Gregory Robinson is a 33-year veteran of NASA and the former director of the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb), a $10 billion project that surpasses the Hubble Telescope in power. Under his leadership, the programme was transformed from being over budget and inefficient, with an efficiency rating of 55%, to achieving 95%. Gregory improved communication with various stakeholders, including Congress, the White House, and international space agencies, while managing nearly 20,000 scientists and engineers across 29 countries and 14 U.S. states. Webb is now one million miles from Earth, sending back unprecedented images and expected to capture the origins of the universe over its 20-year lifespan.
Gregory has received numerous accolades for his contributions, including being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022 and receiving the TIME100 Impact Award. He was also honoured as the 2022 Federal Employee of the Year and received the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award, one of the highest recognitions for senior executives in the U.S. government. Additionally, Columbia University has invited him to lecture on information strategy and project management.
Before leading Webb, Gregory held various roles at NASA, including overseeing 114 missions for the Science Mission Directorate and participating in 21 shuttle launches after the Columbia accident. He joined NASA in 1989 after earning a degree in electrical engineering from Howard University, becoming one of the few Black professionals at the agency.
Gregory also holds an M.B.A. from Averett University and was a Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard. He has previously taught at George Washington University in the Department of Engineering Management & Systems Engineering.
In his inspiring talk, Gregory Robinson, an HBCU graduate and leader of the James Webb Space Telescope programme, shares his remarkable journey from the tobacco fields of southern Virginia to becoming one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people. Born into a large family of sharecroppers and facing the challenges of segregation, Gregory's story highlights resilience and determination. Attendees will learn how humble beginnings can shape a successful career in STEM.
In today's fast-paced world, organisations must innovate to thrive. Gregory Robinson, a former NASA leader, emphasises that success lies not just in hiring talent but in fostering relationships, creativity, and open communication. He highlights the importance of soft skills, such as collaboration and problem-solving, drawn from his 33 years at NASA. Attendees will learn how prioritising the human element can drive transformation and help achieve ambitious goals in their own organisations.
Gregory Robinson, a NASA veteran, invites attendees on an inspiring journey through space and human potential, illustrated by stunning images from the James Webb Space Telescope. He shares his experience transforming a struggling programme into a monumental success, offering valuable insights on overcoming challenges, fostering trust, and enhancing collaboration. This session is ideal for any event aiming to motivate teams, and participants will learn how to achieve greatness together through teamwork and innovative thinking.
In his inspiring talk, Gregory Robinson recounts his journey leading the James Webb Space Telescope, which faced significant delays, budget overruns, and engineering setbacks. Despite challenges like COVID and hurricanes, he united 20,000 individuals across 29 countries and 14 U.S. states, nearly doubling the programme's efficiency. Attendees will learn how trust, communication, and effective leadership can empower teams to overcome obstacles and achieve ambitious goals.
