There are very few enterprises that truly surpass the wonders of good fiction, while becoming firmly grounded in the psyche of nations and real history. NASA can claim that status - and only a handful of individuals can be recognized for the exceptional contribution they have made to that organization’s innovative reach for success.

Michael Ciannilli is one of those people. He is NASA’s Program Manager for the Apollo Challenger Columbia Lessons Learned Program and has worked for the administration for over 24 years, during which time he’s seen great success and great tragedy - including the destruction in flight of the space shuttle Challenger. In conversation with PMI’s chief operating officer, Joseph Cahill, he talks about how he and his teams work to enhance the efficacy of complex programs, and deliver lessons learned through inspirational projects.