Podcast
Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting
Hosted by Katherine Jerald · EN
Get ready to breach the boundaries of traditional recruitment with "Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting"! Hosted by Katherine Jerald of Elray Search, this edgy podcast is your go-to source for decoding the secrets behind building killer teams in the defense industry. Each adrenaline-fueled 30-minute episode takes you behind the scenes, exploring unconventional recruitment tactics, war stories, and insights from industry rebels who are redefining the game. We're not here to play it safe; we're here to kick down doors and unleash the beast in defense recruiting. Subscribe now and gear up for a January 2024 launch—because it's time to flip the script on what's truly mission-critical. Stay on the edge, stay fierce, and join us on this unfiltered journey!
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What It Takes to Scale in Aerospace: Global Talent, Smarter Buses & the End of One-Size-Fits-All | Tina Ghataore (Aerospacelab)
Jul 9, 202500:32:07Tap to summarizeWhat'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. From the upcoming launch of their mega factory to the complexities of international defense markets, Tina shares how Aerospacelab is pushing beyond the "one-box-fits-all" approach and designing spacecraft with real mission flexibility. She also opens up about her global leadership style, lessons from her Boeing years, and what it means to manage a team that spans continents, time zones, and expectations — without burning out or losing touch. In this episode, you'll discover: Why standardized satellite buses don't work for every mission — and what to do instead How Tina thinks about building resilient pipelines across government, commercial, and institutional buyers Why real innovation means keeping the customer's mission at the center — not scaling at their expense How she leads global teams with flat structure, high energy, and zero ego What's keeping her up at night — and why the future of space needs more than protectionism "You cannot lose connectivity. You cannot have delays. You cannot wait. You have to be able to move, and you have to be able to communicate." – Tina Ghataore 🚀 What You'll Also Hear: Behind the scenes of the new mega factory and what it means for EU-based production Why sovereign capability is becoming a strategic necessity for many nations How Tina balances presence, scale, and real-time leadership across three continents Her take on VC trends: when funding backs founders, not launches — and what that means for credibility Why hiring people smarter than you isn't just good leadership — it's survival 🔗 Connect with Tina Ghataore & Aerospacelab: Website: https://www.aerospacelab.com LinkedIn (Tina): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaghataore/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerospacelab/ Produced in partnership with: http://www.podlad.com
Transcribe →The $110M Deal Redefining Satellite Defense Connectivity | Per Norén
Jun 11, 202500:28:04Tap to summarizeWhat 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 milestone in mission-critical satellite connectivity. This isn't just about technology—it's about resilience, speed, and the future of satellite communications in defense. From breaking into the U.S. defense market to launching their Ovzon 3 satellite, Ovzon is paving the way for mobile, ultra-resilient satellite terminals that are changing how defense and emergency services operate. If you're in the aerospace or defense sectors, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of satellite communication, what's next for defense technology, and how Ovzon's commitment to flexibility and performance is shaping the industry. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why mobility, performance, and resiliency are the core pillars of Ovzon's success in mission-critical satellite connectivity How Ovzon secured its largest contract to date and the steps taken to build strong relationships with key defense stakeholders What makes Swedish engineering and innovation stand out in the global satellite sector Why LEO constellations and GEO satellites are complementary technologies, not competitors What's next for Ovzon as they continue their journey toward becoming a global leader in secure, mobile satellite connectivity "We're going to see sovereign capability requirements in many countries around the world in the next five years."– Per Norén 🌍 Looking to the Future: The Next Era of Space Technology: Why sovereign satellite capabilities will be essential for global defense strategies. Sustainability in Space: How regulations and innovation will drive a more sustainable future for satellite communications. Ovzon's Growth Path: How Ovzon is positioning itself as a world leader in providing secure, ubiquitous connectivity for critical missions. 🔗 Connect with Per Norén and Ovzon AB: Website: https://www.ovzon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-nor%C3%A9n-99714a1/ Produced in partnership with: http://www.podlad.com
Transcribe →The Legal Landmines That Can Kill Your Funding Before It Starts | John Gordon & Shawn Cheadle, Attorneys at Taft Law
May 7, 202500:30:25Tap to summarize"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 down with Taft Law experts John Gordon and Shawn Cheadle to break down the most common legal and compliance mistakes startups make—and how to fix (or better yet, prevent) them. From cyber hygiene to IP protection, from bad hiring choices to missing contract clauses, they share what founders need to know now to stay fundable, acquirable, and legally bulletproof. Whether you're commercial now and going after your first government contract—or already deep in federal work—this episode is your playbook for building it right the first time. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode: · Why compliance isn't just a cost—it's a growth enabler · The #1 thing that kills deals in due diligence (and how to avoid it) · How poor record-keeping can derail your entire valuation · Why your IP isn't protected unless your paperwork says so · The danger of offshoring admin work without ITAR safeguards · Why founders should never sign contracts they don't fully understand · The "Dirty Dozen" legal foundations for scaling in the defense sector · Real-life horror stories from the front lines of acquisition gone wrong 🛠️ Startup Checklist: Don't Scale Without It · ✅ Register with sam.gov and Exostar · ✅ Create IP assignment agreements—even for early team members · ✅ Track ownership and equity meticulously from day one · ✅ Build a strong Code of Conduct and employment policies · ✅ Understand cyber risks—even if you're a team of five · ✅ Get legal eyes on contracts before you sign (especially around indemnity & export control) · ✅ Avoid offshoring sensitive work that could violate ITAR or data regulations 🔗 Connect with John Gordon & Shawn Cheadle: · https://www.taftlaw.com/people/l-shawn-cheadle/ · https://www.taftlaw.com/people/john-t-gordon/LinkedIn – John Gordon · LinkedIn – Shawn Cheadle 🔗 Connect with Host Katherine Jerald: · Elraysearch.com · LinkedIn – Katherine Jerald This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com
Transcribe →The Outsider CEO Scaling Terran Orbital Into a Business Powerhouse | Peter Krauss
Apr 16, 202500:25:07Tap to summarize"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 Terran Orbital, Peter brings a fresh, entrepreneurial lens to a legacy industry—and it's shaking things up. He's spearheading "Terran 2.0," a return to the company's disruptive roots, and he's doing it by hiring differently, leading boldly, and building a culture where speed and innovation thrive. Whether you're in leadership, hiring, or just curious about what the future of space looks like, this conversation will change how you think about leadership and talent in the defense sector. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode: · Why being an outsider can be your biggest asset in a legacy-driven industry · What "Terran 2.0" really means—and how it's reshaping satellite manufacturing · The key traits Peter looks for in new hires (hint: it's not pedigree) · How to spot the difference between a risk-taker and a risk-mitigator · What it really means to be "fast" in aerospace · Why cultural fit and execution energy matter more than the perfect résumé · How to hire leaders from traditional primes without inheriting old mindsets · The simple metric every CEO should track (and it's not what you think) 🧠 CEO Insight: The Krauss Leadership Playbook · Say yes, then figure it out. Peter's career was built on writing checks his body "wasn't sure it could cash"—and figuring it out anyway. · Don't avoid risk—manage it. Especially in fast-moving industries like space. · Challenge everything. Especially "how we've always done it." That's where disruption starts. Connect with Peter: https://terranorbital.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-krauss-ceo/ 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
Transcribe →