“What this industry didn’t need was another aerospace executive. It needed someone willing to ask why we do things the way we do” – Peter Krauss

Peter Krauss didn’t grow up in aerospace. He never worked in defense. So how did he become CEO of one of the most innovative space tech companies in the world? That’s exactly what makes this episode of Mission Critical so powerful.

As the new CEO of Terran Orbital, Peter brings a fresh, entrepreneurial lens to a legacy industry—and it’s shaking things up. He’s spearheading “Terran 2.0,” a return to the company’s disruptive roots, and he’s doing it by hiring differently, leading boldly, and building a culture where speed and innovation thrive.

Whether you're in leadership, hiring, or just curious about what the future of space looks like, this conversation will change how you think about leadership and talent in the defense sector.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

· Why being an outsider can be your biggest asset in a legacy-driven industry

· What “Terran 2.0” really means—and how it’s reshaping satellite manufacturing

· The key traits Peter looks for in new hires (hint: it’s not pedigree)

· How to spot the difference between a risk-taker and a risk-mitigator

· What it really means to be “fast” in aerospace

· Why cultural fit and execution energy matter more than the perfect résumé

· How to hire leaders from traditional primes without inheriting old mindsets

· The simple metric every CEO should track (and it’s not what you think)

🧠 CEO Insight: The Krauss Leadership Playbook

· Say yes, then figure it out. Peter’s career was built on writing checks his body “wasn’t sure it could cash”—and figuring it out anyway.

· Don’t avoid risk—manage it. Especially in fast-moving industries like space.

· Challenge everything. Especially “how we’ve always done it.” That’s where disruption starts.

Connect with Mitch Stevison:

https://terranorbital.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-krauss-ceo/

Get connected with your host, Katherine Jerald:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/

https://elraysearch.com/

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com