Leaders can’t surpass the achievements of the past by sticking to the ways of the past. They must continuously challenge the status quo to inspire teams to break new ground and achieve new possibilities. Few organizations embody this approach to leadership as well as NASA.

In this episode, Host Gautam Mukunda speaks with NASA’s Chief Flight Director, Holly Ridings about how to build a diverse culture of collaboration, innovation, and disruption. She also discusses how to lead through insurmountable challenges and inspire teams to reach new heights. Holly was the lead flight director for Expedition 16 and SpaceX Dragon. In her current role, she is responsible for the safety and success of human spaceflight at NASA.

“I’m always pushing the envelope because in my opinion, as leaders of human spaceflight we have to disrupt ourselves in order to stay ahead and be relevant in terms of leadership. If we are not disrupting ourselves then how do we lead the industry through all of the transitions and changes?”

— Holly Ridings

Follow @GMukunda on Twitter or email us at WorldReimagined@nasdaq.com

Literature Referenced:

The Right Stuff, by Tom Wolfe

Columbia Accident Investigation Report

For more information on this episode’s guests please visit:

www.nasdaq.com/world-reimagined-podcast

Leading into the Unknown: Inspiring the Impossible with NASA’s Holly Ridings 44:48 Share

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Leading into the Unknown: Inspiring the Impossible with NASA’s Holly Ridings