You might not expect a NASA systems engineer to credit Olive Garden with shaping his approach to excellence—but that’s exactly what Jeff does.

In this episode of Chasing Sigma, Randy & Chaz sit down with Jeff Leach, a software systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to talk about what it means to build processes that don’t just work—they endure.

From coordinating deep-space communication systems to leading teams and raising kids, Jeff shares how systems thinking isn’t just for space missions—it’s for life.

You’ll hear:

• Why early doubts about systems engineering helped Jeff develop a deeper respect for structure

• What he’s learned from launching rockets—and parenting toddlers

• How generative AI is challenging and reshaping workflows at NASA

• What it means to own your value inside complex teams

• And how excellence starts with humility, empathy, and a willingness to ask good questions

🎯 Because whether you’re building rockets or relationships, how you build matters.