Innovation in the Skies with Russel Van Der Werff

In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Russel Van Der Werff, an executive and technical leader at Aerostar, to explore the cutting-edge world of stratospheric ballooning. From launching high-altitude balloons in partnership with Google to fighting wildfires with real-time data and aerial connectivity, Russ takes us inside a world most people don’t even know exists—yet it’s reshaping how we think about airspace, leadership, and innovation.

Russ shares his journey from small-town South Dakota to leading a team of 80+ engineers at Aerostar. He opens up about the lessons he’s learned growing into leadership, the mindset needed to guide technical teams, and how embracing challenges can spark world-changing solutions.

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