Karen Nyberg in the International Space Station
From the 28th of May to the 10th of November 2013, Karen Nyberg had her first close proximity experience with some of Zygo’s products. The cupola windows, which Nyberg gazed out of as she looked down at Earth, were polished and tested by the optic solutions and precision metrology instrument provider. Now, 10 years on, Zygo has announced Nyberg as its new brand ambassador.
Nyberg, famously known as the 50th woman to go to space after her mission in 2008, has spent 180 days in space across her career as an astronaut. But it was the ISS (International Space Station) Expedition 36/37 flight, which Nyberg opened up about below.
“I recall feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the cupola windows, giving me the incredible privilege of gazing back at the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet”, said Nyberg. “I was not only captivated by the mesmerising view but also reminded of the remarkable workmanship and unwavering dedication of individuals who brought them into existence. The windows serve as our shield, protecting us from the unforgiving harshness of space. They provide both a breathtaking perspective and a vital barrier against the inhospitable environment. For that, I am eternally grateful to the skilled visionaries who made them possible.”
Zygo and its collaboration with the ISS
When developing products for critical applications, like the precision windows used on the ISS, one of the key foundations between the manufacturer and customer is trust. The end customer must trust in the supplier’s expertise, reliability, and quality of its products that they are purchasing, and that the products will meet high stringent standards.
Paul Horton
Zygo fused Silica
Relating this to the case of Zygo and the ISS, optics must meet rigorous quality control measures, adhere to precise specifications, and the components must withstand the rigours of space. In this case, the reliability and dependability of the products must be trusted implicitly as any compromises in performance could result in danger to astronauts’ safety, and the space mission and scientific endeavours could be unsuccessful. Failure would result in catastrophic consequences, which is why trust and leadership of individuals, teams, and companies, are of the utmost interest.
Comparing the Zygo team with the astronauts who work on the ISS, both teams require an intelligent view of leadership while also actively pushing boundaries to seek high performance. Specifically for Zygo, the company stimulates innovation by improving bleeding-edge customer-facing technology solutions.
Good leadership drives innovation
Excellent examples of leadership tend to foster innovation and cultivate positive working environments, which are two crucial elements in driving an organisation towards success. To understand good leadership, you must examine the core values that motivate an organisation.
Delving into this theory, Nyberg says “From my perspective, at the heart of excellent leadership (apart from knowing when to lead and when to follow) lies a compelling vision and a clear sense of purpose. Strong organisations always strive for remarkable achievements and exceptional leaders communicate their vision effectively, instilling a shared sense of purpose among their teams.”
“An exceptional leader fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. In my view, Zygo exemplifies this by embracing cutting-edge technologies and promoting a growth mindset. Zygo's dedication to research and development drives the creation of state-of-the-art metrology and optics solutions. Projects like the ISS which I was privileged to be part of necessitate constant innovation. Effective leaders encourage experimentation, risk-taking, and learning from failures to drive progress and stay ahead of the curve.”
Additionally, excellent leaders value collaboration, team building, and teamwork. Zygo does this by collaborating with innovative customers, recognising its diverse teams, skillsets, and perspectives. The optic solutions and precision metrology instrument provider promotes cross-functional collaboration to leverage the expertise of its employees, while also promoting collaborative partnerships with customers. Encouraging teamwork, trust, and open communication, is vital for creating a supportive work environment for employees.
“Good leadership encompasses a strong ethical foundation and a sense of responsibility towards stakeholders,” said Jennifer Hellberg, Division Vice President (DVP), Business Unit Manager at Zygo. “Zygo demonstrates its commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility in various ways, but perhaps most importantly by adhering to stringent quality standards, ensuring the delivery of reliable products to its customers. Projects such as the provision of windows for the ISS place the utmost importance on safety protocols and environmental stewardship. Exceptional leaders lead by example, emphasising integrity, transparency, and accountability.”
How good leadership, learning, and development can lead to excellence
To get the most out of your employees, learning and development must be encouraged to allow individuals to reach their full potential. Zygo does this by promoting employee growth through training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Similarly, ISS astronauts undergo rigorous training programs to acquire the necessary skills for space exploration. Such development can also be considered as a company's attempt at nurturing future leaders.
The relationships which Zygo has grown with its customers are a testament to the power of collaboration and shared goals. Zygo’s precision metrology instruments and optical solutions contribute to successful projects like the ISS while ensuring the safety of all astronauts on board. Its technologies have helped in areas including satellite fabrication, optical system alignment, and surface metrology.
The optic solutions and precision metrology instrument provider believes projects like the ISS pushes Zygo to develop cutting-edge solutions, fostering innovation and advancing its technological capabilities. Resulting in the partnership fuelling excellence and mutual growth.
Nyberg concludes, “I am excited about my partnership with Zygo. As a company that pursues excellent leadership, Zygo is a beacon of inspiration. Zygo’s core values of vision, purpose, innovation, collaboration, ethics, and learning match well with my background and training to become an astronaut. Leaders that embrace these principles create an environment that encourages growth, fosters innovation, and cultivates a positive organisational culture. Zygo and my training to be an astronaut, culminating in my time on the ISS, provide valuable lessons on excellent leadership. In our own ways, we strive to reach new heights and tackle complex challenges and, to do this effective leadership becomes paramount.”
Hellberg finishes up, “Remember, leadership is a journey of continuous growth and development. By adopting the principles discussed in this article and learning from the success stories of organisations like Zygo and astronauts like Karen, leaders can inspire their teams, drive meaningful change, and make a lasting impact.”