Andrea Macdonald, founder of ideaXme, interviews Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides, former astro-biologist, author and space ambassador.
Here’s a FORCE you should meet!
That FORCE is Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides, who has the capability and drive to change our world for the better!
“I love connecting people, translating between scientists, engineers and non-technical people, and reminding people that the impossible is just something that hasn’t happened yet.”
Whilst she has already achieved great things as an empowerer of people, an explorer, a former astro-biologist, an author, space ambassador, volunteer at Virgin Unite, lecturer at International Space University and Virgin Galactic founder astronaut – we’re sure something much bigger is on its way.
Listen to her ideaXme interview below and judge for yourself!
Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Rian Johnson, the Director of Star Wars Episode 8 if you’re listening: Go on give her the opportunity to do something really amazing. Help her to push the human story forward!
What’s covered:
The Big Ideas:
Why Loretta would like to meet Rian Johnson.
Training in the ways of the FORCE.
The big idea for the next Stars Wars Episode.
The idea to empower and draw women into the space industry. An opportunity for large corporations to sponsor something which could change our world for the better?
The human and cultural impact of space exploration.
The new book – publisher sought.
Being a Founder Astronaut at Virgin Galactic.
Helping to create a generation which will mean “I could take a cruise when I retire around the rings of Saturn.”
Yuri’s Night: A celebration of humanity’s past, present and future in space, which takes place every year in 75 countries across the world. Co-founded with George Whitesides, CEO Virgin Galactic.
The connectedness with everyone and everything. The Overview Effect, book published in 1987 by Frank White and why the thinking therein is at the heart of Loretta’s mission.
The Human Story:
How a coffee table book, Our Universe changed everything.
The influence of her strong mother and independent biker sister.
The talented women who have helped her.
How experience in attending a girls only school and science summer camp made her believe that anything was achievable.
Why she bought a ticket to fly to space with Virgin Galactic.
Why she would love to meet Lin-Manuel Miranda Creator, Hamilton and adored his impromptu Live Cantina Song with J J Abrams.
Credits: Andrea Macdonald interview video, text, and audio
For more ideaXme interviews in the lead up to our 2016 launch:
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ideaXme is a global podcast, creator series and mentor programme. Our mission: Move the human story forward!™ ideaXme Ltd.
Connect with the founder of ideaXme: Andrea Macdonald