Different Lenses, Better Outcomes: Meet Our New Host, SSgt Ian “Speed” Pierce

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, host TSgt Dan Kosty introduces listeners to the podcast’s newest co-host, SSgt Ian “Speed” Pierce, and the perspective he brings to the conversation. Ian reflects on his journey from aircraft maintenance and high-tempo operations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to deep testing at Edwards Air Force Base and squadron-level innovation efforts. He shares how seeing challenges through different lenses — and joining Tesseract’s Process Advancement team — has shaped how he approaches problems, systems, and change across the force. The conversation explores how applying Theory of Constraints helps focus effort on what actually limits performance, and how Ian’s lived operational experience is where his Airmen-first approach comes from — empowering others to think critically, speak up, and take action. Tune in to hear how Speed’s drive to connect, create, and challenge the status quo led him to Tesseract — and now to the mic as the podcast’s newest co-host.