Episode Details

The rapidly growing industry of hypersonic propulsion requires both sage experience and youthful vigor. The team at Velontra Hypersonics has both. Host Fran Racioppi is joined in this episode by their President, retired Major General Craig Whelden, and their founder and CEO, Rob Keane.

General Whelden brings 40 years of leadership and experience in the defense industry. Rob brings engineering and innovation. Together they are propelling objects at five times the speed of sound and disrupting an industry that has long been dominated by major defense contractors. Pushing the sound barrier has not been done since the 1950's. It was an area the United States once dominated, but today we are losing ground to China. 

Rob shares the technology needed to move faster than we ever have, how he has implemented the FAST model to problem solving, and why bringing in Craig was so integral to compete. Craig provides his command philosophy, the importance of character in choosing your team, and his top leadership quirks that bring organizations, and people, all the wrong attention.

Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.

Highlights:

-Fran presses Craig and Rob on the importance of senior leadership in young companies and the value young leaders get from bringing in seasoned leadership to their executive teams.

-Craig defines inspired leadership and provides examples of both right and wrong when taking over organizations and instilling your work ethic. 

-Rob explains the FAST model of innovation (Fast, Attritable, Scalable, Tangible)

-Craig delivers his leadership quirks to building organizations built on transparency and standards.

-A deep conversation about hypersonic propulsion,