Shelli Brunswick is CEO & Founder of SB Global LLC and an international keynote speaker on tech used for the betterment of humanity.
The Apollo era marked the dawn of humanity’s bold foray into space—a time defined by government-led missions and competitive superpowers. Fast forward to today, the space industry is a dynamic, global ecosystem driven by innovation, private enterprises and cross-disciplinary collaborations. This transformation reflects broader changes reshaping the workplace, as industries integrate advanced technologies and redefine leadership to navigate an increasingly complex future.
Conferences like the World Economic Forum (WEF), DeepFest and Forbes Future of Work Summit illuminate these changes by spotlighting technology’s role in shaping workforce dynamics. With nearly half of core job skills predicted to shift by 2027, as reported by the WEF, we should look to industries like space for inspiration on adaptability, leadership and upskilling. In this article, we’ll explore how the lessons of space innovation can serve as a roadmap for shaping the future of work.
Technology as a catalyst for transformation
The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show vividly showcases how AI-driven technologies are reshaping our world. Autonomous systems, wearable health devices and next-generation connectivity solutions were at the forefront, signaling a future where hybrid work environments and seamless collaboration redefine industry productivity. Yet, to fully grasp the transformative power of these advancements, one must look to the space sector—a long-standing innovation pioneer.
Consider NASA’s Mars Rover Perseverance, a testament to how AI revolutionizes exploration. Equipped with advanced AI systems, the rover can autonomously select and analyze rock samples, a task that once required meticulous human oversight. This streamlines operations and demonstrates AI’s potential to augment human decision-making in high-stakes environments. Such breakthroughs illustrate how space exploration lessons shape industries far beyond the final frontier.
The ripple effect of space innovation extends even further through technology transfer. Take, for example, ferrofluids—a liquid with magnetic properties developed by NASA in the 1960s to move fuel in microgravity. Today, companies like MAGRON, based in South Korea, have advanced this technology for diverse uses, including semiconductor manufacturing and consumer electronics. This transformation underscores how solutions born from space exploration continue to drive advancements in electronics, healthcare and transportation, fueling progress in unexpected ways.
Generative AI, meanwhile, is poised to redefine productivity on a global scale. McKinsey estimates its economic potential to be between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion annually, with the power to automate 60%–70% of tasks currently occupying employees’ time. This leap forward enables workers to focus on high-value activities like creative problem-solving and strategic thinking, reshaping job roles and elevating workplace efficiency. Generative AI is especially transformative in knowledge-based industries, turning complex workflows into streamlined processes.
The influence of AI extends into retail, as exemplified by Lowe’s innovative partnership with NVIDIA. During an interview on CNBC’s “Mad Money,” Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison highlighted how AI enhances customer experiences and empowers employees, demonstrating how the same technology that guides Mars rovers can transform brick-and-mortar stores into innovation hubs. From space exploration to retail, AI’s adaptability and impact are unmistakable.
These advancements highlight the boundless potential of technology to bridge sectors, redefine industries and empower human ingenuity. By looking to space for inspiration, we unlock new possibilities that will shape the future of work and innovation for generations to come.
Leadership in the era of transformation
Leadership is the cornerstone of navigating technological disruption, spanning boards, C-level executives and front-line leaders. As industries adopt AI, automation and advanced cybersecurity measures, leaders must integrate innovation with accountability to remain competitive, productive and resilient.
At the board level, technical expertise is increasingly critical. A McKinsey survey revealed a 33% rise in board members with technology leadership experience, reflecting the growing demand for strategic governance of AI and cybersecurity. Effective boards prioritize technology as a core component of organizational strategy, ensuring AI integration and risk management align with long-term goals. By addressing these challenges proactively, boards position their organizations to adapt swiftly and thrive amid constant technological evolution.
For C-level executives, integrity and empathy are essential in leading transformative change. As organizations embrace disruptive technologies, leaders must act with transparency and ensure the ethical implementation of AI and automation. Drawing from my experience in the U.S. Air Force, core values like Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do are more relevant than ever. These principles help leaders balance innovation with accountability, building trust among employees and stakeholders. The WEF underscores this, highlighting integrity and adaptability as hallmarks of modern leadership. Empathy is equally vital, enabling executives to address the human impact of transformation and foster collaboration within their teams.
Leadership also thrives on the front lines, where supervisors are pivotal in translating high-level strategies into actionable initiatives. These leaders are instrumental in building resilience and adaptability within their teams, ensuring employees remain motivated and aligned during periods of rapid change. However, McKinsey research reveals a critical gap: Only 16% of employers invest in adaptability and continuous learning programs, despite their proven benefits.
NASA’s leadership model emphasizes psychological safety with rigorous preparation and provides a powerful blueprint for cultivating resilience in uncertain environments. As defined by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson, psychological safety is a workplace climate where employees feel safe to voice ideas, share concerns and engage in constructive dialogue without fear of retribution. This environment fosters innovation, collaboration and adaptability, which are essential as technology drives rapid disruption and the need for continuous upskilling.
From the boardroom to front-line teams, leadership in the era of transformation requires a blend of strategic foresight, ethical responsibility and empathy. By fostering resilience and empowering teams to adapt, leaders at all levels can ensure their organizations not only navigate disruption but also seize opportunities for innovation and growth.
Conclusion
The space industry stands as a beacon of innovation, resilience and collaboration, offering invaluable lessons for navigating the future of work. Its ability to integrate advanced technologies, foster transformative leadership and prioritize continuous learning exemplifies how organizations can thrive amid disruption. By drawing inspiration from space, businesses can embrace innovation with integrity, empower their workforce to adapt and cultivate a culture of resilience.
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