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NASA leader & project management expert

Gregory Robinson

Transform space program leadership with Gregory Robinson, speaker, NASA veteran and project management expert. Gregory elevates organizational efficiency and stakeholder communication, recognized as one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People and Federal Employee of the Year.

Trusted by NASA

Gregory Robinson, Speaker | NASA Veteran & Innovator
Gregory Robinson

Gregory Robinson

Richmond, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Richmond, United States

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$26k–50k

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Gregory Robinson's biography

At a glance

  • Former Director of James Webb Space Telescope
  • NASA Veteran with over thirty years experience
  • Named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022
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.

Gregory's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

My Story: Gregory Robinson
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.
Managing Global Teams In Turbulent Times
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.
Taking On Your Own Moonshot
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.
A NASA-Inspired Approach To Leading Innovation
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.

Why we recommend booking Gregory

Book Gregory Robinson to inspire your team with his extraordinary journey and leadership insights. His experience transforming the James Webb Space Telescope project showcases resilience, innovation, and effective communication. Learn how to elevate your organisation’s performance and navigate challenges with a calm, strategic approach from a true visionary.

Testimonials

Not only was he flexible and easy to work with, but Greg took a special interest in meeting with our students, which provided a once-in-a-lifetime learning and networking opportunity.

Ann

University of Michigan

Featured Projects

Gregory Robinson - “The Daily Show: Ears Edition” podcast cover

frequently asked questions

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What is Gregory Robinson's speaking style like?

Gregory Robinson uses NASA's James Webb Space Telescope programme as a case study, walking audiences through the concrete leadership interventions — improving stakeholder communication, restructuring team coordination across 20,000 personnel in 29 countries — that lifted the programme's efficiency rating from 55% to 95%.

What topics does Gregory Robinson specialise in?

Gregory Robinson speaks on personal resilience and career trajectory from sharecropping origins to NASA leadership, global team management under crisis conditions, and achieving large-scale organisational transformation through trust and collaboration. He served as Director of the James Webb Space Telescope, a $10 billion programme he turned from 55% to 95% efficiency, and was named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2022.

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