Share

RTRS Real Talk Podcast
Engineering Careers Aren’t Built In Comfort
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.
More episodes
View all episodes

Grades Don't Define Engineers
39:54|Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by James Bultitude, CEO at etc. The conversation explores technology leadership, business innovation and the impact of digital transformation on modern organisations. The exchange highlights emerging trends in technology strategy, entrepreneurship and the approaches businesses are taking to adapt in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The discussion explores how innovation, scalable solutions and effective leadership can support long-term growth and organisational success. Listeners can gain broader perspectives on executive decision-making, technology innovation and the future of business transformation. The conversation also examines how technology leadership continues to influence industries and create new opportunities across the global business environment.
Why Great Engineers Still Need To Stay In The Trenches
53:01|Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Ross Yeager, VP - Device Platform Software at Skydio. The conversation explores drone technology, focusing on software platforms, autonomous systems and the evolving role of intelligent devices in modern industries. The exchange highlights how advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence and connected technologies are shaping new possibilities for enterprise applications and digital transformation. The discussion explores the challenges and opportunities involved in building scalable platforms that support next-generation devices. Listeners can gain insights into emerging trends across automation, robotics and drone technology while discovering how innovative software approaches are influencing the future of intelligent systems.
125 No’s To One Yes
49:24|Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Andrew Parlock, Founder & CEO at Phoenix Space Systems. The conversation explores startup resilience, entrepreneurship and the challenges of building innovative companies within the space technology sector. The exchange highlights the journey of developing new ventures, navigating uncertainty and creating solutions in a competitive market. The discussion explores founder experiences, aerospace innovation and the importance of persistence, adaptability and strategic decision-making when growing a technology-driven business. Listeners will gain insights into startup leadership, innovation strategy and the realities of building organisations focused on advanced technologies. The conversation also examines how space startups continue to evolve while pursuing ambitious goals and creating opportunities across the wider aerospace industry.
The Startup Lessons Every Engineer Should Learn
34:47|Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Barrie Dickinson, VP of Vehicle Engineering at Lightship. The conversation explores startup lessons, engineering leadership and the challenges of building innovative products in a fast-changing technology landscape. The exchange highlights the relationship between engineering expertise, entrepreneurship and effective product development, offering broader insights into how technical teams contribute to business growth and innovation. The discussion explores mobility technology, startup strategy and the evolving role of engineers in creating impactful solutions. Listeners will discover perspectives on engineering careers, innovation management and the importance of collaboration when developing new technologies. The conversation also examines how startups can navigate complex challenges while applying engineering principles to deliver meaningful results.
Making Your Own Luck In Space
30:49|Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Alex Lisso, CEO at Inflection Space Systems. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities within the space industry, highlighting innovation, entrepreneurship and the evolving landscape of space technology. The exchange highlights how emerging companies are approaching aerospace development, strategic growth and new opportunities across the global technology ecosystem. The discussion explores the importance of creativity, resilience and forward-thinking approaches in building solutions for the future. Listeners will gain insights into innovation strategies, industry trends and the changing role of space in advancing technology and exploration. The conversation also examines how organisations can navigate complex markets while creating meaningful impact through ambitious projects and advanced engineering.
The Missing Infrastructure Of Space
30:58|Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Aaron Borger, CEO & Founder at Orbital Robotics. The conversation explores space infrastructure and its growing importance in supporting the future of commercial space activities. The exchange highlights the technologies, engineering challenges and innovation required to build sustainable systems that enable long-term operations beyond Earth. The discussion also examines robotics, satellite servicing, aerospace engineering and the evolving orbital economy, while considering how collaboration and technological advancement are shaping the next generation of space capabilities. Throughout the episode, space infrastructure is explored from a broad industry perspective, offering valuable insights into space technology, commercial space development, orbital robotics and the future of the global aerospace sector.
Leadership Starts Before The Job Title
53:54|Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Dan Moran, Vice President & General Manager, Secure Communications at Cubic Defense. The conversation explores leadership as a mindset that develops through experience, responsibility and continuous learning rather than relying on a formal position. The exchange highlights the importance of personal growth, effective communication and building trust across teams in complex business environments. The discussion also examines career development, decision-making and the qualities that help professionals inspire others throughout their careers. Broader themes include organisational culture, management, resilience and adapting to change while maintaining a strong sense of purpose. Throughout the episode, leadership is considered from a practical business perspective, offering valuable insights for professionals interested in executive leadership, professional development and building high-performing teams.
Customers Do Not Care About Your Technology
44:22|Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Constantine Desjardins, Product Manager at Lucid Bots. The conversation explores why customer experience should remain the priority when developing and delivering technology solutions. It examines how organisations can focus on solving real customer problems rather than promoting technical features alone. The discussion also considers product management, innovation and the importance of understanding user needs throughout the development process. The exchange highlights how businesses can create greater value by aligning technology with practical outcomes and customer expectations. Broader themes include digital transformation, product development, user experience and business strategy, demonstrating why customer experience is central to long-term success. Listeners will gain insight into balancing innovation with usability and ensuring technology supports meaningful results for customers rather than becoming the focus itself.
You Have To Fail Faster
38:30|Today's episode is hosted by Danny Galvin and they are joined on the podcast by Alex Deuitch, CEO & Founder at Propel Space. The conversation explores the importance of failure as part of building successful businesses, examining how founders and teams can embrace experimentation, learn from setbacks and adapt quickly in competitive markets. The exchange highlights the role of resilience, innovation and decision-making in creating sustainable business growth while balancing risk with opportunity. The discussion also considers entrepreneurship, product development and leadership, exploring how organisations can foster a culture of continuous improvement and informed learning. By returning to the theme of failure as a catalyst for progress, the conversation provides a broad perspective on startup strategy, business resilience and long-term innovation without overlooking the practical realities of scaling new ideas.