In this episode of the Leadership Launchpad, guest Brian Manning, co-founder and CEO of Xona Space Systems, discusses the complexities and strategies of effective leadership, particularly in technical fields. Brian shares insights from his diverse experiences, transitioning from an individual contributor to a people leader, and highlights the importance of trust and delegation in leadership roles. He also explores the intricacies of building a leadership team capable of driving innovation at Xona Space Systems, a company dedicated to developing a high-performance alternative to GPS using small satellites. The conversation delves into the delicate balance required between maintaining technical knowledge and empowering team autonomy. Brian emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their areas of expertise and how these interface with other business aspects, advocating for a leadership approach that builds trust and bridges gaps between teams.