Cold Star Project

Cold Star Project

By Jason KaniganBusiness
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Cold Star Project episodes

  • Andrew Aldrin - What Direction Does The Space Economy Need To Move In? - Cold Star Project S03E16

    Dr. Andrew Aldrin is back on the Cold Star Project and this time we're diving into the funding sources and direction for the space economy. What needs to happen and what should we be looking at? Does the Silicon Valley investment model fail in the space industry? Are there obvious next steps, or do we need to continue to guess what's on the horizon? Andy shares his valuable experience and perspective in this open discussion with Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan.  


    We also touch on the ISU Center for Space Entrepreneurship's Graduate Certificate Commercial Space Program. Info on the program: https://www.fit.edu/isucse/ 


    Previous appearances of Dr. Aldrin:  

    Challenges of Space Entrepreneurship: https://coldstarproject.com/auS02E26AndrewAldrin 

    How the Soviets Beat the Americans Into Space: https://coldstarproject.com/auS02E31AndrewAldrin 


    Graduate Certificate Commercial Space Program updates: 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkglBElSEEU

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu06d9R5DZ8

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rjUrEIAFCU


    OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 

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    Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

    46 min
  • Yan Song - How Can We Truly Transform Organizational Culture? - Cold Star Project S04E07

    Dr. Yan Song is back to complete our deep dive into operationalizing cultural development. This complex, systems thinking topic concludes with Yan's Step 4, transforming the culture. But how is this actually done?  


    Cultural Development with Dr. Yan Song series playlist: https://coldstarproject.com/culturaldevelopment 


    Slide stills:  

    Competence slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e06competence 

    Transformation (step 4) slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e07transformationslide 

    Operational Perspective slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e07opsperspectiveslide 

    Ecology slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e07ecologyslide 

    Cultural Development slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e05culturaldevslide 

    Key Takeaways slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e07keytakeawaysslide  


    OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


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    Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

    1 hr 32 min
  • Yan Song - What Is The Second Step To Take In Operationalizing Cultural Development? - CSP S04E06

    Dr. Yan Song and Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan continue our exploration of what it takes to operationalize cultural development in organizations. In this deep talk we're looking at Steps Two and (unexpectedly for me, but we didn't want to leave people stranded) Three in a four-part process. I ask Yan about the following:  


    I had to laugh because the points on slide 7 “Enter New Territory 1 / 4” are the same things we see in sales. We are all trapped in our mental model of limiting beliefs, and what we say we’ll do is often different from what we actually do. Is there a way we can help ourselves become more aware of these processes and contradictions?   


    Slide 8 is about feedback loops and learning. In my experience, feedback loops have been the bugbear of organizations: they often are missing; they frequently have bad measures when they are in place; tasks and outcomes fall between the cracks as a result--and this obviously does not lead to operational excellence. Frankly, everybody seems to believe they are doing better than they actually are (including me). I also note the time difference between the “doing” and “learning” modes… I imagine this applies to organizations as well, since they are made of people? Is there anything we can do to accelerate learning?   


    Slide 9 Entropy Increases… Leonard Cohen’s line “from the wars against disorder”... Yeats’ “the center cannot hold”... Why do we need a defensive system against chaos? What would happen if we adopted chaos (would we go insane, Motorcycle Maintenance style?) This Slide 9 is worthy of tremendous discussion--what’s going on here? A snapshot of human perspective, one which I certainly recognize symptoms of my own behavior in! If things are always falling apart, what hope do we have of keeping an organization together long enough to operationalize cultural development and head towards operational excellence?   


    On Slide 10 we see the shift we must make. However, there is a lot here to explore and unpack. I like the “collective excellence” term. We can’t achieve cultural transformation (or much at all) alone. Reminding ourselves that the topic is “Bravely entering new territory”, I think we finally see what this can mean: not only picking up new ideas from some sort of inert or “doesn’t fight back” source like a book or a video, but rather exploring the new territory of someone else’s mind and ideas. Passive sources can jarr and possibly have their ideas denied by the recipient without pushback, but a live human will probably continue to argue. What are the consequences of that? (We see it played out often in Facebook arguments where no one changes the mind of the other). How can we avoid shut down?  


    Cultural Development with Dr. Yan Song series playlist: https://coldstarproject.com/culturaldevelopment 


    Slide stills:  Step Two slide:  https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e06step2slide 


    Reflexive Learning Loop slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e06reflexiveslide 


    Double Loop Learning slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e06doubleloopslide 


    Unilateral decision making slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e06unilateralslide 


    Mutual decision making slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e06mutualslide 


    Step Three slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e06step3slide 


    Competence slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e06competence  


    OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


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    Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/TalkToUs

    1 hr 58 min
  • Yan Song - What Is The First Step To Take In Operationalizing Cultural Development? - CSP S04E05

    Now that we've covered what operationalizing cultural development means, in the first episode of this series (CSP S04E04), Dr. Yan Song returns to the Cold Star Project to tackle the next step. How do we put this into action? What is the first step in operationalizing cultural development? With host Jason Kanigan, Dr. Song digs into systems thinking and the approach he has arrived at for taking effective action on this critical organizational topic.  


    Jason Kanigan asks Yan:

    • “The Truth” is a fundamental concept for both of us. Your process for operationalizing cultural development, as does mine for improving the processes of businesses, begins with confronting the brutal facts. What form does this take and what should investigators be looking for as indicators or starting points?
    • In a slide we see a terrible condition of isolated, fearful, territory-protective people who have only the goal of personal survival. These elements come from Barry Oshry’s book Seeing Systems. How do these elements fit into a system, and how can the leader working to operationalize cultural development make use of them?
    • It seems that by following the analysis track and improving each separately would not accomplish what we want, which is the improvement of the entire system. What, then, is the organizing principle or purpose of this system and how can we use these elements to improve it?  - I am surprised to see Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team book in your presentation...but I probably shouldn’t be. I hadn’t thought his stuff was this high level (though I do think it is good: I think of his content as operational level but obviously I have some education to get on that point!). What is it about Lencioni’s approach that made you want to build it into your cultural development / confronting the brutal facts process?
    • Let’s explore Lencioni’s pyramid. When initiating cultural development, from the pyramid we see that trust is the base. Trust typically comes after people see the actions of their leaders, and then those carrying out the tasks operationally can get comfortable with the conflict, need for commitment etc. But the leader has to start, it seems, from the top? Demonstrating focus on measures, proving their own accountability and commitment, then being willing to challenge the team and develop that trust? Where would you recommend people start?   


      • Cultural Development with Dr. Yan Song series playlist: https://coldstarproject.com/culturaldevelopment 


      Slide stills: 

      Cultural Development process slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e05culturaldevslide 

      Steps slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e05stepsslide 

      Hot Springs slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e05hotspringsslide 

      Set Up Camp slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e05campslide 

      Lencionoi - Collins slide: https://coldstarproject.com/yansongs04e05lencionislide  


      OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


      Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


      Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

      1 hr 25 min
    • Yan Song - How Can We Solve the Challenge of Operationalizing Cultural Development? - CSP S04E04

      Systems Thinking thought leader and Fortune 500 executive Yan Song is our guest on this first episode of a series on the Cold Star Project. Our series topic is about culture in organizations. The question we're asking in this episode is: How can we solve the 21st Century challenge of operationalizing cultural development? Begin with the possibility that we can build culture development right into our operations, and have our people improve it as they carry out their daily tasks.  


      Host Jason Kanigan asks Yan Song:

      • How important is organizational culture? Of course it is nice to work at an org with a pleasant, uplifting culture; however, what do we mean in a measurable, rationalist, even economic sense?
      • What does “operationalizing cultural development” mean? How are we defining it?
      • What are the ‘levers and dials’ of how it works? {Play, Purpose, Potential in the HBR article; compensation is not a factor, not a surprise to many of us; higher customer satisfaction; higher revenue per employee; “ToMo” total motivation; article gets into some behavioral economics with the emotional & economic pressures that I don’t believe are always valid, but we can mention them}
      • Is there a relationship between company process and employee motivation? {up to 50 motivation points on a -100 to +100 scale in the HBR article}  - What can leaders do to help initiate and support this kind of change? {Huddle, Why, role design in the HBR article; note how these go back to identity and sense of personal involvement}
      • How can a leader discern what kind of culture they are in now, and whether senior management will be supportive of such change? We understand “the good” of this improvement, but what if it turns out senior management is scared of the idea?
      • How else can things go wrong? What are the consequences if we misstep in our attempts to improve culture? How difficult is it to course-correct? Will there be damage to our reputation and future consequences like promotion blockage?  


        • Useful Links:  


        HBR article we reference: https://hbr.org/2015/11/how-company-culture-shapes-employee-motivation  


        OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


        Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


        Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

        1 hr 16 min
      • Jason Kanigan - The Promise of Space Entrepreneurs talk at Space Horizons 2021 - CSP S02E77

        Cold Star Tech founder Jason Kanigan speaks at Brown University's Space Horizons 2021 event. [**NOTE: the first few seconds are indeed silent... in the video version there is a title slide.] The topic is space entrepreneurship, particularly on the commercial side. Jason covers what he has found in interviewing over 150 space industry academics, experts and founders, and the state of commercial space entrepreneurship. In the Q&A we also get into what space students can do to advance their careers. Hosted by Dr. Rick Fleeter and his students.  


        Space Horizons website: http://www.spacehorizonsatbrown.org/ 


        Books referenced: Space Is Open For Business, Robert C. Jacobson; Business Model Generation, Alexander Osterwalder


        OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

        27 min
      • Atul Vashistha - How Does the Defense Business Board Influence US Department of Defense? CSP S04E03

        Atul Vashistha, globalization & outsourcing author and business founder, is on the Cold Star Project to explain how the Defense Business Board works. With considerable experience on the board, serving three presidents, Atul offers the perspective of vice chair and having managed board task forces. Host Jason Kanigan asks Atul to detail the process by which the Defense Business Board learns what its client the US Department of Defense wants, and develops its response as a report.  


        View the slides Atul referred to: https://coldstarproject.com/vashisthaslides


        Defense Business Board example study referenced in our discussion: https://dbb.defense.gov/Portals/35/Documents/Reports/2016/DBB%20FY16-01%20Virtual%20Consultantices%20Study%20-%20Final.pdf


        Supply Wisdom website: https://www.suplywisdom.com


        Atul Vashistha's Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Atul-Vashistha/e/B001IO9RP6



        Disclaimer: we were not compensated in any way for Atul's appearance or mentioning his companies or works.


        OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org​ 


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        Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall



        50 min
      • Marty Waldman - Where Are We Going To Get the Power for Space Applications From? - CSP S02E76

        Marty Waldman's space career has spanned over 44 years and counting. He worked on missile defense, the space shuttle, and many other space projects through the US Navy and Air Force. He is the principal associate at Space Information Labs and president of United Horizons. Also, Marty founded the Southern Nevada chapter of the National Defense Industry Association and is active in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Our discussion centers around the problem of where the power necessary for space applications such as a lunar or Martian base is going to come from. Marty has a solution and you can follow along with the presententation deck linked to below.  Host Jason Kanigan asks Marty:

        • What are two projects (that you're allowed to talk about, anyway) you're most proud of and why?  
        • You’ve made an argument for incorporating nuclear power into the space industry. What is the “big idea” you’re promoting and how does it apply to space?
        • Why Nevada as a home base for this kind of solution?
        • Isn't nuclear technology dangerous?
        • Who is the customer of this power solution?
        • What kind of projects attract your attention and interest nowadays? What is your vision of the space industry for the next two or three decades?   


          • Useful Links:  

          Ascend presentation slide deck on nuclear power in space: https://coldstarproject.com/ascendpowerdeck 


          American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA) 


          National Website:  www.aiaa.org  


          Las Vegas AIAA Website: https://aiaa-lasvegas.org/ 


          National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) website:  https://ndia-snv.org/ 


          Marty Waldman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-waldman-6868368/  


          OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


          Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


          Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

          1 hr 22 min
        • David Walker - How Important Is Culture In Government Operations? - Cold Star Project S04E02

          David Walker is a past Comptroller General of the United States, professor at the US Naval Academy, former Defense Business Board appointee, and author. He's on the Cold Star Project to discuss the role of culture in government operations, including with his own experience in the Government Accountability Office and on the Defense Business Board. Host Jason Kanigan asks:  


          // Defense Business Board // 

          - what is the purpose of the Board, both the official wording and from your point of view? Do you believe it is meeting that purpose? -What are some of the projects that you worked on? 

          -what changes or initiatives can the Board make? 

          -What are some of the biggest business challenges facing the DoD? 

          -what did your experience as US Comptroller General allow you to bring into the appointment to the Defense Business Board? What perspective do you believe you brought; what were you most “on alert” for? -what most surprised you in your service on the Board? Was it people- or process-based?  


          // US Comptroller General 98-08 - 15-year, non renewable term appointment, Government Accountability Office (audit institution, part of the legislative branch) // 

          -roles like this often don’t have a “rules manual” and you must create the role “your way” as you go. Did you find this to be the case? How did you adapt to the situation if so? 

          -you have a supposedly non partisan bureaucracy working for you as the GAO. How did you find that and how did information flow to you? What kind of decisions did you make? What were your main accomplishments at GSP?  


          // America In 2040: Still A Superpower? book // 

          -tell us about the book and your main premise or argument--reviews talk about “fiscal sanity” and government spending 

          -We think “America’s fine; we still have all the tools”, but what do you think about the constant underestimation of costs and overestimation of capabilities? eg. USS Gerald Ford setbacks...latest is unable to launch planes, $13B price tag for non-functional platform 

          -Will America still have the financial power to fund itself as a superpower? 

          -Do you believe space is an important theater for America to remain a superpower? What are other major security theaters?   


          Useful Links:  America In 2040: Still a Superpower? book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L4KBPX5/ 

          [NOT an affiliate link]  


          GAO website: https://www.gao.gov/about/what-gao-is/ 

          DFB website: https://dbb.defense.gov/  

          Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by David Walker for discussing his book or any other topics.   


          OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org


          Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

          40 min
        • Simon Drake - Can Regular People Invest In Space? - Cold Star Project S03E15

          Space Ventures Investors co-founder, managing director and partner Simon Drake is heavily involved in bringing the ability for regular people to invest in space companies. In his role as a space sector venture capitalist, he is able to pull data and see trends that help realizing this vision. In this episode of the Cold Star Project with host Jason Kanigan, Simon discusses:


          - What is your vision of regular people being able to invest in space? What partners are you working with? Can one small investor really make a difference?


          - What is stopping regular members of the public from investing in space companies? Why do we want the general public to be able to invest in space?


          - What have you found in your own research about the willingness of investors to put money into space companies? What are they looking for in terms of time to return, rate of return, companies or projects to invest in?  

          Risk level research graphic from Space Ventures Investors: https://coldstarproject.com/spaceinvestorsrisk


          - How do we avoid space investment by the public becoming a free-for-all driven by hype, so that there is solid value at the core?  

          South Sea Stock graphic from The Gloom, Boom & Doom Report: https://coldstarproject.com/simondrakesouthsea


          - What legal/regulatory issues have you found in the way of public investment in space? What differences have you seen between European and North American markets? 


          - Are there any “unexpected results” you predict from opening space investing up to the public?  

          Space Investment Interests Research Graphic from Space Ventures Investors: https://coldstarproject.com/simondrakeinterests  



          Space Ventures Investors website: https://spaceventuresinvestors.com/ 


          Space Commodities Exchange website: http://www.spacecommoditiesexchange.com/ 


          Lunar Resources Registry website: http://lunarresourcesregistry.com/  Playlist: https://www.coldstartech.com/play 



          OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


          Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


          Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

          54 min

        About Cold Star Project

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        The Cold Star Project digs into the challenges of scaling fast that tech and Space manufacturing founders encounter. Money does not solve all problems--so what now? Listen in to discover what scaling…