From NASA to HVAC Innovation: Jordan Sotudeh on Decarbonization and Leadership

How do you go from NASA strategy rooms to disrupting HVAC and building decarbonization?On this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Jordan Sotudeh, CEO and cofounder of Venaera, a startup redefining HVAC with modular, intelligent heat pump systems. With deep roots in science, policy, and innovation—from NASA to JPL to the Department of Defense—Jordan brings an unmatched systems-thinking approach to solving some of the most significant climate infrastructure challenges of our time. This conversation explores how technical brilliance meets entrepreneurial grit, and what it really takes to lead a mission-critical venture that marries sustainability, technology, and market execution. If you’re a founder, consultant, or leader in the AEC, energy, or technology sector, Jordan’s insights into policy-informed innovation and her vision for scalable decarbonization will challenge your assumptions and inspire smarter action. What You’ll Learn:How Jordan’s experience in aerospace and government shaped his entrepreneurial mindsetThe mission behind Venaera—and how it’s solving outdated HVAC inefficienciesWhy decarbonization must be modular, adaptive, and resilientLessons on leadership, clarity, and scaling technical teamsHow to navigate the “builder’s paradox”: fast growth vs. long-term impactWhy founders must think in systems, not silosAbout Jordan SotudehJordan is the CEO of Venaera, where he leads a team reinventing HVAC systems for a sustainable future. Previously, he served in leadership roles across NASA, JPL, the Department of Defense, and top aerospace firms, supporting strategy, innovation, and emerging technologies. A certified PMP with a Master’s from GWU, she also advises UCSB’s Engineering Leadership Program. Website: https://venaera.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordansotudehAbout the HostDavid W. Carr is the founder of Steward Your Business and host of the Business Roundtable Podcast. He helps leaders and firms align people, process, and purpose for confident, scalable growth.Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessSubscribe, share, and leave a review to help amplify leaders like Jordan doing transformational work in mission-critical sectors.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business