A VC, a Headhunter, and a Trainer Walk into a Bar

Does every founder need a Gwynne Shotwell?

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Every Hard Tech Founder Needs a Gwynne Shotwell

We often focus on visionary founders, the big personalities pushing boundaries, taking risks, and shaping industries. But what about the people who actually make that vision work day to day? The unsung heroes who translate ideas into execution, keep the company on course, and preserve culture while chaos swirls around them

In this episode,Brian Mejeur from AdAstra Talent Advisors sits down with Matt Gjertsen from Better Every Day Studios and Justus Kilian from Space Capital to explore a question every hard tech founder should consider: Do you have your Gwynne Shotwell

They break down how integrators and right-hand leaders complement visionary founders, using Gwynne Shotwell at SpaceX as the perfect example. From keeping Elon Musk grounded to building the operational backbone that allows visionaries to focus on big ideas, these leaders are essential even if their impact is often invisible to the outside world

They riff on what it takes to be a visionary versus an integrator, why solo founders need a trusted right-hand even if it is not a co-founder, and how these dynamics play out when building something new from scratch. Expect stories, opinions, and some “yeah I have seen that happen” moments along the way

By the end, it is clear every hard tech founder needs a Gwynne, someone who can take your ideas, run with them, and keep everything else from falling apart

If you are building a startup, working with visionary founders, or just curious about what keeps hard tech companies moving, this episode shows why having someone who can turn vision into execution is non-negotiable

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Introduction

[02:00] How Gwen creates stability while enabling Elon’s vision

[04:06] Visionary versus integrator and why co-founders matter

[06:53] Co-founders and key early employees: why complementary skill sets matter

[09:07] How solo founders can bring in trusted right-hand support

[12:10] Translating technical work into tangible business outcomes

[14:00] Counterbalance is key: integrator and visionary dynamics in practice

Episode Takeaways

Visionaries need integrators; it is almost impossible to excel at both
Strong right-hand leaders preserve culture, execute on ideas, and keep the company moving forward
Solo founders can survive and scale only with trusted operators who complement their skills
Co-founders or early execs with significant equity stakes drive accountability and growth
The best hard tech companies balance chaos and execution through complementary leadership

Resources & Links

Are the best founders narcissists?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Are the best founders actually narcissists?

It’s a question that comes up a lot when you look at the personalities behind some of the most iconic companies. The extreme self-belief. The charisma. The willingness to ignore consensus and push forward anyway.

Those traits can be incredibly powerful in the early days of a startup. They help founders recruit talent, raise capital, and convince people that something impossible is actually achievable.

But those same traits can also become dangerous.

In this episode, Justus Kilian from Space Capital sits down with Brian Mejeur from AdAstra Talent Advisors and Matt Gjertsen from Better Every Day Studios to take a closer look at a tricky question:

When does founder ego become a superpower… and when does it start to break the company?

They explore how traits like extreme self-belief, risk tolerance, and vision can help founders break the status quo and create entirely new categories. But they also dig into where the line is between conviction and delusion and why leaders who refuse to adapt can create serious problems as companies grow.

The conversation also looks at how leadership needs to evolve as companies scale. The personality that helps you go from zero to one may not be the same personality needed to run a large, complex organization.

If you're building a startup or working closely with founders, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the psychology behind some of the most successful and sometimes controversial leaders in tech.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Why the “narcissistic founder” stereotype keeps coming up

[03:44] Extreme self-belief vs. actual narcissism

[06:06] Founders Who Succeed Without the Narcissist Archetype

[08:10] Why We Mostly Hear About Loud Founder Personalities

[10:28] What the Theranos story teaches about founder delusion

[12:14] “Vision without execution is hallucination”

Episode Takeaways

Extreme self-belief can be essential for founders challenging the status quo.
The traits that help start a company may not be the traits needed to scale it.
Conviction is powerful but ignoring data and feedback can be dangerous.
History tends to highlight louder founder personalities, creating survivorship bias.
Successful companies can be built with very different leadership styles.

Resources & Links

When should founders pivot, and when should they push through?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

When is it actually time to pivot?

And when do you just need to keep grinding?

This is one of those questions every founder runs into. You start with uninformed optimism. This is going to be great. Then reality hits. You are in the thick of it. It is harder than you expected. And you start wondering… did we build the wrong thing? Or is this just the hard part?

In this episode, Matt Gjertsen from Better Every Day Studios sits down with Justus Kilian from Space Capital and Seyka Mejeur from AdAstra Talent Advisors to tackle a question every founder eventually faces:

How do you know when it is time to pivot… and when it is time to just keep grinding?

Justus shares a simple lens he uses with founders. Are you facing real barriers? Are you learning fast? And is there real market proof, not just optimistic projections? We even touch on early SpaceX updates and what real progress actually looks like. Seyka talks about what it actually feels like when you are in it. Informed pessimism. Hard calls about people. And the isolation that comes with carrying the weight.

And we go somewhere that is not always popular. Sometimes the right move is not to pivot. It is to shut it down, return the capital, and reset clean.

If you are building in hard tech, where the burn is real and the problems are actually hard, this episode will help you pressure test whether to persist, pivot, or rethink entirely.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Why the pivot vs. perseverance decision is so hard

[02:58] How to Know When to Pivot or Persist

[07:33] A 3-part framework for deciding whether to pivot

[13:11] Measuring learning velocity vs. just tracking burn

[16:32] The emotional cost of pivots and hard people decisions

[20:30] Founder loneliness and who you can actually be honest with

Episode Takeaways:

Perseverance and pivoting require different kinds of courage.
Track how fast you are learning, not just how much you are spending.
Market proof matters more than optimistic projections.
Pivots affect people psychologically and organizationally.
Sometimes preserving time and capital is more valuable than forcing a pivot.

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on the talent, culture, and finance sides of space startups.

Resources & Links:

When should founders follow the market, and when should they lead it?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Simplicity is winning.

But how do you know whether to build what customers are asking for… or build what they don’t even realize they need yet?

In this episode of VHTV, Seyka Mejeur from AdAstra Talent Advisors is joined by Justus Kilian from Space Capital and Matt Gjertsen from Better Every Day Studios to dig into one of the hardest questions in hard tech: do you build the breakthrough technology first and trust the market will come, or do you start with demand and work backward?

Seyka shares the story of losing her Apple Watch, realizing she wasn’t actually using most of the features, and deciding to let it go. What seems small at first opens up a bigger question about simplicity, mental load, and how technology can quietly add more noise than value.

Justus brings in the example of Planet Labs, an early pioneer in small satellite imaging that built something technically impressive but initially struggled to find real customer demand. Breakthrough technology doesn’t automatically create a market.

At the same time, companies like Apple show the other side of the equation. Some founders build products customers don’t yet know they need. Timing, conviction, and product intuition matter, but even visionary companies don’t get it right every time.

There’s also a practical look at validation in hard tech. With hardware, you can’t just ship something and iterate next week. Creative approaches matter. The example of Reflect Orbital shows how storytelling and scrappy MVP thinking can make a bold concept tangible before the full system exists.

At the core is a tension every founder faces: are you obsessed with the product, or anchored to the problem? That choice shapes how you build, how you validate, and how you bring customers and investors along before the full vision is built.

If you’re building in space, energy, autonomy, or any high-stakes sector, this episode will likely make you rethink how you approach timing, vision, and market pull.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] The Apple Watch story and why simplicity is winning

[03:31] Build it and they will come vs. validate demand first

[05:03] When great technology fails to find a market

[07:58] Why Visionary Products Are So Hard to Pull Off

[10:45] Hardware vs. software: why validation is harder in hard tech

[13:46] Creative MVPs and storytelling with Reflect Orbital

[14:17] Product obsessed vs. problem obsessed

Key Takeaways

Great technology does not guarantee market demand.
Being problem obsessed often leads to better product decisions.
Hardware startups must find creative ways to validate before full build.
Visionary products require timing, storytelling, and deep conviction.
Simplicity and reduced cognitive load are becoming competitive advantages

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on the talent, culture, and finance sides of space startups.

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How do you build a culture where people actually surface problems?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Managing up is one of the most overlooked skills in hard tech.

In this episode of VHTB, Justus Kilian from Space Capital is joined by Matt Gjertsen from Better Every Day Studios and Seyka Mejeur from AdAstra Talent Advisors to talk about what it really means to move critical information up an organization, especially when it’s uncomfortable, unpopular, or urgent. We will discuss how to surface urgent or uncomfortable information in a way that leadership can act on.

We cover why communication breakdowns are often behind major failures, including the Space Shuttle Challenger, and how groupthink and hierarchy can prevent critical information from reaching decision-makers.

The VHTB team breaks down the difference between personal feedback and mission-critical information, how leaders can get better at receiving feedback, how individuals can escalate issues thoughtfully, and how to think through consequences before going around a manager.

Seyka also shares practical ways to assess intellectual honesty during hiring and what signals show that someone will take ownership instead of deflecting responsibility.

If you are building in aerospace, energy, autonomy, or other high-stakes industries, this episode focuses on the communication habits that help teams make better decisions. The natural state of a growing company isn’t clarity – it’s drift, and managing up is how you correct it.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Why managing up is so critical in hard tech

[02:10] Communication breakdowns behind major industry failures

[04:14] How leaders can receive feedback effectively

[07:36] When and how to escalate issues

[10:43] Difference between feedback and mission-critical information

[14:41] How to spot leaders who take responsibility

[17:05] Assessing intellectual honesty during hiring

[20:50] Communication norms in early startups

[24:05] Designing systems that support transparency

Key Takeaways

Managing up means moving critical information clearly and quickly.
Feedback and mission-critical information require different approaches.
Leaders set the tone by asking for and receiving honest input.
Individuals can escalate issues thoughtfully and consider consequences first.
Hiring for intellectual honesty helps build teams that take ownership.
Early-stage startups benefit from clear communication systems.

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on the talent, culture, and finance sides of space startups.

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What is founder mode – and what happens when founders step into it?

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What Happens When Founders Go Into “Founder Mode”?

Founder mode, a concept popularized by Brian Chesky and Paul Graham, describes how founders can take a highly selective, hands-on approach to solving the critical problems that employees or managers alone cannot tackle. In this episode, Justus Kilian of Space Capital is joined by Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios and Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors to analyze what founder mode really means, how it differs from micromanagement, and why it is particularly important in space startups.

The team outlines when and where founder involvement is most valuable, how managers can adopt a similar “owner mode,” and the risks of over-involvement. They discuss examples from SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Nvidia, and show how founder mode can empower teams, remove bureaucratic barriers, and accelerate high-stakes problem solving. Whether you are a founder, manager, or aspiring space startup leader, this episode gives a practical framework for selectively taking ownership to achieve critical milestones.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction: What founder mode is and why it matters

[02:19] How Leaders Solve Problems Employees Can’t

[04:25] Owner mode: how managers can exercise selective ownership

[08:04] Micromanagement vs. empowering involvement

[10:51] Selective engagement: choosing the right problems to dive into

[12:48] Risks of over-involvement and potential distractions

[14:49] Why founder mode is especially critical in space technology

Episode Takeaways

Founder mode lets leaders solve high-impact problems that employees or managers alone cannot.
Selective involvement prevents micromanagement while empowering teams.
Deep technical knowledge and intimate understanding of the business are essential for effectiveness.
Over-involvement or misalignment can be disempowering; prioritization is key.
Owner/founder mode can extend beyond founders to managers who take responsibility for outcomes.
High-stakes industries like space tech benefit most from these approaches.
Teams feel empowered when leaders remove barriers and provide immediate authority for action.

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on the talent, culture, and finance sides of space startups.

Resources & Links:

Why do startup employees leave vs. stay after big milestones?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What happens to space startup teams after big milestones?

Big milestones in space startups, whether a Dragon 2 launch, a major funding round, or an IPO, often bring excitement, celebration, and sometimes turnover. After all the long hours and high stakes, some employees naturally take a step back, pivot, or even leave entirely. But is this a problem to solve, or a natural part of how talent flows in mission-driven startups?

In this episode, Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios is joined by Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors and Justus Kilian of Space Capital to dig into what happens to teams after major milestones. They discuss how founders can retain key people, structure incentives around achievements, and even leverage departures to build stronger alumni networks. Whether you are a founder, manager, or aspiring startup talent, this conversation explains how to turn milestone-driven transitions into opportunities instead of surprises.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Introduction & talent movement after major milestones

[01:35] Why employees often leave or stay after hitting big goals

[04:42] Reloading the mission: keeping teams motivated through next big goals

[07:48] Retaining Top Talent Through Purpose

[10:40] Understanding personal motivations to prevent unexpected departures

[11:52] Leveraging alumni networks and healthy turnover for long-term company growth

[15:26] Creating open conversations about career plans and talent flow

Episode Takeaways

Talent movement after milestones is natural, not always a sign of failure.
Aligning equity and incentives with milestones can improve retention.
Clear mission and next-step goals keep employees motivated through big achievements.
Open communication and manager-level engagement help anticipate transitions.
Alumni networks turn departures into opportunities for referrals and industry growth.
Structuring transitions thoughtfully prevents operational disruption and preserves culture.

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on the talent, culture, and finance sides of space startups.

Resources & Links:

What do abundant launches and big liquidity actually mean for founders in 2026?

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What’s Really Driving the Space Industry Right Now?

Q4 2025 wasn’t just another quarter; it may go down as one of the most pivotal in the modern space economy. Between Blue Origin’s New Glenn landing, massive defense-driven capital inflows, and the looming SpaceX IPO, the space startup ecosystem is facing new opportunities and new challenges at every turn.

In this episode, Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors, Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios, and Justus Kilian of Space Capital review the quarter’s key developments. They discuss what the new launch vehicles mean for the industry, how recent investments affect companies, and why these events matter for founders, investors, and anyone following space startups.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or just interested in space, this episode gives a clear, practical look at recent milestones, financial trends, and talent dynamics, and what they could mean for the industry going forward.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction & Q4 2025 space industry overview

[00:58] Blue Origin New Glenn landing: What it means for launch markets

[06:38] What K2 Space’s funding means for founders

[07:50] Golden Dome defense program & implications for space startups

[10:56] SpaceX IPO talk and what it means for founders

[15:05] Emerging commercial opportunities in space: data centers & manufacturing

[18:02] The competition heating up in the launch market

[19:15] IPO liquidity as a catalyst for Mars and deep-space ambitions

Episode Takeaways:

Abundant launch is closer than ever, but landing is only the first step; cadence and refurbishment will define real market impact.

Capital is flowing in multiple directions, and defense-focused funding introduces both opportunity and risk for commercial players.

Liquidity unlocks talent: IPOs and equity events could spark a new wave of founder-driven innovation.

New markets demand new thinking: From space-based data centers to mission design, founders must reconsider traditional constraints.

Execution remains key: Technical milestones matter, but real-world deployment and economics will separate winners from hype.

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on space startups, talent, and finance, and follow along as we track how these trends continue into 2026.

Resources & Links:

Space Capital

Better Every Day Studios

AdAstra Talent Advisors

VHTB Podcast Channel

How do startups weigh experience vs. hunger?

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0700

How Should Startups Balance Hunger, Energy, and Experience?

The space startup ecosystem attracts brilliant, ambitious people fresh out of school, people who want to build fast, learn everything at once, and take big swings early in their careers. But can raw tenacity really replace experience? And how should founders and hiring managers think about the tradeoff between youthful intensity and seasoned execution?

In this episode, the VHTB team, Justus Kilian of Space Capital, Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios, and Seyka Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors, looks at the realities of hiring young, scrappy talent inside fast-moving startups. They examine why early-career founders often struggle with people leadership, how urgency exposes missing experience, and what separates teams that harness raw ambition from those that get tripped up by predictable missteps.

We also look at the other side: why experienced leaders bring crucial pattern recognition, how larger companies like SpaceX or Amazon can be the best crash course for ambitious young people, and what organizations need in place before they hire someone who’s going to learn by doing (and by making mistakes).

Whether you’re hiring, leading, or debating whether to join a startup straight out of school, this episode gives a grounded look at how experience, energy, and self-awareness shape outcomes in early-stage companies.

Episode Highlights

00:00 The young-and-scrappy appeal, and its hidden pitfalls

02:38 Why some early-career founders struggle with “wisdom gaps”

04:07 When recruiters must push back on unrealistic expectations

05:59 What fresh founders often miss about people, friction, and alignment

07:47 When companies undervalue HR until it’s too late

09:36 Developing young managers: what you can’t assume they already know

11:32 How to weigh energy vs. experience in recruiting

12:29 When high energy and low experience become a compounding problem

13:25 The value of real mistakes, and why candidates shouldn’t hide them

15:48 Why self-awareness is the real differentiator at any age

17:00 Why big-company experience can build necessary pattern recognition

Episode Takeaways

Energy is powerful, but experience prevents avoidable pain.
Self-awareness can compensate for low experience, but only if mentors and guardrails exist.
High-tenacity early hires need space to make mistakes; not all startups can afford that.
Experienced leaders bring pattern recognition new founders don’t know they’re missing.
HR and talent fundamentals matter early, not only once things break.
Mistakes aren’t liabilities; they’re how wisdom is earned.
Joining a high-caliber company first can accelerate your trajectory when you later jump into a startup.

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on the talent, culture, and finance sides of space startups.

Resources & Links:

Do You Really Understand the Equity You’re Being Offered?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0700

How to Actually Understand Startup Equity

Equity is one of the biggest reasons people join early-stage companies, and one of the least understood parts of any offer. In this episode, the VHTB team digs into why equity feels so opaque, what the different types of stock-based compensation actually mean, and how candidates and founders can talk about it without confusion or hype.

Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios is joined by Seyka Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors and Justus Kilian of Space Capital for a practical walkthrough of the equity structures that show up in real startup offers: restricted stock, ISOs, NSOs, and RSUs. They break down how each one works, the tax traps people don’t see coming, and why liquidity and valuation paths matter more than the raw number of shares.

We also get into the human side, why candidates often feel embarrassed to ask “basic” questions, how past experiences at places like SpaceX or Amazon shape expectations, and what sophisticated founders do differently when communicating equity. Whether you’re a candidate trying to make sense of an offer or a founder trying to explain one, this episode gives you the tools to translate equity into real-world outcomes instead of guesswork.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Why equity feels confusing for almost everyone

01:47 A simple breakdown of restricted stock, ISOs, NSOs, and RSUs

04:52 Tax considerations most candidates overlook

07:26 Why liquidity plans matter more than people think

09:44 The perspective candidates bring from previous companies

11:50 How to ask “dumb questions” without feeling dumb

14:36 How great founders communicate equity and valuation paths

17:04 Building a simple spreadsheet to model potential outcomes

19:39 Using an investor mindset when evaluating job offers

Episode Takeaways

Don’t guess, get clarity: Understand how each equity type works, what it costs to exercise, and the tax implications.
Ask about liquidity early: “When could this be worth something?” is a fair question, not a taboo one.
Build simple scenarios, zero outcome, base case, upside case, so you know what you’re signing up for.
Look at the company like an investor: Why this team? Why this mission? Why now?
Equity is a portfolio: Most careers include a handful of high-risk, high-reward bets; choose them deliberately.

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on the talent, culture, and finance sides of space startups.

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How do technical founders prove they can scale into executives?

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0700

How Technical Talent Grows Into Leadership

Deeply technical founders and engineers often struggle when their jobs shift from solving problems themselves to leading people who solve problems. In this episode, the VHTB team, Seyka Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors, Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios, and Justus Kilian of Space Capital, break down why this transition is so challenging and what it takes to make it successful.

Technical leaders are used to tight feedback loops, direct control, and the satisfaction of “fixing the thing.” But executive roles demand something different: longer time horizons, ambiguous feedback, strategic focus, delegation, and trust. We go over the psychological friction behind this shift, the risks of staying in the weeds, and practical ways to build the leadership capacity needed at the founder and executive level.

From developing executive presence to building trust, and from knowing when to delegate to assessing whether founders can actually let go, we share a grounded look at one of the hardest transitions in the startup journey.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Why the jump from technical expert to executive is so difficult

01:07 When strategic work feels like “not real work.”

03:22 The role of feedback loops and the loss of direct control

06:33 Turning long-term goals into clear quarterly targets

07:51 Communication, simplification, and learning to delegate

08:57 A three-part framework for understanding trust

12:24 How investors assess strategic thinking in technical founders

14:40 Red flags: under-leveling hires, decision bottlenecks, and weekend rescues

16:06 Why co-founders often outperform solo founders

17:29 “Who Not How”: hiring for leapfrog capability

21:22 The danger of being the constant bottleneck

Episode Takeaways

Reframe the Work: Leadership problems aren’t “a distraction”—they are the job.
Shorten the Loop: Break long-term goals into quarterly, measurable targets.
Delegate Deliberately: Choose one decision a week to stop owning and hand to the team.
Use the Trust Framework: Assess gaps in skill, judgment, or personal connection.
Hire Above You: Don’t under-level—bring in people who elevate the company.
Beware Bottleneck Syndrome: If all paths go through you, you’re slowing the company down.
Let Strategy Win Over Muscle: What got you here won’t get you there.

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on the talent, culture, and finance sides of space startups.

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How do startups defy the Valley of Death and ignite growth?

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0700

The Valley of Death, Part III: Breaking Through the Other Side

In this final part of our Valley of Death series, the VHTB team, Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios, Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors, and Justus Kilian of Space Capital, break down how space startups can escape the treacherous middle of growth and begin to scale successfully.

After early wins and the slog of the mid-valley, companies reach a critical inflection point: delivering on commitments, scaling operations, and building the leadership capacity to sustain growth. We will outline practical steps, mindset shifts, and structural strategies that distinguish startups that stall from those that soar. From empowering frontline managers to refining processes, and from talent alignment to capital strategy, we talk through how these lessons can be put into practice.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 How to Escape the Valley of Death

01:05 Defining the Exit by Looking at Delivery, Unit Economics, and Investor Perspective

03:33 Building Managerial Muscle in the Crucial Middle Layer of Leadership

06:51 Scaling Teams from One-Off Hires to Cohesive Groups

08:40 Using Process as a Growth Lever While Balancing Structure with Agility

12:56 Considering Capital Options: Private vs. Public, Predictability, and Liquidity

15:49 Driving Strategic Growth by Investing in Talent, Technology, and Efficiency

18:45 Synthesizing the Three Stages through Clarity, Reflection, and Consistency

21:14 Empowering Leadership to Prepare Teams for Sustainable Growth

Episode Takeaways

Execute Consistently: Deliver on contracts and scale operations while maintaining quality.
Invest in Managers: Strong middle management is the connective tissue that turns strategy into execution.
Build Processes Thoughtfully: Structure enables efficiency without sacrificing innovation or speed.
Foster Open Communication: Align motivations, career paths, and expectations to retain top talent.
Strategize Capital: Leverage private and public options wisely to support long-term growth.
Empower Leadership Evolution: Prepare executives and managers to adapt roles as the organization scales.

Subscribe to VHTB for more insights on the talent, culture, and finance sides of space startups.

Resources & Links:

How do leaders stay focused during the hardest phase of scaling?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0700

The Valley of Death, Part II: Surviving the Middle

In this episode of VHTB, hosts Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors, Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios, and Justus Kilian of Space Capital continue their deep-dive series on one of the hardest stretches in the life of a space startup. the middle of the Valley of Death.

After the early wins and momentum of scaling up, this phase tests a company’s culture, leadership, and clarity of mission. The team explores how founders can maintain alignment, make difficult organizational decisions, and protect morale while navigating financial constraints and operational complexity.

From lessons on leadership cadence and communication velocity to real-world examples like True Anomaly and Ursa Major, this conversation sheds light on how experienced founders survive the mid-valley turbulence, and how a clear mission and disciplined decision-making can determine whether you climb out or stall midway.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Setting the Stage: Entering the Middle of the Valley

03:45 Reflection Cadence: When and How Often to Reevaluate

06:25 Restructuring and Accountability: Signals It’s Time for Change

09:09 Communication Velocity: The Hidden Growth Driver

12:11 When Growth Stalls: Making Tough Organizational Calls

13:27 Lessons from Ursa Major: Pivoting Through Pain

15:59 Preserving Morale Amid Layoffs and Change

18:17 The Importance of Milestones and Long-Term Vision

19:56 Selective Hiring in a Constrained Environment

23:07 Wrapping Up: Staying Lean, Aligned, and Vision-Driven

Episode Takeaways

Pause and Reflect: Build quarterly off-sites into your cadence to assess alignment, performance, and priorities.
Structure with Clarity: Replace personality-driven org charts with accountability-based structures to prevent chaos.
Maintain Communication Velocity: Fast information flow equals fast growth — keep communication channels tight and consistent.
Make Hard Calls Early: Identify misalignment and address it decisively before cultural or financial decay sets in.
Lead with Vision: A shared mission can sustain morale through layoffs, pivots, and funding crunches.
Hire with Intention: Even in lean times, strategic hires in critical functions can make or break your path through the valley.

Subscribe to VHTB for more deep dives into the talent, culture, and finance sides of the space startup ecosystem.

Follow Space Capital, AdAstra Talent Advisors, and Better Every Day Studios for updates and insights.

Social media links for each organization can be found on their respective websites.

Resources & Links:

Websites:

VHTB YouTube:

VHTB Podcast Channel

What is the Valley of Death, and how can startups bridge it?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0700

The Toughest Phase in Building a Space Startup

In this episode of VHTB, hosts Justus Kilian of Space Capital, Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios, and Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors kick off a three-part series on one of the toughest challenges in space entrepreneurship. The Valley of Death.

From defining what this critical gap really is to exploring how startups can bridge it through smart funding strategies, investor alignment, and culture-building, this discussion sheds light on how deep tech founders can survive and scale between prototype and commercialization.

Drawing from real-world examples like SpaceX, government contracting hurdles, and venture-backed startup experiences, the team dives into how planning, preparation, and disciplined execution can determine whether a company successfully crosses the Valley, or stalls within it.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Kicking Off the Conversation: Introducing the “Valley of Death” series

01:05 What Is the Valley of Death? Defining the gap from prototype to scalable business

02:56 Lessons from SpaceX and early startup survival stories

04:00 The Government’s Role: How procurement and contracting shape deep tech risk

06:01 Why the Valley Exists: Funding structures, CapEx, and operational complexity

08:53 Anchoring to a Long-Term Vision: Avoiding short-term distractions

10:57 Balancing Government Contracts with Strategic Product Development

13:05 The Leadership Challenge: Staying lean and hiring intentionally

15:35 Investor Sophistication: Understanding SBIRs, TACFI, and deep tech metrics

17:41 The Rise of Government Business Development Roles

18:58 Financial Planning for the Valley: Tools and funding mechanisms

20:36 Working with Investors, Customers, and Non-Dilutive Funding

22:30 Using Venture Debt and Strategic Equity Wisely

22:58 The Importance of Discipline and Timing When Capital Feels Abundant

24:17 Building Relationships Before You Need Capital

24:56 Knowing When to Raise and Keeping a Healthy Runway

29:00 Wrap-Up: Building the Bridge to Commercialization: Preparing for Implementation

Episode Takeaways

Define the Valley Early: Understand where your company sits between prototype and product.
Anchor to the Long-Term Vision: Don’t let short-term contracts or tangential revenue derail your mission.
Plan Before You Need Capital: Build relationships and financial pathways while resources are strong.
Leverage Non-Dilutive Funding Wisely: Use SBIR, TACFI, and strategic capital to buy down risk.
Hire for Alignment, Not Convenience: A small, mission-driven team will carry you farther than a large, misaligned one.

Subscribe to VHTB for more deep dives into the talent, culture, and finance sides of the space startup ecosystem.

Follow Space Capital, AdAstra Talent Advisors, and Better Every Day Studios for updates and insights.

Social media links for each organization can be found on their respective websites.

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How do you avoid over-hiring in an early-stage company?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0700

How to Avoid Over‑Hiring in Startups

In this episode of VHTB, Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios, Justus Kilian of Space Capital, and Seyka Mejeur of AdAstra talk through what causes startups to grow their teams too quickly and how to keep hiring in check. They explore how to align hires with technical and financial milestones, how to set up hiring authority and decision processes, and how external pressures (funding cycles, trends) can push over‑growth.

The conversation includes what to watch for when scaling, how founders can decide which roles really matter soon vs later, and why operational structure matters even when things feel urgent. There’s also discussion about unit economics, how AI might affect company size dynamics, and what being disciplined about hiring means in practice.

Episode Highlights

00:00 What over‑hiring looks like and why it can be a problem

00:40 How startups often respond to “we need people now” vs what they actually need

03:45 The risk of letting urgency weaken hiring criteria

05:00 How decision‑making structures (who approves hires, who has veto) matter at scale

06:09 Mapping the hiring process: visibility & accountability across teams

10:22 How financial discipline and understanding unit economics tie back into a healthy hiring pace

11:11 Common Mistake: Misunderstanding the Customer

13:00 The Financial Blind Spot

14:30 Importance of Financial Discipline in Hiring

18:30 Planning for Hiring Scale Before You Scale

21:00 Should Deep Tech Aim for Smaller Teams?

22:00 AI's Role in Reducing Hiring Needs

23:45 The Diamond-Shaped Team Structure

Episode Takeaways

Start by defining what each new hire is meant to accomplish. Technical and measurable goals help you stay aligned.
Build operational visibility: know who’s making hiring decisions and how many people are involved.
Be aware of external influences (investment rounds, market hype) and consider whether you are reacting or planning.
Financial grounding matters. Understanding unit economics gives a clearer sense of when hiring makes sense.
Roles should be scoped clearly, even when someone exceptional shows up. That clarity protects against drift.
Having a hiring process and approving structure helps prevent waste, confusion, and unexpected bottlenecks.
Scaling too quickly can hurt long‑term stability; slower, deliberate growth tends to preserve alignment and reduce risk.

How do you understand a company’s culture before you start?

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700

How to Actually Understand a Company’s Culture Before You Join

In this episode of VHTB, Justus Kilian of Space Capital is joined by Seyka Mejeur of AdAstra and Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios to answer a listener's question: How can you figure out what a company’s culture is really like before accepting a role?

They talk through practical ways to figure that out. what to look for in team backgrounds, how to ask better questions in interviews, and what signals to watch for throughout the hiring process. Seyka shares examples from recruiting and talent advising, where vague or conflicting answers often reflect deeper issues. Matt points out how simple things like whether someone shows up on time or follows through tend to say more than formal mission statements.

They also talk about layoffs, Glassdoor, and how to handle questions about red flags you’ve read about online.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction: How to evaluate company culture before joining

01:00 The listener question: how can you tell what a company’s culture is like?

02:00 What to look for before applying: team patterns, past experience, org design

03:30 What misalignment in interview answers might signal

05:00 Why cultural values should filter, not appeal to everyone

07:00 How early-stage startups often skip narrative clarity

08:52 What culture really reflects (and why it shows up whether or not you plan it)

10:56 Red flags to watch for: follow-through, timing, distractions

13:00 Can team tenure, org structure, or LinkedIn patterns tell you anything?

14:02 How specific questions help test for value alignment

15:52 Can a “bad” layoff be a dealbreaker? When it should be a conversation

17:00 How companies respond to cultural missteps

18:00 Why it’s worth asking about specific moments, even if they’re awkward

18:36 The importance of prep: know what you want

19:42 Wrapping up: the cues that often matter more than what’s said

Episode Takeaways

Before assessing any company’s culture, be clear on what you’re looking for. Culture fit is personal, not universal.
Team patterns, past roles, and interview behavior can reveal more than official messaging.
Misalignment across interviews is worth noting. Consistency often signals clarity.
A polished values page doesn’t mean much if there’s no real follow-through.
Ask direct questions. Also, pay attention to how interviewers behave, not just what they say.
Layoffs and negative press can be worth asking about the response often tells you more than the incident itself.
Culture exists by default. If it’s not shaped intentionally, it still takes shape just with less clarity.
Startups shouldn’t try to appeal to everyone. Strong signals help attract alignment and filter out poor fits.

How do you make sure someone is asking the “dumb” questions

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700

What Founders and Candidates Should Be Asking - But Often Don’t

In this episode of VHTB, Seyka Mejeur, Founder and CEO of AdAstra, is joined by Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios and Justus Kilian of Space Capital for a candid conversation about the kinds of questions that often go unasked. Specifically, the ones that don’t get asked enough in investor meetings, hiring conversations, and early-stage startup negotiations.

The conversation covers both sides of the table. Justus shares a set of questions founders should be asking investors, not just about capital, but how decisions are made, what the firm’s structure looks like, and who’s actually backing the fund. He also walks through questions to ask the individual partner leading your round, especially when you’re trying to understand how involved they’ll be after the deal closes.

Matt brings in examples from his own work, including how learning to say “I don’t know” or “can we slow this down” often leads to better results. Seyka shares moments from her work with technical leaders where simple, clarifying questions helped people get back on the same page, and how that applies in interviews, recruiting, and equity conversations.

Also covered: how to ask about liquidity, what candidates should know when a recruiter calls, and why experienced founders ask different questions.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introductions and why “dumb” questions matter

01:36 Founders and investors: the questions that don’t get asked

05:46 How to ask about decision-making and follow-on

06:47 The role of foreign capital and dual-use concerns

09:33 How to ask for clarification without overexplaining

13:14 Why experienced founders ask differently

17:02 What good equity communication looks like

21:00 How founders can make equity offers more transparent

22:00 Questions to ask the individual partner

24:00 Recap: questions worth asking early

Episode Takeaways

Founders should be asking detailed, operational questions about how a fund runs and how involved their partner will be, not just about capital.
“I don’t know” is a strength, not a weakness. Clarity builds trust faster than confidence does.
Asking for equity details is reasonable and necessary. Teams should be prepared to talk in concrete terms.
Recruiters should be transparent about their relationship with the company. Candidates have every right to ask.
Simplifying technical conversations doesn’t water them down; it keeps everyone aligned.

How do successful startups attract and close top talent?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Recruiting Best Practices for Space Startups

In this episode of VHTB, Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors takes the lead in a focused conversation on building a high-impact, scalable recruiting process for early-stage space startups. He's joined by co-hosts Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios and Justus Kilian of Space Capital.

Drawing on years of hands-on experience in the space startup world, including hiring lessons from companies like SpaceX, Brian breaks down six core principles for building a hiring process that not only attracts the right technical talent but also aligns with your company’s culture and long-term goals.

From why your ATS will break sooner than you think, to how verbal offers can dramatically improve close rates, this episode is loaded with hands-on advice for founders, hiring managers, and operators navigating the high-stakes talent market in aerospace and deep tech.

Episode highlights:

00:00 Kicking Off the Conversation on Recruiting

01:08 The Case for Getting Organized Early. Why a spreadsheet will eventually fail you

04:37 Designing a Repeatable Interview Process..

05:55 Structuring Interviews That Actually Work

07:42 Don’t Wait to Move Great Candidates

08:47 The First Call: Motivation Over Résumé

11:42 Common Misses in Candidate Motivation

12:48 Why Culture Fit Often Matters More Than Technical Skills

14:52 Delivering Offers the Right Way

17:20 Why Candidates Might Tell Your Recruiter the Truth

19:28 Why Speed and Clear Communication Win Top Talent

20:57 Wrapping Up: Build Recruiting as a Core Capability

Episode Takeaways

Get organized early. An ATS isn’t optional once your pipeline grows. Start simple, but start smart.
Define your process. Standardize the interview flow to create consistency, reduce delays, and compare apples to apples.
Dig deep on motivations. Don’t assume candidates know what they want. Help them find out, and reflect it back.
Hire for culture, not just credentials. Skill gaps can be closed faster than misaligned values.
Move fast, or lose people. Communicate constantly and don’t let top talent languish.

How do you fundraise strategically as a new start-up?

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Mastering the Fundraising Process for Space Startups

In this episode of VHTB, Justus Kilian from Space Capital is joined by Matt Gjertsen from Better Everyday Studios and Brian Mejeur from AdAstra Talent Advisors to discuss the disciplined approach to the fundraising process for early-stage space startups. The conversation covers key tactics and timelines, from beginning preparation nine months in advance to officially launching the fundraising process. The importance of setting milestones, building key relationships, and creating urgency and scarcity in the round is emphasized. Additionally, they delve into best practices for legal and financial preparations, effective outreach strategies, and safeguarding against potential pitfalls in the VC landscape.

00:00 Introduction to the Space Startup Ecosystem

00:28 The Fundraising Process: An Overview

01:28 Nine Months Before Fundraising: Preparation Phase

08:13 Six Months Before Fundraising: Building Relationships

11:58 Three Months Before Fundraising: Pitching and Feedback

13:03 Formal Fundraising: The Final Push

14:01 Closing the Round: Legal and Negotiation Tips

16:54 Best Practices and Red Flags in Fundraising

20:19 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

What are the best practices for developing leaders in a start-up?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Leadership Development in Space Startups: Key Steps and Best Practices

In this episode of VHTB, host Matt Gjertsen of Better Everyday Studios is joined by Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors and Justus Killian from Space Capital to discuss leadership development strategies for space startups. Based on listener feedback, the team revises their format to delve into specific best practices for talent management. Matt outlines three essential steps for developing leadership within organizations, emphasizing the importance of defining what leadership means in your company, forming a manager community, and using practical exercises like Mastermind Sessions to enhance problem-solving skills among managers. The discussion highlights the necessity of a clear leadership definition, manager community-building, and adaptive management practices to ensure effective leadership development regardless of company size.

Can parenting and start-up life mix?

Wed, 14 May 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Welcome to VHTB, your guide to the talent, culture, and finance side of the space startup ecosystem. In this heartfelt episode, Seyka Mejeur, CEO of Ad Astra Talent Advisors, is joined by Matt Gjertsen of Better Everyday Studios and Justus Killian of Space Capital for an honest conversation about work-life balance, the realities of startup culture, and the unique challenges faced by parents and founders in this industry.

Drawing from their own journeys—balancing high-growth careers with the demands and joys of family life—the hosts share personal stories, lessons learned, and practical strategies for setting boundaries, prioritizing what truly matters, and thriving in an environment where expectations can vary dramatically from team to team. Whether you’re contemplating joining a startup, thinking about founding your own, or navigating your path as a parent or caregiver in the fast-paced world of space tech, this episode offers valuable insights, encouragement, and the reassurance that clarity, communication, and intentional choices are key to making it all work.

Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of culture fit, expectations from both organizational and personal perspectives, and the advice Seyka, Matt, and Justus have for building a truly sustainable career in space startups—no matter where you are in your life or professional journey.

Is it better to hire for conformity or friction?

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Welcome back to VHTB, your go-to podcast for insights into the talent, culture, and finance shaping the space startup world. In this episode, hosts Brian Mejeur and Matt Gjertsen are joined by Justus Killian of Space Capital for a lively exploration of workplace culture—from the value of hiring for “culture fit” versus “culture add,” to the role of friction in fueling growth and innovation. Together, they dive into the nuances of building teams at different stages of a company, debating whether conformity or diverse perspectives drive better outcomes, and share practical strategies for fostering intentional, inclusive, and high-performing cultures. Whether you’re an early-stage founder, scaling a team, or just fascinated by how space industry leaders tackle the challenge of groupthink, you’ll find plenty of actionable takeaways in this conversation.

What employee traits do you look for at different stages in business?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Episode 14 of VHTB, your go-to podcast for insights into the talent, culture, and finance sides of the space startup ecosystem. This week, hosts Matt Gjertsen, Seyka Majeur, and Justus Killian dive into the fascinating dynamics of leadership transitions and the different skill sets required as startups evolve from invention to scale and beyond. They break down the distinct stages of company growth—from chaotic early days to mature, stable operations—and how each demands a unique approach and mindset from founders and executives. With personal stories, hands-on experience, and behind-the-scenes wisdom, our hosts explore why it's so rare for leaders to thrive across every phase, and why self-awareness, adaptability, and the right team can make or break success in this fast-moving industry. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the inner workings of cutting-edge startups, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples you won’t want to miss.

How do you navigate changes in senior leadership?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Justus Killian, Seyka Mejeur, and Matt Gjertsen join the discussion on leadership transitions within venture-backed space startups. The conversation focuses on the implications of founder and CEO transitions, including the impact on company vision, culture, team morale, and operations. Drawing from personal experiences and industry examples, the guests explore common challenges such as employee uncertainty, the pace of cultural change, and the importance of clear, consistent communication. They also highlight opportunities for existing team members to step into leadership roles during periods of transformation. Practical advice is shared on managing change, honoring the legacy of founding leadership, and supporting the next generation of leaders to bridge organizational shifts.

What is it like to work with the US Government?

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the podcast, the hosts discuss the intricacies of building connections and partnerships external to organizations, focusing on the U.S. Government as a customer. The conversation highlights the unique challenges that startups face when engaging with government agencies. The discussion emphasizes understanding government culture, navigating complex processes for moving money, validating needs, and managing long sales cycles. It is suggested that successful companies form dedicated teams to handle government relations and find strong internal champions to advocate for them. Furthermore, the episode touches on the importance of aligning government projects with long-term company missions and selecting investors who appreciate the nuances of government contracting. The episode aims to provide listeners with practical insights and strategies for engaging effectively with government partners.

How do you build successful internal relationships?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of VHTB, the hosts discuss strategies for building effective internal connections within space startup organizations. The conversation focuses on how learning and development teams can become relevant within companies, emphasizing the importance of strong operational alignment and the integration of cultural elements. The hosts explore the value of professional likability, driven by competence and warmth, and the balance of leading with inquiry rather than directives. They also highlight the crucial role of managers in bridging communication gaps and facilitating collaboration. The episode underlines the importance of building social capital early in one's career to aid in career advancement and the strategic value of knowing your organizational suppliers and customers. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into fostering a harmonious and effective working environment in technical fields.

When is the right time to approach a VC?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of VHTB, the hosts delve into the early stages of space startup development and how founders can effectively pitch their ideas. The discussion focuses on strategies for aspiring founders, particularly those looking to transition from executive roles into starting their ventures. Key points include the importance of finding a balance between refining an idea and knowing when to present it for feedback. They also explore different models and programs, like Justice Killian's office hours and structured programs like Y Combinator, that support the development of startup ideas. The conversation highlights the critical role of storytelling, personal passion, and leveraging advisors in crafting a compelling pitch. The episode offers practical advice for ensuring ideas are well-developed and ready for fundraising.

What do engineers transitioning into management roles need to get right?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700

This episode of the VHTB podcast focuses on transitioning from an engineering role to a management position within the space startup industry. We discuss the significant skill shift required for engineers moving into management. Key points include recognizing the change in role, avoiding the pitfall of pace setting, and understanding that management is not just about technical expertise. The episode outlines three crucial skills for new managers: building trust, giving feedback, and setting goals. There's also emphasis on listening as a critical, often overlooked skill in effective management, along with creating a culture where team members are empowered and given ownership. The conversation also highlights the importance of mentoring and receiving feedback to better prepare for leadership roles. Overall, the discussion provides insights into successful management strategies for engineers transitioning to leadership positions.

What are the most common early missteps you see with a company?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of VHTB, we delve into the early-stage challenges faced by space startups. They discuss common pitfalls such as the importance of early hires and the risks of hiring solely from one's network, emphasizing cultural implications and the impact on company growth. The conversation also covers the danger of focusing on technical solutions without considering customer needs, sharing insights into how startups might mismanage resources when raising large capital rounds early. The discussion highlights the need for a balance between creativity and discipline in building successful teams and products. With real-world examples, the episode provides valuable lessons on navigating the complexities of scaling space startups and the importance of maintaining focus on product-market fit.

How important is storytelling for effective leadership?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of VHTB, we explore the importance of storytelling within early-stage startups, particularly in leadership roles. They discuss how storytelling is essential for not just founders but also for leaders at all levels within an organization. The conversation highlights that effective storytelling involves presenting a compelling vision and using empathy to engage others. They delve into the difference between being a manager and a leader, emphasizing that the latter requires the ability to tell a story that unites and motivates a team. The hosts share insights into the role storytelling plays in attracting investors, recruiting talent, and making companies successful. Practical advice is given on developing storytelling skills through practice, empathy, and a mindset shift from being the hero to helping others become heroes.

When does a company need to start thinking about culture?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of VHTB, the discussion highlights the critical importance of establishing company culture early in the life cycle of space startups. The conversation highlights how culture is shaped from the inception of the organization and emphasizes that it is defined, whether intentionally or not, by the actions and values of the founders and early hires. Topics include the impact of culture on recruiting, retention, and investor relations, as well as the risks of neglecting cultural considerations. The episode offers insights on the motivations behind founding a company, navigating conflict, and decision-making processes, underscoring the necessity for founders to be intentional and clear about their cultural vision from the very beginning to ensure alignment and long-term success.

How can mentorship accelerate career growth?

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of VHTB, the discussion centers around the role of mentorship in career growth within the space startup ecosystem. The conversation delves into how mentorship evolves from technical apprenticeships to more informal guidance throughout one's career. The episode explores methods for seeking mentorship, including leveraging online resources, reading books by industry experts, and proactively reaching out to professionals for advice. Insights are shared on the importance of clarity in selecting mentors, the value of peer relationships in senior roles, and the benefits of becoming a mentor oneself. Overall, the episode provides practical advice on how to find and foster mentorship at different stages of a career, emphasizing that support is often already present and accessible with a little proactive effort.

What lessons can new space learn from other industries?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of VHTB, the focus is on how lessons from other industries can guide the scaling of space startups. The conversation explores the role of government as an anchor customer, fostering ecosystems, and the importance of standardization and interoperability for industry growth. Key insights include the benefits and challenges of government regulation, with examples from aviation and the nuclear industry emphasizing safety, human factors, and open communication with regulators. The episode underscores the importance of strategic collaboration with regulatory bodies and draws parallels with various sectors to highlight best practices and potential pitfalls for the space industry.

How do you build a great engineering culture?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

This episode of VHTB focuses on defining and replicating great engineering cultures within organizations. The discussion begins by examining the decline of engineering culture at established companies like Boeing and contrasts this with success stories from newer companies such as SpaceX. The conversation identifies key traits of a strong engineering culture, such as technical ability, attitude, and ownership.

The episode delves into how promoting top technical talent into leadership roles, as practiced by SpaceX, maintains engineering excellence but also highlights the challenges that come with it, such as the lack of people management skills. The importance of having founders and leaders with an engineering mindset is emphasized, especially in nurturing specialized talent and empowering frontline decision-making.

The guests also discuss the difficulties in transferring culture from one organization to another and the necessity of clearly defining specific behaviors to make cultural values actionable. They advocate for a balance between technical and managerial roles and stress the need for management training to support this transition. The episode concludes by underscoring the importance of creating a unique, adaptive company culture that is not merely a copy of another but one that supports and includes diverse experiences.

Are the most common gaps technical skills or people skills?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of VHTB, the discussion centers on the relative importance of technical skills versus people skills within the space startup ecosystem. The conversation begins by exploring how startups and engineering programs identify and address gaps in both skill areas. Key points include the importance of needs analysis in training programs and the frequent mislabeling of issues as training problems when they may stem from documentation or management shortcomings. It is noted that a significant portion of these issues often originates from managers' communication failures.

From an investor's perspective, the discussion highlights the necessity of both technical execution and the ability to inspire and lead a team. The conversation delves into the balance of technical and soft skills required to create high-performing companies. The consensus is that both skill sets are crucial, with companies that blend performance orientation with a caring approach achieving superior outcomes. This episode provides valuable insights into the interconnectedness of technical proficiency and effective people management for the success of space startups.

Do you hire for today's needs or tomorrow's challenges?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

When building a company, every hire is critical. You need people who can start solving problems on day one. But what about the challenges you are going to face tomorrow? Will the same people you need today be capable of operating at the next level? This week's episode dives into exactly this challenge so tune in to get a clear strategy from people who have seen this story play out with numerous growing start-ups.

Show Trailer

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0700

VHTB is your guide to the talent, culture, and finance side of the space start-up ecosystem. Each episode, hosts Matt Gjertsen from Better Every Day Studios, Seyka & Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors, and Justus Kilian of Space Capital will share stories and insights from their experiences working with some of the most innovative companies on the planet.