From my perspective, it's really risk management to ensure that humans have the ability to go somewhere else in case there were to be some huge disaster on Earth. Gwynne Shotwell More Quotes by Gwynne Shotwell More Quotes From Gwynne Shotwell You can't be on the cusp of innovation and at the forefront of technology if you're wearing blinders. If you don't have an exploration program where you're exploring your world here on Earth, underwater, and in space, then you're wearing blinders and handicapping yourself. Gwynne Shotwell yourself you innovation technology What would air travel look like if airplanes were thrown out after each flight? No one would be flying in airplanes. Gwynne Shotwell like look flying travel An important skill for all SpaceXers is the ability to accept critical feedback. This is key to anyone's growth and becoming better at what they do. Gwynne Shotwell skill better growth important The key is to join an industry that you have a passion for. If you love cars, then automotive is where you should end up. Gwynne Shotwell end you passion love I never felt any issues whatsoever about being a woman in Tech. Gwynne Shotwell woman about never being Consolidating to the point of monopoly has never served the consumer - ever. Gwynne Shotwell consumer point never monopoly I left Aerospace because I wanted to go build, and put spacecraft together. Gwynne Shotwell build go space together If you're not looking toward the future or trying to improve the current technology, you'll be left behind. Gwynne Shotwell looking you future technology I always encourage employees to feel free to raise any issues that prevent them from getting good work done. Gwynne Shotwell feel good good-work work SpaceX is a flat organization. Anyone gets to talk to anyone, and the best idea wins - even if it comes from an intern. Gwynne Shotwell intern talk best organization After I finished my master's degree, I moved to a company called Aerospace Corporation, a big think tank for the U.S. Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office. Gwynne Shotwell think company force office I saw what government programs were and how they were executed. In some cases, they were executed beautifully, but in others, there was tremendous waste. Gwynne Shotwell others some how government I do want to make something clear: SpaceX does have a lot of government business, but we execute in a commercial fashion. Gwynne Shotwell fashion government business want I remember in third grade, I asked my mom, 'How does an engine work?' So my mom bought me a book. Gwynne Shotwell me mom work remember For whatever reason, college was just not a huge focus for me. I wasn't planning ahead. I just didn't think about it too much. Gwynne Shotwell think me focus college There was a lot of risk taken in the Mercury and Apollo eras, and we don't take those risks anymore. We've designed the systems to eliminate risk, which makes it take forever and cost too much money. Gwynne Shotwell risks too-much money forever I don't like to camp. Early on, Mars is going to be camping. I think there are people far better suited to do that than me. But when the first Holiday Inn Express shows up, maybe I'll go. Gwynne Shotwell think me holiday people I'd love to go to space. I would love to peek out a giant window and look back at the blue marble. There's no question; I'd love to do that. Gwynne Shotwell look blue love window