Jeff Janicik is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Innoflight, a leading space Non-traditional Defense Contractor (NDC). Under his leadership, Innoflight has partnered with national security programs and commercial space missions. Jeff served in the United States Air Force for 33 years, where he helped pioneer unmanned X-vehicle and advanced satellite communications programs.

The space industry is evolving and reshaping how technology is built, secured, and launched. What does it take to grow a company in such a high-stakes, rapidly shifting environment? How can leaders stay grounded while navigating the industry?

According to aerospace technology expert Jeff Janicik, growth begins with disciplined organization, a long-term vision, and the humility to adapt. Leaders must avoid becoming fixated on a single idea and instead stay flexible, open to recalibration, and aligned with a clear mission. Jeff emphasizes the importance of choosing the right people, building a culture where talent thrives, and maintaining a work-life balance to avoid burnout.

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett sits down with Jeff Janicik, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Innoflight, to discuss scaling a business in the space industry. Jeff shares how early Air Force experience shaped his career path, the turning points that established Innoflight's market credibility, and how cybersecurity and resilience are driving the future of space technology.