Program Manager's Playbook: Delivering High-Stakes Results at Collins Aerospace

Go behind the scenes with Jacob Henschel, a Program Manager at Collins Aerospace, as he reveals what it really takes to lead high-stakes programs in one of the world's most demanding industries. This interview explores how program managers operate at the intersection of engineering, risk, timelines, and multimillion-dollar customer expectations. Jacob shares the real story of program leadership — not the textbook version — including: How aerospace programs move from early concept to production-ready reality The balancing act between engineering rigor, schedule pressure, and budget discipline Managing cross-functional teams spread across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and customer support How program managers build trust, handle failures, and make tough calls under pressure The communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills required when the stakes involve safety, reliability, and global customers You'll hear candid insights on what separates average program managers from exceptional ones, how to drive alignment when everyone has competing priorities, and why program managers are the connective tissue in complex organizations. Whether you're studying for the PMP, leading projects, or simply curious about how aerospace programs actually work, this conversation gives you a front-row seat to one of the toughest and most rewarding roles in the industry.