Built to Scale: The Ops Playbook

Part of the Next Orbit Virtual Series

When it comes to launching rockets, the space industry leads. But when it comes to launching internal systems that scale, many founders are still stuck in survival mode. In this candid and unapologetically raw talk, Dr. Melissa Patton, a seasoned enterprise founder, fractional COO, and author of the Grit + Growth Workbook: Passionate Teams, Emerging Leaders, and Resilient Cultures, delivers a practical, relatable, and field-tested guide to building the operational backbone your startup needs to grow.

Drawing from her company’s scale-and-exit journey, her “Grit + Growth” playbook, and themes from her workbook such as embracing discomfort, navigating uncertainty, and challenging pain thresholds, Dr. Patton debunks operational myths and breaks down the repeatable systems that separate chaos from clarity.

What you’ll learn:

• Identify and fix 3 core friction points slowing their company down
• Build a hiring and operating rhythm with clarity and intentionality 
• Reframe growth challenges using discomfort as a strategy for transformation
• Leave with a tactical toolkit (not just inspiration) to use immediately

Please note: this is an external event -- we highly encourage you to register directly here in addition to the Startup Grind registration; it only takes a moment!

About the Next Orbit Series:

The space industry is evolving rapidly, and let's be honest, having groundbreaking technology is just the beginning. Next Orbit is a virtual event series designed for Series A/B startups and small businesses who are ready to turn their space dreams into sustainable, thriving companies.

Each session connects you with seasoned experts in funding, operations, marketing, and business development who genuinely want to see you succeed. They'll share the insights, strategies, and occasional hard truths that can help you attract the right investors, sharpen your commercial approach, and build something that lasts.

We know the space between having a great idea and building a successful company can feel like a vast expanse. That's exactly why we're here. Next Orbit gives you the practical tools, valuable connections, and genuine support you need to navigate that journey, from wherever you are now to wherever you're headed next.