On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gail Davis sits down with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino to explore the out-of-this-world lessons he learned in space. From teamwork and communication to overcoming obstacles, Mike shares invaluable insights that apply far beyond the cosmos.

Show Notes
Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and celebrated space walker who repaired the Hubble Space Telescope, is our guest today. As a keynote speaker, he brings authenticity and inspiration to every stage he steps on. Mike shares the biggest lessons he’s learned during his career in this conversation, as well as the strengths he brings to his speaking events.

Key topics in this episode include:

• What inspired Mike to become an astronaut, and who he brought to space.
• One of Mike’s biggest fears and why he didn’t let it stop him.
• How many times he applied to NASA before he actually got accepted.
• Why your goals are worth trying for, even if they seem out of reach.
• Why it’s better to speak up than stay silent, especially when it comes to ideas.
• What happens when a whole team focuses on one mission and goal.
• The value of adaptability in the workplace.
• Mike’s biggest lessons from his visits to space.
• What Mike did in space that no one else had ever done before.
• One of the best things you can do to support your team as a leader.
• The topics Mike covers in his speaking events and how he entertains the audience.
• How Mike can fulfill the specific needs of event planners.
• Why he loves doing Q&As and meet-and-greets with the audience.
• Tips for event planners who aren’t sure about setting up a Q&A.
• The view of space programs internationally and how those talks are received.