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Space Insiders

Space Insiders

Written by: Tony Sewell and Rob Ruyak
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About this listen

Space Insiders is your bi-weekly deep dive into the intersection of space, cloud technologies, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by Tony Sewell and Rob Ruyak, both seasoned space-tech executives, this podcast features candid conversations with founders, investors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future beyond Earth. Whether you're launching a startup, investing in innovation, or just space-curious, Space Insiders gives you the behind-the-scenes insights you won’t hear anywhere else. New episodes drop every two weeks. Subscribe now and join the orbit! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.©️ 2025 Space Insiders Show Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Is culture the only competitive advantage that matters?
    Jan 20 2026

    Summary
    In this episode of Space Insiders, hosts Tony Sewell and Rob Ruyak reflect on their past interviews, focusing on the themes of leadership and culture within the space industry. They discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, emphasizing that it is not merely a soft skill but a strategic advantage that can foster a positive work environment. The conversation highlights insights from various guests, including Kevin Steen and Carsten Drachmann, who stress the significance of understanding team dynamics and the necessity of creating a culture that values collaboration and innovation. The hosts also touch on the challenges of leading in uncertain times and the need for humility and self-awareness in decision-making.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
    02:02 Retrospective on Leadership and Culture
    05:26 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership
    16:11 Insights from Kevin Steen on Leadership
    27:06 Cultural Challenges in the Space Industry
    31:33 The Uniqueness of Company Culture
    32:44 Intentional Leadership and Accountability
    39:27 Lessons from Military Leadership
    45:29 The Importance of Humility in Leadership
    49:12 Embracing Diverse Perspectives
    53:12 Courage in Decision Making

    Space Insiders Team
    Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
    LinkedIn (Show)
    LinkedIn (Tony)
    LinkedIn (Rob)

    Disclaimer
    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • From legacy to launch - 2025 Reflections on software, data, and funding
    Jan 6 2026

    Summary
    In this conversation, Tony and Rob reflect on their experiences from interviews over the past year, discussing key themes such as the software revolution, the data revolution, and the challenges of navigating the capital landscape. They highlight the importance of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the need for global collaboration in the evolving space market. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of execution and understanding customer needs in building successful space ventures.

    Chapters
    00:00 New Beginnings and Reflections
    04:19 The Software Revolution in Space
    19:13 The Data Revolution and Non-Earth Imaging
    27:21 Challenges and Innovations in Space Startups
    29:29 Global Collaboration and Data Democratization in Space
    34:12 The Role of Standards in Geospatial Data
    40:18 Funding Challenges in the Space Industry
    48:23 Execution and International Business in Space
    52:35 Customer Orientation and Problem Solving in Space Ventures

    Space Insiders Team
    Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
    LinkedIn (Show)
    LinkedIn (Tony)
    LinkedIn (Rob)

    Disclaimer
    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • How you you lead a Geospatial Revolution? Nadine Alameh
    Dec 16 2025

    Summary
    In this conversation, Nadine Alameh, the first female CEO of the Open Geospatial Consortium, shares her journey into the geospatial field and discusses the transformative impact of AI on geospatial technology. The discussion covers the importance of standards and interoperability in disaster response, the role of startups in driving innovation, and the key skills needed for future professionals in the geospatial sector. Nadine also highlights the policy challenges facing the industry and her mission with her new venture to help governments and startups leverage geospatial data effectively.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
    02:22 Curiosity and Learning in the Digital Age
    05:23 Spotlight on Nadine Alame
    08:14 SpaceX Developments and Industry News
    09:12 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Goals
    09:12 Nadine Alame's Journey into Geospatial
    15:26 The Role of the Open Geospatial Consortium
    19:35 Real-World Applications of Geospatial Standards
    24:48 The Impact of AI on Geospatial Standards
    28:37 Exciting Opportunities in Startups and Technology
    32:16 The Evolution of Skills in Geospatial Entrepreneurship
    39:43 Navigating the Challenges of Geospatial Modernization
    45:16 Policy Challenges and Opportunities in Geospatial
    48:28 Mapping the Future: Aspirations Beyond Earth

    Lunate.ai
    LinkedIn (Nadine Alameh)
    LunateAI

    Space Insiders Team
    Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
    LinkedIn (Show)
    LinkedIn (Tony)
    LinkedIn (Rob)

    Disclaimer
    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
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