Kathy Sullivan Explores

Latest Episodes:

Life of a Weather Geek with Marshall Shepherd Jun 23, 2022

Show notes

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international weather and climate expert as well as the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. Marshall received his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. from Florida State University, becoming the first African American to receive a doctorate from the university’s Department of Meteorology. He joined the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where he served first as a research meteorologist and later as the Deputy Project Scientist for the Global Precipitation Measurement mission. Today—in addition to directing the University of Georgia’s Atmospheric Sciences program—Marshall hosts the podcast, Weather Geeks, and is a regular contributor to Forbes Magazine.

Marshall joins us today to discuss the intersection of academia, science, and society. He discusses the three biases that hinder people from understanding science and explains how those biases can impact society’s decisions. He reveals what “zombie theories” are and how we can slay them. He also highlights the value of expanding personal and social experience and underscores how we can improve the way science is communicated to people.

“Use the lens of common sense to convey science—to make them understand that weather and climate impact their daily lives, the groceries they buy, and what diseases their kids are exposed to.” - Dr. Marshall Shepherd

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Marshall’s background growing up in a small town in Georgia

● Getting bitten by the weather bug and Marshall’s road to meteorology

● Why we need to teach children not to downplay their intelligence to fit in

● How math is like a muscle you can strengthen with practice

● The Tropical Rainfall Mapping mission and Marshall’s stint at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

● His transition to the University of Georgia

● The intersection of academia, science, and society

● Communicating climate change to everyday people

● The currency of life and society versus the currency of academia

● The three biases in understanding science and how they impact society

● How society’s attitudes toward science can impact the next generation of scientists

● The increasing job demand in STEM

● Race relations and the importance of expanding your social and personal experience

● What the “climate zombies” are and how to slay them

Resources Mentioned:

● 3 Kinds of Bias that Shape Your Worldview | J. Marshall Shepherd | TEDxUGA

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “We all need to have an increased social and personal radius of experience. The more people, experience, travel, and exposure we can have in our circle, the more it creates a level of understanding that can get us where we want to be in society.” - Dr. Marshall Shepherd

● “Climate change is the crisis of our time, and we have to act. We need an Apollo-level, Panama Canal-level, Manhattan Project-level response to climate change now.” - Dr. Marshall Shepherd

Connect with Dr. Marshall Shepherd:

● Marshall Shepherd Website

● Podcast: Weather Geeks

● Book: The Race Awakening of 2020: A 6-Step Guide for Moving Forward

● Book: 40 Days 40 Nights: Daily Tales (And Lessons) from a Suburban Home During the Coronavirus “Quarantine”

● Marshall Shepherd on LinkedIn

● Marshall Shepherd on Facebook

● Marshall Shepherd on Instagram

● Marshall Shepherd on Twitter

● Marshall Shepherd on YouTube

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Visit my website at kathysullivanexplores.com to sign up for seven astronaut tips to improving your life on earth and be the first to discover future episodes and learn about more exciting adventures ahead!

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

You Should Do A Podcast About That Jun 16, 2022

Show notes

It’s been quite a journey since I launched the Kathy Sullivan Explores podcast, to say the least. From exploring the power of mythologyand leadership styles to delving into the commercial space industry and the advent of the new space age, I’ve certainly had a lot of fascinating conversations in my first year of podcasting—and what’s a better way to celebrate my first podcasting anniversary than to reflect on the journey thus far?

Toby is the author of Narrow Podcasting: Make Profitable Connections and Grow your Business, Without Paid Ads, Sponsors, or Thousands of Listeners.

Toby joins me today to explore my first year in podcasting. We discuss how having routines and habits has helped me have deeper conversations with my podcast guests. We discuss what went wrong with the Hubble Space Telescope, how it was fixed, and I share my thoughts on processing errors and failures. We explain what it\'s like to become a podcast host and interviewer and the importance of keeping your listeners in mind when recording new episodes. We also recall previous conversations about leadership on the podcast and underscore how a mindset for learning keeps us alive and human.

“Every time we create a solo episode, we’re trying to create a story that is obviously fun and entertaining but it also has meaning and it gives people pause for thought, and oftentimes, an action to take.” - Toby Goodman

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● The real value of routines and habits

● The listeners I have in mind when I record episodes

● How setbacks and hurdles in life are part of the human existence

● Launching shuttles, airplanes, and podcasts and the reason I wrote Handprints on Hubble

● The power of creativity and invention and their roles in human life

● How curiosity and my childhood upbringing help me manage fear and risk

● Crisis management and dealing with surprises

● Processing different versions of tragedy and failure

● The Hubble Space Telescope’s mirror flaw and how it was fixed

● Debriefing and the unwinding period that follows a podcast episode or a large project

● Conversations about compassionate and competitive styles of leadership

● Reflecting on my solo episodes and their improvement over time

Resources Mentioned:

● Book: Handprints on Hubble: An Astronaut’s Story of Invention by Kathy Sullivan

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “Life isn’t about topping it; it is about other things to learn, different things to create, new things to try, and new people to meet.” - Kathy Sullivan

● “The best essence of humanity and human life: the creative and inventive spark.” - Kathy Sullivan

● “Stay in the awareness that you’re always learning—always growing. You’ll stub a toe and stumble and that’s okay: it shows you’re alive and engaged.” - Kathy Sullivan

Related Episodes:

● The Life of a Visionary with Charlie Bolden Part 1

● The Birth of the New Space Age with Charlie Bolden Part 2

● Getting Gold in Sports, Career, and Life with Katie Smith

● The Cooperative Model of Business with Omega CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann (Part 1)

● The Honor of Measuring Time with Omega CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann (Part 2)

● The Apollo 13 Mission with Gerry Griffin

● Life’s Fabulous Lessons with Dayna Steele

● Diversity, Inclusion, and Politics with Yvette McGee Brown

● Who is the Science Guy with Bill Nye

● Weaving Myth with Morgan Smith

● The Joyous Wonder of the Ocean with Helen Scales

Connect with Toby Goodman:

● Podcast Network Solutions

● Narrow Podcasting

● Podcast: Podcast Business Coach

● Book: Narrow Podcasting: Make Profitable Connections and Grow your Business, Without Paid Ads, Sponsors, or Thousands of Listeners

● Podcast Network Solutions on LinkedIn

● Podcast Network Solutions on Facebook

● Toby Goodman on Instagram

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

The Birth of the New Space Age with Charlie Bolden Part 2 Jun 09, 2022

Show notes

Charles Frank Bolden Jr. is the Founder and CEO Emeritus of the Charles F. Bolden Group, a consortium of accomplished leaders founded in 2017 to foster international collaboration in making life better for all humanity. Appointed by the former president, Barack Obama, Charlie served as the 12th Administrator of NASA from 2009 to 2017, making him the first African American to hold the position permanently. Charlie is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General and former astronaut who has flown on four Space Shuttle missions.

Charlie joins us today to share his perspective on NASA’s transition from space shuttle operations to commercial space flight. You’ll gain insight into the real inside workings of Washington, DC, as well as his journey to becoming the 12th Administrator of NASA. Charlie also discusses what the future holds for space commerce and exploration, and explains why, if given the chance, he’ll take poets and artists to space.

“Our purpose is to make the earth a better, more sustainable place. I think we’re up to the challenge.” - Charlie Bolden

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Charlie’s last shuttle flight and the formation of the new space age

● NASA’s state of play and Charlie’s road to Washington DC

● His first experience with the National Space Council

● The time Charlie had to convince the Congressional Black Caucus of the need for a space station

● What working with Russian cosmonauts taught Charlie

● My experience interacting with Soviet astronauts and cosmonauts

● Charlie’s meeting with the former president, Barack Obama, and his nomination to NASA

● The birth of the SLS, Orion, and commercial crew and cargo

● Why NASA will remain the leader and catalyst for discovery

● The advantages of developing a vibrant commercial space sector

● The James Webb Space Telescope and what gives Charlie hope for the future

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “Every crew becomes a family.” - Charlie Bolden

● “Study hard, work hard, and never be afraid of failure. Listen respectfully to your parents, but follow your passion because it’s your life.” - Charlie Bolden

Connect with Charlie Bolden:

● The Charles F. Bolden Group

● The Charles F. Bolden Group on LinkedIn

● The Charles F. Bolden Group on Instagram

● The Charles F. Bolden Group on YouTube

● The Charles F. Bolden Group on Twitter

● Charlie Bolden on LinkedIn

● Charlie Bolden on Twitter

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

The Life of a Visionary with Charlie Bolden Part 1 Jun 02, 2022

Show notes

Charles Frank Bolden Jr. formerly served as the 12th Administrator of NASA from 2009 to 2017. He was the first African American to head the agency permanently. In addition to being a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General, Charlie is a former astronaut who has flown on four Space Shuttle missions. He is the Founder and CEO Emeritus of the Charles F. Bolden Group, a consortium of accomplished leaders founded in 2017 to foster international collaboration in making life better for all humanity.

Charlie joins us today to describe what it was like growing up in the segregated South. He shares his experience as one of the first African Americans to attend the Naval Academy. You’ll learn how he ended up being a pilot in the Marine Corps despite hating flying in his youth. He also shares his observations on the leadership culture of NASA and underscores the characteristics astronauts have in common.

“The one characteristic we all had in common in the Astronaut Corps is that we were all visionaries and dreamers—people who thought about what the world could be.” - Charlie Bolden

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● What it was like growing up in segregated South Carolina in the ‘60s

● Charlie’s experiences with the Naval Academy

● Why Charlie used to avoid flying airplanes

● What eventually led Charlie to the Marine Corps during his plebe year at the Naval Academy

● Finding his way to flight school and aviation

● Charlie’s perceptions of NASA’s culture and leadership when he arrived at the Astronaut Corps

● Bringing Apollo-era astronauts to the 20th century and making NASA a welcoming place for women and people of color

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “The leadership skills in the astronaut office then were lacking, considering the challenge they had with making it a place that was openly welcoming to women and people of color. We were tolerated, rather than welcomed with open arms.” - Charlie Bolden

● “It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” - Charlie Bolden

Connect with Charlie Bolden:

● The Charles F. Bolden Group

● The Charles F. Bolden Group on LinkedIn

● The Charles F. Bolden Group on Instagram

● The Charles F. Bolden Group on YouTube

● The Charles F. Bolden Group on Twitter

● Charlie Bolden on LinkedIn

● Charlie Bolden on Twitter

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

Toe to Toe with Catherine Deneuve May 26, 2022

Show notes

In the late spring of 1985, two colleagues and I were invited to a dinner in France. While it was all well and good to be invited to an evening event—in France, no less—it did raise a few concerns. The thing is, it wasn’t a usual dinner: it was the Paris Airshow of that year, held at a chateau. My colleagues didn’t know how to rent tuxes in Paris, I didn’t know what to wear, and I was one of two featured guests for the evening. The other was a top-tier film star and model who’s as revered in France as Joan of Arc— Catherine Deneuve.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the night I came toe to toe with the French film star, Catherine Deneuve, and you’ll learn the value of always taking the posture of the explorer. I describe how my colleagues and I became delegates to the Paris Airshow of 1985 and discuss how stereotypes create many of the problems in our world. I also underscore the importance of finding common humanity and connecting with people regardless of their background.

“See through our common humanity. Stay curious about the people around you. Find new ways to connect with them regardless of their official station—or how you fear they’d react to you.” - Kathy Sullivan

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Being assigned as a delegate to the Paris Airshow of 1985

● The history and ethos of the Brotherhood of the Knights of Tastevin

● A tale of two Catherines and how society pits women against each other

● An evening of wine and humor and “meeting” Catherine Deneuve

● The value of taking the posture of an explorer

● How social stereotypes create many of the problems in the world

● The importance of being curious about the people around you

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “Keep exploring and looking for common ground. When you do, you’ll always discover more than what first meets the eye.” - Kathy Sullivan

● “Happily, astronauts are great at triaging complex concerns. The calculus is simple: go with who you are and have fun with it as much as you can.” - Kathy Sullivan

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

Getting Gold in Sports, Career, and Life with Katie Smith May 19, 2022

Show notes

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Smith is a coach, public speaker, and basketball icon. Katie attended Ohio State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Life and Human Sciences and, during her freshman year, led the Buckeyes to the Big Ten Championship and the NCAA title game. In 2014, Katie earned her Master’s degree in Medical Dietetics. She won two WNBA Championships with the Detroit Shock and two ABL Championships with the Columbus Quest. Katie was also a seven-time WNBA All-Star and is named among the WNBA All-Decade team. Katie was Head Coach of the WNBA New York Liberty and served as an analyst for women’s collegiate basketball at ESPN. In 2020, Katie joined the Minnesota Lynx to serve as its official Assistant Coach.

Katie joins us today to share the motivation, work, and learning it takes to be the best in any endeavor. You’ll hear about her journey to becoming an Olympic athlete and coach. She outlines insights on coaching she picked up while she was still an athlete and discusses the value of communication in coaching. You’ll also learn about the factors that make great coaches and going for gold in your field.

“Take pride in whatever you’re doing–school, sports, mowing the lawn–whatever it is, do it at a level where you can take pride in and other people don’t have to correct you.” - Katie Smith

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

Katie’s childhood and her road to becoming an MVP college basketball player, Olympic athlete, and coach
Where Katie’s motivation and drive to do well comes from
Her recruitment into collegiate sports and how she realized she was meant for sports and not dentistry
How Katie started her career in the Olympics
Katie’s first Olympic ceremony and what it feels like to represent your country as an Olympic athlete
Why getting selected as an astronaut is similar to becoming an Olympic athlete
Instilling work ethic in people and creating motivation
The insights Katie picked up from her coaches
The importance of communication in coaching
Katie’s pathway from athlete to coach and the lessons she learned along the way
The time commitment involved in being a sports coach
Katie’s thoughts on Name, Image, and Likeness in collegiate sports
Her advice to young people figuring out their way through life and career

Our Favorite Quotes:

“The best coaches are confident enough to allow us to be ourselves. They embrace what we bring to the table: personality or game.” - Katie Smith
“All the things we do come together to make us who we are.” - Katie Smith

Connect with Katie Smith:

Katie Smith Website

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

An Unidentified Flying Object? May 12, 2022

Show notes

One of the coolest assignments I had back in my early astronaut days was being the science equipment operator aboard NASA’s WB-57F aircraft. It was 1982 when I flew an unusual mission not only because of the sinister feel of the WB-57F or the assignment’s details, but also because of what came after it—and the foreboding I felt that night seems confirmed by recent events far too often.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the UFO sighting that defined one of my early missions as an astronaut. I discuss NASA’s WB-57F aircraft and describe why astronauts get picked for science operator roles. I also explain how public distrust can lead to social collapse and underscore the importance of creating a common ground with everyone, every day.

“The spread of this could atomize everything—shatter social structures into fragments of individuals awashed in distrust of everything except their own experiences and perceptions.” - Kathy Sullivan

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● My assignment aboard the NASA WB-57F aircraft

● What the WB-57F aircraft’s like, its uses in science, and what makes it sinister

● A UFO sighting and the public’s perception of it

● The long-term implications of distrust

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “They had seen a UFO, and dismissed the explanation out of hand. My laughter soon gave way to worry as I deeply thought about the long-term implications of this mindset.”

● “We can each do something within our own circle to build a piece of common ground with those around us regardless of their views. No matter how small that may be, it will matter.” - Kathy Sullivan

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

The New Space Age with Steve Isakowitz May 05, 2022

Show notes

Steve Isakowitz is the President and CEO of the Aerospace Corporation, the only federally-funded research and development center for the United States’ space enterprise. A highly-regarded leader in the government, private, space, and technology sectors, Steve has served in prominent roles. These include serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy from 2007 to 2011 and the President of Virgin Galactic from 2011 to 2016. He was also the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration at NASA—a position he held from 2002 to 2006. Steve completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has been awarded various accolades in recognition of his work, including NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal and the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award.

Steve joins us today to discuss the new space age. You’ll learn how his career in engineering was ignited by the Apollo mission and Stanley Kubrick’s classic film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. He discusses how seemingly random events and small kindnesses helped sustain his childhood interests. He describes the congested, contested, and commercial aerospace environment. He explains the notion of space as a service rather than a place and explores the topic of mining the moon. You’ll also gain insight into why space exploration is a great unifier of nations and how finding the right mentors can help spark your passion.

“People think of space as ‘limitless,’ but as we do more in it, we need more global effort to regulate what we do in lower orbits and be more responsible.” - Steve Isakowitz

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● The young Steve Isakowitz and his journey into the aerospace industry

● One of the biggest challenges of the U.S. space program

● Why sports are a great way to learn organizational management

● Steve’s academic path and the importance of mentors in your career

● His stints in government and the lessons he learned from them

● The 1986 Challenger explosion and how government policies drive the space industry

● Steve’s thoughts on space tourism and cleaning debris in the low Earth orbit

● The Long Duration Exposure Facility and how many countries participate in space programs

● The evolving business dynamics of the space industry

● International cooperation and science diplomacy through space programs

● The ISRU and the plans to mine the moon

● Steve’s favorite math equation and his love for The Martian

● His advice to young people for navigating life and career

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “Education is the one thing that can’t be taken from you.” - Steve Isakowitz

● “It’s one thing to have the ‘spark,’ but it’s the little things along the way that make the difference— that keep the fire burning in you and make you want to keep going.” - Steve Isakowitz

Connect with Steve Isakowitz:

● Aerospace

● Aerospace on LinkedIn

● Aerospace on Instagram

● Aerospace on Facebook

● Aerospace on Twitter

● Steve Isakowitz on LinkedIn

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

Never Believe Your Own PR Apr 28, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a celebrity? Have you ever dreamed of getting all that attention and what you’d make of the fuss about you? From a very young age I’ve been skeptical of celebrity status and aware of the warning to not believe your own PR—and this warning was proven right and wise when I was an astronaut, a role where using your image and position is part of the job.

In this episode, you’ll hear about a hilarious experience that exemplifies why you shouldn’t believe in your own PR. I also underscore the importance of following your internal compass and the advice of people who genuinely care for you.

“Don’t be fooled by courtesies and attention. Examine and test the motivations of the people providing you with that attention.” - Kathy Sullivan

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● The Space Day Extravaganza in the late fall of 1985

● How Space Day became Kathy Sullivan Day

● Why you shouldn’t believe your own PR

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “Follow your internal compass and your highest values. Be guided by the counsel of people who are consistently and genuinely motivated to support you simply because you’re you.” - Kathy Sullivan

● “Using the power of our image and position to inspire the public is part of an astronaut’s job.” - Kathy Sullivan

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

A Trailblazing Path in the Luxury World with Marty Wikstrom Apr 21, 2022

Show notes

Marty Wikstrom is a founding partner of Atelier Fund, an organization that specializes in the acquisition and development of luxury brands. She is a seasoned brand and retail executive with over three decades of experience in executive roles. She serves as a board director for the World Wide Web Foundation, Fortnum & Mason, Johnstons of Elgin, the Rug Company, Farrow & Ball, and Harrys of London, Ltd. Marty has also served as the Managing Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Harrods, making her their only female director in 182 years of business.

Marty joins us today to share her remarkable journey in retail and leadership. You’ll hear about her background and how her passion for sports, fashion, and leadership eventually led her to the world of luxury goods. She outlines the lessons she learned from being a part of a complex organization in the retail and fashion industry. You’ll also gain insight on the importance of overcoming the fear of failure and the power of curiosity and hard work.

“It wasn’t competing against others but competing against myself—and a standard of excellence—that mattered to me.” - Marty Wikstrom

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● The five-year-old Marty Wikstrom and her remarkable journey in retail and leadership

● Her early interest in fashion, sports, and leadership

● How expectations of women and girls have changed over time

● Marty’s post-college career track to Nordstrom

● Why Marty stayed with Nordstrom for over 20 years

● What merchandising and sell-through mean

● Marty’s move to England and becoming Assistant Managing Director at Harrods

● The most difficult change Marty made at Harrods

● The difference between an entrepreneurial and a public company

● What it’s like to be a business leader in the hyper luxury world

● The NASA of watchmaking and what luxury means to Marty

● Unconscious bias and what it’s like to be the only woman in a boardroom

● Marty’s move to launch her own fund for developing luxury brands

● Why Marty feels happy about women entering leadership roles in organizations today

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “When you look around in a room and no one looks like you, it might be by design.” - Marty Wikstrom

● “The things that sustained me in my life are extreme curiosity and hard work.” - Marty Wikstrom

Connect with Marty Wikstrom:

● World Wide Web Foundation

● World Wide Web Foundation on LinkedIn

● World Wide Web Foundation on Twitter

● World Wide Web Foundation on Facebook

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

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