The Space Capital Podcast: Achieving the Impossible with Top Talent

•Episode Summary•

In this episode of the Space Capital Podcast, host Chad Anderson introduces his colleague, Justus Kilian, a partner at Space Capital, who leads the conversation with special guests Brian and Seyka Mejeur, co-founders of AdAstra. AdAstra specializes in talent advisory for space and clean tech startups, helping founders build exceptional teams at the earliest stages of developing their dreams.

• A sneak peek •

Brian Mejeur, with a technical background in aerospace engineering and experience at SpaceX, explains that their inspiration to found AdAstra came from their shared passion for space and clean technology. They noticed the emergence of numerous space startups and the growing need for top talent in the industry.

Brian’s unique insight as a former propulsion engineer at SpaceX helps him connect with founders and candidates on a deeper level, understanding their needs and making better matches. Brian’s background, particularly his experience at SpaceX, sets him apart in the headhunting space. His firsthand understanding of the industry enables him to forge instant connections with candidates and founders, facilitating more efficient and meaningful matches.

Seyka sheds light on the innovative approaches required to find top talent in niche fields like space and clean tech. Her emphasis on thinking outside the box and tracking down candidates in unconventional places highlights the dedication and resourcefulness needed to identify the best-suited individuals. Additionally, her focus on establishing effective talent-closing processes demonstrates the significance of meticulous planning and ongoing engagement to secure highly sought-after professionals.

Seyka’s most important lesson from her past recruiting experiences is her ability to find hard-to-reach talent. She goes beyond basic searches, tracking down potential candidates in unconventional ways, such as reaching out through obscure online profiles or YouTube channels. Additionally, Seyka emphasizes the importance of setting up processes that optimize the closure of top talent. Having a structured approach ensures that highly skilled individuals are effectively courted and engaged over time, increasing the likelihood of successful hires.

Overall, the podcast delves into the dynamic space startup market, discussing the challenges of hiring, recruiting, and retaining talent, and the valuable expertise AdAstra brings to support space and clean tech companies in building their exceptional teams.