RTRS Real Talk Podcast

  • Does Passion Beat Experience

    55:00|
    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.
  • Don’t Lose Your Edge In The Age Of AI

    19:53|
    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.
  • There Is An “I” In Team - And It Matters

    24:31|
    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.
  • From Idea To Battlefield In Weeks

    36:52|
    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.
  • Engineering Careers Aren’t Built In Comfort

    18:04|
    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.
  • Why the Best Engineering Leaders Wait

    30:17|
    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.
  • You Don’t Have To Be An Engineer To Lead Engineers

    26:06|
    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.
  • Don’t Be Afraid To Advocate For Yourself

    25:24|
    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.
  • From Engineer To Founder - Scaling Energy Innovation

    25:12|
    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.
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