Adam Steltzner: NASA Engineer
- Highlights:
- Described as a cross between “Einstein and Elvis Costello,” Adam Steltzner is a leader heralded for making the impossible possible.
- And he wants to know “How great do YOU dare to become?”
- Travels from: Altadena, CA
- **Fee range: On Request
Keynote Topics
Into the Unknown
How Leadership, Ingenuity, and Perseverance Put a Rover on Mars
Only Adam Steltzner and his talented team at Jet Propulsion Lab could follow their “Curiosity” rover success with the stunning Mars 2020 mission to land the rover “Perseverance” on the red planet. The magnificent landing on Mars on February 18, 2021 was akin to hurling a dart from New York City to land in a 5-foot circle in Washington DC.
More than a technological achievement, the successful mission stands as an extraordinary leadership accomplishment in the midst of a global pandemic. In his exhilarating keynote, full of fascinating anecdotes and breathtaking images, Steltzner shares his own innovation challenges, leadership struggles, and flawless execution.
Most importantly, he shows how you can overcome daunting obstacles in times of uncertainty and change. The human spirit is boundless, and Steltzner leaves you unafraid to journey from your comfort zone to explore your own exciting future.
The Right Kind of Crazy
A True Story of Teamwork, Leadership and High Stakes Innovation
With a rich and varied background, Adam Steltzner had many of the needed skills to lead the landing team for the Curiosity rover. That said, his team would struggle for almost a decade with design challenges and set backs.
- How did he keep the team focused and on task?
- What makes a team gel and enables truly innovative thinking?
- How do team dynamics drive that process forward or inhibit it?
- And how can organizational culture create an environment for sustained performance?
The challenges he and the team faced and the lessons learned from those struggles can help audiences understand how to better lead their high performing teams, manage innovation and drive towards excellence.
How Curiosity Changed My Life
Curiosity has touched Adam Steltzner’s life in parallel arcs. In his personal life there is the transformation from wan-a-be rock star at 21 year of age to rocket scientist at 30, a transition started when he followed his curiosity.
In his professional life, he was responsible for landing the Curiosity rover on the surface of Mars, an act that demanded he use his curiosity to help us follow ours. Curiosity and exploration, the spark and the fire that burns from it, are powerful disruptors of human existence.
Steltzner explores these topics and asserts that when we follow our own curiosity and explore what we might be, we are better for it.
Read Full Bio
An aspiring rock star turned Ph.D. rocket scientist, Adam Steltzner is praised as a cutting-edge innovator and a leader who literally brings out the very best in his teams. Adam serves as Chief Engineer of the current Mars 2020 Mission & Rover Perseverance that has the ultimate objective of determining if life has existed on Mars.
Adam Steltzner | STEM Leadership
A mission ten years in the making, Mars 2020 was plunged into uncertainty at a crucial juncture by the global pandemic. Preparing a mission for Mars and not making any mistakes is immensely difficult under the best conditions. Suddenly, Steltzner and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory team of 6,000+ was forced to operate remotely. The collaborative teams pressed on and remarkably maintained all of the original assembly and launch timetables. After a 6-month journey through space, history was made on February 18th when the Rover Perseverance spectacularly landed on the Martian surface, more than 200,000,000 miles from Earth.
Adam Steltzner earlier led a breakthrough team that created the ingenious “sky crane” landing system for the Rover Curiosity that landed on Mars in 2012. The achievement prompted leadership guru Simon Sinek to state, “[Steltzner] shows us that doing what others think is impossible takes more than grit and courage. It takes the ability to inspire people . . . It takes leadership.” Steltzner was also honored with the “American Ingenuity” Award from Smithsonian Institute.
Adam is the author of The Right Kind of Crazy: A True Story of Teamwork, Leadership and High Stakes Innovation, that was named a “best leadership book of the year” by the Washington Post. CEO READ picked the book as “Editor’s Choice” for its unique strategies and perspectives.
Adam Steltzner brings a rock-star’s presence and a storyteller’s gift to the stage with his keynote speeches. Adam has mastered the art of managing complex teams and the concept of “making ideas reality.” He knows first-hand how collaborative cultures foster innovation and how team-minded engagement fuels performance. And he inspires audiences to dare greatly – to embrace the power of curiosity, creativity, and courage to do what others say is impossible.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (42)
Shep Hyken is an Award-winning Keynote Speaker and World-Renowned Keynote Speaker in Customer Service & Customer Experience. Shep has worked with the world’s best brands to help them build a culture centered around the customer. His presentations consistently get rave reviews for being engaging and informative. The National Speakers Association inducted Shep into it’s Hall […]
- Travels from: St. Louis, MO
- Customer Experience
- (9)
- (3)
Wema Hoover is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational development, and authentic leadership. With a career spanning decades, she has become a trusted voice for driving meaningful transformation in corporate culture. Known for her ability to inspire leaders and teams alike, Wema’s thought-provoking insights and actionable strategies resonate on […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
- (56)
Simone Biles has an astounding tally of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she is not just a dominant force in her sport but also a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and grace. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to a global icon is a testament to her dedication and unyielding spirit. Beyond […]
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- Sporting Speakers
- (14)
- (1)
Lewis Pugh stands out as a remarkable figure. Renowned for his awe-inspiring feats of endurance in the world’s most frigid and treacherous waters, Pugh is not just an adventurer and environmentalist but also a powerful keynote speaker. Through his remarkable journey, he has been able to bring attention to critical environmental issues and inspire people […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Inspirational Speakers
- (40)
Brett King is a world-renowned futurist and speaker, recognized for his profound insights into the future of business, technology, and society. As an International Bestselling Author and media personality, King has captivated audiences worldwide with his compelling narratives on the digital revolution and its implications. King’s illustrious career is marked by his relentless pursuit of […]
- Travels from: Bangkok, Thailand
- Artificial Intelligence
- (11)
Aerial bartenders bring a unique and captivating twist to event entertainment by serving drinks while suspended in the air. Combining acrobatics, elegance, and mixology, these performers gracefully pour beverages from aerial hoops, silks, or other aerial apparatus, adding a touch of spectacle to any gathering. Perfect for upscale events, weddings, and corporate functions, aerial bartenders […]
- Travels from: Nationwide
- Aerial Performers
- (11)
PartyLikeaMotha has been DJ’n for over 10 years, formally known as ‘Wendi Cakes’ but now I go by the name PartyLikeaMotha. She has gone on tour with POP group sensation, Far East Movement better known for their hit single “Fly like a G6”. She was also a resident DJ for TAO group for many years […]
- Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
- Mobile DJ
- (75)
Jason Silva is a multifaceted individual renowned for his captivating storytelling, visionary ideas, and dynamic presence both on screen and on stage. As an Emmy-nominated TV personality, filmmaker, and futurist, Jason has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with his thought-provoking insights and impassioned delivery. Jason Silva’s journey into the realms of media and futurism […]
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- Digital Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
