Episode 2

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Published on:

15th Jan 2025

Are the most common gaps technical skills or people skills?

In this episode of VHTB, the discussion centers on the relative importance of technical skills versus people skills within the space startup ecosystem. The conversation begins by exploring how startups and engineering programs identify and address gaps in both skill areas. Key points include the importance of needs analysis in training programs and the frequent mislabeling of issues as training problems when they may stem from documentation or management shortcomings. It is noted that a significant portion of these issues often originates from managers' communication failures.

From an investor's perspective, the discussion highlights the necessity of both technical execution and the ability to inspire and lead a team. The conversation delves into the balance of technical and soft skills required to create high-performing companies. The consensus is that both skill sets are crucial, with companies that blend performance orientation with a caring approach achieving superior outcomes. This episode provides valuable insights into the interconnectedness of technical proficiency and effective people management for the success of space startups.

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About the Podcast

A VC, a Headhunter, and a Trainer Walk into a Bar
VHTB is your guide to the talent, culture, and finance side of the space start-up ecosystem. Each episode, hosts Matt Gjertsen from Better Every Day Studios, Seyka & Brian Mejeur of AdAstra Talent Advisors, and Justus Kilian of Space Capital will share stories and insights from their experiences working with some of the most innovative companies on the planet.

About your hosts

Brian Mejeur

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Founder, CTO/COO, Advisor | Space, Clean Tech & Defense Talent Expert | Ex-SpaceX Engineer | Husband | Dad

Brian is one of the founders of AdAstra Talent Advisors where he functions as CTO and COO while partnering with leading early stage startups in Space, Defense, and Clean Tech.

Having spanned 7 years at SpaceX, a stint at an early stage startup, and holding BS & MS degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Brian’s experience in the trenches as an engineer and in operations allows him to relate first hand to the talent and hiring needs of AdAstra's clients.

Seyka Mejeur

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Founder, CEO, Advisor | Space, Clean Tech & Defense Talent Expert | Pilot | Wife | Mom
(titles not in order of importance)

Relentlessly resourceful and unusually optimistic, Seyka is deeply involved with world-changing startups. As a founder and CEO of AdAstra Talent Advisors, she builds thriving teams in NewSpace, Clean Tech, and Defense - empowering innovation that future generations depend on.

With a passion for relationships and a belief in the power of empowered teams, she helps visionary leaders turn bold ideas into reality.

Justus Kilian

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Justus is a Partner at Space Capital, a seed-stage venture firm investing in space-based infrastructure and their applications. Portfolio companies include SpaceX, Impulse Space, Varda, and Xona. He is active on multiple portfolio company boards and manages the firm’s recruiting platform, Space Talent. Before his current roles, Justus worked at Acumen, a $250M early-stage venture firm investing across East Africa and South Asia supporting over 50 companies through growth, turnaround, and exit.

Matthew Gjertsen

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Matt Gjertsen is the founder of Better Every Day Studios, a leadership development company that focuses on turning great engineers into great managers. Prior to starting his own company, Matt spent five years as the head of Training & Development at SpaceX, and 10 years training future military leaders as an Instructor Pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He and his team are on a mission to help train better managers that build better companies, to create a better world.