Wonder-Driven Leadership: Rediscovering Awe and Curiosity

Today is my birthday, and this year is particularly special—my "Obama Year." I’m now 44 years young, and it feels pretty surreal. Every year, I set my resolutions around my birthday, not at New Year’s, which always feels a bit cliché to me. Instead, my birthday is when I reflect and plan for the future.

Last year, I decided to check something huge off my bucket list: Space Camp. Growing up, I remember watching the movie SpaceCamp, and I was particularly excited because Larry B. Scott was in it. At the time, he was my hero. He was also in Revenge of the Nerds, one of my favorite childhood movie franchises, where he was the only Black nerd, so by default, he became my hero. Looking back at those movies now, they definitely raise some eyebrows, but that’s a conversation for another day.

I also vividly remember the Nickelodeon commercials promoting Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. I wanted to go so badly as a kid, but being from South Memphis, I knew it wasn’t possible. Aside from the cost, who was going to drive me to Huntsville and drop me off for a week? Still, it was a dream that never left me.

After months of stalking the Space Camp website, I finally took the plunge. I locked in my payment, registered, and last year, I made that childhood dream come true.

This summer, I was also fortunate enough to be invited to NASA in Orlando for the GOES-U launch at the SpaceX pad. The experience was nothing short of mind-blowing. I got to walk the same walkway where astronauts prepare for launch, attend a NASA press conference, and meet NASA employees who are doing incredible work. One team flies G-5 jets into hurricanes to gather data, and they even have a software engineer who flies with them. It made me realize how many career opportunities I’ve overlooked—for myself and for our students. There are so many jobs I never even knew existed. Maybe it’s a missed opportunity, maybe not—but it definitely got me thinking about possibilities.

After that, Space Camp couldn’t come soon enough. On August 23rd, I packed up my car and headed to camp. I was given the option to stay in a hotel off-site or in the dorms. Naturally, I chose the dorms. I wanted the full experience—cafeteria food and all. I met real NASA employees, and one of the most memorable people I encountered was Willie (Bill) Weaver. He worked on testing Redstone and Jupiter missiles and had stories about working with legends like Von Braun and James Van Allen. In just a short period of time, he gave me an insight into a lifetime of remarkable work.

I even got to experience the Multi-Axis Trainer—definitely a highlight! I built rockets, and one of the best parts of the camp was trying to protect an egg from blowing up in an experiment on heat protection. Oh, and I got to bring a banana to Miss Baker and one of her husbands—a cute story I highly recommend looking up.

But beyond the excitement, something else was happening—a kind of euphoria and calm I usually only experience while playing video games. My mind was completely free, exploring in a state of childlike play and wonder. And that’s when it hit me: this feeling, this state of wonder, could be the key to better leadership.

What is Wonder-Driven Leadership? (I am coining this phrase)

As I reflected on my experiences at Space Camp, I realized how essential wonder is—not just for personal fulfillment, but for leadership. Here’s why:

1. Curiosity Breeds Innovation: Childlike wonder fuels curiosity, and curiosity is a leader’s secret weapon. When you lead with curiosity, you’re not afraid to ask questions or explore uncharted territories. This is where innovation happens—when we allow ourselves to be curious like a child, without fear of judgment or failure.

2. Playfulness Encourages Problem-Solving: When we allow ourselves to approach challenges with a sense of play, we see things differently. Playfulness opens up new ways of thinking, allowing us to experiment without the pressure of immediate success. As leaders, this mindset can help us solve problems in ways we never thought possible.

3. Wonder Cultivates Empathy: Awe makes us more human. When we experience wonder, we’re reminded of how much bigger the world is than ourselves. This fosters empathy, which is a critical quality in leadership. When we lead with wonder, we lead with a deeper understanding of others.

4. Expanding Possibilities: Just like my experience at NASA, wonder helps us see that the world is full of possibilities. As leaders, it’s easy to get tunnel vision, focusing only on what we know. But wonder expands our horizons, helping us see new opportunities for ourselves and for those we lead.

5. Resilience Through Exploration: Wonder-driven leaders embrace the unknown. Just like a child exploring a new world, leaders who maintain a sense of wonder are more resilient when faced with challenges. We learn to adapt, explore alternatives, and thrive in uncertainty.

   
   

What’s Next?

As I embark on this new year of my life, I’m embracing Wonder-Driven Leadership. It’s about leading with curiosity, playfulness, and awe. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this mindset can be, and I’m excited to bring this approach into my work, my personal life, and my leadership style.

Maybe, just maybe, I’ll even write a book about Wonder-Driven Leadership this year. Who knows what possibilities are out there when you lead with wonder?

If you’re a leader, or someone who aspires to lead, I encourage you to tap into your own sense of wonder. It’s not just for kids—it’s for anyone who wants to unlock new ideas, create deeper connections, and navigate the complexities of leadership with a little more curiosity, playfulness, and awe. Who knows what discoveries await when we lead with wonder?