In this episode of Forward Conversation with Friends, host Mignon Edorh sits down with NASA leader and veteran advocate Jason Smith for an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, networking, and purpose-driven leadership.

Jason shares his remarkable journey, from the military, toovercoming severe health challenges, rebuilding his life through education, and eventually leading transformative initiatives at NASA. He also reveals how a simple desire to reconnect with the military community unexpectedly led him to help grow NASA’s SkillBridge program from a grassroots effort into a recognized agency-wide movement supporting transitioning service members.

Together, Mignon and Jason explore:

• The power of networking and finding community

• Why soft skills matter just as much as technical expertise

• How empathy transforms leadership and collaboration

• Lessons on questioning processes to drive meaningful change

• Advice for young professionals navigating careers intoday’s world

• The importance of volunteering, curiosity, and steppingoutside your comfort zone

This heartfelt conversation is filled with practicalwisdom, humor, authenticity, and encouragement for anyone navigating transition, career growth, or personal setbacks.

🎧 Tune in and join us for one forward conversation at a time.