Leadership Launchpad

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, our guest is Laura Crabtree, co-founder and CEO of Epsilon 3. Laura shares her journey from being a critical member of SpaceX's Dragon program to starting her own company. She discusses the transition from individual contributor to people manager, emphasizing the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining productivity. Laura also highl...

In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, guest Dan CaJacob discusses the significance of effective communication between team leaders across different fields, especially in technical domains. Drawing from over 20 years in the space industry, including work on FalconSat 3 and with Space Quest, Dan shares insights on the dual roles of technical contribution and management. He reflects on his journey...

Does your organization struggle with aligning and engaging employees amidst complex challenges? Join us for this discussion with Casey Thomas, VP of Global Learning, Development, and Performance at Seagate Technologies, to explore how effective leadership can cut through the noise. Discover the power of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to align individual contributions with corporate goals and fo...

For the final episode of 2024, we have a special topic and a special guest. After talking to hundreds of leaders at dozens of companies, today I give you the biggest leadership lesson I learned this year. Listen in to learn how you can be more focused and effective in your own work and as a manager. Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter: https://www.bettereveryday...

Welcome to the Leadership Launchpad! In this episode, I sit down with Bill Tierney, the Vice President of Customer Experience and Digital Experience at Southwest Airlines. We dive into the evolution of leadership skills, the power of communication, and bridging the gap between headquarters and frontline employees. Bill shares his journey at Southwest, revealing the intricacies of using data to dri...

As I've been coaching clients, one recurring challenge stands out—creating a robust feedback culture. Traditional feedback techniques like SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) and COIN (Context, Observation, Impact, Next Steps) are useful but often miss one crucial aspect—mindset. In this episode, I discuss why many feedback strategies fail and explore the importance of approaching feedback with the...

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to chat with Dr. Alaina Szlachta, an expert in educational research and data-driven decision-making. Dr. Szlachta shares her transformative approach to education, emphasizing the power of good data in shaping effective corporate learning strategies. We dive into how leaders can make better decisions by leveraging robust data and the pitfalls of relying on outdated...

Are you a new manager struggling with time management? In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, I’ll share key techniques to balance your role as a manager and an individual contributor. When I was a new manager at SpaceX, I faced the same challenges you are facing now. The secret? Learning to differentiate manager time from maker time. Paul Graham’s concept of “Manager Days” vs. “Maker Days” save...

On today’s episode we're diving into a topic that's pivotal for all, especially technical managers—unleashing the creative potential within your teams with the incredible Nir Hindi, Founder of The Artian. Nir expertly shatters the myth that creativity is only for artists, sharing insights on how blending artistic thinking with tech can drive groundbreaking innovation. From Steve Jobs' inspiration...

As a new manager, have you ever felt like you're floundering or unsure of yourself? Believe me, you're not alone. In today's episode of the Leadership Launchpad, I'm going to share the ultimate strategy to develop true confidence as a leader. Drawing from my experiences as an Air Force instructor pilot and training leader at SpaceX, I'll discuss how to shake off the imposter syndrome and empower y...

On this episode of the Leadership Launchpad, I sit down with Ryan McCrea, head of learning and leadership development at Ameren. Ryan brings his extensive experience in talent development to tackle some of the most pressing issues faced by technical managers today. Are you struggling with delegation, transitioning to leadership, or managing emotional conversations? This episode is for you. We delv...

Do you know your Myers Briggs profile? What about DISC? In this episode of the Leadership Launchpad, I uncover the controversy behind personality tests in leadership and reveal how you might be using them wrong. I discuss why the bull and bear cases for personality tests both miss the mark. Discover how to use these tests effectively for team building and fostering trust. Tune in to improve your l...

On today’s episode we chat with Anthony Calleo, founder and Chief Employee Experience Officer at Anthony Calleo. We explore the evolving role of leadership in enhancing the employee experience during times of rapid organizational change. Anthony shares profound insights on the impact of leadership on employee trust and well-being. We discuss strategies for effective change management and the impor...

Today, I’ll be sharing three powerful leadership lessons I learned directly from working with Elon Musk at SpaceX. While Elon Musk may be controversial, his innovative approach and remarkable results are undeniable. In this episode, I’ll dive into the principles that have inspired me and can be useful across various leadership contexts. Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned manager, or jus...

On today's episode we’re excited to have Laurel Schulert, the Senior Director of Learning Experience at SAP Concur, with us. In this episode, we dive into essential leadership strategies, focusing on creating a mission and vision that align your team with organizational goals, especially during times of change. Laurel also shares her experiences maneuvering through gender dynamics in tech, the imp...

As you advance in your leadership journey, it's crucial to understand the importance of building trust. Based on comprehensive studies from experts like Patrick Lencioni and Google's Project Aristotle, trust is the cornerstone of high-performing teams. In this episode, I dive into a three-part trust framework that's invaluable for new managers. Learn how to ensure your team trusts you by focusing...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into effective communication strategies with Michele Moreno. Michele is an expert in storytelling and upward communication, particularly when it comes to presenting data and ideas to upper management. We discuss how to demonstrate ROI, engage through storytelling, and the powerful “pause, edit, talk” technique. Michele also shares practical tips for new managers...

Learn how to transform your team into a High Reliability Organization with expert insights from Brandon Williams. Consistency in debriefs is crucial, but avoiding the 'blame and train' approach is key to fostering an open environment. Brandon underscores the importance of leaders setting a tone of accountability and transparency, emphasizing four key areas: mutual support, acknowledging errors, te...

Do you think you’d benefit from having a coach? Spoiler alert: you’re already supposed to be one! Hi, I’m Matt Gjertsen, host of the Leadership Launchpad and former Air Force instructor, pilot, and head of training at SpaceX. In today’s episode, we conclude our five-part series on Google’s Project Oxygen by diving into the final two essential behaviors that make great managers: being a good coach...

Is leadership a product of our mechanistic mindset or a testament to human nature? In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, join us, Jesan Sorrells and Matt Gjertsen, as we delve into the timeless lessons of classical literature and their modern applications in leadership. We'll discuss the importance of longer-form content, the enduring impact of works like Shakespeare’s plays, and how understand...

Balancing Productivity and Empathy in Leadership: Insights from Google's Project Oxygen Are you ready to level up your leadership skills? Welcome back to Leadership Launchpad! I'm Matt Gjertsen, your host and a former Air Force instructor pilot and head of training at SpaceX. In this episode, we dive deep into “Project Oxygen” from Google to uncover the secrets behind effective management. We expl...

Do you want to foster a culture of innovation in your organization? In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, I speak with former Air Force leader John "Dragon" Teichert about his experience driving change and empowering teams at Edwards Air Force Base. We discuss practical strategies for encouraging idea sharing, aligning incentives, and relentlessly communicating priorities to overcome bureaucrat...

In this episode, we'll dive into essential communication strategies that new managers need to master. We'll explore key behaviors from Google's Project Oxygen—namely, being a good communicator and having a clear vision for your team. Effective communication isn't just about sharing information; it's about listening actively and ensuring your team is aligned with the company’s vision. Drawing insig...

In this episode, I'm joined by special guest Rafael Villaruz to explore the fallacy of using a blanket approach in leadership. We discuss the importance of recognizing individual strengths and embracing diverse skills within a team. Rafael shares a powerful example of a nurse transitioning into a managerial role, highlighting the need for adaptability and a shift in perspective. We delve into the...

Are you struggling with micromanagement or feeling unqualified in a technical management role? You’re not alone. In today's episode of *Leadership Launchpad*, we’ll delve into why technical skills are crucial for effective management. Drawing from my experiences in technical organizations, we’ll explore the tension new managers face when they transition from technical roles to managerial positions...