Rob and Marc reach Episode 10, which is a big milestone for those in the know. We discuss space launches, the perilous penchant for recording remote work calls, and giving good feedback to algorithms.
RM: Lots of travel to finish the year strong. I was at the Space Power Conference in Orlando, which was inspiring. Seeing what’s happening in the space domain—software, small and large satellites, even launch tech—it’s impossible not to leave with a startup idea. It’s made me rethink how my company uses feedback insights, applying them to areas like insider threat detection and social engineering analysis. We also got down-selected for a major defense partner, competing with big players. It’s a great way to end the year. What about you?
MP: Tell me more about the Space Power Conference.
RM: It’s a small, high-quality event for the space community. You meet people tackling real problems, from software to satellite launches. The conversations are meaningful, not performative. For instance, the senior enlisted leader of the Space Force spoke candidly with Guardians, inspiring them to think differently. I also pitched a product we’re building—a DevSecOps harness for algorithms. It’s an SDK for managing composable algorithms like Gaussian and Monte Carlo methods, making them secure for space use.
MP: Like an Iron Bank for algorithms? RM: Exactly. It’s through the Space Force Association, which is a great organization. The CEO, Alec, was volunteering at the event—super inspiring. I’m already looking forward to next year.
MP: Sounds incredible. I’ve been thinking a lot about remote work. Do you record your customer calls? RM: Sometimes, but recording changes the dynamic. Even when clients agree, they’re aware it’s permanent. It can stifle open communication.
MP: That’s the trade-off. Recording means you don’t need to take notes, but it kills spontaneity. I wonder if there’s a tool that lets people edit or clarify recordings before sharing. It could balance documentation with natural conversations.
RM: That would be a game-changer—capturing insights while protecting authenticity.
MP: Speaking of tools, I’ve been building an AI assistant to sift through newsletters. A mentor challenged me to help him filter his inbox. Using ChatGPT, I’ve been creating a solution that pulls out actionable insights.
RM: That’s brilliant. Have you named it yet?
MP: Not yet. It’s still a personal project, but it’s fascinating how AI makes learning and execution easier. I hit a roadblock, ask ChatGPT, and it walks me through the fix.
RM: AI is incredible for revisiting ideas that weren’t viable before. Now, you can turn them into products. MP: Exactly. But it also exposes AI’s limits. It confidently suggests outdated methods, so you always have to verify its recommendations.
RM: On feedback, I’ve been working on cross-functional retrospectives—bringing sales, engineers, and others together to address issues holistically. It’s about creating a safe space where everyone shares responsibility for solutions.
MP: How do you build trust to make those discussions productive? RM: It takes time. Start with small wins before tackling big challenges. It’s like Stranger Things—you need that team vibe to face the “monsters.”
MP: Maybe AI could help as a neutral observer, identifying trust issues without triggering defensiveness. It could surface problems people might not voice.
RM: Decentralized governance could also create transparency and reduce dysfunction, improving collaboration.
MP: That’s an interesting approach. Tools that facilitate collaboration while maintaining authenticity would be invaluable.
RM: I think we’ll see a shift from AI hype to creating real, tangible value. People will focus on what actually matters.
MP: Agreed. Let’s call it here. Episode 10 feels like a big milestone. Happy holidays, Rob.
RM: Same to you, Marc. See you next year!