Gregory Robinson: Leadership
Aerospace keynote speaker Gregory Robinson shares leadership lessons from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, helping organizations navigate complexity, drive innovation, and achieve mission-critical success.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Former program director of the James Webb Space Telescope
- 33-year career at NASA leading major space missions
- Led a $10 billion program to successful launch in 2021
- Expert in leadership, risk management, and complex project execution
- Formats: Keynote Speaker, Leadership Expert, Aerospace Innovator
- Audiences: Corporate leaders, engineering and technology teams, government organizations, and audiences focused on innovation, leadership, and high-performance execution.
- Outcomes:
- Leadership strategies for managing complex, high-stakes projects
- Insights into innovation, resilience, and problem-solving under pressure
- Inspiration to think bigger and lead with purpose in challenging environments
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Taking on Your Own Moonshot
Are you looking to inspire your organization to reach for the stars, conquer a huge challenge, or simply see the value of teamwork, open communication and innovative thinking?
Let NASA veteran Gregory Robinson guide you on a journey to the far reaches of space and limitless human potential, going behind-the-scenes at NASA against a backdrop of awe-inspiring photos from the James Webb Space Telescope. Sharing the story of how he led a team that transformed a failing program into one of humankind’s greatest achievements, Robinson provides universal lessons on overcoming challenges, building trust and collaboration, enhancing communication and more.
Perfect for “all hands” meetings, kick offs, product launches or any event in which you want to inspire your group to achieve great things together.
A NASA-Inspired Approach to Leading Innovation in Any Organization
Today, most organizations must innovate or fall behind. But what’s the key to leading innovation and overcoming challenges and failures?
It isn’t just about hiring very talented people. At NASA, Gregory Robinson worked with, led and managed some of the world’s most accomplished scientists and engineers. Instead, he says, it’s about prioritizing relationship-building, creativity, knowledge-sharing and “open communication without fear.”
Robinson emphasizes soft skills like knowing when to lead and when to support, understanding how to collaborate, problem solving, and being able to reach out beyond your team to find answers and fresh thinking. Using real-life examples from his 33-year history at NASA, set against a backdrop that takes you a million miles from Earth, Greg Robinson shows how the human element is more critical than ever to driving transformation and achieving our most ambitious goals.
From Sharecroppers’ Son to TIME’s Most Influential People List
Just being an engineer in a time when few Blacks were in STEM professions would have been an achievement. Just getting into NASA—where the ranks of Black professionals were few and far between would have been an inspiring success story. But Gregory Robinson’s against-all-odds journey to leading the James Webb Space Telescope program had a starting point worthy of Hollywood.
Born the ninth of eleven children to tobacco sharecroppers in southern Virginia, where the legacy of Jim Crow was still strong, Robinson attended segregated schools until the age of 10. In this inspiring talk, HBCU graduate Robinson shares how he went from the tobacco fields to being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people– and how lessons learned through humble beginnings propelled his much-honored career.
Talent Short Bio
Gregory Robinson is a distinguished aerospace leader and keynote speaker best known for his role as program director of the James Webb Space Telescope, one of the most ambitious and complex scientific missions in history. With a 33-year career at NASA, he has led high-stakes programs that have advanced space exploration and scientific discovery.
Gregory played a critical role in guiding the James Webb Space Telescope through significant technical, financial, and organizational challenges, ultimately leading to its successful launch in December 2021. His leadership in bringing a delayed, multi-billion-dollar project back on track has made him a respected authority on resilience, accountability, and mission execution.
Throughout his career, Gregory has held numerous leadership roles overseeing complex engineering initiatives and cross-functional teams. His expertise spans strategic planning, risk management, and innovation under pressure, offering valuable insights for organizations navigating uncertainty and transformation.
Read Full Bio
Gregory Robinson is a distinguished leader in aerospace and science, celebrated for his pivotal role as the former director of the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). With an illustrious 33-year career at NASA, he has been instrumental in shaping some of the most groundbreaking space exploration projects of our time. His expertise in engineering, leadership, and strategic management has positioned him as one of the most sought-after voices in space technology and innovation.
Under his leadership, the James Webb Space Telescope successfully launched in December 2021, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe. His ability to navigate complex challenges and drive mission success has earned him widespread recognition, making him a compelling speaker for organizations seeking insights into leadership, resilience, and scientific discovery.
Gregory Robinson’s career at NASA has been marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Before his tenure as the Webb Telescope’s program director, he held various leadership roles at NASA, overseeing mission-critical projects that pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and technology. His extensive experience in managing multi-billion-dollar programs has equipped him with a unique perspective on high-stakes decision-making, risk management, and leading teams through adversity.
During his time at NASA, Robinson was responsible for overseeing numerous space missions, ensuring their success through meticulous planning and execution. His leadership was particularly evident during the Webb Telescope’s development, where he played a crucial role in bringing the project back on track after significant delays and cost overruns. His ability to drive innovation while maintaining fiscal responsibility has made him a role model for executives and teams across industries.
Beyond his technical expertise, Robinson is passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders. He frequently speaks about the importance of diversity in STEM fields, advocating for greater inclusion and representation in aerospace and technology. His inspiring journey from humble beginnings to leading one of the most ambitious space missions in history serves as a powerful testament to the impact of perseverance, education, and leadership.
Gregory Robinson’s legacy at NASA and his leadership in launching the James Webb Space Telescope solidify his reputation as a visionary in aerospace and science. His extensive experience in project management, engineering, and leadership makes him a compelling speaker for a wide range of audiences. Whether discussing the intricacies of space exploration, leadership lessons from high-stakes projects, or the importance of diversity in STEM, Robinson delivers thought-provoking insights that inspire and educate.
Hashtags
#GregoryRobinson #NASA #JamesWebbTelescope #Leadership #Innovation #SpaceExploration #STEM #DiversityInSTEM #Engineering #ScienceEducation
View further Leadership Speakers and follow us on LinkedIn
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!
You may be interested in...
- (3)
Ugwem Eneyo is a Nigerian-American engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur who stands at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. As the co-founder and CEO of SHYFT Power Solutions (formerly Solstice Energy Solutions), she leads a venture-backed, award-winning energy technology company that is revolutionizing the way communities access and utilize power. With a deep commitment to sustainability, […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Innovation Speakers
- (63)
Dr. Fei-Fei Li is one of the most influential figures shaping the future of technology and artificial intelligence. Often referred to as the “Godmother of AI,” she is the visionary behind ImageNet—the groundbreaking dataset that gave machines the ability to “see,” launching the deep learning revolution that fuels today’s AI applications. From powering tools like […]
- Travels from: Stanford, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (43)
- (2)
Glen Weyl is a leading economist, technologist, and keynote speaker focused on the intersection of Web3, artificial intelligence, and digital democracy. Widely recognized for his pioneering work on pluralism and decentralized systems, Glen helps organizations and governments understand how emerging technologies can be used to strengthen democratic values and drive inclusive innovation. He has collaborated […]
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (55)
- Featured
- (3)
Sam Rad (Sam Radocchia) is a lifelong student of humanity – futurist, anthropologist, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Radical Next, a meta-media studio creating transformative stories, experiences, and media productions that shape a positive future. Her upcoming book by the same name, Radical Next: Thriving in Times of Radical Change explores how “radical next ideas” and […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Futurists Speakers
- (15)
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is one of the most influential cybersecurity leaders in the industry. With three decades of front-line experience, including roles as Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft and Group Head Crisis Management at The London Stock Exchange, Sarah delivers transformative strategies to help organisations build resilience to digital disruptions and global crises. In 2022, Sarah […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Cybersecurity Speakers
- (70)
- Featured
- (1)
Dr. Rebecca Heiss is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author, and expert in evolutionary biology who brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to leadership, communication, and workplace culture. With a background in research and a passion for making science accessible and applicable to everyone, Dr. Heiss is on a mission to empower organizations to thrive […]
- Travels from: Greenville, SC
- Workplace Wellness
- (19)
Rebeca Hwang is a Professor of Practice at Thunderbird and the Senior Director for Thunderbird’s new Center for Global Entrepreneurship and Family Business. Ms. Hwang is also a Managing Partner at Kalei Ventures. Rebeca is a venture capital investor who has collected experiences as innovator and inventor, founder and entrepreneur, social entrepreneur, educator and ecosystem builder. […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (37)
- Featured
Anima Anandkumar is Bren Professor at Caltech. She previously was a Senior Director of AI Research at NVIDIA and Principal Scientist at Amazon Web Services. She received her B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, and her Ph.D. from Cornell University. She did her postdoctoral research at MIT and an assistant professorship at the […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
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.