Shelli Brunswick is a globally recognized leader bridging the space community with the broader public, fostering collaboration and innovation. She champions strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and leadership development, ensuring that space technology serves as a catalyst for economic growth and global transformation.
A sought-after keynote speaker, Shelli has taken the stage at global forums such as the World Economic Forum, the UN General Assembly Science Summit, LEAP, and the European Rover Challenge, inspiring audiences with her insights on the expanding space ecosystem and its profound impact on everyday life. She is known for delivering compelling discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation, professional development, and the future of leadership in a rapidly evolving world. With a passion for empowering individuals and organizations, Shelli bridges the gap between space technology and real-world applications, demonstrating how advancements in space drive economic growth, technological breakthroughs, and new opportunities across industries.
Her 35-year career includes service in the U.S. Air Force, where she led space acquisition and policy initiatives, and as COO of Space Foundation, where she advanced workforce development and space commerce.
The Inspiration Behind the Pages
1. What inspired you to write this book, and how does it reflect your journey as a woman in STEM?
The inspiration for What’s Space Got to Do With It? 10 Life Lessons for Personal Growth came from my 35-year career in the aerospace and space sectors, where I realized that the same principles driving success in space exploration—perseverance, adaptability, and seizing opportunities—apply just as powerfully to personal and professional growth.
My own path into STEM was anything but conventional. I didn’t grow up dreaming of a career in space. In fact, I only entered the industry because of an assignment I initially didn’t want. But that assignment in space acquisition/procurement turned into one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It taught me the power of embracing the unknown and the importance of one of the book’s core lessons: “Don’t disqualify yourself from opportunities you haven’t even been offered yet.” That shift in perspective became a guiding principle throughout my career as I advanced from enlisted airman to officer, from military service to Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation, and now to CEO and Founder of SB Global LLC.
Reflecting on my journey, I realized these lessons weren’t unique. In my roles as a mentor with the Space4Women program for the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), WomenTech Network, and the Global Policy, Diplomacy, and Sustainability Fellowship (GPODS), I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals from all walks of life. Year after year, I would hear a recurring question from mentees and audience members at my keynote speeches: “Do you have a book where I can read more about this?”
That question sparked an idea. I realized that while I could mentor people one-on-one and deliver keynote speeches to hundreds, I had an opportunity to create something more lasting—a resource that could impact thousands. Writing this book was a way to "pay it forward" on a larger scale, to ensure that people I might never meet could still access the insights I’ve gained over my career. But I knew it couldn’t just be my story. To create something truly impactful, I wanted to highlight the perspectives of people from all backgrounds, industries, and regions of the world.
That’s why I invited 30 global thought leaders to share their insights in the book. These aren't just voices from the space industry. They are CEOs, educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from diverse industries and regions. Their stories enrich the book and extend beyond my experience, demonstrating that leadership is not limited by gender, age, or profession. Their perspectives reinforce one of my key messages: this book is for everyone.
I wanted readers—no matter their age, career stage, or background—to see themselves in the pages of this book. The principles of leadership, courage, and personal growth aren’t exclusive to a specific group of people. They are for anyone ready to act boldly, embrace challenges, and lead with purpose. By including voices from all genders, industries, and regions, I aimed to create a book that would inspire everyone to recognize their limitless potential.
At its core, What’s Space Got to Do With It? reflects my journey—but it’s also so much more. It’s a call to action for anyone seeking growth, leadership, or the courage to embrace something new. Through mentorship, keynote speeches, and this book, I aim to ensure that people everywhere can access the tools, inspiration, and encouragement to chart their path forward.
The book isn’t an ending—it’s part of a larger mission. With every speech I give and every mentorship session I lead, I hear stories of people looking for a way forward. I hope this book becomes that way forward—a guide that people can return to when doubt creeps in, when opportunity knocks, or when they’re ready to take the next big step. I hope readers will see themselves in my story and the stories of the 30 diverse leaders who contributed their insights.
What’s Space Got to Do With It? isn’t just a title—it’s a question we can all ask ourselves. Because, just like space, our potential is boundless. If we have the courage to dream bigger, act bolder, and lead with conviction, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
The Challenges Behind the Inspiration
2. What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing this book, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I faced while writing What’s Space Got to Do With It? 10 Life Lessons for Personal Growth was balancing focus and time amidst a world of constant demands. Like many leaders, I’m pulled in multiple directions—mentoring emerging professionals, delivering keynote speeches, supporting global initiatives, and leading SB Global LLC. It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of "doing" and lose sight of larger, long-term goals. Writing a book requires sustained attention, deep reflection, and, most importantly, dedicated time—three things that are not always abundant.
I had to shift my perspective and apply the lessons I was writing about to overcome this challenge. One of the key principles in my book is “Bloom where you are planted”—making the most of your current situation rather than waiting for perfect conditions. I realized that if I waited for large, uninterrupted blocks of time, I might never finish the book. Instead, I embraced a more intentional approach.
I carved out "sacred writing time" on my calendar—dedicated, focused sessions with no distractions. I eliminated external interruptions during these periods by silencing notifications and turning down meeting requests. But it wasn’t just about eliminating distractions. It was also about calming the internal noise. I had to quiet the mental clutter of “What else should I be doing right now?” and embrace mindfulness. By focusing on the present moment and being fully engaged, I could write with clarity and purpose.
Mindfulness wasn’t just a tool for writing—it became a guiding principle for approaching my entire workload. I embraced the idea that being fully present in the moment is the only way to create something truly meaningful. By shifting from multitasking to “single-tasking,” I created space to write with intention. Each session became a deliberate ritual, and over time, the chapters came together piece by piece.
In the end, I discovered that writing the book mirrored the lessons within it. Every challenge I faced—staying focused, managing priorities, balancing commitments—was an opportunity to practice the principles I was teaching. I learned, once again, that leadership isn’t about having all the answers at once. It’s about taking bold action even when you can’t see the full path ahead. It’s about believing in the process, trusting yourself, and staying committed to the goal.Completing What’s Space Got to Do With It? wasn’t just an exercise in storytelling—it was an exercise in perseverance, focus, and courage. And like the stories I share in the book, I hope my experience inspires readers to see that even in the face of uncertainty, they have the power to create something lasting, meaningful, and impactful.
Takeaway That Lasts
3. Do you have a favorite quote or key takeaway from your book that you hope readers will carry with them?
One of the many powerful takeaways from What’s Space Got to Do With It? 10 Life Lessons for Personal Growth comes from the chapter titled: “Defying Gravity: Try Anyway, Even When the Odds Are Against You.”
This message reflects one of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned throughout my career. It’s a reminder that success isn’t defined by the absence of obstacles—it’s defined by the courage to keep going despite them. Too often, fear of failure, self-doubt, or the belief that "conditions aren’t right" causes people to hesitate or walk away. But if I’ve learned anything from my experience in the space sector, it’s that progress doesn’t happen in perfect conditions—it happens because we choose to move forward despite uncertainty.
The principle of "defying gravity" is about overcoming the invisible forces that weigh us down—fear, doubt, uncertainty—and taking action anyway. One of the most pivotal moments I had to "defy gravity" was my decision to launch my own company, SB Global LLC. It would have been easier to stay in a secure role with clear systems and predictable outcomes. But I knew that real growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. It happens when you challenge yourself to do something bigger than you’ve ever done before. Launching my own company required taking a leap of faith, trusting my experience, and believing I could build something meaningful from the ground up. There was no "perfect plan" or guaranteed success, but I moved forward anyway. Each step revealed new opportunities and capabilities I wouldn’t have discovered if I had stayed on familiar ground.
As a mentor, I’ve seen this "defying gravity" concept in action. People from all walks of life—students, professionals, and executives—face moments when they feel overwhelmed by doubt or fear of the unknown. Some pause. Some stop altogether. But the ones who push forward, even when the path is unclear, are the ones who ultimately succeed. They don’t let fear be the deciding factor in their lives.
If there’s one message I hope readers carry from this chapter, it’s this: Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Take action anyway. Trust that each step you take builds momentum, and with enough persistence, you’ll break free from whatever is holding you back. Whether stepping into a leadership role, launching a company, or taking on a new challenge, the only way to defy gravity is to rise above it. The lift-off might be the hardest part, but it’s also the most important.
Inspiring the Next Authors
4. What advice would you give to aspiring authors in STEM or those looking to share their voices in this space?
“Start before you’re ready.”
This is the single most important piece of advice I can offer. Too often, aspiring authors convince themselves that they need more experience, expertise, or time before they begin writing. But here’s the truth: you’ll never feel fully ready—and that’s okay. The key is to start anyway.
When I began writing What’s Space Got to Do With It? 10 Life Lessons for Personal Growth, I didn’t have every chapter mapped out or every story perfectly framed. I didn’t know how all the pieces would come together. But I started. I leaned into the process, trusting that clarity would come with action. You don’t have to see the whole path ahead to take the first step.
Starting before you’re ready also means giving yourself permission to write imperfectly. First drafts aren’t meant to be polished. They’re meant to exist. Too many aspiring authors get stuck trying to make everything "perfect" from the start. But progress beats perfection every time. Write the messy draft. Get the ideas out of your head and onto the page. You can edit, refine, and polish later. Books aren’t written—they’re rewritten.
So, if you have a story to tell, an idea to share, or lessons to teach—don’t wait. Start before you’re ready. Take the first step, even if it’s small. Trust the process, trust yourself, and trust that your voice matters.
