As Higher Orbits pushes forward as an organization, we are over-the-moon to welcome new members with strong leadership skills to provide professional insight. At the opening of the year new members were introduced to our organization’s circle of leadership.
Austin Braun, a Communications Strategist with experience in the STEM industry, has joined the Board of Directors in dedication to pioneering student STEM inspiration. In the dynamic landscape of educational outreach, effective communication serves as the cornerstone for igniting curiosity and driving engagement.
Austin Braun brings invaluable insights and creativity to our mission of empowering the next generation of innovators. Learn more about our newest member of the Board in an introductory interview as we embark together on an enriching journey toward shaping the future of STEM education!
What initially inspired you to join the Higher Orbits Board of Directors?
Austin Braun recalls being drawn to Higher Orbits’ mission through the influence of CEO and Founder, Michelle Lucas. Braun met Lucas at a STEM event and was moved by her “energy, passion, and all the things that make up her entire being.” Their shared passion for amplifying STEM for students was the start of Braun’s support of the Higher Orbits Foundation. Later in 2023, he jumped at the chance to support the organization’s charity golf event, Galactic Golf, where he described finding great satisfaction in “seeing his effort’s real-world impact.”
“The real magic came in the evening when students impacted by Higher Orbits came to the networking portion. I listened to them talk about their impact and thought to myself ‘This is the magic. They’re so confident and empowered by this. They’re already doing such incredible things.’”
Braun’s excitement to join the organization shined through when he said, “What excites me about being a part of this is the fact that I get to work with so many exceptionally incredible people and to have that translate into a direct impact in the STEM field like a bridge into the next generation of leaders.”
What are some of the things that stand out to you in your experience with Higher Orbits?
Braun highlighted his experience with the people on the Board, marveling at the hardworking group of professionals with common passions for STEM inspiration.
“They have been very nice and genuine,” he said. “It's the people that make an organization and the personalities that translate the passion behind them. That’s the core ingredient of being mission-focused and mission-forward that I see in Higher Orbits. It's very rare, and a very good thing.”
What are you hoping to accomplish as a member of the Higher Orbits Board of Directors?
Joining the Board as a Communications Strategist, Braun remarked that he has the opportunity to catalyze and amplify the effectiveness of the organization’s message. In this experience, Braun hopes to learn from the strengths of other members to become “a force multiplier for the entire team.”
Braun talked about his unique impact on the students’ lives to realize the wide range of possibilities in STEM beyond technical applications. He elaborated saying, “I want to offer students support in any way I can as a mentor. For me, it's all about the impact on the students and everyone involved.
“As a misfit in the industry, I want to think about ways to bring in other misfits who can support and expand our networks that normally wouldn't be involved in STEM to bring in as many good people as possible.”
During your college education, you took on opportunities in the STEM industry despite officially being a Communications student. What initially inspired you to work in the STEM industries and to direct your career into the STEM/Communications niche?
As a communications major at the University of Colorado Boulder, Braun held his interest in STEM close, calling back to when he applied to attend NASA Social, seeking those with a nontraditional background in STEM to attend a rocket launch.
He was not expecting his career path to be altered by this decision, but, to his personal surprise and excitement, he was accepted.
“I was at the press site,” he recalled. “I remember seeing ignition and felt my brain chemistry change. I felt that this was where I belonged, and there was nothing that could stop me from being a part of this in whatever way I could. I knew in that moment.”
Braun used the launch viewing as his own launch pad, finding himself in a new world of highly technical professionals. In these situations, he described feelings of nervousness and fear creeping in with the newness and appreciation.
“In those early days, it was so terrifying.” He said. “I was scared to be in the room with people who were industry professionals, to talk with them and try to have a conversation while not understanding what they were saying. It was really difficult for me, in the beginning, to figure out where I belonged in the industry, but there were people who took me under their wings and knew I wanted to be a part of it. It helped me to realize the power of mentorship, which is 100% essential not just for someone like me, but for everyone in any industry.”
This perseverance and courage, along with support from his mentors, helped him to get his foot in the door and redirect his initial goals toward what would become his career.
During your career, you have held many positions in Communications and have co-founded multiple startups. How has your experience in these positions influenced your perspective on promoting STEM careers to the younger generation?
Through his experiences in the STEM industry in his college years, Braun was able to make connections among engineering circles that later developed into business partnerships. In his early career, he did not expect to turn to the route of entrepreneurship due to the traditional structure of companies in the STEM industries, but as ideas throughout the industry took life in the form of startups, he jumped at the opportunity to add to the momentum of progress.
“I never saw myself as a co-founder,” Braun confessed. “But this is a very exciting time for anyone in the industry who wants to be an entrepreneur and push the limits. I hope people are seeing the huge value-add potential I do.”
Braun credits this turn in career to his partners and other guidance that pushed him well beyond his boundaries. He offered advice from his own experience saying, “It happened because I had support and I pushed to get there. I think for anyone who's looking to be an entrepreneur, the STEM field is the way to go. You can be non-technical and be an entrepreneur in STEM or vice versa.”
You have been closely involved in team-driven processes throughout your career. What are some qualities or habits that you would encourage students to develop if they hope to find success as a professional working in a team setting?
He recommended three keys to being successful in team environments which highlight the ability to adapt, change, and add value.
“Be adaptable,” Braun encouraged. “Do your best to able to roll things off your shoulders and be mission-focused on whatever you're there to do for the job.”
He continued, “Be ready to shift with change that you don't expect. That could push anyone to their limit, but as long as you expect it, you'll be well-prepared.”
Finally, he encouraged students to seize every opportunity available to them saying, “Add value. Don’t be willing to pass on an opportunity because you assume it is outside of your ability, just execute and figure it out.”
What are some keys to your leadership style that you would highlight that have worked for you?
As a leader, Austin Braun emphasizes the importance of listening to others’ input and giving weight to the expertise of each in their field.
“For me, it's important to be normal, to be human.” He explained. “I always ask people what they think. Then, I use everyone's input to figure out the thing that makes the most sense. More often than not, they know best. Trust your team!”
What encouragement would you give to students who are interested in STEM but unsure of how to pursue their interests professionally?
Braun’s final advice for students interested in STEM is, “Ask for support. Ask for guidance. Ask for ideas.”
He continued saying, “There are plenty of people who want to help. And if you're feeling unsure, know that it's entirely part of the process, but it is 100% on you to figure out your own way, not because you chart your own path, but because you talk to people who build out the idea as you go.”
Conclusion
The introduction of our new Communications Strategist, Austin Braun, to the Board of Directors, heralds an exciting era for our company dedicated to student STEM inspiration! With a wealth of experience and a passion for effective communication, our newest team member brings invaluable expertise to our mission. His passion for the mission of the organization is undeniable and his knowledgeable perspective will help him to act out his role as a mentor, advisor, operator, and communicator. As we strive to ignite curiosity, foster innovation, and empower the next generation of STEM enthusiasts, Braun’s presence will help us to adapt to change and add value to our endeavors. It is an honor to welcome Austin Braun to the Higher Orbits Board of Directors!
