New at Vita: Matt Christensen, Vita Aerospace
att brings a wealth of experience and expertise from his background in tech and product companies, spanning from startups to enterprise-level organizations. His extensive knowledge and innovative mindset make him a perfect fit for our team. We sat down with Matt for a Q&A session to learn more about his career milestones, his excitement about joining Vita, and his advice for young professionals.
Q: What are some of the major milestones that defined your career?
A: There have been quite a few defining moments throughout my career! One that stands out is my experience as an entrepreneur. I had the opportunity to be part of a startup company who launched a lifestyle-branded headphone, which was an incredible learning experience. It taught me so much about the ups and downs of launching a brand and how to navigate through tough situations. As an entrepreneur, you're constantly faced with challenges that require creative problem-solving, and that's something I absolutely thrive on.
I also had the privilege of working as a consultant for entrepreneurs, helping them develop growth strategies and achieve sustainable success. Guiding these passionate individuals to develop effective go-to-market strategies has been immensely rewarding. It's fascinating to witness the unlimited potential of these small companies, even though sometimes the abundance of opportunities can be overwhelming for entrepreneurs. Being able to provide guidance and support and seeing them flourish has been a source of great pride for me.
Q: What excites you about working at Vita?
A: Two words: the people. I cannot emphasize enough how excited I am to collaborate with the amazing individuals at Vita. The team here is made up of honest, hardworking, purposeful, and driven individuals. When you have the privilege of working with people who possess these qualities, it transforms the entire work environment. It doesn't feel like work; it becomes an enjoyable journey.
Beyond the people, I'm enthusiastic about the culture at Vita. It's a purpose-driven organization that prioritizes making a positive impact on people's lives. This gives our work a profound sense of meaning and fosters a unified effort. Knowing that the solutions we develop here at Vita are truly life-enhancing is inspiring, and it motivates us to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence.
Q: What are you most proud of in your career?
A: One of the things that bring me the greatest sense of pride is the opportunity I've had to mentor and support individuals with diverse backgrounds. Watching them grow both professionally and personally is incredibly fulfilling. I find immense satisfaction in creating paths for people to thrive and assisting them in achieving their goals. It's a remarkable feeling to witness their success and know that I played a part in their journey.
I take great pride in my ability to create ecosystems in highly fragmented industries. For example, I've recently been involved in developing an ecosystem within the search and rescue (SAR) domain, where various stakeholders often operate independently or have different SOP’s. By localizing and focusing our efforts, we can bring about transformative changes in SAR outcomes, resulting in faster, safer, and more profitable operations. The continued development of an encompassing SAR ecosystem within Vita Aerospace is exciting and can positively impact lives in a meaningful way.
Q: What is something most people don't know about you?
A: A fun fact that not many people are aware of is that I love Formula 1 racing! It's a relatively recent interest for me, but it's become a passion. Interestingly, my family has a history of dirt-track and asphalt racing starting back in the 1940’s and 50’s, so you could say racing runs in my blood. The technology, precision, and pure speed involved in Formula 1 racing make it fun to watch.
Q: What advice do you have for young professionals who are defining their path for success?
A: For young professionals who are navigating their path toward success, my advice would be to seek out advisors and mentors. Surround yourself with experienced individuals who can guide and support you along the way. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek mentorship from those who align with your aspirations and interests. Being inquisitive and open to learning is key.
Just like the advisors we have here at Vita, having mentors who can provide valuable insights and share their experiences can be instrumental in shaping your journey. Embrace the opportunity to learn from others, and don't hesitate to seek guidance when needed. Success is not a solitary endeavor—it's often the result of collective wisdom and shared knowledge.
