Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting Katherine Jerald

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey into the heart of a cultural revolution under new leadership with Michael Murray, the visionary CEO propelling Kopin into an era of innovation. From his childhood experiments building his own radio to his pivotal role in leading teams towards cutting-edge solutions, Michael shares his remarkable journey with Katherine, unveiling the secrets of successful leadership transitions and reminding us that no one is born a CEO.
Delve into Kopin's groundbreaking leap into digital night vision technology and uncover Michael's unique approach to navigating complex challenges. Join us as we explore how a monumental leadership transition can redefine a company's trajectory, unraveling the intricacies of Kopin's shift from a founder-led entity to one guided by fresh perspectives. Witness firsthand the cultural ripples triggered by a founder's departure after 35 years, and the delicate balance of preserving core values while steering a bold strategic course. Michael's experience ringing the NASDAQ bell not only symbolizes corporate transformation but also underscores the allure of smaller, agile companies for talent seeking impactful opportunities. Tune in now for insights that promise to reshape your perspective on leadership and organizational evolution! Key points throughout include: 
Michael’s journey from tinkering with tech to leading defense innovation Mastering the skill of articulating complex tech for practical solutions The importance of building relationships and navigating the social side of business Balancing Transparency: Nurturing employee trust and caution with investors Cultural tranformation: Becoming a company’s first non-founder CEO in 35 Years The mission to transform Kopin with a people-centric approach Ringing the closing bell at the NASDAQ MarketSite in January 2024 Leveraging size for success and Capitalizing on competitive edges Key factors for assembling your dream leadership team Strategic Placement: Making the decision of team fit from interview to integration Embracing Failure: Celebrating the most rewarding lessons Projecting Kopin’s monumental growth in three years "I learned very quickly that if I wanted to do or learn more, I was going to have to push myself. Part of pushing yourself is, unfortunately, making mistakes and, in some cases, failing. I failed a lot." –  Michael Murray.
Ready to transform your hiring strategy and attract top defense talent? Take our 12-question quiz to discover where your firm stands and receive a personalized report to boost your recruitment success! Take the quiz now: https://elraysearch.scoreapp.com/
Are you ready to unleash the beast in defense recruiting? Join us next time on Mission Critical Defense Recruiting, the ultimate podcast unveiling strategies to build powerhouse teams in the defense industry. Don't miss out on the inside scoop for crafting your unbeatable squad!
Get connected with Michael Murray:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeamurray/
https://www.kopin.com/


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

Ever wondered how to craft a team of champions and a culture of mutual respect? Well wonder no more as we welcome Matt Jones, the trailblazing President and CEO of Sigma Defense, recently recognized as one of Washington's top executives to watch in 2024.
In this episode, Matt peels back the layers of his remarkable story of transformation from a soccer enthusiast to a respected Navy cryptologist and a key player in the corporate arena. Matt takes us on a journey from startup to acquisition and shares his lessons learned from riding the full lifecycle of a company. You'll gain invaluable insights in fostering lifelong careers and nurturing growth, even in the face of goodbyes. With competition intensifying across industries, Matt delves into the art of recruiting and retaining top talent, emphasizing the delicate balance between mission-driven recruitment and competitive compensation. Get ready to discover the essence of authentic leadership and its profound impact on shaping a company's destiny. Key points throughout include: 
How joining the Navy completed Matt's journey beyond athletics The power of team development: Scaling success through mutual growth Navigating acquisition anxiety and the power of transparency in leadership Acquisitions that stick: Reducing turnover through strategic integration Creating a workplace of choice and cultivating a culture where people thrive The competitive edge: The key to attracting top talent in defense Evolving with employees and incorporating millennial and Gen Z insights for innovation Reciprocity in the workplace: Navigating work-life balance and mutual expectations Venture Capital vs. Private Equity - Unveiling the true intentions Mission first, profit second: Building systems for warfighters with purpose "I want everyone joining our company to be with us for their whole career. But that's not reality. Lots of people are going to come, lots of people are going to go and one of the things that I see as my job is to make sure that anyone who joins the organization, should they decide to leave, I hope that they leave better than when they got here." –  Matt Jones.
Are you ready to unleash the beast in defense recruiting? Join us next time on Mission Critical Defense Recruiting, the ultimate podcast unveiling strategies to build powerhouse teams in the defense industry. Don't miss out on the inside scoop for crafting your unbeatable squad!
Get connected with Matt Jones:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-jones-a35b483/


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

Prepare to dive deep into the realms of aviation finance and cross-border investments as David Yu joins Katherine this week. With his extensive expertise and global influence at the helm of Asia Aviation Valuation Advisors and China Aviation Valuation Advisors, David is set to enlighten us on the dynamic evolution of space financing, offering insider secrets to scalability and indispensable pre-valuation guidance every CEO should heed. With a wealth of experience, from building a $4 billion aircraft leasing portfolio to advising top-tier clients, David is here to share insights that could revolutionize your business approach.
CEOs take note as David discusses the pivotal role of diversity in fostering high-performance teams, unravels the misconceptions about assets, revenue, and profits, and emphasizes the vital role of purpose in valuation. Plus, get ready to unpack the intricacies of space financing, including innovative non-dilutive funding methods and strategies for sustainable growth without equity dilution. Hit play now and get ready to fuel your knowledge and propel your endeavors to new heights! Key points throughout include:
Catching the bug for mastering business growth and understanding finance and strategy The emerging landscape of space financing Fulfilling childhood dreams and navigating startup success in Shanghai Navigating uncertainty: The importance of professional guidance during times of crisis The top pre-valuation advice every CEO needs to hear The value of transparency, data and understanding your purpose From zero to 4 billion: Key principles for aircraft leasing portfolio success The power of diversity in building strong teams Cultivating trust in global business: The vital role of communication and personal connections Sustainable growth: Building sustainable businesses with recurring revenue streams Revitalize, Rejuvenate, Reinvent: The importance of refreshment across career, personal life, and investments "If you can get a team you worked with in the past, that's always the best. It's all about trust, right? It's a working relationship and a trust because you will have to build this thing together." – David Yu.
READY TO TAKE YOUR HIRING GAME TO NEW HEIGHTS? LET'S STRATEGIZE TOGETHER!
I'm offering you a complimentary one-on-one search strategy session where we'll delve into the latest market insights and compensation trends. Don't miss out on this opportunity to sharpen your recruitment approach. Click the link below, and let's soar higher together!
https://calendly.com/kjerald/searchstrategy
Get connected with David Yu:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yudavid/
http://davidyuda.com/
 
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

This is your reminder never to let setbacks hinder your rise to success. This week, embark on a transformative journey with Katie Selbe, aerospace and defense virtuoso, as she narrates her climb to the C-suite of Eqlipse Technologies post an unexpected career twist. From navigating the aftermath of 9/11 to earning a life-changing scholarship, Katie shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Discover how Katie led Eqlipse through rapid growth and successfully steered the company through an aquisition by BlueHalo.
Katie's journey is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and staying resilient in the face of adversity. Katie imparts invaluable wisdom to aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and setting boundaries. She also shares her strategies for turning around a failing program and building a high-performing team where character reigns supreme over culture. Key points throughout include:
Falling into service: Innovating with purpose and a passion for national security Facing the reality of 9/11 and the impact it had on Katie's career Career transitions and navigating setbacks to success Leadership lessons: Finding motivation in great and not-so-great leaders Program management turnarounds and the power of transparency and resilience Breaking barriers: The delicate balance of assertiveness for women in leadership Rapid team building: Strategies for cultivating value in a short timeframe The importance of clear communication and shared understanding among team members Learning through experience: The crucial role in career development "Leaders aren't born. Leaders are created. And I think it's hard to be a leader unless you've had the experiences to shape who you are and how you want to lead." – Katie Selbe.
Resources:
Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Team-Teams-Rules-Engagement-Complex/dp/1591847486#:~:text=About%20the%20book&text=McChrystal%20and%20his%20colleagues%20discarded,force%20beat%20back%20al%2DQaeda.
Get connected with Katie Selbe:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-selbe-a497232/
https://bluehalo.com/eqlipse/  
 
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

Dive into the cosmic connection of preparation, grit and passion with Daniel Warren, Vice President of Sales and Programs for the Americas and Japan at Latecoere. Daniel's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Daniel has propelled the aerospace sector to new heights with his strategic prowess, securing multimillion-dollar deals with industry giants like Boeing and fostering dynamic growth and collaboration across the global aerospace landscape. Join us as we uncover Daniel's visionary outlook on the future, where Aerospace, innovation, and perseverance come together.
Daniel shares his transformative journey, revealing the profound impact of his adoption and the pivotal moments that led to his trailblazing success. Discover how his background shaped his approach to global negotiations and team-building strategies that have closed monumental deals with industry innovators like Boom Supersonic. Daniel shares valuable tips on the art of negotiation and cross-cultural communication, highlighting the need for patience and clarity. Plus, uncover Daniel's recipe for building killer sales teams that resonate with the ambitions of aerospace giants. Key points throughout include:
Culture shock: Transitioning from Korea to Massachusetts at 11 years of age Navigating the interplay of luck and preparation in achieving success Compass check system: A strategic approach to building high-performance teams The key to mastering the art of negotiation and finding resolutions to challenges Career highlights: Celebrating pinnacle milestones, deal achievements and making history Cross-cultural communication: The power of patience and precision The importance of grit in cultivating resilient sales teams "The number one thing I'm looking for when building a sales team is less practical knowledge but more genuine interest in helping people. I'm genuinely passionate about making other people's passions come true. And I operate at best when I meet a customer on the other end who is equally passionate about their job." – Daniel Warren.
Resources:
https://boomsupersonic.com/
Get connected with Daniel Warren:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkwarren/
https://www.latecoere.aero/en/
 
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

The trajectory of a career in the space industry can be as unpredictable and exhilarating as a rocket launch, and Lee Rosen's journey is a prime example. Join us as we delve into the story of industry superstar Lee Rosen, CEO of Think Orbital, unveiling his pioneering vision poised to disrupt traditional constraints and discover how his experiences, from overseeing nuclear missiles to facilitating groundbreaking SpaceX launches, have profoundly influenced his visionary venture.
Assembling a dream team isn't about filling seats; it's about finding those who thrive in high-pressure scenarios. Throughout the discussion, Lee shares his secret sauce for assembling high-performing technical teams, his philosophy that pushes the boundaries of physics, and emphasizes the significance of trust and diversity in driving innovation. Are you ready to learn how Think Orbital is leading the charge in reshaping the future of space exploration? Join us as we delve into the mind of this visionary leader and explore the boundless possibilities of orbital technology. Key points throughout include:
How Think Orbital are revolutionizing space infrastructure and construction From rocket scientist to entrepreneur: A Journey of hands-on innovation Hiring strategies: The value of high-stress experience when onboarding talent Physics first: Overcoming technical hurdles with fundamental principles The secret sauce to crafting optimal team dynamics Insights into how diversity fuels innovation Disrupting the industry: Addressing space challenges through groundbreaking solutions Lessons learned from a SpaceX mission failure and the benefits of embracing setbacks  "When I think about recruiting, I'm not so much about position players. I'm more about best athletes because I think best athletes can go out and do anything you assign them, as long as they have that intellectual curiosity and skill set." – Lee Rosen.
Get connected with Lee Rosen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leewrosen/
https://thinkorbital.com/
 
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