How to Work for NASA w/ Donald G. James
Does being the smartest astronaut make you successful at NASA?
Meet Donald G. James!
Donald developed an early interest in aviation and international affairs due to his frequent travels with his parents to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The experience of living in developing countries and a desire to solve problems of destitution inspired him to pursue International Relations and Economic Development academically, though he never lost his interest in aerospace.
After graduate school, Donald applied to and was accepted into the Presidential Management Intern program at NASA, beginning at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in 1982. He decided to make a career at NASA after the tragic Challenger accident in 1986. Working at the Agency that led America and the world to human exploration of the moon is an honor and a privilege for him.
Meet Donald G. James!
Donald developed an early interest in aviation and international affairs due to his frequent travels with his parents to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The experience of living in developing countries and a desire to solve problems of destitution inspired him to pursue International Relations and Economic Development academically, though he never lost his interest in aerospace.
After graduate school, Donald applied to and was accepted into the Presidential Management Intern program at NASA, beginning at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in 1982. He decided to make a career at NASA after the tragic Challenger accident in 1986. Working at the Agency that led America and the world to human exploration of the moon is an honor and a privilege for him.
In August of 2014, NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden selected Donald to serve as the Agency’s Associate Administrator for Education. Donald retired after 35 years—all with NASA—on March 31, 2017. He enjoys speaking to groups, especially young people interested in aerospace careers and about the themes in his new book.
Donald’s bestselling book (in collaboration with his brother Dennis) "Manners Will Take You Where Brains and Money Won’t: Wisdom from Momma and 35 years at NASA" is available on his website and Amazon. He lives with his wife Tanya in Pleasanton, California. They have two children.
Donald’s bestselling book (in collaboration with his brother Dennis) "Manners Will Take You Where Brains and Money Won’t: Wisdom from Momma and 35 years at NASA" is available on his website and Amazon. He lives with his wife Tanya in Pleasanton, California. They have two children.
On this episode, Donald shares how lessons from his mother were the reason he achieved great success in his career at NASA.
Key Points:
- why being smart isn't good enough
- how Donald went from intern to top NASA leadership
- qualities needed to thrive at NASA
- why NASA hires more non-STEM professionals
- different facets of mentorship
- the power of active listening
- your mindset when charting a career path
- the professional benefits of exposure to different cultures
- how leaders can actively include introverted team members
...and so much more!
Connect with Donald:
Website: https://donaldgregoryjames.com
Email: mannerswilltakeyou@gmail.com
Additional Resources:
"Manners Will Take You Where Brains and Money Won’t: Wisdom from Momma and 35 years at NASA" by Donald G. James
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Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-being-smart-is-not-good-enough-at-nasa-w-donald-g-james/id1614151066?i=1000633354887
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1iPzMcj7Mm2VZy94d9zKP5
YouTube: https://youtu.be/PZciXJwdWvo
