RTRS Real Talk Podcast

Does Passion Beat Experience

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:57:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Michi Jewett, Engineering Lead at Gambit AI. The conversation explores career development and the balance between passion, experience and continuous learning in today's workplace. The exchange highlights how motivation, technical expertise and personal growth contribute to long-term success, while considering the qualities that help individuals and teams thrive in evolving industries. The discussion also examines broader themes including leadership, hiring, skills development and the value of adapting to new challenges. Throughout the episode, career development is explored alongside engineering, artificial intelligence and professional progression, providing a thoughtful perspective on building capability, strengthening workplace performance and navigating changing career opportunities.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don’t Lose Your Edge In The Age Of AI

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:56:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Patrick Skelton, Director Of Payloads & System Engineering at Aventra Defense Systems. The conversation explores artificial intelligence and its growing influence on modern organisations, considering how professionals can continue to develop valuable skills as technology evolves. The exchange highlights the relationship between innovation, engineering leadership and strategic thinking, while reflecting on the importance of adapting to rapid change without losing a competitive advantage. The discussion also examines broader themes including digital transformation, workforce development and effective decision-making in technology-driven environments. Throughout the episode, artificial intelligence is considered alongside systems engineering, collaboration and long-term business resilience, offering a balanced perspective on navigating change while maintaining technical expertise and organisational performance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There Is An “I” In Team - And It Matters

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:55:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Romin Dasmalchi, Program Director at Piasecki Aircraft Corporation. The conversation explores team leadership and the balance between individual contribution and collective success in modern organisations. It examines how communication, accountability and shared purpose influence workplace performance, while highlighting the importance of recognising personal responsibility within high-performing teams. The exchange also considers how strong organisational culture can support collaboration across different roles and business environments. The discussion broadens to explore practical approaches to leadership development, employee engagement and building resilient teams that can adapt to change. Throughout the episode, team leadership is considered alongside professional growth, decision-making and effective collaboration, offering a thoughtful perspective on creating workplaces where individuals and teams can perform at their best.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Idea To Battlefield In Weeks

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:19:09 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Alex Gardner, CEO at Limitless Aeronautics. The conversation explores how defence technology is evolving through faster development cycles, innovation and agile engineering approaches. The exchange highlights the growing importance of rapid prototyping, advanced aerospace systems and the ability to move concepts from initial development into real-world applications at speed. The discussion also considers the broader factors driving innovation across the aerospace and defence sectors, including emerging technologies, product development and organisational agility. The exchange highlights how defence technology continues to influence engineering strategies, operational capabilities and future industry opportunities, while offering valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation and technological advancement in highly dynamic environments.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Engineering Careers Aren’t Built In Comfort

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:18:41 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Jace McCown, Director Of Flight Operations at LIFT Aircraft. The conversation explores how engineering careers are shaped by challenges, continuous learning and the willingness to step beyond familiar environments. The exchange highlights the importance of adaptability, professional development and practical experience in building a successful career within the aerospace and aviation sectors. The discussion also considers the evolving demands placed on engineering professionals and the value of leadership, innovation and technical expertise. The exchange highlights how engineering careers can develop through resilience, problem-solving and a commitment to growth, while offering broader perspectives on career progression, workforce development and opportunities within advanced technology industries.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why the Best Engineering Leaders Wait

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by John Scott, Vice President at XTI Aerospace. The conversation explores engineering leadership and the importance of patience, timing and strategic decision-making in complex organisational environments. The discussion examines how leaders navigate competing priorities, manage teams and support innovation while maintaining a clear focus on long-term objectives. The exchange highlights the value of thoughtful leadership, effective communication and measured decision-making in driving sustainable outcomes. It also considers how engineering leadership contributes to organisational growth, team performance and business strategy, offering insight into the skills and approaches that help leaders succeed in fast-changing industries.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You Don’t Have To Be An Engineer To Lead Engineers

Fri, 29 May 2026 08:37:12 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Jordan Harris, CEO at Yotta Energy Inc. The conversation explores leadership within technical organisations and how professionals can successfully manage engineering teams without coming from an engineering background. The exchange highlights communication, collaboration and the importance of building trust, alignment and strong organisational culture across technical and business functions. The discussion also examines leadership development, decision-making and the evolving expectations placed on modern executives within technology-driven industries. Throughout the episode, the conversation reflects on engineering leadership, team management and how organisations can support innovation, operational growth and long-term business success through effective people leadership and strategic direction.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don’t Be Afraid To Advocate For Yourself

Fri, 29 May 2026 05:57:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Lucille Winston, Co-Founder And President at HopFlyt, Inc. The conversation explores the importance of self advocacy within professional environments and how individuals can build confidence while navigating career growth and leadership opportunities. The exchange highlights communication, workplace visibility and the value of developing strong professional relationships across evolving business environments. The discussion also examines leadership development, personal branding and the role of resilience in long-term career progression. Throughout the episode, the conversation reflects on professional growth, workplace culture and how self advocacy can support greater confidence, stronger decision-making and sustainable success across leadership and business roles.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Engineer To Founder - Scaling Energy Innovation

Fri, 22 May 2026 11:31:22 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Michael Byrne and they are joined on the podcast by Erich Ryan, CEO at Jouler. The conversation explores the realities of scaling energy innovation from both an engineering and entrepreneurial perspective. The exchange highlights how technical expertise can evolve into business leadership while navigating growth, product development and the wider clean technology landscape. Broader themes around innovation strategy, operational scaling and leadership within emerging markets are also discussed. The discussion also examines the challenges and opportunities facing companies operating within renewable energy and climate tech. Topics including startup culture, commercialisation, investment readiness and sustainable growth are woven throughout the conversation. The exchange provides insight into how businesses can adapt within a rapidly changing energy sector while balancing innovation with long-term commercial success.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Importance Of Leadership In Program Management

Fri, 22 May 2026 05:54:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Liam Noble and they are joined on the podcast by Steve Hartman, Director, Program Management at Vantage Medtech. The conversation explores program management and the role strong leadership plays in delivering successful projects within complex industries. The exchange highlights how communication, strategic planning and team collaboration contribute to effective programme delivery and long-term operational success. The discussion also looks at wider themes surrounding healthcare technology, project leadership and organisational development within the medtech sector. Areas including stakeholder management, innovation and process improvement are explored alongside the challenges of balancing efficiency with growth. The episode offers insight into how program management continues shaping leadership approaches, supporting high-performing teams and driving progress across medical technology and healthcare industries.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building to Outlast Us The North Star of Great Engineering

Fri, 22 May 2026 05:53:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Tom Huntley, General Manager & VP Of Government Relations at REGENT. The conversation explores engineering leadership and the long-term thinking required to build resilient technologies and organisations. The exchange highlights how innovation, strategic planning and collaboration influence the future of advanced engineering across emerging transport and technology sectors. The discussion also looks at wider themes surrounding sustainable transport, aerospace innovation and the relationship between industry and government. Areas including infrastructure development, engineering culture and operational growth are explored alongside the challenges of scaling ambitious ideas within evolving markets. The episode offers insight into how engineering leadership continues shaping future-focused industries, driving innovation and supporting long-term progress across technology and transportation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Product Gets You Revenue. Process Gets You Scale.

Thu, 14 May 2026 16:10:56 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Naveen Tera, Senior Director of Engineering at EG4 Electronics. The conversation explores engineering leadership within the rapidly evolving renewable energy and residential energy storage sector, highlighting how adaptability, process driven development and innovation shape high performing teams. It examines the importance of building strong engineering cultures through continuous learning, systems thinking and accountability, while balancing agility with quality, safety and reliability in fast moving markets. The exchange also covers the value of startup environments for engineering growth, the connection between engineering and commercial strategy, and how effective leadership is built through delegation, trust and empowering domain experts to drive long term success.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humility, Confidence & Ownership - Lessons from Military to Space

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:08:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Nicolas Espinosa, Director of Power, Avionics & Control Systems at Axiom Space. The conversation explores leadership lessons and how experiences from military environments translate into the space industry. It highlights the importance of humility, confidence and ownership in building high performing teams within complex aerospace engineering settings. The exchange highlights how leadership lessons shape decision making, accountability and team culture in high stakes environments. It also considers the role of engineering leadership in advancing space technology, strengthening collaboration and maintaining resilience in demanding conditions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Navigating Leadership with Amalia Cuadra

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:07:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Liam Noble and they are joined on the podcast by Amalia Cuadra, Senior Director of Engineering at EN-Power Group. The conversation explores navigating leadership and the evolving challenges faced by leaders within engineering and technical environments. It highlights how effective leadership strategies, clear communication and adaptability are essential for guiding teams through change while maintaining performance and alignment. The exchange highlights how navigating leadership shapes organisational culture, team development and long-term success. It also considers the importance of continuous learning, resilience and strong decision making in leadership roles. Listeners gain insight into building capable teams, fostering collaboration and developing leadership approaches that support both people and business outcomes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do It Right The First Time formerly Onward Robotics

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:06:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Alireza Hekmati, Technical Lead at Onward Robotics. The conversation explores robotics and the evolving role of automation technology in modern engineering environments. It highlights how advancements in robotics are shaping efficiency, scalability and innovation across industries, alongside the importance of strong technical leadership in driving these developments forward. The exchange highlights how robotics continues to influence industrial automation, artificial intelligence and system integration. It also considers the broader impact of emerging technologies on engineering teams, collaboration and future innovation. Listeners gain insight into navigating technical challenges, adapting to rapid change and building resilient engineering solutions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People First, Mission Always

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:05:00 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Gretchen Mock, Director of Engineering at Collins Aerospace. The conversation explores people first leadership and how prioritising individuals within an organisation can strengthen mission-driven outcomes. It highlights how strong leadership principles, clear communication and trust can shape high performing engineering teams, particularly within complex sectors like aerospace. The discussion also touches on balancing operational demands with a people-first mindset. The exchange highlights how people first leadership influences organisational culture, innovation and long-term success. It also considers the evolving role of engineering leadership in fostering collaboration, resilience and continuous improvement. Listeners gain insight into building effective teams, aligning purpose with performance and navigating leadership challenges in technical environments.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women In Engineering

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:01:19 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Elizabeth Kryst, CEO of ispace-US. The conversation explores the vital role women play in the engineering industry, with a particular focus on the space sector. Elizabeth shares insights on her journey as a female CEO in a predominantly male industry, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for women in engineering leadership. The exchange highlights the increasing need for gender diversity in engineering and how organisations like ispace-US are paving the way for future generations of women engineers. The discussion also delves into the importance of mentorship and support systems for women in STEM fields.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building The New York Hardware Ecosystem

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:46:05 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Martin Byrne and they are joined on the podcast by Paul Vizzio, Director of Hardware Engineering at Proteus Motion. The conversation explores the intricacies of building a robust hardware ecosystem in New York, with a focus on engineering and innovation. Paul shares insights on how the local tech scene is shaping the future of hardware development and the challenges involved in scaling such a dynamic industry. The exchange highlights key developments in the hardware sector and discusses the important role of engineering teams in overcoming the hurdles of modern technology. The discussion also delves into the growing influence of New York's hardware scene in shaping the future of tech innovation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All Things Leadership In Engineering

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:54:34 GMT

Today's episode is hosted by Liam Noble and they are joined on the podcast by Michael Vetter, Vice President at East/West Industries Inc. The conversation explores engineering leadership, focusing on how strong leadership shapes product development and innovation across technical teams. The exchange highlights the importance of communication, decision-making and aligning engineering goals with wider business strategy. The discussion also touches on building high-performing teams, navigating complex development cycles and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Throughout the episode, engineering leadership is positioned as a key driver of both organisational success and sustainable innovation within competitive industries.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.