“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 to stay ahead in an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting global priorities.

As commercial and government space initiatives accelerate, the demands on leadership are changing. The next generation of aerospace leaders must be adaptive, innovative, and ready to bridge the gap between tradition and transformation. Mitch dives deep into what’s holding the industry back—and the bold steps needed to push it forward.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

· Why traditional leadership models aren’t enough for the future of space.

· The critical mindset shift every aerospace leader needs to adopt now.

· How to balance national security with private-sector innovation.

· The key traits of future-ready CEOs in the defense and space industries.

· What today’s leaders must change to drive sustainable growth.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an up-and-coming leader, or simply fascinated by the future of space, this conversation is packed with insights to help you think bigger and lead smarter.

Connect with Mitch Stevison:

https://www.frontgrade.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-stevison-ph-d-b030b517/

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