Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting

Katherine Jerald
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Get ready to breach the boundaries of traditional recruitment with "Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting"! Hosted by Katherine Jerald of Elray Search, this edgy podcast is your go-to source for decoding the secrets behind building killer teams in the defense industry. Each adrenaline-fueled 30-minute episode takes you behind the scenes, exploring unconventional recruitment tactics, war stories, and insights from industry rebels who are redefining the game. We're not here to play it safe; we're here to kick down doors and unleash the beast in defense recruiting. Subscribe now and gear up for a January 2024 launch—because it's time to flip the script on what's truly mission-critical. Stay on the edge, stay fierce, and join us on this unfiltered journey!

  1. 9 THG 7

    What It Takes to Scale in Aerospace: Global Talent, Smarter Buses & the End of One-Size-Fits-All | Tina Ghataore (Aerospacelab)

    What’s the secret behind one of the fastest-scaling satellite companies in Europe? According to Tina Ghataore, it’s not just tech — it’s talent, vertical integration, and the courage to challenge industry narratives. In this episode, Tina Ghataore, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer at Aerospacelab, reveals the leadership and strategy behind building a global satellite business with staying power. From the upcoming launch of their mega factory to the complexities of international defense markets, Tina shares how Aerospacelab is pushing beyond the “one-box-fits-all” approach and designing spacecraft with real mission flexibility. She also opens up about her global leadership style, lessons from her Boeing years, and what it means to manage a team that spans continents, time zones, and expectations — without burning out or losing touch. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why standardized satellite buses don’t work for every mission — and what to do instead How Tina thinks about building resilient pipelines across government, commercial, and institutional buyers Why real innovation means keeping the customer’s mission at the center — not scaling at their expense How she leads global teams with flat structure, high energy, and zero ego What’s keeping her up at night — and why the future of space needs more than protectionism "You cannot lose connectivity. You cannot have delays. You cannot wait. You have to be able to move, and you have to be able to communicate." – Tina Ghataore 🚀 What You’ll Also Hear: Behind the scenes of the new mega factory and what it means for EU-based production Why sovereign capability is becoming a strategic necessity for many nations How Tina balances presence, scale, and real-time leadership across three continents Her take on VC trends: when funding backs founders, not launches — and what that means for credibility Why hiring people smarter than you isn’t just good leadership — it’s survival 🔗 Connect with Tina Ghataore & Aerospacelab: Website: https://www.aerospacelab.com LinkedIn (Tina): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaghataore/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerospacelab/ Produced in partnership with: http://www.podlad.com

    32 phút

  2. 11 THG 6

    The $110M Deal Redefining Satellite Defense Connectivity | Per Norén

    What happens when innovation, mission-critical needs, and geopolitical shifts come together in one game-changing deal? In this episode, we talk to Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon AB, a Swedish satellite communications company that’s leading the way in secure, mobile connectivity solutions. Per shares insights on Ovzon’s $110 million contract with the Swedish Defense Material Administration, marking a milestone in mission-critical satellite connectivity. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about resilience, speed, and the future of satellite communications in defense. From breaking into the U.S. defense market to launching their Ovzon 3 satellite, Ovzon is paving the way for mobile, ultra-resilient satellite terminals that are changing how defense and emergency services operate. If you're in the aerospace or defense sectors, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of satellite communication, what’s next for defense technology, and how Ovzon’s commitment to flexibility and performance is shaping the industry. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why mobility, performance, and resiliency are the core pillars of Ovzon’s success in mission-critical satellite connectivity How Ovzon secured its largest contract to date and the steps taken to build strong relationships with key defense stakeholders What makes Swedish engineering and innovation stand out in the global satellite sector Why LEO constellations and GEO satellites are complementary technologies, not competitors What’s next for Ovzon as they continue their journey toward becoming a global leader in secure, mobile satellite connectivity "We're going to see sovereign capability requirements in many countries around the world in the next five years."– Per Norén 🌍 Looking to the Future: The Next Era of Space Technology: Why sovereign satellite capabilities will be essential for global defense strategies. Sustainability in Space: How regulations and innovation will drive a more sustainable future for satellite communications. Ovzon’s Growth Path: How Ovzon is positioning itself as a world leader in providing secure, ubiquitous connectivity for critical missions. 🔗 Connect with Per Norén and Ovzon AB: Website: https://www.ovzon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-nor%C3%A9n-99714a1/ Produced in partnership with: http://www.podlad.com

    28 phút

  3. 6 THG 8

    Inside Airbus U.S: Debra Facktor on Why People and Culture Drive Space Innovation

    What makes a space company win? According to Debra Facktor, it’s not just engineering — it’s the people. As Head of U.S. Space Systems at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., Debra has led the organization through one of its boldest pivots to date — from a missed contract opportunity to becoming a key player in the SDA’s Tranche 1 and 2 programs. But as she reveals in this conversation, the real transformation wasn’t just technical. It was cultural. In this episode, Debra explains how Airbus U.S. scaled up operations, developed a new satellite bus, and embraced speed — all while putting people first. From hiring for entrepreneurial mindsets to building a mission-driven workforce, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and the human side of defense innovation. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How Airbus U.S. bounced back from a missed bid to win major SDA contracts Why culture and trust are more critical than process in high-speed programs The qualities Debra looks for when hiring engineers, leaders, and innovators How Airbus U.S. bridges startup agility with big-industry resources The hidden link between internal culture and external contract wins “You can have the best idea ever and a not so good team — it's not going to work. You have a great team and maybe an okay idea, and it can be fantastic. Great teams can elevate mediocre ideas. And they can also creatively figure out a way around the obstacles — the real obstacles and the perceived obstacles — the obstacles that they put in their head. They're really not obstacles at all. They're just made up.” — Debra Facktor 🔗 Learn More: Visit Airbus U.S.: https://www.airbusus.com Connect with Debra Facktor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-facktor-86aaa2224/ Produced in partnership with: http://www.podlad.com

    31 phút

  4. 7 THG 5

    The Legal Landmines That Can Kill Your Funding Before It Starts | John Gordon & Shawn Cheadle, Attorneys at Taft Law

    "Compliance is a revenue driver, because you're going to attract more customers that want your business when your shop looks pristine." – Shawn Cheadle  You’ve got a great product. You’re chasing contracts. Maybe you're eyeing VC funding or dreaming of an IPO. But if you ignore legal and compliance early on, those dreams could blow up at the worst possible moment.   In this episode, Katherine sits down with Taft Law experts John Gordon and Shawn Cheadle to break down the most common legal and compliance mistakes startups make—and how to fix (or better yet, prevent) them.   From cyber hygiene to IP protection, from bad hiring choices to missing contract clauses, they share what founders need to know now to stay fundable, acquirable, and legally bulletproof.   Whether you're commercial now and going after your first government contract—or already deep in federal work—this episode is your playbook for building it right the first time.   💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ·        Why compliance isn’t just a cost—it’s a growth enabler ·        The #1 thing that kills deals in due diligence (and how to avoid it) ·        How poor record-keeping can derail your entire valuation ·        Why your IP isn’t protected unless your paperwork says so ·        The danger of offshoring admin work without ITAR safeguards ·        Why founders should never sign contracts they don’t fully understand ·        The “Dirty Dozen” legal foundations for scaling in the defense sector ·        Real-life horror stories from the front lines of acquisition gone wrong   🛠️ Startup Checklist: Don’t Scale Without It ·        ✅ Register with sam.gov and Exostar ·        ✅ Create IP assignment agreements—even for early team members ·        ✅ Track ownership and equity meticulously from day one ·        ✅ Build a strong Code of Conduct and employment policies ·        ✅ Understand cyber risks—even if you’re a team of five ·        ✅ Get legal eyes on contracts before you sign (especially around indemnity & export control) ·        ✅ Avoid offshoring sensitive work that could violate ITAR or data regulations   🔗 Connect with John Gordon & Shawn Cheadle: ·        https://www.taftlaw.com/people/l-shawn-cheadle/ ·        https://www.taftlaw.com/people/john-t-gordon/ LinkedIn – John Gordon ·        LinkedIn – Shawn Cheadle   🔗 Connect with Host Katherine Jerald: ·        Elraysearch.com ·        LinkedIn – Katherine Jerald   This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

    30 phút

  5. 16 THG 4

    The Outsider CEO Scaling Terran Orbital Into a Business Powerhouse | Peter Krauss

    “What this industry didn’t need was another aerospace executive. It needed someone willing to ask why we do things the way we do” – Peter Krauss Peter Krauss didn’t grow up in aerospace. He never worked in defense. So how did he become CEO of one of the most innovative space tech companies in the world? That’s exactly what makes this episode of Mission Critical so powerful. As the new CEO of Terran Orbital, Peter brings a fresh, entrepreneurial lens to a legacy industry—and it’s shaking things up. He’s spearheading “Terran 2.0,” a return to the company’s disruptive roots, and he’s doing it by hiring differently, leading boldly, and building a culture where speed and innovation thrive. Whether you're in leadership, hiring, or just curious about what the future of space looks like, this conversation will change how you think about leadership and talent in the defense sector.   💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ·        Why being an outsider can be your biggest asset in a legacy-driven industry ·        What “Terran 2.0” really means—and how it’s reshaping satellite manufacturing ·        The key traits Peter looks for in new hires (hint: it’s not pedigree) ·        How to spot the difference between a risk-taker and a risk-mitigator ·        What it really means to be “fast” in aerospace ·        Why cultural fit and execution energy matter more than the perfect résumé ·        How to hire leaders from traditional primes without inheriting old mindsets ·        The simple metric every CEO should track (and it’s not what you think)   🧠 CEO Insight: The Krauss Leadership Playbook ·        Say yes, then figure it out. Peter’s career was built on writing checks his body “wasn’t sure it could cash”—and figuring it out anyway. ·        Don’t avoid risk—manage it. Especially in fast-moving industries like space. ·        Challenge everything. Especially “how we’ve always done it.” That’s where disruption starts.   Connect with Peter: https://terranorbital.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-krauss-ceo/ Get connected with your host, Katherine Jerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/ https://elraysearch.com/   This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

    25 phút

  6. 2 THG 4

    Why Playing It Safe in 2025 Will End Your Space Career with Mitch Stevison

    “the reality is people, through their careers, have been held back because of taking risk and failing” – Mitch Stevison The space industry is evolving at warp speed, and the leaders who will thrive are those willing to embrace disruption, challenge legacy thinking, and build resilient teams. In this episode, Mitch Stevison shares what future CEOs and executives in aerospace and defense must change to stay ahead in an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting global priorities. As commercial and government space initiatives accelerate, the demands on leadership are changing. The next generation of aerospace leaders must be adaptive, innovative, and ready to bridge the gap between tradition and transformation. Mitch dives deep into what’s holding the industry back—and the bold steps needed to push it forward.    In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ·        Why traditional leadership models aren’t enough for the future of space. ·        The critical mindset shift every aerospace leader needs to adopt now. ·        How to balance national security with private-sector innovation. ·        The key traits of future-ready CEOs in the defense and space industries. ·        What today’s leaders must change to drive sustainable growth.   Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an up-and-coming leader, or simply fascinated by the future of space, this conversation is packed with insights to help you think bigger and lead smarter.   Connect with Mitch Stevison: https://www.frontgrade.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-stevison-ph-d-b030b517/ Get connected with your host, Katherine Jerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/ https://elraysearch.com/   This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

    35 phút

  7. 18 THG 3

    How SATCOM Disruption Could Risk National Security with Tim Winter

    "The last two to three years have brought more change to the satellite industry than the previous two decades combined." – Tim Winter In this episode of Mission Critical, Katherine Jerald sits down with Tim Winter, CEO of iDirect Government, to discuss the massive disruptions shaping the satellite communications (SATCOM) industry and what they mean for government, defense, and commercial players. Tim shares insights on how companies can compete in a rapidly evolving market, the role of LEO vs. GEO satellites, and why secure, multi-orbit communications are crucial for military operations. Drawing from his 20+ years in SATCOM and his experience as a Naval flight officer, Tim offers a unique perspective on innovation, risk management, and what the future holds for satellite technology.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ·        How industry disruption—from Starlink to Kuiper—is reshaping SATCOM ·        Why secure, multi-orbit solutions are essential for government and defense ·        The challenges of VC-funded space startups and how to stand out ·        The real risks of satellite communications in modern warfare ·        Lessons from Tim’s military career that shape his leadership today ·        How the next generation of space technology will impact global defense strategies If you’re in the satellite industry, government defense, or simply curious about the future of space-based communications, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.  Connect with Tim Winter: www.idirectgov.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-winter-557723 Get connected with your host, Katherine Jerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/ https://elraysearch.com/  This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

    29 phút

  8. 19 THG 2

    The Leadership Secrets That Make People Love Working For Chandra Marshall (VP Lockheed Martin)

    Ready for a masterclass in team building? Trailblazer Chandra Marshall from Lockheed Martin shares her journey from political science major to influential leader in multi-domain combat systems. Chandra's leadership style is anchored in psychological safety—creating environments where team members are free to voice their ideas and challenge the status quo, thereby driving innovation and effectiveness. Highlighting the power of diverse perspectives, she explains how inclusive decision-making not only overcomes biases but also fosters robust collaboration and problem-solving. In addition to leadership lessons, Chandra shares the personal challenges faced by women in leadership, particularly in male-dominated fields. She candidly discusses the balance between professional obligations and personal commitments, advocating for transparency and the setting of healthy boundaries. What you’ll learn in this episode: ·        Discover how Chandra Marshall transformed from a political science major to a leader in combat systems at Lockheed Martin. ·        Learn the secrets behind building high-trust, high-performance teams that innovate fearlessly. ·        Explore the power of psychological safety and how it fuels open dialogue and groundbreaking ideas. ·        Uncover the value of diverse perspectives in overcoming biases and enhancing team collaboration. ·        Hear about the personal challenges women face in leadership and Chandra's strategies for balancing professional and personal life. ·        Find out why Chandra believes leaders should never strive to be the smartest in the room. ·        Get inspired by the "Hometown Heroes" initiative and the profound impact of mentorship in Chandra's leadership journey.   Connect with Chandra Marshall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandra-marshall-b6138844/   Get connected with your host, Katherine Jerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/ https://elraysearch.com/   This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

    27 phút
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Get ready to breach the boundaries of traditional recruitment with "Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting"! Hosted by Katherine Jerald of Elray Search, this edgy podcast is your go-to source for decoding the secrets behind building killer teams in the defense industry. Each adrenaline-fueled 30-minute episode takes you behind the scenes, exploring unconventional recruitment tactics, war stories, and insights from industry rebels who are redefining the game. We're not here to play it safe; we're here to kick down doors and unleash the beast in defense recruiting. Subscribe now and gear up for a January 2024 launch—because it's time to flip the script on what's truly mission-critical. Stay on the edge, stay fierce, and join us on this unfiltered journey!

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