Scott Parazynski

Dr. Scott Parazynski is not only the first human to both fly in space and summit Mount Everest, he's also a prolific inventor and serial entrepreneur. His multifaceted career began at Stanford University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctor of Medicine from Stanford Medical School. In 1992, he joined NASA and embarked on a distinguished career in space exploration.

During his tenure with NASA, Parazynski flew on five Space Shuttle missions and conducted seven spacewalks, totaling over 57 days in space. His missions were critical to the development of international partnerships and technological advancements, including the first docking of Space Shuttle Atlantis with the Russian Space Station Mir, and the intricate assembly of the International Space Station. Notably, he performed a complex spacewalk to repair a fully energized solar array, demonstrating his expertise in managing high-risk situations.

Beyond his NASA career, Parazynski achieved a rare feat by summiting Mount Everest, making him the first astronaut to stand on the world's highest peak. His experiences from both spacewalks and mountaineering are foundational to his current roles as the Founder and CEO of Fluidity Technologies, which specializes in innovative motion control devices, and as Chief Medical Officer of Community Wellness, focusing on remote patient monitoring for aging adults. He also applies his extensive experience in leadership and innovation as a Professor of Practice at Arizona State University and through board memberships in several companies.

Parazynski's memoir "The Sky Below" encapsulates his thrilling adventures and the valuable lessons from navigating extreme environments. As a speaker, he frequently explores themes of leadership, resilience, and risk management, drawing upon his unique experiences in outer space and the most extreme locales on Earth to engage and inspire his audiences.

Overall, Parazynski's life reflects a profound commitment to exploration and innovation, making significant contributions across multiple fields and continually pushing the boundaries of human potential. His story is a powerful illustration of how diverse experiences can be integrated to lead and innovate in complex, high-stakes environments.