Ken Shields

Enigma

DISC Type : idc

Sr. Director, Business Development at Vast

Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States

Overview

Ken Shields is a senior business development executive with over 20 years of experience, currently leading commercial platform development for Vasts space stations. His career spans leadership roles at Sierra Space and the ISS National Lab, focusing on transitioning space R&D to commercial markets. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Transportation and Logistics from the University of Tennessee.

He follows in his fathers footsteps, who also graduated from the University of Tennessee with the same degree. Ken is passionate about giving back to his community and alma mater, and he encourages students and young professionals to challenge themselves, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

He is a recipient of the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal for his work broadening commercial participation in space.

Personality Overview

Persuasive & Assertive

Fast Follower

Challenger

They are generally strong communicators and are not easy to convince. They are likely to ask many questions and look heavily for supporting proof as well as information. They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing

Topics They Care About

Commercial Space Stations

His current role at Vast and previous work at Sierra Space on Orbital Reef are focused on building and commercializing private space stations.

In-Space R&D

He has a long history of enabling research in space, from his time as COO of the ISS National Lab to his current focus on biotech and materials R&D at Vast.

STEM Education

While at CASIS, he directed space-related education programs and is passionate about inspiring youth to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Commercial Space Stations: His current role at Vast and previous work at Sierra Space on Orbital Reef are focused on building and commercializing private space stations.

In-Space R&D: He has a long history of enabling research in space, from his time as COO of the ISS National Lab to his current focus on biotech and materials R&D at Vast.

STEM Education: While at CASIS, he directed space-related education programs and is passionate about inspiring youth to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Media Appearances

Ken has no verified media appearances

Work History

8-2025

Sr. Director, Business Development at Vast

11-2021 - 8-2025

Director, Commercial Market Development at Sierra Space

3-2022 - 7-2025

Sr. Director, Business Development at Sierra Space

9-2018 - 6-2021

VP and Chief Operating Officer at ISS National Laboratory

11-2012 - 9-2018

Director Of Operations at Center for the Advancement of Science In Space (CASIS)

Education

Bachelor of Science from University of Tennessee

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 13 Location : Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States Job Level : Senior Designation : Sr. Director, Business Development at Vast

<div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="DISC profile is one of the most popular behavioral assessment frameworks in use. It is especially useful in understanding workplace behavior and how different people approach similar situations differently.">DISC Profile : Ken's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="disc_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">idc</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed." style="position: absolute;top: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f1828d, #d2527f); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">D</div><div class="disclabel1" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general." style="position: absolute;right: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(270deg, #fad859, #f7ca18); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">I</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating." style="position: absolute;bottom: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #b7f4d8, #66cc99);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">S</div><div class="disclabel2" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical." style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #848ccf, #524eb7);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">C</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="disc_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Influence</div>Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Dominance</div>Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Calculativeness</div>Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical.</div></div></div></div><div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="OCEAN personality assessment, or Big 5 personality traits model, is the second most well-known behavioral assessment framework after MBTI. It provides a holistic way of understanding how people are and what to expect of them.">OCEAN Profile : Ken's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="ocean_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">Eca</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach." style="position: absolute;top: -7%;left: calc(50% - 12px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #963694, rgb(175,79,173));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">O</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times." style="position: absolute;right: 4%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f15a22, rgb(255,115,59));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">C</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings." style="position: absolute;bottom: 3%;left: calc(50% - -93px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(270deg, #bf55ec, rgb(216,110,255));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">E</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude." style="position: absolute;left: 17%;top: calc(50% - -127px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #be5683, rgb(215,111,156));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">A</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)" style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f62459, rgb(255,61,114));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">N</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="ocean_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Extraversion</div>Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Conscientiousness</div>Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Agreeableness</div>Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude.</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Ken Shields

Sr. Director, Business Development at Vast

Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

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Insights For Selling To Ken

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: Informal style, where you are talking in a friendly & casual manner, with a big smile on makes them want to speak to you.

Pace: Don't be too fast or too slow, stay in the middle. Sound like a 'brings happiness to others' person.

Tone: Speak with high energy and in a personal manner, as if you have met a friend suddenly after a long time.

Tactics To Win: Giving social proof, personal rapport, usage of superlatives, repeating their name.

Mistakes To Avoid: Information overload, use of negations

Making The Ask: Use positivity and/or humor to make the ask. It appeals to them, as if you are bringing a cheer to their day. (Avoid doing this with Dominant or Calculative types)

Subconscious Driver: They are driven by emotion more than any other type. Hence a proposition that excites them will immediately get their attention.

Greeting: Hey Ken, [user_fname] here at [user_companynamefirsttwowords] calling you this morning/evening!

Opener: Now I know how much people love cold calls, so how about 30 seconds to tell you what I have for you?

Introduction: We have built an AI that predicts exactly what will build a solid relationship with each prospect before you even spend a minute with them.

Ask: Ken, leaders just like you at companies like [abc], [xyz] have been blown away with what they have seen, why don’t we put 15 minutes on your calendar to show you if what I am saying is actually real, yeah?

Close: So morning at around [time] next [tuesday], shall we say? And is it [prospect_email]? Don't want to get that wrong you know!

When Writing An Email

Subject: Exciting, direct

Salutation: No

Greeting: No (Or say something unique)

Emojis/GIFs:

Bullet Points: Could use

Closing Line: Informally state your ask

Complimentary Close: Unique, casual

Tone of Words: Informal, direct

Overall Messaging: Focused on personal achievement

Length of Mail: Short

While Negotiating & Closing

The secret to closing fast with Ken is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Ken

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Ken move?

Can Ken take some risk or not?

You And Ken

Personality Compatibility

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