Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting
Hosted by Katherine Jerald of Elray Search, this podcast explores unconventional recruitment tactics and insights for building teams in the defense industry. Each 30-minute episode features war stories and strategies from industry rebels. The show aims to redefine defense recruiting with an edgy, unfiltered approach. It launched in January 2024.
Episodes
The Defense Innovation Gap: Why Breakthroughs Fail to Scale | Duke Hartman
Billions are spent on defense technology every year. A surprising amount of it never makes it into real-world use. In this episode of Mission Critical: Defense and Aerospace Recruiting, Katherine Jerald sits down with Duke Hartman, CEO at Integer Technologies, to unpack one of the most misunderstood problems in the industry: why great technology so often fails to get deployed. Duke shares how the
The Defense Startup Rebuilding America's Missile Supply Chain | Will Edwards
Everyone talks about missiles. Almost no one talks about the bottleneck that decides whether they actually get built. In this episode of Mission Critical: Defense and Aerospace Recruiting, Katherine Jerald sits down with Will Edwards, CEO and co-founder of Firehawk Aerospace, to discuss the overlooked weakness inside the defense industrial base: rocket propulsion manufacturing. Firehawk Aerospace
DevSecOps in Practice Across Defense and National Security | Yolanda Clarke
DevSecOps is talked about constantly in defense and national security. Very few leaders actually have to make it work in real mission environments. In this episode of Mission Critical: Defense and Aerospace Recruiting, Katherine Jerald sits down with Yolanda Clarke, Founder and CEO of Powder River Industries, to break down what DevSecOps looks like when failure is not an option. Yolanda explains h
How Direct-to-Device Satellites Are Changing Military Communications | Tim Hillner
What if military satellite communications worked on standard cell phones? Not as a future concept, but today. In this episode of Mission Critical: Defense and Aerospace Recruiting, Katherine Jerald is joined by Tim Hillner, co-founder of Fairwinds Technologies, to unpack a breakthrough that is redefining tactical communications. Tim and his team recently demonstrated the world's first tactical dir
CEO Reveals Why Small Engineering Firms Are the Future of Space | Janet Grondin
Small engineering firms are not just competing with the primes… they may be the future of national security space. Janet Grondin, CEO of Stellar Solutions, joins Mission Critical to explain why small systems engineering companies are positioned to solve the hardest problems in the space ecosystem, and why culture has become a strategic advantage. With more than 27 years of leadership across the Ai
Frank Muth: Small Drones Are Changing the Future of War
Small drones are no longer just tools... they're transforming the very nature of warfare. Retired Major General Frank Muth joins Mission Critical to explain why the battlefield of tomorrow is already here, and how Deltawerx Aerospace is building drones designed for it. Frank shares the mission of Deltawerx Aerospace; building ultra-compact drones with changeable payloads that deploy in seconds. Wi
Onkar Singh Batra: The 19-Year-Old Building Space's Next Internet
04At just nineteen, Onkar Singh Batra is redefining what it means to lead in aerospace. As founder and CEO of Apolink, a YC-backed startup building a 24/7 Internet for satellites, he's tackling one of space's most complex challenges; eliminating communication dead zones in low Earth orbit. In this episode, Onkar shares how he went from launching satellites in high school to leading a Silicon Valle
The Empathy Engine: MilDef's Sales Team Secret | Jim Rimay
Katherine welcomes Jim Rimay, President of MilDef US, a systems integrator and full-spectrum provider specializing in rugged IT for the most demanding military and government environments. With Swedish roots and a growing U.S. presence, MilDef is bridging two worlds, bringing Nordic collaboration and balance to the fast-paced American defense market. Jim shares how cultural integration, customizat
Jon Ostrower: The Quiet Strategy Behind Aerospace's Most Trusted Newsroom
You can now follow mission critical on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MissionCriticalSearch In a time when AI-generated noise clutters every feed, Jon Ostrower is doing the opposite; Building a trusted, slow growth media brand rooted in depth, clarity, and real human connection. In this episode, Jon shares the founding story of The Air Current and the contrarian media bet that made it one of
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 tra
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.
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 mile
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
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 Terra
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
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.
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 effectivene
Why The New Space Economy Is the Gold Rush of Our Time with Ram Riojas
Why is this very moment in history being called the "gold rush of our time"? Retired Colonel Ram Riojas joins Katherine to tell us all. With 26 years of distinguished military service, Ram has been a trailblazer in the evolution of air, space, cyber and Special Ops, as a founding member of the US Space Force and US Space Command, essentially helping shape the Space Force before it even existed. Ra
The Risks of Space Dependency: Are We Ready for the Fallout? with Tim Solms (Slingshot Aerospace CEO)
Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace and former Apache pilot, is here to share his extraordinary journey from the cockpit to the cutting edge of space technology. Discover how space's vital role in our daily lives, from communications to finance, also makes us vulnerable to global threats. Tim delivers a stark warning about the dangers of ignoring space security, urging us to consider the implica
Hypersonic Innovation: The Race To Fly Faster with Dan Jablonsky
What does it take to lead a company at the forefront of hypersonic technology? You're about to find out! Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major, joins Katherine to unpack his unique journey from Navy nuclear engineer to attorney, and now, a visionary leader transforming aerospace innovation. With over 100 days as CEO, Dan shares his leadership philosophy, the power of adaptability, and how he's buil
How to Rapidly Monetize Your Knowledge with Dr Layla Martin
What happens when space science patterns unlock the future of expertise. This week, Dr Layla Martin, a Harvard, Yale, and MIT alum, and the creator of the groundbreaking Orbit methodology, joins us to discuss how to turn your expert knowledge into income in today's AI-driven economy. As a space theorist and pattern recognition expert, Dr Martin reveals how she translates natural patterns into act
What It Takes to Build a Billion-Dollar Company with Alfonzo Ianniello (Codan Limited)
Imagine skyrocketing a company from $800 million to a multi-billion dollar entity—how is it done? This week our guest is Alfonzo Ianniello, the visionary CEO of Codan Limited. Codan is a manufacturer and supplier of communications, metal detection, and mining technology. It's products include Minelab, DTC & Zetron "Always be dissatisfied at all elements of the organization, whether it's your cus
Become A Master Of Change in Three Simple Steps with Lee Steinke
Ready to master change? This week, inspirational leader and a powerhouse in aerospace and energy, Lee Steinke, joins Katherine to discuss her uncommon career switch from the oil and gas sector to aerospace. Hear how, during the chaos of the pandemic, Lee seized the opportunity to pivot industries, using her geological expertise to find surprising similarities between drilling rigs and rocket laun
Fueling the Future and Diversyfying the skies with Nikki Malcolm
What does it take to climb from an entry-level position to the executive suite in aerospace? Join us as Nikki Malcolm, CEO and Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA), shares her incredible journey from an 18-year-old filing assistant to leading one of North America's largest commercial aerospace manufacturing clusters. Nikki's story is a testament to the power of cur
Heather Bulk on Balancing CEO Life, Bootstrapping Success, and the Founder-to-Operator Shift
Buckle up for an inspiring episode with Heather Bulk, the powerhouse CEO and co-founder of Special Aerospace Services. Over the past 17 years, Heather has propelled the company to impressive heights, growing it to over 250 employees and delivering cutting-edge tech and services to Space Force, NASA, and industry giants like Blue Origin and Northrop. But Heather's talents extend beyond the boardr
Mastering Calculated Risks And The Art Of The Possible With Suzi McBride
What happens when calculated risks pay off? You're about to find out! This week, we welcome 'satellite queen', Suzi McBride, a true powerhouse and leading figure in the industry. As the COO and board member at Iridium, Suzi brings a wealth of technical expertise, having started her career building satellites at Motorola and making significant waves ever since. Join us as Suzi discusses her transit
The Formula For Success After Failure with Rick Nagel
What drives a seasoned engineer to become a leader in private equity, and how can a company transform its identity to align with a new strategic vision? Join us as Rick Nagel, Managing Partner at Acorn Capital, shares his compelling journey from technology to leading a major rebranding effort in the aerospace and defense investment sector. Discover how Acorn Capital evolved from focusing on earl
Breaking The Billionaire Barrier: Opening Space To All with Jim Cantrell
Buckle up as Jim Cantrell, the maverick uncle of the space industry, joins us to chart his extraordinary journey from tinkering with household gadgets to pioneering projects at NASA's JPL. Now at the helm of Phantom Space, Jim is on a mission to democratize space travel, inspired by Henry Ford's principles of mass production. Get ready to discover how Phantom Space aims to open up the final fronti
Championing Women and Combatting Injustice in the Workplace with Fiona McKay
Could the key to achieving gender diversity in your workplace lie in courageous leadership and male allyship? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Fiona McKay, a distinguished keynote speaker and expert in courageous leadership. From her tenure at Rolls-Royce to founding Leading Ladies during the pandemic, Fiona shares fascinating insights on the essential role of male allyship in empowering
Leadership: The Key Differentiator in Business Success with Alex Krutz
This week, Alex Krutz, the visionary founder of Patriot Industrial Partners, takes us on his unexpected military journey, inspired by honoring his parents' remarkable sacrifices. Hear how Alex funded his education, navigated pivotal career moments, and became an influential aerospace and defense advisory leader. From his early days in the military to working with industry giants, Alex's story is a
Navigating Leadership Shake-Ups and Rising to Challenges with Daniel Gizinski
Get ready to dive into leadership shake-ups and dealing with unprecedented 'Oh Crap' moments head-on with this week's special guest, Daniel Gizinski, Chief Strategy Officer at ComTech. In this episode, Dan shares insights into his deep family roots and early career choices, including a strategic move to gain independent experience and how his impactful work with major players like General Electric
Strategic Secrets for Smooth Mergers & Acquisitions with Ryan Murphy
Strategic Secrets for Smooth Mergers & Acquisitions with Ryan Murphy Get ready to unlock the secrets to successful mergers and acquisitions with this week's expert guest, Ryan Murphy, partner at Kal Capital. Kal Capital is a leading investment banking firm known for advising on major transactions. Ryan, who has been pivotal to Kal's growth, share his insights on what sets a lower middle market sup
No One Is Born A CEO: The Secrets of Successful Leadership Transitions with Michael Murray
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
Building a Workplace Worth Choosing: Cultivating Growth and Mutual Respect with Matt Jones
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 a
Scalability Secrets: How to Build Teams and Systems for Success with David Yu
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-va
Ascending through Adversity and Experiential Learning with Katie Selbe
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
Unlocking Success: The Cosmic Connection of Preparation, Grit and Passion with Daniel Warren
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
Think Orbital's Disruptive Journey in Space Innovation with Lee Rosen
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
How Data Innovation is Revolutionizing Aerospace and Defense with Torsten Welte
Are you ready to uncover how data innovation is propelling aerospace and defense into a dynamic future? Join Torsten Welte, Global VP and Head of Aerospace and Defense at SAP, as he navigates the transformative power of data in reshaping the industry. This conversation is a blueprint for future leadership as Torsten discusses the balancing act required to prepare tomorrow's leaders, bridging the g
Leading with Action: Fostering Resilience from the Ground Up with Wahid Nawabi
"I faced life and death situations half a dozen times throughout my journey. The difference between surviving and dying was 51% to 49%." – Wahid Nawabi. Buckle up for a journey from the war-torn dusty streets of Afghanistan to the forefront of defense innovation with Wahid Nawabi, CEO of AeroVironment. Dive into Wahid's extraordinary ascent, uncovering how his early childhood trials have shaped
Cultivating Values as the Lifeblood of Business Culture with Ashley Anthony
People make a business, and for the first time on the podcast, we are shattering the ceiling on all things HR with Times Microwave Systems HR Director Ashley Anthony. When Ashley swapped her athletic training gear for the corporate battleground of HR in defense manufacturing, she didn't just change jobs - she transformed the recruitment game. Through Ashley's remarkable story, we uncover the strat
Beyond Numbers: The Power of Human Connection in Business with Mladen Brkic
Embark on a journey from the frontlines to finance this week with the formidable force, Mladen Brkic, as we journey from his days as a wartime translator to pioneering success from a young age, becoming the CFO of Ultra Intelligence and Communications. Mladen's life story reads like an epic tale of resilience, adaptability, and the triumph of the human spirit as he talks us through the synergy o
From Aerospace Giants to Startup Thrills with Kelly Hennig
Imagine stepping off the beaten path to forge a new one — that's exactly what female powerhouse Kelly Hennig of Stoke Space did. This week, Kelly unravels the story behind her audacious leap from the security of aerospace giants like Raytheon and Northrop to the exhilarating frontier of a startup. Tackling the contrasting corporate cultures and the quest for impactful, hands-on work, Kelly unpacks
The Power of Giving Back and Embracing Chaos with Eric Wightman
Buckle up as this week we are taking you on an exhilarating journey from the adrenaline-fueled tracks of NASCAR to the stratospheric heights of the aerospace industry with Eric Wightman, VP of Advanced Materials and Processes at Karman Space and Defense. In this episode, Eric recounts his unconventional career trajectory, fueled by determination and a passion for pushing boundaries. Eric shares in
How Space Tech Impacts Our Daily Existence with Shelli Brunswick
Have you ever considered how space innovations elevate our daily existence? This week, we hear from the inspirational Shelli Brunswick. From the day she swapped her high school cap and gown for Air Force blues, Shelli charted a course that would break boundaries and redefine the possibilities within the space industry. Shelli's journey from an enlisted airman to a trailblazing leader in space tech
Warfare Wisdom: Leading the Charge in Defense with Neil Thurgood
Have you ever wondered about the immeasurable impact of a family legacy on a person's life path? Neil Thurgood, a retired US Army Lieutenant General, gives us a rare glimpse into how his military upbringing sculpted a career that defined innovation in space technology, hypersonics, and rapid acquisition. Neil's legacy in the Army is complemented by his current contributions to national defense, wh
Making Space Exploration Accessible to All with Robert Feierbach
Get ready to embark on an interstellar journey with serial entrepreneur and aerospace titan Robert Feierbach as we hear how he is reshaping aerospace through microgravity flights and cutting-edge air launch services. Robert is the president of Maritime Launch USA and CEO of Zero G Launch. With three decades of experience, this episode is a cosmic voyage diving deep into an astonishing career that
Embracing Discomfort and Leading by Example with Vince Monteparte
Putting yourself out there and embracing discomfort can be tricky to navigate. However, the reward is undeniably worthwhile. Industry veteran, entrepreneur and titan of finance Vince Monteparte serves as a shining testament to this. This week, Vince joins Katherine to discuss his transformative professional journey, starting with his early fascination with aerospace and progressing through each st
Aerospace Evolution: Shaping the Engineers of Tomorrow with Alex Ramirez
The time for disruption in Aerospace is now, and joining Katherine this week is the visionary Alex Ramirez of Collinear Group, to share the trials and victories that come with injecting innovation into a sector ripe for change and the excitement of bridging the gap and driving innovation in the aerospace industry. In this episode, Alex opens up about his bakery roots, his recipe for innovation, th
Claiming Space & Breaking the Waiting Game for Women with Nicole Robinson
Join Nicole Robinson, the trailblazing Chief Growth Officer at Comtech, on an inspirational journey through the dynamic realms of space and defense. Nicole's remarkable career includes orchestrating historical milestones like the 60th D-Day anniversary and championing the Women in Space Engagement (WISE) initiative. In this episode, Nicole delves into the critical topic of breaking gender bias
The Human Essence in High-Performance Defense Teams with Marty Amen
Get ready to delve into the world of team excellence with defense industry maestro and Vice President of Space Systems at Parsons, Marty Amen. Marty holds an illustrious career spanning pivotal roles at giants like Northrop and Cubic and joins us to share the humor and trials that shaped his journey, from beachside job motivations to navigating smoke-filled defense rooms. Cracking the code of asse
Navigating the Space and Defense Industry with Katherine Gizinski
Our first episode has landed!! Get ready to embark on a captivating journey into the intricate world of space and defense with esteemed guest Katherine Gizinski. As the CEO of River Advisors and chairwoman of SSPI, Katherine shares her professional pathway that began unexpectedly with an internship which flourished into a passionate career. Delving into the profound impact of satellites on our wor
Welcome to Mission Critical
Prepare for an explosive journey into the heart of defense recruitment like never before with the "Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting" podcast! Hosted by Katherine Jerald of Elray Search, this edgy series is your ultimate guide to unraveling the mysteries behind assembling top-notch teams in the defense industry. 🔍 In each high-octane 30-minute episode, we peel back the curtain to reveal the unc
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