In This Episode

Join us as we welcome Dan Dunbacher, the Executive Director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and former Deputy Associate Administrator at NASA. In this enlightening conversation, Dan shares his insights on redefining large-scale projects and the importance of understanding goals and vision. He emphasizes the necessity of asking the right questions to uncover underlying issues, stating, "Your job is to go ask why three times," encouraging deeper exploration into project objectives.

Throughout the episode, Dan recounts personal stories from his extensive career, including his experience with multi-billion dollar projects. He highlights the significance of building effective teams and fostering a culture of trust and accountability. The discussion takes unexpected turns as they delve into the complexities of managing human dynamics alongside technical challenges in large projects. Dan's practical advice resonates with broader implications for innovation and collaboration in today's fast-paced world.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Dan Dunbacher is currently the Executive Director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), where he leads initiatives to advance aerospace engineering and technology. With a background as a mechanical engineer, Dan previously served as Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, overseeing significant projects in space exploration.

He has taught systems thinking at Purdue University and has been involved in numerous high-stakes projects totaling billions in funding. Dan is known for his innovative approaches to project management and team building, emphasizing the importance of communication, trust, and clarity in achieving success. His recent work focuses on fostering collaboration across diverse teams to tackle complex challenges in aerospace.

Dan's contributions to the field have made him a respected voice in aeronautics, with a commitment to improving how we live on Earth through advancements in space technology.