Emmanuel Rodriguez, a leading voice in aerospace engineering and engineer at Blue Origin, joins us to unfold the thrilling future of space exploration. As both an adjunct professor at National University and a rocket engine engineer, Emmanuel shares his insights into how private enterprises are reshaping the industry. We navigate the challenges posed by high costs and inefficiencies in current space technologies and discuss the innovative shift towards reusable rocket systems that could make space travel as common as commercial flights. Listen in as we explore the potential breakthroughs, including hybrid propulsion systems, that promise to transform space travel in the coming decade.

Our discussion also takes us through the blazing advancements in space technology, drawing parallels to the leap from ground transportation to modern air travel. With Emmanuel's guidance, we delve into Blue Origin's mission to enhance rocket engine efficiency and the bold vision of using the moon's South Pole as a future refueling station. As an educator, Emmanuel emphasizes the importance of real-world applications for budding engineers, encouraging them to focus on precision and detail. We also touch upon the significance of satellites in unraveling Martian weather patterns for upcoming missions. Join us for this captivating conversation filled with innovation, ambition, and inspiring advice for the next generation of aerospace pioneers.

What if you could shift your career trajectory without starting from scratch? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Jackie Kus, an esteemed career advisor at National University, as she unpacks the art of career pivoting. In our latest episode, Dr. Kus shares her wealth of knowledge, illustrating how she harnessed her own transferable skills to transition from academia to the corporate world. Discover the subtle yet profound distinction between a career pivot and a full-blown career change, and learn how existing skills can be your passport to a new industry—bypassing the need for exhaustive retraining.

As we continue our journey, we address the critical task of assessing one's readiness for a career overhaul. Signs of dissatisfaction, misalignment with personal values, and a lack of growth opportunities are explored as potential catalysts for change. Through insightful strategies, Dr. Kus advises on aligning your work with what truly matters, emphasizing factors such as financial stability, emotional well-being, and family considerations. Reflect on your current skills, motivations, and the potential risks and rewards, as we explore ways to ensure a well-rounded readiness for career advancements.

Finally, we delve into the strategies necessary for managing career transitions and maximizing networking opportunities. Learn to navigate setbacks with resilience and focus on setting realistic goals. Dr. Kus underscores the power of networking, offering practical tips to expand your connections and find mentors who can steer you toward success. Whether you’re engaging with potential contacts in casual settings or writing your achievements for self-reflection, this episode is a treasure trove of advice for anyone eager to redefine their professional path.

Can embracing a growth mindset transform your career? Join us as we explore this compelling idea alongside Ashley Forrest, National University's Director of Career Services, and Dr. Jackie Kus, a seasoned career advisor with a wealth of experience. Ashley sheds light on her mission to empower individuals to overcome professional barriers, while Dr. Kus shares her journey of navigating pivotal career decisions. Together, they reveal how aligning a growth mindset with personal aspirations can open up diverse career pathways and enrich your professional life.

Facing challenges in the workplace? Discover how staying open to growth and change can enhance your job satisfaction and effectiveness. Ashley shares a compelling story about leading a training initiative during a complex institutional merger, demonstrating the power of collaboration and feedback. Dr. Kus provides insights from her pandemic-era decision-making experiences, highlighting the necessity of reflection and learning from mistakes. Their stories emphasize adaptability and the strategic use of feedback to overcome professional obstacles and foster growth.

Looking to cultivate a growth mindset? We explore practical strategies for embracing feedback, constructive criticism, and self-reflection as tools for career development. Learn how to leverage networking and mentor relationships to navigate your career journey with curiosity and resilience. Ashley and Dr. Kus discuss the significance of research, shadowing, and reframing challenges to foster continuous growth. Whether you're aiming for career advancement or personal development, these insights will guide you in building a robust growth mindset that aligns with your goals.

Join us on an exciting exploration of the transformative power of AI in marketing as we welcome our distinguished guests, Dr. Paul Markham and Dr. Justin Goldston. Together, we unpack how AI is reshaping marketing strategies from broad target approaches to individualized tactics powered by machine learning and natural language processing. Dr. Markham shares his insights on overcoming organizational barriers to AI adoption, while Dr. Goldston highlights the importance of creating ethical AI and blockchain solutions to prevent potential misuse of these advanced technologies. Listen in as we break down complex concepts, helping you prepare for the fast-paced evolution of digital tools.

Explore how AI and blockchain are not only revolutionizing marketing but also impacting other sectors like education, healthcare, and fintech. Discover how AI is poised to evolve from narrow artificial intelligence to potential superintelligence, and how leadership must adapt to these changes. Dr. Goldston discusses the use of cryptocurrency by prominent figures, signaling potential shifts in the fintech landscape. We also examine how autonomous agents might streamline industries and displace repetitive jobs, and how universities are testing these ideas in a global social experiment.

In this engaging conversation, we encourage listeners to embrace AI advancements and acquire new skills to stay ahead. From creating real-time marketing plans to eliminating human bias, AI's capabilities are reshaping industries. We discuss AI's potential in news networks, automotive sectors, and beyond, envisioning a future where customizable, unbiased presentations are the norm. With AI's influence extending to healthcare, marketing, and other industries, we emphasize the importance of proactive, visionary thinking while addressing ethical concerns. Trust in your intelligence and approach AI with curiosity, as we guide you through the evolving landscape of technology.

What if mastering public speaking could be your ticket to career advancement, stronger leadership, and more effective communication? Join us as we welcome Ashley Forrest, National University's Director of Career Services, who unravels the secrets behind impactful public speaking. Ashley believes that effective communication isn't just about sharing facts—it's about creating connections and inspiring others through empathy and storytelling. Through her expert insights, she offers strategies to conquer the fear of speaking in front of an audience, highlighting the power of self-awareness and authentic engagement.

We explore public speaking techniques that captivate and resonate, focusing on the authenticity that turns human imperfections into strengths. The episode sheds light on the art of storytelling and its ability to forge emotional bonds with your audience. Ashley shares practical advice on using body language, humor, and interactive elements to keep listeners engaged, even when presenting virtually. Learn how to tailor your message to different audiences and embrace technology's evolving role in amplifying your reach. Whether you're pitching ideas, leading a team, or seeking personal growth, Ashley's guidance will help transform your public speaking skills into a compelling force.

Discover the fascinating dynamics of mental performance on the National University Podcast with our esteemed guest, Dr. Grayson Kimball, the program director for the Master of Science in Sports Psychology at National University. Dr. Kimball’s journey into sports psychology unveils the hidden elements that differentiate elite athletes beyond their physical capabilities. Through his practical approach to mental coaching, Dr. Kimball emphasizes the profound interplay between thoughts, feelings, and performance. This episode offers a treasure trove of insights not only for athletes but also for professionals in various high-performance arenas who are keen on harnessing these mental strategies for enhanced capabilities.

As we transition into broader applications, we explore how mental performance strategies transcend sports and apply to business and education settings. Drawing from my experiences with non-athlete professionals, we unpack how the pressure of sales negotiations mirrors the stress athletes face, highlighting the universal nature of performance anxiety. This conversation sheds light on the power of an open mind in mastering new skills and introduces techniques to manage such anxiety—like directing a swimmer's nervous energy into a powerful performance.

Dive into strategies for maintaining consistent performance across various domains by reframing goals and focusing on the journey rather than just the destination.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Shaddaa Jawad, a renowned expert in computer engineering, as we explore the fascinating world of quantum computing. We unpack the fundamental differences between classical and quantum computers, focusing on the unique capabilities of qubits through the intriguing concepts of superposition and entanglement. Dr. Jawad shares her insights on how quantum computers could revolutionize fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, and material science, while highlighting their complementary role alongside classical computers. We also address the significant challenges faced in the development of quantum technology, including qubit coherence, error rates, and scalability.

In another engaging chapter, we highlight Dr. Jawad's impactful work at National University, where she is shaping the future of quantum computing by educating the next generation of innovators and researchers. Through our dialogue, we express our gratitude for her contributions and commitment to advancing this cutting-edge field. We encourage our listeners to learn more about her work and stay updated on related topics through National University's website and our social media channels. This episode promises to broaden your understanding of quantum computing's current state and its potential to transform the future.

Imagine transitioning from law enforcement to academia, all while overcoming language barriers and inspiring others along the way. That's the incredible journey of Dr. Irma Diaz-Martin, whose experiences have equipped her with a deep empathy for diverse educational backgrounds. Tune in to hear how her early challenges, including those faced as a Spanish-speaking student, shaped her passion for teaching and mentoring. Dr. Diaz-Martin recounts the pivotal influences of her fourth-grade teacher and a commander in her law enforcement career, illustrating the transformative power of mentorship in her life. Her insights offer a powerful reminder of the role education and mentorship play in bridging the achievement gap and empowering women in higher education.

Explore the dual benefits of mentorship as we discuss how it not only facilitates growth and success for mentees but also brings about personal development for mentors. We dive into the hurdles adult learners face when returning to education, and the crucial role clear goals play in overcoming these barriers. Our conversation emphasizes pursuing passion in career planning, with Dr. Diaz-Martin's own journey serving as an inspiring example of how finding what you love can make work feel effortless and rewarding. Reflect with us on your own mentoring roles, and discover how you can inspire and foster success within your community through the power of education and mentorship.