Few leaders exemplify vision, systems thinking, and global impact as powerfully as Shelli Brunswick. A visionary strategist, author, and internationally respected voice in leadership and innovation, Shelli has spent her career shaping how governments, industries, and emerging leaders navigate disruption and opportunity. Her nomination for the Visionary Leader Award at the Influencer Magazine Awards 2026 recognizes a legacy defined by foresight, collaboration, and purpose-driven progress.
As CEO and Founder of SB Global LLC, Shelli works at the intersection of government, industry, academia, and entrepreneurship, translating bold ideas into measurable global outcomes. With a distinguished 35-year career spanning service in the United States Air Force, executive leadership in the global space sector, and high-level advisory roles, she brings a rare systems-level perspective to modern leadership, one that ensures innovation drives both economic growth and societal advancement. Shelli’s work is rooted in bridging policy, emerging technology, and human potential. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes building ecosystems rather than silos, enabling collaboration across borders and disciplines. This approach has positioned her as a trusted advisor to institutions and leaders seeking to turn complexity into opportunity in an increasingly interconnected world.
A respected author and thought leader, Shelli is the creator of the What’s Space Got to Do With It? book series, which distills insights from more than 200 global leaders into practical frameworks for leadership, awareness, access, and action. The series introduces the concept of a “space mindset”, grounded in curiosity, resilience, systems thinking, and bold execution, equipping leaders to navigate uncertainty and lead with confidence in rapidly evolving environments. A sought-after keynote speaker, Shelli has inspired audiences at some of the world’s most influential platforms, including the United Nations, ICESCO, LEAP, DeepFest, and numerous international leadership forums. Her ability to translate complex ideas into actionable strategies has influenced professionals across six continents, shaping leadership approaches in technology, education, policy, and workforce development. Beyond thought leadership, Shelli’s impact is deeply human and future-focused. She is a dedicated mentor and advocate for emerging leaders, supporting global programs such as the UNOOSA Space4Women initiative, the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science Young Scientist Program, the GPODS Fellowship, and World Space Week’s Astropreneurship Mentorship Program. Through these efforts, she helps cultivate confidence, capability, and global perspective in the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
Shelli is also a Forbes Technology Council member and Global Trends Magazine columnist, widely recognized for advancing conversations at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and societal progress. Across every role she holds, her focus remains consistent, building pathways that expand access, empower collaboration, and ensure innovation serves humanity. With her unwavering commitment to legacy-driven leadership, Shelli Brunswick continues to transform aspiration into action on a global scale. Her nomination for the Visionary Leader Award at IMA 2026 honors not only her remarkable career, but her enduring mission to shape a future where bold ideas become shared achievements, on Earth and beyond.
