Caltech CTME ELEVATED: From Rocket Science to Cybersecurity: How Program Management + Systems Thinking Fuels Innovation     In this ELEVATED episode, Dr. Tina Srivastava, an MIT-trained rocket scientist, inventor, and co-founder of Badge, shares her journey from aerospace engineering at Raytheon to founding a cybersecurity company and developing Badge’s “identity without secrets” platform. She explains how her experiences in systems engineering and program management revealed the importance of collaboration between PMs and SEs, especially through practices like shadowing, rotation programs, and defining clear roles. Dr. Srivastava discusses her research and books, including Innovating in a Secret World and another she edited Integrating Program Management and Systems Engineering, which explores how innovation thrives even in secure, high-stakes environments. The conversation expands into how AI tools can enhance project collaboration, communication, and education when used responsibly and with privacy in mind. Finally, Dr. Srivastava emphasizes the need for lifelong learning and technological literacy, urging leaders to immerse themselves in technical understanding to drive better decision-making and innovation.

Join us as host Jen García of Caltech’s Center for Technology and Management Education sits down with Zeina Barrett, Space Sector Program Excellence Director for Governance and PM Development (Northrop Grumman), as they discuss pain points, unconventional journeys, and advice for future program managers. Jen will ask Zeina how her career has brought her to her current position in the Space Sector where she shapes program management governance, process, and PM training and development. Prior to this role, Zeina was most recently the Operating Unit Director for Space Vehicles within the Tactical Space Systems Division, where she was responsible for growth of the space vehicle market within the division and led teams across all phases of program execution. Listen in as Zeina talks about unconventional paths, disjointed journeys, and complicated realities that have shaped her career path... and how she can shed some light on your career goals.

"Every company benefits from a connector—someone who unites people, leads with purpose, and drives growth." In the July 15 episode of ELEVATED, host Jen García of Caltech’s Center for Technology and Management Education sits down with Christy Conner, entrepreneur and author, to talk about networking, leadership, connection, and innovation. We'll also introduce you to Christy's newest book, The Confident ConnectorTM: How to Build Your Must-Have Network in an Era of Job Insecurity. Jen and Christy will discuss strategies on how to build strong and authentic relationships, strengthen leadership skills, and stay connected to cutting-edge trends. Christy will share how she blends her perspective as a natural introvert with powerful techniques to inspire others to move past their fears and build a dynamic network.

How do program and product management intersect with serial entrepreneurship? In the June 17 episode of ELEVATED, host Jen García of Caltech’s Center for Technology and Management Education sits down with Leslie Fine, Managing Partner at Enjoy the Work and Caltech Ph.D. in Social Science, Game Theory, and Behavioral Economics. A serial entrepreneur, Leslie was also Salesforce’s first VP of Product in Data and Analytics, where she helped build the company’s first Einstein products. She'll share how game theory has shaped her approach in the wide range of experience she holds, from founding and advising startups to integrating acquisitions at Salesforce, and how it all ties back to strategic product and program management.

In our May ELEVATED live webcast, host Jen Garcia welcomes Jane Urban, a trailblazer in healthcare analytics and commercial pharma strategy. With nearly 20 years of experience—dating back to her days as an intern at Amgen—Jane shares the pivotal career decisions that helped her bridge the worlds of data science and business. From deploying AI tools that improve patient outcomes, to scaling digital engagement across sales teams, her insights reveal what it takes to lead in a data-driven industry. Jane also opens up about navigating her current career transition—exploring startup leadership, mentoring the next generation, and rethinking what "aligned" work really means.

Leading teams who build AI: How do AI teams operate in 2025 and what should companies anticipate as hurdles to AI adoption in their organization? How do leaders navigate the adoption of new tools and manage AI products?

Exclusive ELEVATED webcast, Avoiding Issues in Complex International Projects. International projects are often complex and dynamic by their very nature. Challenges extend from multi-cultural misinterpretation to language barriers and include managing diverse perspectives, international differences, and hierarchical restraints. In these international project landscapes, project managers must strive to recognize the values and expectations of team members of varying cultural backgrounds. In our March 18 ELEVATED session, guest Kurt Moses, a senior executive with an extensive history in the education and health development sector, will talk with Caltech CTME’s host Nicholas Beaudoin. Together they will examine a high level checklist of potential hiccups to consider in your projects, providing tools that can help team leaders identify challenges before they become restraints. Together they discuss: • The snags in projects as they relate to process, collaboration, clarity and communication • Understanding various governmental/regulatory systems; leveraging technology solutions that are accessible to the entire team • Recognizing cultural differences and identifying concerns; understanding how members perceive authority, handle conflict, and process decision-making Join us March 18 for Anticipating Issues in Complex International Projects and discover the tools that will help you achieve success in the global business environment. Kurt Moses serves as Director of Information Systems with a demonstrated history of expertise in the education management industry. He is skilled in leading nonprofit organizations with policy analysis and effective information technology experience. With a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Economics & Political Theory from Stanford University and an MBA in International Finance from University of Chicago, Kurt has worked in 72 countries, four continents and the U.S, and consulted with major international donor agencies and 45 national governments. He is skilled in strategic planning, national and regional information systems design, mobile system implementation, business analytics, and capacity building. Kurt has operated several independent service centers with P&L responsibility, and regularly reported to or consulted with senior officials in government. As Caltech CTME's Director and AI/ML Instructor, Nicholas Beaudoin intersects strategic program development with hands-on curriculum design, positioning AI/ML education programs at the forefront of technological transformation. Leading the AI programs at Caltech's Center for Technology & Management Education, Nicholas' focus is on delivering impactful learning experiences tailored to a diverse clientele, including private and public sectors, as well as government and non-profit organizations.

Take advantage of the opportunity to watch the exclusive ELEVATED webinar, Managing International and Interdisciplinary Teams for AI Projects, now available on YouTube. This compelling and informative discussion, originally hosted live on Zoom, features guest Cyrus Ashayeri, PhD, alongside Caltech CTME Director for AI, Nicholas Beaudoin. AI capabilities continue to transform how we engage with technology, often requiring the management of teams spread across geographic locations and diverse disciplines. Effective communication and coordination remain essential to achieving project goals. For AI teams, bridging technical expertise with strategic leadership is more critical than ever. During this insightful session, Dr. Ashayeri and Nicholas Beaudoin equipped project managers with the knowledge to make strategic, informed decisions on building and leading AI project teams across the globe. They explored evolving roles and expectations, providing a robust framework for successful collaboration among interdisciplinary teams. What you’ll gain from this webcast: • Proven strategies to foster innovation in international and interdisciplinary team interactions • Insights into identifying and motivating evolving roles within AI teams • A practical framework for collaboration among combined disciplines Don't miss this chance to gain actionable insights for managing complex AI projects. Subscribe to ELEVATED: https://go.ctme.caltech.edu/elevated-launchpad.html To learn more about the unique professional development and executive education program at Caltech, Visit the Center for Technology and Management Education: https://ctme.caltech.edu Cyrus Ashayeri is a Product Owner at Beyond Limits, where he previously served as Principal Technologist. Holding a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Southern California (USC), Cyrus has a robust background in AI and data-driven solutions. As a Research Manager at Chevron's Smart Oilfield CiSoft Lab at USC, he led initiatives that advanced energy efficiency and emissions reduction. He also contributed to energy security research at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C., focusing on sustainable energy policies. Throughout his career, Cyrus has managed international interdisciplinary teams tackling challenges across energy, manufacturing, logistics, and autonomous systems. He excels at bridging technical expertise with strategic leadership, driving digital transformation and workforce upskilling for some of the world's largest energy companies. As Caltech CTME's Director and AI/ML Instructor, Nicholas Beaudoin intersects strategic program development with hands-on curriculum design, positioning AI/ML education programs at the forefront of technological transformation. Leading the AI programs at Caltech's Center for Technology & Management Education, Nicholas' focus is on delivering impactful learning experiences tailored to a diverse clientele, including private and public sectors, as well as government and non-profit organizations.

Catch up on our exclusive ELEVATED webinar, AI and ML Teams: Navigating the Evolving Roles & Responsibilities, now available on YouTube. This informative session, hosted by Dr. Nathaniel P. Crews, features insights from Nicholas Beaudoin, Caltech CTME's Director for AI. Originally held live, the webinar explored the rapid transformation in how companies deploy machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Over the past two years, generative AI has reshaped the landscape, demanding new skills and strategies from engineering teams, project managers, and decision-makers. During this session, Nicholas unpackskey trends and provided actionable insights to help leaders stay ahead in navigating AI's dynamic evolution. Whether you’re redefining hiring practices, adapting team structures, or tackling organizational challenges, this recording is a must-watch for anyone involved in AI-driven roles. Highlights from the webcast: • Why AI has reached a pivotal moment in its development • How organizations have traditionally used ML and how that’s changing • The distinct roles and responsibilities within AI and ML teams Don’t miss this opportunity to gain strategic insights and practical tools for driving innovation in your organization. Subscribe to ELEVATED: https://go.ctme.caltech.edu/elevated-launchpad.html To learn more about the unique professional development and executive education program at Caltech, Visit the Center for Technology and Management Education: https://ctme.caltech.edu As Caltech CTME's Director and AI/ML Instructor, Nicholas Beaudoin intersects strategic program development with hands-on curriculum design, positioning AI/ML education programs at the forefront of technological transformation. Leading the AI programs at Caltech's Center for Technology & Management Education, Nicholas' focus is on delivering impactful learning experiences tailored to a diverse clientele, including private and public sectors, as well as government and non-profit organizations. Nate Crews, PhD, has 35+ years of experience in application development, systems integration, project management, and PMO directives. He has successfully managed projects for Alcatel Lucent, AT&T, Citibank, EMC, JP Morgan Chase, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, St. Joseph Hospital, Southern California Edison, and Thomson Reuters. Mr. Crews leads multiple Agile and business agility professional development courses at Caltech.

An inspiring and informative session with special guest Scott Ambler, Agile Data Strategist, and ELEVATED host Dr. Nathaniel P. Crews. In this dynamic session, Dr. Crews will breaks down the current landscape of Agile methodologies, examining their evolution and future trajectory. With special guest and Agile thought leader Scott Ambler, they’ll dive deep into how Agile is transforming modern development practices, with a focus on the critical field of cyber systems. Learn how agility can foster greater adaptability, resilience, and innovation in the face of emerging threats. Scott Ambler shares his unique perspective on the broader implications of Agile for both engineers and businesses alike. Whether you’re a seasoned Agile practitioner or new to the methodology, this event will equip you with the knowledge to stay ahead in a fast-paced technology-driven world. You will learn: • How Agile principles can drive success in complex, security-sensitive environments • How to expand Agile beyond the world of software development • How agility is shaping the future of cyber systems development Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the future of Agile and how it will redefine the way we approach systems development.

Inspiring and informative session with Dr. Tony Freeman of the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and ELEVATED host Dr. Nate Crews. Dr. Freeman has been pivotal in numerous missions at JPL, where he led the Innovation Foundry for early concept design. In this webinar, he will explore the intricacies of technology-driven strategy, offering insights into differentiation and strategic choices, creating processes and cultures that support innovation and risk-taking, and illustrating how organizations can use technology lifecycles for business disruption and competitive advantage—challenging tradition and status quo. Dr. Freeman will connect these strategic approaches to project management and discuss how influence and planning can help generate buy-in to even the wildest ideas. You will learn to: • Apply analytical methods for strategic choices and decision-making • Use concepts of technology forecasting to build competitive organizational capabilities • Foster a culture for enabling innovation and thriving in uncertainty

Whether a seasoned project manager or new to project management, you understand the critical role that risk management plays in your team’s success. Without a robust risk management strategy, projects can easily veer off course, leading to delays, budget overruns, and even failure. In this episode you will learn how to: *Identify and assess risk *Develop risk mitigation strategies *Monitor and control risk Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews Producer: Tracylynne Williams

In This Episode You'll Discover: 1. How DevOps empowers people and process, not only tools 2. The importance of applying DevOps principles to any project 3. The ability to maximize your versatility when embracing DevOps principles 4. Learn how DevOps can help your team drive enhanced customer satisfaction and faster delivery of value Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews Producer: Tracylynne Williams

In This Episode of Elevated You'll Discover: - The essentials of AI for project managers - Strategies for integrating AI into your projects - Key skills needed in the AI project landscape - How to stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of tech Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews Producer: Tracylynne Williams

Dr. Wetsch will discuss the following topics: Some Cloud and AI Basics (e.g., Cloud Landscape, AI Terms) *Cloud and AI Adoption *Cloud AI Services *Developing a Use Case *Conclusion/Questions Moderated by: Mike Ash Produced by: Tracylynne Williams

During this episode, Dr. Johnson will discuss the following: *Delivery of value in the shortest, sustainable lead time *Improved collaboration and knowledge sharing across functional areas *Build competitive advantage through rapid learning and experiments *Improved quality *Improved customer happiness *Happier, more engaged employees Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews Producer: Tracylynne Williams

In this exciting episode, Elevated features Caltech CTME Marketing Instructors, Mary Abbazia and Tom Spitale. Mary and Tom discuss 10 of the Most Pressing Questions Facing B2B Strategic Marketers Today, including: *How Do Traditional Businesses Keep Up With The New Digital Competition? *How Can Smart Companies Bet On the Future — And Win? *How Can Content Marketing Be Used To Build Customer Trust? Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews Producer: Tracylynne Williams

In this session, we discuss: A framework for delivering meaningful Systems Engineering instruction in support and acknowledgment of the reality of digital ecosystems. To execute Systems Engineering in a modern digital context, considerable and intentional thought needs to be invested into developing and implementing the strategy. Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews Producer: Tracylynne Williams

In this episode, we discuss: *Chat GPT adoption *Current popular generative AI solutions in media *The history of AI *Evolution of AI: Why this time is different *Why everyone is excited about generative AI *AI is here, are we ready? *How work will change because of generative AI *How the workforce will change because of generative AI *Productivity gains, what the research says *Frameworks for achieving the optimal combinations of AI and Humans *The new work operating systems *Redesigning work to achieve the optimal combinations of talent, automation and AI *Tapping into the full AI potential *Projected impact of generative AI on work Moderator: Dr. Nate Crews Producer: Tracylynne Williams

In this session, we will discuss: *Systems Engineering *Industries That Require Systems Engineering *System Engineering Products *Model-based System Engineering *SysML Diagram Taxonomy *Magic System of Systems *MBSE Investment *MBSE Implementation Case Studies *Modeling Methodologies and Philosophies *Caltech MBSE Training Courses Moderator: Nate Crews Producer: Tracylynne Williams