#31 Tom Soderstrom II - Bringing NASA JPL up to speed

In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Tom Soderstrom, former CTO at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. They discuss the intricacies of working at NASA, the creative processes behind space missions, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the differences between government and commercial space industries. Tom shares insights on fostering a culture of innovation, the importance of data visualization, and the integration of cybersecurity in space missions. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the space industry, emphasizing the importance of passion and hands-on experience.

Tom Soderstrom

Since June 2023, Tom Soderstrom serves as an Enterprise Strategist helping and coaching executive customers with their transformation and innovation strategies and actions. From 2020-2023, he created and built the worldwide Chief Technologist team for AWS Public Sector, responsible for identifying emerging technology trends, helping solve complex technical problems at scale, and advising public sector executive CTOs and AWS leaders. Soderstrom served as the IT Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) from 2006-2020, where he helped define, support, and implement innovative Space missions, emerging IT trends, and mentor the next generation of IT and Space explorers. Prior to JPL, he led teams working on large scale IT technologies, best practices, tools development, and change efforts in small startups, large commercial companies, international venues, and the US Government.

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsoderstrom/

AWS:⁠ https://aws.amazon.com/executive-insights/enterprise-strategists/tom-soderstrom/

Stellar Work:

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Note:

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Chapters

00:00 Exploring NASA's Work Culture and Mission Goals

03:23 The Distinction Between NASA and Private Space Companies

06:36 The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

09:28 Career Paths in the Space Industry

12:31 The Differences in Work Culture: NASA vs. Commercial Space

15:43 Encouraging Open Communication in Large Enterprises

18:27 Collaborating for Innovation in Space Exploration

21:33 Harnessing Data for Space Missions

24:02 The Power of Data Visualization

27:27 Cybersecurity Insights and Challenges

29:38 Building Cross-Functional Teams

35:59 Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety

40:22 Advice for Aspiring Space Industry Professionals

46:58 Introduction and Episode Overview