In this episode of Leadership Launchpad, Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Director of the Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory and Principal Investigator of NASA’s Psyche mission, shares insights on leading high-stakes, technical teams. She explains the objectives and significance of the Psyche mission—humanity’s first deep exploration of a metal-rich asteroid—and offers a detailed look at her role as principal investigator. The discussion covers leadership challenges, including leading with responsibility but limited authority, fostering open communication, and the value of surfacing problems early. Elkins-Tanton also addresses the unique pressures placed on teams during COVID-19 and strategies for maintaining effective collaboration across dispersed workforces. The episode concludes with reflections on the scientific mysteries of asteroid 16 Psyche and the excitement of pioneering new frontiers in space science.

Timestamps for Key Moments:

  • 02:34: Explanation of the Psyche mission’s goals and significance
  • 04:36: The principal investigator role defined
  • 07:00: Leading without formal authority
  • 10:24: Transition from technical work to leading teams
  • 14:42: The importance of surfacing bad news early
  • 17:45: Creating a culture where junior team members can speak up
  • 25:20: Leadership challenges during COVID-19
  • 31:16: Scientific questions guiding the Psyche mission
  • 32:33: Upcoming mission milestones


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