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

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

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

    9月25日

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

    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

    21 分钟
  2. What are the best practices for developing leaders in a start-up?

    9月4日

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

    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.

    16 分钟
  3. Can parenting and start-up life mix?

    5月14日

    Can parenting and start-up life mix?

    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.

    21 分钟
  4. Is it better to hire for conformity or friction?

    4月30日

    Is it better to hire for conformity or friction?

    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.

    20 分钟

  5. 4月23日

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

    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.

    17 分钟
  6. How do you navigate changes in senior leadership?

    4月16日

    How do you navigate changes in senior leadership?

    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.

    23 分钟
  7. What is it like to work with the US Government?

    4月2日

    What is it like to work with the US Government?

    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.

    21 分钟
  8. How do you build successful internal relationships?

    3月26日

    How do you build successful internal relationships?

    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.

    16 分钟
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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.

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