Making Better – Where Talent Development and Personal Development Meet

In this episode, Kassi Kincaid, a speaker, trainer, and expert in creative leadership, joins the show to discuss the importance of creativity in leadership and team performance. She shares her five-step framework for fostering creativity within teams: generating ideas, pursuing them, overcoming disappointment, taking time to rest, and remembering how far you've come. The conversation highlights practical strategies for managers to encourage creative thinking, support team members through setbacks, and create an environment where new ideas can thrive. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to apply creativity as an ongoing process, not just as a means to a specific outcome.

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest Andrew Barry, founder and CEO of Curious Lion, joins the discussion to explore the role of creativity in solving complex and open-ended problems. Andrew shares practical insights on what creativity truly means, drawing from research and his own experience, and highlights the importance of curiosity in the workplace. The conversation covers how organizational culture can both hinder and support curiosity, and offers actionable strategies for managers to encourage creativity among their teams. Key topics include building trust, allowing for experimentation, making time for creative thinking, and embracing the messy process of iteration. The episode provides useful advice for leaders looking to foster an innovative and supportive environment in their organizations.

In this episode, Sajid Mohamedy, co-founder of ExoFarm and Executive Vice President at Nisum, shares his insights on leadership in rapidly scaling organizations. He discusses the challenges of maintaining authentic communication and building trust as companies grow, drawing on his experiences leading teams across different continents and industries. Sajid also talks about ExoFarm’s mission to accelerate crop and pharmaceutical research using AI and automation, with applications on Earth and in space. The conversation covers practical strategies for reinforcing company culture, the importance of intentional listening, and adapting leadership styles to fit personal values and organizational needs.

In this episode, Matt focuses on effective goal setting for managers and their teams. He addresses common areas of confusion, including the difference between milestone goals and daily activity goals, the role of personal goals within organizations, and the importance of considering interdependencies when creating goals. Listeners will hear practical advice on balancing different types of goals, aligning personal development with company objectives, and ensuring individuals are set up for success. The episode offers actionable strategies to help managers set clear, meaningful, and achievable goals that drive better engagement and performance across teams.

In this episode, attorneys John Gordon and Shawn Cheadle from Taft’s Aerospace and Defense practice group join the show to discuss the essential role of compliance for leaders in the aerospace and defense sectors. They break down the unique challenges that small and large companies face, such as building compliance frameworks from scratch, handling government contracts, navigating export regulations, and complying with OSHA requirements. The conversation highlights practical steps managers and founders should take to protect their organizations from costly fines or legal trouble, with real-world examples and a helpful overview of the fundamental policies every company should have in place.

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, Dan Ceperley, co-founder and COO of LeoLabs, discusses the importance of focus and time management for startups. He explains how LeoLabs, a company that tracks objects in low Earth orbit, has rapidly built a global network of radar stations since its inception in 2016. Dan shares insights into the necessity of prioritization, especially in the fast-paced environment of a startup where time is more valuable than cash. He also touches on transitioning from an engineering role to leadership, emphasizing the importance of simplifying communication and being patient with team members. The episode concludes with valuable advice on how to constructively receive feedback to facilitate personal growth and improvement.

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest David Hirschfeld, a seasoned software development veteran, discusses the role of systems and protocols in building exceptional teams. Drawing from his extensive experience and his work at Techies, Hirschfeld sheds light on the importance of focusing on the root problems faced by customers rather than becoming consumed by product features. The conversation delves into AI’s evolving role in software development, emphasizing the current limitations and the need for effective project management systems to enhance team productivity. Hirschfeld also shares insights into hiring smarter team members and encourages the creation of playbooks and measurement systems to foster continuous improvement within teams. This episode provides valuable perspectives on leadership, team dynamics, and innovation in the tech industry.

In this crossover episode of Leadership Launchpad, we are sharing an episode of the VHTB podcast with Brian Mejeur and Justus Killian to talk about the transition engineers face when moving into management roles. The discussion highlights the lack of resources and guidance for engineers aspiring to become managers, contrasting it with the abundance of material for business professionals. Key points of the conversation include the shift in skills required from technical to people-focused abilities, and the common pitfalls of new managers, such as relying on pace-setting leadership. The episode underlines three essential skills for effective management: building trust, giving feedback, and setting goals. Additionally, the importance of listening is emphasized as a foundational element for successful leadership.

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest Paul Day, co-founder and VP of Engineering at Muon Space, discusses the transition from top-level individual contributors to people managers. He emphasizes the importance of trust, empowerment, and a concept he terms "organizational EQ" in managing technical teams. Paul shares insights into the challenges engineers face when moving into management roles, such as overcoming the need for perfection and shifting from hands-on problem-solving to decision-making and team empowerment. Furthermore, he delves into Muon Space's approach to tackling the complexities of satellite production through vertical integration and modular design, aiming to reduce time and costs associated with traditional satellite manufacturing. The episode underscores leadership strategies for fostering a productive and empowered team environment.

In this episode of the Leadership Launchpad, guest Brian Manning, co-founder and CEO of Xona Space Systems, discusses the complexities and strategies of effective leadership, particularly in technical fields. Brian shares insights from his diverse experiences, transitioning from an individual contributor to a people leader, and highlights the importance of trust and delegation in leadership roles. He also explores the intricacies of building a leadership team capable of driving innovation at Xona Space Systems, a company dedicated to developing a high-performance alternative to GPS using small satellites. The conversation delves into the delicate balance required between maintaining technical knowledge and empowering team autonomy. Brian emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their areas of expertise and how these interface with other business aspects, advocating for a leadership approach that builds trust and bridges gaps between teams.