December 29, 2010 Vol. 3, Issue 12
The leaders of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) took part in the sixth Masters with Masters event.
NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden discusses international collaboration with German Aerospace Agency (DLR) Chairman of the Executive Board Johann-Dietrich Wörner at the Academy’s sixth Masters with Masters event. Photo Credit: NASA
Charlie Bolden, NASA Administrator, and Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Chairman of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Executive Board, shared personal reflections and perspectives on international collaboration in Masters with Masters at the James E. Webb Auditorium at NASA Headquarters on December 8, 2010.
The event took place the same day that NASA and DLR signed a framework agreement for cooperative activities in aeronautics, exploration, and the peaceful use of space.
Bolden spoke about the importance of transparency, reciprocity, and mutual benefit in partnerships across sectors. “We are part of a collaboration of academia, industry, and international partners, and we cannot be successful unless we all work together,” he said.
Wörner underlined the complementary capabilities and interests of the two agencies. “In the partnership between NASA and DLR, there is a lot we can give each other,” he said, citing examples from current collaborations such as the International Space Station and SOFIA.
Academy Director Ed Hoffman hosted NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden and German Aerospace Agency (DLR) Chairman of the Executive Board Johann-Dietrich Wörner to share stories and experiences from their careers at the Academy’s sixth Masters with Masters event. (Click image for close-up) Photo Credit: NASA APPEL/Kerry Ellis
Both leaders emphasized the importance of mentors early in their careers. Bolden encouraged young professionals to embrace a broad view of mentorship. “Everyone you meet can be a mentor,” he said.
Drawing from his own experience working in Japan in the 1980s, Wörner suggested that aspiring managers spend time abroad. “It opens your mind,” he said.
Masters with Masters events bring together two experts to share insights, lessons learned, and best practices in a setting that promotes learning and discovery through dialogue. Masters with Masters is a production of the NASA Academy of Program/Project & Engineering Leadership.
View full-length video of Masters with Masters events.
View clips of the events on the NASA APPEL YouTube channel.
