How a CFO Became a Space Startup CEO | Ep. 18

Most founders focus on scaling companies. Gary Calnan is building an entire economy  in space. In this episode, Gary shares his journey from finance and entrepreneurship to becoming a pioneer in space resource recovery and infrastructure. From early curiosity sparked by shuttle launches to working with Fortune 1000 companies, his path ultimately led him to the frontier of space innovation. We explore how space debris, asteroid mining, and in-space manufacturing could unlock the next industrial revolution  and why the space economy today looks a lot like the early days of the internet. Gary breaks down his framework for space resource value chains, including the idea of building "steel mills" in space, and explains how modular technologies are creating scalable opportunities for startups. He also shares insights on resilience, navigating uncertainty, and why embracing failure is critical in frontier industries. This episode is for founders, innovators, and anyone curious about the future of space, technology, and entrepreneurship. 🚀 Key Topics: Transition from finance to the space industry Space infrastructure & resource utilization Startup challenges and resilience Space mining, recycling, and debris economy Leadership under uncertainty The future isn't just something to watch  it's something to build.