This month, Leadership Colorado participants visited Lockheed Martin Space for an in-depth look at the company’s advanced deep space programs and groundbreaking satellites that have transformed space exploration, navigation, and weather forecasting. As the nation’s leader in aerospace employment per capita, Colorado is home to some of the most innovative technology in the industry and Lockheed Martin’s record of 100% mission success over the past 13 years underscores that leadership.
The cohort experienced an Artemis rocket launch simulation, viewed the real Orion test capsule, explored cutting-edge fire mitigation technology nearing market launch, and engaged in immersive virtual reality simulations of space capsule environments and Martian landscapes.
A highlight of the program was an inspiring conversation with Dr. Sarah Hiza, Vice President of Engineering and Technology for Rotary and Mission Systems, who shared valuable insights on leadership and innovation.
We extend our sincere thanks to Lockheed Martin Space for hosting this exceptional program, and to Lockheed Martin employees (and Leadership Colorado participants) Sajit Jumani, Jessica Bles, and Dianah Cortez for their outstanding coordination and presentations that made this visit truly memorable.
After the program, participants said:
The Orion part of the program was the highlight for me. It was very cool to see how limited the space is the astronauts operate in for such a long time. Also, the complexity of the vehicle itself shows what a true feat it is that we are able to travel to space.
Dr Sarah Hiza was wonderful; I appreciated her transparency and genuine persona. The most valuable leadership information for me was the reminder to know those you are leading, be respectful, be intentional and lead by example.
The Q&A session with Dr. Sarah Hiza was insightful. I appreciated how she respected and protected the introverts on her team by making space for them, “hold on – I’d like to hear the rest of so-and-so’s thought.” I also liked her acknowledgement that teaching is the greatest form of leadership!
It’s hard to narrow it down, it was truly a great program from start to finish. Using the VR items in the CHIL was pretty cool!
I’m so impressed with the colleagues we have in Leadership Colorado. They are so inquisitive and accepting and so intelligent! It inspires me.
