Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D. From Submarine to Spaceport: Adaptive Leadership with Trey Carlson
Jun 11, 2025
Trey Carlson, Chief of Staff for NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and former U.S. Navy submariner, shares his journey from military operations to space leadership. He discusses the critical importance of relationships and communication in high-stakes environments. Carlson reveals how his early culinary experiences on submarines shaped his leadership style. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating leadership transitions and emphasizes open dialogue in diverse teams, showcasing how investing in relationships can elevate organizational morale and foster collaboration.
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Submarine Cook Leadership Lessons
- Trey Carlson shares how being a cook on a submarine taught him crucial interpersonal skills.
- Despite initial embarrassment, these experiences helped him work effectively with diverse crew members and leaders.
Prioritize Relationships Regularly
- Prioritize relationships even when time is scarce by engaging in regular informal interactions.
- Investing time in people yields satisfaction and strengthens networks essential for effective leadership.
Know Your Unique Leadership Value
- Discovering your unique value enhances leadership effectiveness.
- Modeling others' behaviors alone won't fulfill your leadership role; understanding your strengths matters most.