The Unique Challenges of the Space Sector
Space is a challenging industry that transcends individual efforts, corporations, and nations. The complexities and vast unknowns of space exploration require collaboration at a global scale. The challenges we experience in space, whether technological, scientific, or environmental, are issues that impact our humanity as a whole. Little Place Labs’ (LPL) mission is to solve and identify real-world global challenges, such as detecting wildfires, monitoring vessels, identifying oil spills, and enhancing national security. We are continuously exploring new use cases that have a meaningful impact on our world.
This is why diversity in our workplace is crucial specifically in thinking, perspective, knowledge, and education. By bringing together a wide range of expertise we can address these challenges more effectively and drive innovation that benefits every person on Earth. LPL is committed to building a world-class team that reflects this diversity, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible using edge computing in space.
Why Little Place Labs is Special
From day one, diversity has been a cornerstone of our approach, with our founders’ distinct experiences and perspectives laying the groundwork for a strong and wide-reaching definition of diversity. Co-Founders Bosco Lai (CEO) and Gaurav Bajaj (CTO) come from vastly different personal and professional backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the table, even though their roots were not originally in the space industry. Their paths crossed during their Executive MBA at the University of Oxford, where their shared vision led to the creation of Little Place Labs (Oxford story: HERE). Since then, they have built a team that spans four countries, which brings together unique perspectives and skills, fostering a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding work environment where collaboration thrives.
Diversity and Inclusion
What sets us apart is not only our innovative technology but also our deep-rooted values. We recognize the importance of diverse backgrounds and experiences in driving innovation and creative problem-solving. At LPL, we encourage curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning to build an atmosphere where our team members feel empowered to explore new ideas, push boundaries, and challenge the status quo.
“Our diverse team, spreading across three continents, brings unique perspectives to the table, adding to our creativity & problem-solving capabilities. We have a culture of inclusivity where every team member's voice is heard, and their contributions are valued. This environment has not only enhanced our productivity but also our growth as individuals and as a company. Working at Little Place Labs has underscored the immense value of diversity and inclusion for me. It’s not just a buzzword here; it's a core principle that drives our success and makes our remote work experience truly rewarding.” - Sanyam Jain, Business Development
Building an Inclusive Culture
We believe that fostering an inclusive culture is essential for our success. To strengthen personal connections, we organize team off-sites where we meet in person. These gatherings include team-building activities, strategy workshops, and collaborative sessions that enhance our collective vision. Being in person allows for dynamic brainstorming sessions and real-time problem-solving. By coming together in these settings, we reinforce our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. These off-sites are a key element in celebrating and building a stronger, more connected team.
“Having worked both remotely and in-person, my preferred paradigm is to work in-person. It offers numerous benefits, including the immediate availability of team members, which fosters a seamless flow of collaboration. Additionally, spending time together in the workplace contributes significantly to personal development, allowing you to learn from your teammates and benefit from the mentorship of supervisors who are readily available. However, at LPL, I’ve come to appreciate how our team has fostered a similar supportive environment remotely. We make ourselves available to each other at all times, which also promotes personal development. This remote setup allows me to balance being there for my family while actively contributing to my team. It’s like breaking down the rigid walls that create unnecessary boundaries, providing the best of both worlds.” - Param Thind, Data Scientist
India Offsite - Bangalore, India (Left) | USA Offsite - Washington, DC (Right)
Monthly All Hands
Our Monthly All Hands meetings create a platform for each team to provide updates on their ongoing projects and any upcoming on the horizon, making sure everyone is aligned with our goals and progress. During the meeting, we incorporate engaging activities to make it interactive and enjoyable. Occasionally we have guest speakers who share their experiences or insight into related topics for LPL. Other times we organize breakout rooms to facilitate deeper discussions and team bonding, allowing smaller groups to brainstorm, solve problems, and share feedback. These sessions not only keep the team informed but also strengthen our remote work culture by promoting collaboration and connection among team members.
Maintaining a Strong Remote Work Setting Through Shared Purpose
As LPL continues to expand and grow, maintaining a cohesive remote work environment remains our top priority. Adding new team members brings fresh perspectives and strengthens our capabilities, but it also requires careful attention to ensure everyone feels connected and included. Focusing on fostering diversity and inclusion, building an inclusive culture, and organizing regular team-building activities, both virtually and in person, are imperative to ensure that we maintain a unified culture, even as our team evolves. Ultimately, we are all driven and connected by our shared purpose:
United by passion, innovate with curiosity, fulfill with perseverance, to shape a secure and brighter future for our Little Place - Earth, and beyond.
This commitment guides us as we embrace growth and navigate the complexities of the ever-changing space tech landscape.
Author: Shalaina Parikh (Our Strategic Buz Dev. & HR Manager, aka the "LPLer" passionate in people and culture!)
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