Leadership Launchpad

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...

Are you ready to expand your leadership toolkit with essential intercultural communication skills? In our latest episode of The Leadership Launchpad, I speak with Kris Roppelt, a globally recognized expert in intercultural communication and soft skills. With experience living and working across multiple countries, Kris brings a unique perspective on navigating an increasingly globalized workforce....

Do managers really matter? Spoiler alert: Yes, they do! In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, we delve into the powerful findings from Google’s extensive Project Oxygen study, which demonstrates just how crucial effective managers are. I’m Matt Gjertsen, a former Air Force instructor and head of Training and Development at SpaceX, now founder of Better Everyday Studios. Join me as we uncover th...

In this Leadership Launchpad episode, I sit down with LaPora Lindsey, an organizational communication expert who has worked with companies across various industries. We dive into the critical issue of communication breakdowns within organizations that lead to a lack of trust, efficiency, and information sharing. LaPora shares her insights on the crucial role managers play in facilitating two-way c...

Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter Are you a manager grappling with insufficient and meaningful feedback from your team? This episode of *Leadership Launchpad* is tailored for you. I'm Matt Gjertsen, and today we delve into a pivotal topic that can transform your leadership journey—harnessing the power of rankin...

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of high cadence engineering and leadership with our guest, Chris Kaufield. Chris, VP of SaaS Growth at Stokespace, shares how distributed ownership in engineering leads to collaborative success. We delve into Stokespace’s mission to achieve rapid, reusable rocket flights, drawing parallels between hardware and software development. Chris highlights optim...

Want more tips on effective training? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/newsletter In today’s episode of Leadership Launchpad, we dive into the indispensable role of trust in creating high-performing teams. Drawing from my experience as an Air Force instructor pilot and head of Training at SpaceX, I explore why trust is the foundation of any successful team,...

Ever wondered if training is really the best solution for developing your team? Join me, Matt Gjertsen, as I sit down with Joel Taylor, an expert in leadership development, to dive deep into the critical role of needs analysis in Learning and Development. In this episode, Joel shares how competency models can be tailored to fit an organization's unique culture and values, and why this alignment is...

Ever felt like your team isn't performing up to your standard? The secret ingredient might be how you are delivering feedback. In this solo episode of the Leadership Launchpad I will break down some key strategies great managers use to give more effective feedback. Whether you’re enforcing positive behaviors or addressing areas for improvement, these techniques can transform your leadership style....

Ever wondered how to transform organizational culture from the ground up? My guest on today's episode of the Leadership Launchpad is here to help. Matt Shenker is a behavioral scientist and COO of Mattermore and today he shares his journey from a young therapist in schools to revolutionizing leadership development with AI and organizational psychology. We'll delve into: - How acknowledging trust d...

Hello, everyone! In this episode of Making Better, I sit down with Holly Betke, Senior Director of Global People Development and Engagement at StockX, recorded live at the ATD International Conference. Holly kicks off our conversation by sharing the importance of setting a mission and vision for your team, and why co-creating these foundational elements can drive better results. We dive into pract...

Most goals setting in companies is a waste of time. In this episode I dive into why that is and give a simple framework for how to make it better. Rather than talking about annual goals or SMART goals, the key is to build a bridge between those two concepts. Tune in to learn how to effectively align your team's goals with organizational impact and keep your team on track towards success.

In this episode of the Leadership Launchpad, I sit down with Mandy Varley, Principal Behavior Scientist at Torch, to discuss the importance of employee well-being in the workplace. Mandy shares insights on challenges organizations face, the impact of stress on employees, and the significance of addressing individual well-being to enhance organizational performance. Key takeaways include the value...