Carving a Path to Growth in the Midst of Industry Change
How One LEO Satellite Industry Leader is Navigating to the Future
LEO satellite (Low Earth Orbit) constellations are promising to provide fast communication links. But, the satellite industry has been around since the late 50s and remained largely unchanged since the 70s. Yet, in recent years it has gone through many simultaneous shifts. These shifts are primarily due to three things: lower costs, enhanced systems on the ground and increasing demand from consumers and businesses to remain connected everywhere.
The promise of reusable rockets that put the satellites into space is one cost savings shift. In addition, smaller satellites that cost less to manufacture and less to launch have become a reality. At the same time, systems that receive the satellite signals on earth are improving and becoming more sophisticated. Plus, demand for connectivity continues to grow. So, how do you lead when the ground is shifting beneath your feet?
Leading in the Midst of Change
With new space companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic coming into the space industry, they are bringing with them a new generation of leaders. Leaders like, Kailey Theroux, COO of CM Technology, a company that supports LEO satellite constellations with services and solutions that bring the LEO satellite signals to earth. She shared the lessons she has learned since coming into the satellite industry in 2014.
“It’s an exciting time. We are witnessing a major evolution,” says Theroux. “The important thing to understand is that the ground systems are just as important as the satellites in space – one is useless without the other,” continues Theroux. “LEO satellite constellations are going to grow due to the reuse of launch vehicles and lower cost of building satellites. I believe that LEO satellites are the future.”
“You need to take the time to understand each customer, because making assumptions that one customer is like another just because they are in the same industry can not only hurt the relationship, but hurt both your and your customer’s business.” – Kailey Theroux
Lesson 1: Learn
“I’ve been lucky to work for and with people that have pushed me and believed in me,” shares Theroux. “The people that brought me into the industry helped me get security clearance, encouraged me to get my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and consistently encouraged me along the way,” says Theroux. These early experiences taught her to always seek to learn everything she can at every stage of her career. And, it’s clearly paid off for Theroux who is now heading up a satellite company.
Lesson 2: Every Customer is Unique
When you are running a business, it can be more efficient to bundle customers in big buckets, but it isn’t always good business according to Theroux. While working as a government contractor and later as a manager of government contract resources, it became clear to her that every customer has very unique requirements and goals. “You need to take the time to understand each customer, because making assumptions that one customer is like another just because they are in the same industry can not only hurt the relationship, but hurt both your and your customer’s business,” says Theroux.
Lesson 3: Change Requires a Compelling Reason
Change only happens when there’s a good reason for it. Change isn’t easy and as humans we tend to avoid it. To make changes within an organization, there must be compelling reasons to justify the disruption to the business. “Lower capital expenses and business efficiency are two of the most compelling reasons for change,” says Theroux. “I’ve never seen a customer make dramatic changes without an impact on costs and efficiency. Without that, there’s little chance change will occur,” continues Theroux.
Lesson 4: Employees Need Compelling Reasons Too
It’s important to treat employees right. “When I think about the business, I look at our team as a family, and we are building an empire together,” explains Theroux. She suggests that bringing in the best people and giving them the opportunity to grow and having a strong purpose for the business makes all the difference in creating a collaborative work environment. For her team, work is more than just a job, it’s a place where you build lasting relationships and lead change in a changing industry.
“Now, more than ever, people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. The market is turning to LEO satellites. LEO constellations are projected to play an important role in the future of the industry. I see our role as helping to pave the way to LEO,” says Theroux.
Lesson 5: Appreciate Every Customer
Every customer is important whether they are big or small. In Theroux’s experience, at big companies there’s less appreciation for small customers. They are treated different from the large customers. Some may argue this makes good business sense, but she doesn’t agree. “I treat every customer as important to the business. You never know what will happen in the future. Small companies grow or get acquired and people change jobs. It’s shortsighted to give a different level of service to different customers,” insists Theroux. In fact, she is in her current position because of the top notch support she once provided to a customer. She has experienced the difference her approach can make.
Lesson 6: You Must Stay on Your Toes
There has never been a more dramatic time of change for the satellite industry. Not only are changes within the satellite industry impacting Theroux’s business, but the advent of 5G is also impacting the business. One important factor in Theroux’s business is how the FCC allocates available spectrum. Recently, some of the C band spectrum (represents 3.7-4.2 GHz) has been allocated to support the cellular industry in bringing 5G to the market. “We are seeing unprecedented change in the satellite industry. Engineers and investors need to consider how ground systems will transition to support LEO satellite constellations.”
Let’s Review the Lessons We Can Take from Kailey Theroux
- Learn.
- Every customer is unique.
- Change requires a compelling reason.
- Employees need compelling reasons too.
- Appreciate every customer.
- You must stay on your toes.
Theroux demonstrates that creating growth in the midst of industry change is not only possible, it’s a source of significant opportunity.
Learn more about CM Technology at www.cmtleo.com.
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