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Cady Coleman

WiseWork Career Story: NASA’s Cady Coleman

July 21, 2013 By Michele Woodward Leave a Comment

Cady Coleman

 

About a million years ago in the seventh grade, I met a small, observant girl with dark bangs. We both played the flute, we both liked to write, we both had a fairly sly sense of humor.

Which meant, for middle schoolers, that we were slightly beyond potty humor. Only slightly.

Cady Coleman was someone I admired in school because she was wicked smart and had the kind of industrious work habits my parents could only dream of for me. Through middle and high school, we often found ourselves in the same science, history and literature classes, but over time Cady went deep into the sciences and I went deep into writing. (I only took physics, as an example, because there were 23 boys in the class and only two girls. That particular sort of math still happens to appeal to me.)

After high school, we went our separate ways – Cady to MIT to study chemistry, me to Virginia Tech to study writing.

Around our tenth reunion time, I learned that Cady had become an astronaut. A real, honest-to-goodness astronaut. At NASA.

And you know what? I wasn’t that surprised, because in my mind Cady embodied all the characteristics you’d want in an astronaut – smart, resourceful, resilient and diligent.

Over the years, Cady has been up on three missions – she’s the 333rd human to go into space – including a six-month stint in the International Space Station. For that mission, she was launched the day after her 50th birthday proving that age has nothing to do with anything whatsoever.

Cady was my guest this past week on the WiseWork radio show, and she was her usual charming, self-deprecating, wise, insightful self. Would you like to listen to the thirty minute show?

NASA Astronaut Cady Coleman on Working in Space

When Cady describes what it’s like to be launched, what it’s like to orbit the Earth and to see our bright blue ball from space – you can sense her awe and passion.

When she talks about how her family couldn’t afford college but how she made it work for herself, you’ll see grit and determination.

When she talks about the road she walked to get to the place where she could join the astronaut corps, you’ll be inspired.

When she talks about how she leaned in, you’ll be intrigued.

And when someone walks into her office looking for cake right in the middle of our interview, you’ll hear her kindness as she directs her colleague to the fridge.

I am all about working smart with heart, and Cady Coleman exemplifies how any of us can dare greatly enough to reveal our passion for our work. And feel fulfilled as a result.

Thousands of people have listened to the show since last Tuesday. It’s really making an impact – and for that I’m exceedingly grateful, because Cady’s story deserves telling. You can listen by going to BlogTalkRadio or iTunes.

Cady – that flute playing, science-loving, funny, smart seventh grader who sat one desk over from me in so many classes – went on to become one of a handful of American women who’ve been in space. What a privilege it is to see, firsthand, what’s possible for any of us who dare to work smart, with heart.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Authenticity, Blog, Career Coaching, Happier Living, Uncategorized, WiseWork Tagged With: astronaut, being yourself, Cady Coleman, careers, NASA, work

Happy Virtual Birthday To Me

March 14, 2010 By Michele Woodward Leave a Comment


When I thought about all the ways I could possibly celebrate my upcoming 50th birthday – big blow out party, inspiring foreign travel, expensive jewelry, a weekend in a double-wide – it occurred to me that I could never, possibly gather all the people I love and who make me laugh in one space.

Friends far afield does not a party make.

Unless.

Unless I did a Virtual Birthday Party!  Via teleconference!  And invited everyone to call in and give me advice about turning fifty!

So, it’s on.  Please plan to join me on Monday, March 22nd, at 2pm EDT – dial (703) 344-2171 and enter Conference ID: 520811#.

Just in case no one calls in (the worst nightmare of any hostess), I have asked these friends to dial in throughout the hour to dispense kindly (and perhaps barbed) advice, direction and commentary for this next phase of my life:

Pam Slim, sister-by-choice, author of Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur and my business partner on Kick Ass Mentoring and Career Invention.

Patti Digh, author of Life Is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally, wry and inspiring observer at  37days.com

Jeannette Maw, the Good Vibe Coach, author of a number of great books on attracting what you want… and my partner on our monthly Conversation program.

Jen Louden, Comfort Queen, chatelaine of The Comfort Cafe, lovely person, and author of wonderful books and programs for women.

Hiro Boga, the Flourishing Muse and one of the finest writers and kindest souls I know.

Liz Lynch, networking pro and author of Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online, who always seems to find time to laugh at my jokes. Bless her.

Debbie Phillips, Woman On Fire, and author of Women on Fire: 20 Inspiring Women Share Their Life Secrets (and Save You Years of Struggle!). Debbie generously talked to a newbie coach (me) one afternoon many years ago, and set me on a path I love.

Cady Coleman, NASA astronaut and friend since 7th grade.  Cady is due to go up for her third space mission this December – to the International Space Station for a three month stay. Having seen the Earth from space, maybe Cady will help me put this birthday into a really big context.

Of course, there’s you.

I really want to talk to you.  So please plan to call in – and I’ll mingle and talk to as many folks as I possibly can. Just like an in-person party. 🙂

Believe me: Your presence is the greatest gift I’ll receive.

Filed Under: Happier Living Tagged With: Cady Coleman, Debbie Phillips, happy birthday, Hiro Boga, Jeannette Maw, Jen Louden, Liz Lynch, Pam Slim, Patti Digh, virtual party

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