Former NASA Astronaut and Air Force Colonel
Cady Coleman: Biography at a Glance
- Dr. Cady Coleman is a celebrated former NASA Astronaut and retired Air Force Colonel, with over 180 days in space: two missions on the Space Shuttle Columbiaspace shuttle missions and a six-month expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as the Lead Robotics and Science Officer.
- Her many leadership roles at NASA included Chief of Robotics for the Astronaut Office and Lead Astronaut for supply ship integration, where she pioneered strategic partnerships with SpaceX and others, paving the way for commercial spaceflight collaborations that are now commonplace.
- On her second shuttle mission, she deployed the $1.6 billion Chandra telescope into orbit just hours after she and her crew expertly navigated one of the most dangerous launches in the history of the space shuttle program.
- Renowned for her uncanny ability to make the extraordinary feel relatable, Cady’s candid talks translate her experiences in the high-stakes world of space exploration into stories and lessons that resonate deeply with her audiences.
- Her insights into working in high-pressure environments provide a masterclass in leading with purpose and fostering teams that succeed, when collaboration and communication mean the difference between catastrophic failure and monumental success.
- During her tenure, Cady was NASA’s top astronaut spokesperson and the network’s first choice to cover critical space events; she continues to be a highly sought-after media advisor and commentator.
- Cady’s book, Sharing Space, brings readers along on her extraordinary journey and shares invaluable lessons about life, leadership, and what it took to succeed in a role that wasn’t built with her in mind.
Videos
Biography
In 2010, Dr. Cady Coleman boarded a rocket and blasted off into space for her third NASA mission, a six-month expedition to the International Space Station where she was the only woman on her crew. Cady spent years overcoming obstacles in competitive, high-performance environments, including grappling with her own doubts and training in an oversized spacesuit when NASA eliminated the smaller size, effectively grounding a third of the women astronauts. Undeterred, she became a success story in a role that wasn’t built with her in mind—an astronaut who is also a mother, Air Force colonel, scientist, and leader. Her determination and amazing spaceflight experiences give her a unique perspective on how to set yourself up for success, in space and here on Earth.
Renowned for her uncanny ability to make the extraordinary feel relatable, Cady’s candid talks translate her experiences in the high-stakes world of space exploration into stories and lessons that resonate deeply with audiences ranging from corporate leaders and professionals to students and changemakers. While at NASA, she was the astronaut most chosen for key public appearances and speeches. Notably, she bridged Earth and space by giving the opening speech for the 2011 TED Conference while onboard the International Space Station. Cady was also the networks’ top choice to cover critical space events and she continues to be in high demand as a commentator for major news outlets worldwide.
As Lead Robotics and Lead Science Officer aboard the International Space Station, Cady led and performed one of the first robotic captures of a supply ship from the station, a high-risk ballet at 17,500 miles per hour, 250 miles above Earth. During her second shuttle mission, she launched the $1.6 billion Chandra telescope into orbit just hours after she and her crew expertly navigated one of the most dangerous launches in the history of the space shuttle program.
Cady’s leadership positions over her 24-year NASA career included Lead Astronaut for Space Shuttle Tile Repair following the devastating Columbia accident and Chief of Robotics for the Astronaut Office. She spearheaded the first supply ship operations with partners like SpaceX, paving the way for today’s flourishing commercial spaceflight collaborations. Before retiring from NASA, she led open innovation and partnership efforts for NASA’s Chief Technologist.
Cady and her family are featured in one of PBS Independent Lens’ most-streamed documentaries, Space: The Longest Goodbye; and also in The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station. Her media advising credits include Steven Spielberg’s TV series Extant and, from the Space Station, coaching Sandra Bullock for her Oscar-nominated role in the movie Gravity.
A research affiliate at the MIT Media Lab, Cady also consults on space-related projects for companies and research institutions. She served as Arizona State University’s Global Explorer in Residence and co-hosted their Mission: Interplanetary podcast. She serves on several boards, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Greenfield Community College, and the ISS National Lab Education Advisory Group.
An avid flute player, Cady is best known for her “Space Duet” with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, her orbital solo with the acclaimed Irish band, The Chieftains, and her performances on Earth with Bandella, a band of astronauts.
Cady’s recent book, Sharing Space: An Astronaut’s Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change, brings readers on her extraordinary journey and shares invaluable lessons about life, leadership, and what it took to succeed as an "unexpected" astronaut. The book has garnered praise from international thought leaders like New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant, who described it as “an inspiring, insightful read about how to overcome insecurities, build bonds, and break barriers.” Barbara Barrett, 25th Secretary of the US Air Force said “Sharing Space offers a rare glimpse into the heart of a pioneer, and redefines what it means to lead in an era of unprecedented change.
Cady earned a B.S. in chemistry from MIT in 1983 and a Ph.D. in polymer science and engineering from the University of Massachusetts in 1991. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force, she worked as a research chemist developing new materials for aviation and space before being selected as an astronaut in 1992.
Topics
Mission-Driven Leadership: Leading with Purpose in Times of Uncertainty
In the high-stakes world of space exploration, where split-second decisions mean the difference between life and death, mission-driven leadership is the key to success. As a NASA astronaut, Cady Coleman relied on a clear sense of purpose to help guide her teams through critical moments—whether navigating mechanical failures seconds after launch or executing complex robotic maneuvers aboard the Space Station.
In this engaging talk, Cady draws parallels between her extraordinary experiences and the challenges leaders in every industry face in today’s fast-paced, uncertain environment. She shares how staying focused on a shared mission enables leaders to prioritize effectively, make tough decisions under pressure, and inspire their teams to deliver results. Through compelling stories and actionable insights, Cady equips leaders with the tools to foster trust, resilience, and clarity of purpose—empowering organizations to adapt to change, navigate uncertainty, and achieve their most ambitious goals.
One Team, One Mission: Teamwork in High-Stakes Environments
Imagine launching into space and spending six months on the International Space Station (ISS) with a team you didn’t choose and may barely know. In space, success is about every individual playing their role to the fullest and contributing to something bigger than themselves. Drawing from her six months aboard the ISS and two high-stakes Space Shuttle missions, Cady Coleman shares how a shared mission, trust, and individual accountability can transform a team into a force for extraordinary achievement.
Through powerful and relatable stories, Cady demonstrates that your impact on a team is not defined by a title—it’s about being brave enough to show your strengths and open enough to recognize the strengths that others bring to achieve a common goal. Audiences will leave inspired by the potential for their individual contributions to drive collective success.
Sharing Space: Breaking Barriers to Pave the Way
What do you do when the tools for success aren’t designed with you in mind? Do you adapt, press for change—or both? This was a challenge Cady Coleman faced repeatedly in her 24-year career as an astronaut. When NASA discontinued the small spacewalking suit, the decision disproportionately impacted women, grounding many skilled astronauts and putting Cady’s dream of living and working on the Space Station at risk. Determined not to let systemic barriers limit her, she forged ahead to master highly technical and physically grueling tasks in a 300-lb suit designed for someone much larger.
Drawing on her remarkable career, Cady shares how she turned obstacles into opportunities, using her experiences to advocate for systemic change and pave the way for greater inclusion at NASA. Her journey of resilience, ingenuity, and advocacy offers powerful insights for anyone navigating systems not built for them. Audiences will leave inspired to break through barriers, embrace innovation, and lead the way toward more inclusive environments in their own worlds.
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FAQs
How do I book Cady Coleman for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book Cady Coleman to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
Quick booking process- Email CAA Speakers with event details
- Get availability confirmation within 24 hours
- Review speaking fee and contract terms
- Sign agreement and finalize logistics
As one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, CAA handles all speaking engagements from contract to event day coordination.
Who is Cady Coleman's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for Cady Coleman’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all Cady Coleman in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact Cady Coleman's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
- Response: Within 24 hours
CAA Speakers can check Cady Coleman's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list Cady Coleman, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is Cady Coleman's speaking fee?
Cady Coleman's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Cady Coleman's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
- Travel distance and logistics
- Presentation length and customization
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Additional costs: Travel, accommodation, A/V requirements, and optional meet-and-greets.
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Cady Coleman's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Cady Coleman as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Cady Coleman as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- Cady Coleman's keynote speaking fee
- Travel and accommodation
- Technical requirements and A/V setup
- Optional add-ons like book signing and meet & greets
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Email speakers@caa.com for Cady Coleman's exact booking cost and customized pricing proposal.
How to contact Cady Coleman for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Cady Coleman speaking engagements.
Official contact for Cady Coleman bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/cady-coleman
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Cady Coleman.
Is Cady Coleman available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Cady Coleman speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Cady Coleman's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
- Interactive workshops and breakouts
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- Pre-recorded presentations
Virtual events offer global reach, flexible scheduling, and reduced travel costs while maintaining Cady Coleman's engaging presentation quality.
Contact CAA Speakers for Cady Coleman's virtual event availability and technical specifications.
What events can I book Cady Coleman for?
Book Cady Coleman for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. Cady Coleman customizes content for any audience size or event type.
Event types:- Corporate meetings and conferences
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Cady Coleman engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how Cady Coleman can customize their presentation for your specific event.
Cady Coleman booking information and availability
Check Cady Coleman's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
- Peak conference seasons
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure Cady Coleman for your preferred event date.
Book Cady Coleman keynote speaker through CAA
Book Cady Coleman through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Cady Coleman, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to Cady Coleman's calendar
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Trusted by Fortune 500 companies for their most important speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com to book Cady Coleman for your next event.
Will Cady Coleman speak at private events?
Yes, Cady Coleman speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
- Client entertainment and VIP gatherings
- Corporate celebrations and award ceremonies
- Private dinners and exclusive functions
Private event benefits: Customized content, enhanced interaction, complete confidentiality, and flexible scheduling.
Contact CAA Speakers for Cady Coleman's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking Cady Coleman?
CAA Speakers responds to Cady Coleman booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
- Urgent requests: Same-day priority response
Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Cady Coleman?
Book Cady Coleman 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Cady Coleman pricing information?
Get Cady Coleman pricing information by contacting CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com with your event details. Receive detailed cost breakdown within 24-48 hours with no obligation to book.
For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
- Audience size and type
- Event format and duration
- Budget parameters
CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.