Extraordinary achievements are built upon vision, preparation, teamwork, and the willingness to embrace uncertainty.

Doug Hurley, former military test pilot, civil engineer, retired U.S. Marine colonel, and astronaut will reflect on the experiences that shaped his career. From his military service to piloting Atlantis in the final mission of the Space Shuttle program to helping advance a new era of American human spaceflight, as commander of SpaceX Crew Dragon, the first crewed flight of a commercial orbital spacecraft from US oil since the Shuttle era ended.

As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Doug Hurley’s story offers a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through innovation, perseverance, and a shared commitment to pursuing ambitious goals.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe leadership characteristics that contribute to success in high-performance, mission-critical environments.
2. Examine the role of teamwork, preparation, and adaptability in achieving complex organizational goals.
3. Discuss how innovation and perseverance have shaped milestones in American space exploration.
4. Apply leadership principles drawn from aerospace and military experience to professional decision-making and organizational leadership.