Bring the Long View to Your Audience
Jim Van Laak draws on decades of NASA leadership to deliver practical, inspiring talks on cooperation, risk management, and systems thinking.
Why Book Jim
What happens when former enemies choose cooperation over conflict? Jim Van Laak lived that question – as a Cold War fighter pilot, then as a NASA leader building the International Space Station with Russia.
His talks are not just inspiring. They are rooted in real‑world lessons: how to build trust across divides, manage high‑stakes crises, and keep a long view when short‑term pressures mount.
Jim speaks to corporate audiences, universities, conferences, and leadership forums. He tailors every presentation to your organisation's needs – delivering actionable insights, not just stories.
Featured Keynotes
Jim's most requested presentations – available as keynotes, workshops, or virtual talks.
Conflict to Cooperation
How former enemies – American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts – learned to trust each other. Jim reveals the small, consistent actions that transformed fear into partnership, offering a blueprint for bridging divides in any organisation.
Risk and Resilience
From the fire on the Mir space station to the Progress collision that nearly ended it, Jim shares real‑time crisis management lessons. Learn how to make high‑stakes decisions under pressure and build resilient teams.
Speaking and Lectures
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Programs to assist professionals in improving the value and quality of their work. Topics include the role of technology in modern life, applications of systems thinking to solving difficult problems, the value of a long-view perspective, developing, operating, and sustaining complex systems, and ensuring responsible decision-making across all aspects of life and society.
Use the contact page to schedule your group.
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Who Invites Jim
Ideal audiences:
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Corporate leadership teams
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Industry conferences
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Universities and business schools
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Government agencies
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Non‑profit boards
Formats available:
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Keynote (45–60 minutes)
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Workshop (half‑day or full‑day)
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Virtual presentations
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Panel participation
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Fireside chats
What Event Organisers Say
