HBR IdeaCast NASA’s Science Head on Leading Space Missions with Risk of Spectacular Failure
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Oct 18, 2022 
In this enlightening discussion, Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's Head of Science, dives into the high-stakes world of space missions. He details a groundbreaking asteroid mission, emphasizing teamwork and budget management. Zurbuchen reflects on his remarkable journey from Switzerland to leading innovative projects at NASA. He underscores the importance of embracing failure to foster creativity and shares his insights on maintaining accountability while pushing technological boundaries. This chat is a testament to the power of effective leadership in challenging environments.
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From Swiss Village to NASA
- Thomas Zurbuchen's path to NASA began in an isolated Swiss village with limited access to books.
- Public school sparked his love for science, leading him to study physics and astrophysics despite facing doubts from some teachers.
Choosing NASA over Amazon
- Thomas Zurbuchen chose NASA over a higher-paying job at Amazon due to his passion for science and talent development.
- He felt he had stopped learning as much in his previous role and sought a more challenging opportunity.
Avoiding Reactive Leadership
- Avoid constant reactivity by setting boundaries and prioritizing proactive problem-solving.
- Delegate tasks effectively to avoid feeling overwhelmed and maintain control.