelling in his job, leading without authority, and identifying and addressing gaps in responsibility. The conversation aims to provide valuable guidance for those looking to enhance their leadership skills and accelerate their career growth.
-
In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, Matt discusses techniques to accelerate team development by bypassing the often lengthy process of forming, storming, norming, and performing stages. Introducing the concept of a personal user manual, the host explains how it can help teams quickly understand individual working preferences, thereby speeding up the transition to high performance. Drawing from experiences at SpaceX and other fast-growing companies, practical advice is given on creating and using these manuals. The episode also delves into strategies for new managers to foster trust and strong communication within their teams, highlighting the importance of using these manuals effectively as part of regular team processes and onboarding activities. The host encourages managers to integrate this tool into their leadership practices for better team cohesion and improved performance.
-
In this episode of the Leadership Launchpad, the guest, Jeremy Ostrowski, Director of Change Management at Border States, discusses the nuances of managing change within an organization. Jeremy shares insights on how change impacts various levels of a business and highlights the importance of tailored communication strategies. He introduces the ADKAR model of change managementâAwareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcementâand explains how managers can use this framework to effectively facilitate change. The conversation also covers practical advice for managers, including the importance of supporting team members through change, and recognizing their efforts to reinforce positive outcomes. This episode provides valuable lessons for any manager facing organizational change.
-
In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest Rhet Turnbull, a senior solutions architect at Leidos with extensive experience in military operations, and program management, discusses strategies for enacting change within large organizations. Reflecting on his career from the Air Force Academy to leading within Space Systems Command, Turnbull emphasizes the importance of understanding oneâs blind spots, fostering organizational trust, and navigating entrenched bureaucratic processes to facilitate meaningful change. Key topics include the value of process mapping, the pitfalls of electronic suggestion boxes, and the necessity of undertaking unscalable efforts to achieve impactful results. Through specific examples, Turnbull illustrates how leaders can remove blockers and improve organizational performance.
- Mostrar más
