Since receiving his first Titan 100 award in 2022, Derek Newsom has
continued to significantly impact aerospace and defense technology sectors.
As chief operating officer and board director at Liteye Systems, a provider of
counter drone and covert surveillance technology solutions to the Department
of Defense, UK Ministry of Defence and others, Newsom strategically scaled
the business, leading to its successful sale to a private equity firm at premium
share value. Subsequently, Newsom joined Caliola Engineering as chief
growth officer, focusing on nuclear command, control and military satellite
communications. He also founded Axis CxO Solutions, a fractional executive
consulting firm.
Central to Newsom’s consistent success is his strategic ability to leverage
Fortune 100 executive experiences alongside entrepreneurial leadership
skills. His expertise in reshaping businesses emphasizes EBITDA growth and
maximizing shareholder value, transforming small-to-medium enterprises
into thriving, profitable ventures.
At Liteye Systems, one of Newsom’s standout accomplishments involved
collaborating with the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies
Office to deliver a groundbreaking ground-based laser counter drone defense
system—a first-of-its-kind battlefield capability. This achievement highlighted
his capability to translate innovative concepts into operational successes.
Following Liteye’s acquisition, Newsom quickly transitioned to Caliola
Engineering. Within just two months, he significantly reorganized
and optimized company operations, creating a stronger, more scalable
organization. His comprehensive strategy included retooling the engineering
teams, establishing a robust IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, and
implementing a Program Management Office to enhance project execution and
elevate customer satisfaction. Furthermore, partnering closely with the chief
executive officer, Newsom championed the adoption of the Entrepreneurial
Operating System (EOS) methodology. He credits EOS for fostering a culture
built on trust, transparency and accountability, foundational elements for
sustainable and agile business growth. Ensuring organizational alignment
with core values and mission objectives, Newsom’s visionary leadership has
driven profound improvements in Caliola Engineering’s overall performance
and capacity.
Beyond his designated responsibilities, Newsom willingly embraces additional
roles to support his team’s success. As leader of Caliola’s Engineering Solutions
division, he also managed a key Navy program, culminating in the company’s first
software transition into a Department of Defense Navy Program of Record.
Caliola Engineering’s software successfully met all Navy testing requirements
and will enhance communications capabilities for Navy aircraft, including
fighter jets.
Moreover, employee professional development remains pivotal in Newsom’s
leadership philosophy. Utilizing an innovative skill-set mapping framework,
he continuously aligns employee capabilities with emerging customer needs,
fostering a growth-oriented environment. His personalized coaching style,
grounded in active listening and insightful questioning, empowers team
members to unlock potential and manage career transitions effectively. Extending his mentorship beyond organizational boundaries, Newsom actively
supports entrepreneurs and professionals at various career stages, amplifying
his enduring influence across individuals and organizations alike.
