Show notes
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Tom Soderstrom, former CTO at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. They discuss the intricacies of working at NASA, the creative processes behind space missions, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the differences between government and commercial space industries. Tom shares insights on fostering a culture of innovation, the importance of data visualization, and the integration of cybersecurity in space missions. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the space industry, emphasizing the importance of passion and hands-on experience.Tom Soderstrom Since June 2023, Tom Soderstrom serves as an Enterprise Strategist helping and coaching executive customers with their transformation and innovation strategies and actions. From 2020-2023, he created and built the worldwide Chief Technologist team for AWS Public Sector, responsible for identifying emerging technology trends, helping solve complex technical problems at scale, and advising public sector executive CTOs and AWS leaders. Soderstrom served as the IT Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) from 2006-2020, where he helped define, support, and implement innovative Space missions, emerging IT trends, and mentor the next generation of IT and Space explorers. Prior to JPL, he led teams working on large scale IT technologies, best practices, tools development, and change efforts in small startups, large commercial companies, international venues, and the US Government.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsoderstrom/AWS: https://aws.amazon.com/executive-insights/enterprise-strategists/tom-soderstrom/Stellar Work:Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations workMake sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/Sponsors:This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30minNote:Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.Chapters00:00 Exploring NASA's Work Culture and Mission Goals03:23 The Distinction Between NASA and Private Space Companies06:36 The Search for Extraterrestrial Life09:28 Career Paths in the Space Industry12:31 The Differences in Work Culture: NASA vs. Commercial Space15:43 Encouraging Open Communication in Large Enterprises18:27 Collaborating for Innovation in Space Exploration21:33 Harnessing Data for Space Missions24:02 The Power of Data Visualization27:27 Cybersecurity Insights and Challenges29:38 Building Cross-Functional Teams35:59 Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety40:22 Advice for Aspiring Space Industry Professionals46:58 Introduction and Episode Overview
