Michelle Belew Isermann's Linkedin Analytics

NASA Retiree: I was blessed to have an amazing career spanning 33 years at NASA JSC in the Office of Procurement. I supported the Space Shuttle and International Space Station Programs as well as various technical directorates including the White Sands Test Facility. I was honored to receive various awards and recognition over my career. However, one that was incredibly meaningful was an informal team award given after the first Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) competition in 2008. I was a Procurement Team Lead and advised the Source Selection Board and my ISS Program customer. The CRS team presented me with the “2008 Nobel Peace Prize” calling me a peacemaker. This unexpected high compliment confirmed for me that my hard work on my presence as a leader and my communication skills were received as hoped/intended. I was very humbled. The CRS effort is my favorite technical project of my NASA career. The other ‘accomplishment’ I am most proud of is coaching and developing others. I loved helping others see their potential, set their goals, and exceed them. I was also proud to assist our office in establishing training and development content and standards that became pathfinders for our agency. Finally, as I was exiting my career in January 2022, I was so blessed by all the gracious and kind words from the exceptional colleagues I had the honor to work with. Some I had worked with for my entire 33+ years; others THEIR entire NASA careers; and others multiple times over the years or during the last several years in my role as a Strategic Advisor. I cherish the US flag presented to me that flew on STS-26 in September 1988 the year I started with NASA. Very special. Presently: I am pursuing my dream of becoming a published author/blogger/screenwriter. While I pursue these lofty goals and meet other fascinating people from all walks of life around the world, I wanted to offer some tips, thoughts, and any lessons from my personal ‘school of hard knocks.’ To pay it forward with the hope it will bless others (or at least offer them a smile).