REAL GROWTH HAPPENS
OUTSIDE THE COMFORT ZONE
ABOUT US
Immersive Leaders was created to address a critical gap in corporate leadership training. While many programmes talk about pushing boundaries, few can claim to have walked in those shoes. Our team is composed of experts who have navigated the most intense environments known to human kind.
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Our leadership experiences are designed for senior executives and VP-level professionals who are responsible for driving change, managing teams, and making decisions that influence entire organisations. By immersing them in real-world simulations and drawing on NASA’s wealth of experience, we don’t just provide theories—we provide transformative experiences.
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With over 10 years of delivering leadership training, our methodology has been shaped by those who have been at the forefront of human achievement. Through our programmes, we challenge your leaders to think differently, act decisively, and deliver results that create lasting impact.
MEET THE EXPERTS
We shape teams at the forefront of humanities greatest achievements
Chris Barber
Founder & Director
Chris Barber is the visionary founder of ISSET and Immersive Leaders, having developed transformative leadership programmes that bring together the expertise of NASA astronauts and world-class professionals. With a passion for inspiring and developing the next generation of leaders, Chris has spent over two decades creating immersive experiences that push executives to think differently and perform at their best in high-pressure environments.
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Under Chris's leadership, ISSET has grown into a globally respected organisation that delivers impactful educational programmes across the world. His creation of Immersive Leaders was born from the desire to bring the same high-stakes, real-world training that astronauts undergo to corporate leaders, helping them develop resilience, innovation, and adaptability.
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Chris’s ability to blend real-world experience with leadership development has enabled him to shape programmes that are both inspiring and practical, ensuring they have a lasting impact on participants. His commitment to empowering leaders and his strategic insight continue to drive Immersive Leaders' success in transforming leadership teams worldwide.
Sarah Murray
Team Lead
With over 20 years at NASA, Sarah Murray has led teams through some of the most complex and high-stakes environments imaginable. From training astronauts in microgravity to overseeing mission-critical operations for the International Space Station (ISS) and the Space Shuttle. As Deputy Chief of NASA’s Mission Operations Spaceflight Training, she was responsible for preparing astronauts, flight controllers, and cosmonauts for space missions, ensuring that no detail was overlooked in an environment where success is the only option.​
Sarah’s expertise doesn’t end with space missions—she also excelled in mission support during the Space Shuttle Columbia recovery efforts, where her leadership was critical in coordinating the integrated efforts of multiple agencies. Her ability to manage cross-functional teams under immense pressure, combined with her tactical decision-making, makes her a powerhouse in leadership training.
Dr Michael Foale CBE
Leadership Expert & Former NASA Astronaut
Dr. Michael Foale is one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts, having logged over 374 days in space across six missions, including time aboard both the Space Shuttle and the Russian Mir Space Station. As the first British-American to perform a spacewalk, Michael’s resilience and quick decision-making were crucial in repairing the Mir space station after a life-threatening collision—demonstrating his exceptional leadership under extreme pressure.
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With a PhD in astrophysics from Cambridge University, Michael has combined scientific expertise with operational leadership, helping advance human space exploration for NASA. He played a pivotal role in the development of the International Space Station (ISS) and was instrumental in strengthening collaboration between NASA and international partners.
Honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to space exploration, Michael brings a wealth of experience in leading high-stakes missions. At Immersive Leaders, he now leverages his vast knowledge to inspire executives to think strategically and lead with courage in the face of challenges.
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger
Leadership Expert & Former NASA Astronaut
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger is a former NASA astronaut and trailblazing leader, having flown on the Space Shuttle Discovery for the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. As a mission specialist, she played a critical role in the resupply and maintenance of the ISS, demonstrating her ability to lead complex operations in space.
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Dottie’s journey from high school science teacher to NASA astronaut exemplifies her dedication, resilience, and ability to inspire others. She was one of the first astronauts selected through NASA’s Educator Astronaut Program, using her unique perspective as a teacher to bridge the gap between science, exploration, and leadership.
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Her leadership extends beyond space. With a degree in geology from Whitman College and a master’s in geology from Washington University, Dottie combines her scientific knowledge with a passion for developing future leaders. At Immersive Leaders, she now helps executives push beyond their limits, teaching them to adapt and excel in high-pressure environments, just as she did during her time in space.
Jennifer Scott Williams
Leadership Expert
Jennifer Scott Williams brings over 30 years of leadership experience from her distinguished career at NASA, where she played a pivotal role in the development and management of NASA's most critical spaceflight programs. As a senior executive, Jennifer led teams responsible for launching and sustaining NASA’s cutting-edge missions, from human space exploration to advanced satellite systems.
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Jennifer’s expertise lies in guiding large, multidisciplinary teams through complex, high-stakes projects. Her leadership helped drive innovations that expanded NASA’s capabilities and mission success. Known for her ability to manage high-pressure situations with precision and clarity, Jennifer has become a trusted leader, shaping the future of space exploration and strategic management within NASA.
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At Immersive Leaders, Jennifer uses her unparalleled experience to develop corporate leaders, empowering them to lead with confidence, resilience, and adaptability. Her focus on fostering collaboration and navigating high-stress environments ensures that executives leave her programmes equipped to tackle any leadership challenge.
Tony Antonelli
Leadership Expert & Former NASA Astronaut
Tony Antonelli is a proven leader, with over 4,700 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft and two Space Shuttle missions (STS-119 and STS-132) as a NASA astronaut. His leadership extended beyond the cockpit, as he played key roles in NASA’s Space Launch System and Commercial Crew programs, directly influencing the future of space exploration.
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Now, as Director of Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Space, Tony leads the charge in taking humans to Mars. His visionary leadership drives the development of next-generation space exploration and human spaceflight capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
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With advanced degrees in aeronautical engineering from MIT and the University of Washington, Tony’s technical expertise and strategic foresight make him a force in leadership development. Honoured with prestigious awards, including the NASA Space Flight Medal and Defense Superior Service Medal, Tony now empowers executives to excel under pressure, bringing his unparalleled leadership experience to Immersive Leaders.
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Dr. Steve Swanson
Leadership Expert & Former NASA Astronaut
Dr. Steve Swanson is a veteran NASA astronaut with over 195 days in space, including two space shuttle missions and a six-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where he served as Commander. During his missions, Steve performed five spacewalks, showcasing his leadership and expertise in high-stakes environments.
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With a PhD in Computer Science from Texas A&M University, Steve has been at the cutting edge of technology and space operations. His leadership aboard the ISS and experience in managing complex, critical tasks—such as spacewalks and station upgrades—have cemented his reputation as a calm, decisive leader under pressure.
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Steve’s technical prowess is matched by his ability to lead diverse teams in challenging, unpredictable conditions. He has received numerous honours, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and his experience in space exploration offers invaluable lessons in adaptability, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
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At Immersive Leaders, Steve applies his extensive spaceflight and leadership experience to help executives develop the resilience and decision-making skills needed to excel in today’s fast-paced world.
Dean Morgan
Head of Design, Communications & Programme Facilitation
Dean is the creative force behind the design and execution of Immersive Leaders’ impactful programmes. With a deep passion for leadership development and a knack for innovation, Dean is responsible for crafting the immersive experiences that push executives to reach their full potential. His expertise spans from programme design to managing communications and ensuring the seamless delivery of high-pressure leadership simulations.
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Dean’s role is central to translating the vision of Immersive Leaders into actionable, transformative experiences. His focus on clarity in communication, combined with his skill in facilitation, ensures that each programme resonates with participants, leaving a lasting impact on their leadership journey.
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Whether orchestrating a NASA-led leadership event or coordinating a global training initiative, Dean’s commitment to excellence in design and execution is at the heart of what makes Immersive Leaders a powerful tool for leadership growth.