The Space Café Podcast #111: Bold Dreams: From Gourmet Chef to NASA Innovation Marathon Leader

Guest: Leka Hattori, NASA Space Apps Challenge
CEO of @spaceterrahub | Local leader of NASA's Space Apps Challenge | Analog Astronaut | TEDx Speaker | Chef | International Speaker | Pilgrim

In this episode of the Space Cafe Podcast, Markus delves into Leka Hattori’s extraordinary journey from becoming a world-class chef to leading NASA’s Space Apps Challenge. They discuss the importance of following one’s dreams, the impact of loneliness and self-reflection, and the innovative potential unlocked through NASA’s global hackathons.

Guest background:

Leka Hattori is an inspirational figure who went from a successful culinary career, catering to high-profile clients such as Tom Cruise and the Royal Family, to organizing NASA’s largest innovation marathon. Originally from Brazil, she now leads NASA’s Space Apps Challenge, which promotes open science and innovation around the world.

Episode Highlights:

The unlikely path:

• Leka's journey: She went from being a chef in London to becoming a key figure in NASA's innovation programs, driven by her passion for space.

The Camino journey:

• Solitude and reflection: Leka's transformative experience walking through the Santiago's road and its impact on their personal growth and sense of control.

NASA Space Apps Challenge:

• General description: An open innovation hackathon held in over 200 cities around the world, fostering solutions to Earth and space-related problems using open data from NASA and other space agencies.
• Youth Participation: Leka's strategy is to engage college and high school students, promoting creativity and genuine innovation.
• Notable challenges: Deep space communication, sustainability issues and innovative solutions proposed by participants.

Innovation and Talent:

• Various skills are required: NASA's interest in talent beyond traditional technical roles, such as agriculture for space farming.
• Educational approach: Engage educators as mentors to foster creativity and innovation.

Notable Quotes:

• Hattori's dream: “It’s easy to take the time to listen to yourself. It’s not easy, but it’s simple.”

Additional resources:

• Learn more about NASA's Space Apps Challenge: NASA Space Apps Challenge
• Leka's choice for the Spotify playlist: Ivete Sangalo e Maria Bethânia – Muito Obrigado Axé -> https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/5oUlosj4oD6XzvdcJ1uNX0?si=cb5d268a04884fbc

Stay connected:

We'd love to hear from you. Send us your thoughts, comments, suggestions, love letters.

You can find us at Spotify and Apple Podcast! Please visit us at Global Space Observatorysubscribe to our newsletters. Follow us LinkedIn and Twitter!