The Human Side of Systems Engineering
What interfaces, integration and failure modes look like when the subsystems are people, teams and organizations.
On stage
Bring Tammy into the room.
My speaking sits at the intersection of aerospace systems, space missions, leadership, systems thinking and the messy human realities behind complex technical work.
Technical leadership development
Leadership skills built for technical environments.
For years, I have designed and delivered leadership development, team building and organizational effectiveness sessions for engineers and technical professionals at NASA.
The focus is practical: helping technically strong people communicate across disciplines, build trust, navigate organizational complexity, take ownership, develop others and create teams that perform under real mission and project pressure. My background as an educator also shapes how I present complex ideas so they are clear, engaging and useful.
Talks + themes
Topics with teeth.
A sample of the themes I can shape for a keynote, conference talk, panel contribution or interactive session. Topics can be tailored to the audience and are not limited to this list.
Leading Through Complexity
How technical leaders create clarity, alignment and momentum when authority, information and incentives are distributed.
Building High Performing Technical Teams
Practical lessons in trust, accountability, communication, role clarity and team design for engineers and multidisciplinary technical organizations.
Leadership Development for Technical Professionals
Helping engineers and technical professionals move from individual expertise to influence, decision making, organizational awareness and systems level leadership.
Cognitive Bias in Engineering Decisions
A practical and memorable look at how smart teams make avoidable mistakes and how to build better decision habits.
Project Management in Complex Technical Environments
How to align scope, people, risk, stakeholders and execution when the work does not fit neatly into a project plan.
When Agile Meets Aerospace
What high assurance environments teach us about using Agile without abandoning systems discipline, mission assurance or technical rigor.
Creative Problem Solving for Technical Teams
How to make room for divergent thinking, challenge assumptions and generate stronger options without sacrificing rigor.
Systems Thinking for Leaders
Seeing beyond isolated problems to understand interfaces, unintended consequences, organizational dynamics and leverage points.
Cross Domain Integration and Breaking Silos
How to connect disciplines, organizations and stakeholders so fragmented efforts become shared understanding, coordinated action and stronger outcomes.
Careers, Mentorship and Community in Aerospace
Developing emerging professionals, creating meaningful pathways into aerospace and building communities where people can grow and lead.
Formats
Keynotes to conversations.
Conference and technical talks
Panels and moderated conversations
Leadership development programs and team retreats
University and professional society programs
STEM and aerospace career events