12 - Aligning Purpose, People, and Processes: Lessons from a Rocket Scientist's Retirement Planning with Rocket Science Retirement's Dr. John Knight

Optics in Action

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with The Retirement Rocket Scientist of Rocket Science Retirement, Dr. John Knight. John's journey began in a small town near Seattle, where he developed a love for math in sixth grade. His passion for math and physics led him to earn five degrees, including a double major in these subjects. In 1974, he joined IBM and was allowed to work on the space shuttle project at NASA, building software for the spacecraft.

The purpose of John's work was to improve technology and conduct experiments in zero gravity. NASA wanted to build a space station to facilitate longer studies and experiments in space. Additionally, the militarization of satellites was a growing concern, leading to the need for better monitoring systems.

John discussed the challenges faced in measuring all aspects of the space shuttle, astronauts, and the environment. The task was to figure out how to monitor the spacecraft and astronauts effectively. However, there were limitations in terms of the amount of data that could be collected and processed. The spacecraft was traveling at a speed of 17,000 miles per second, requiring precise measurements at the millisecond level to ensure its movement and trajectory were accurately tracked.

John then discussed the concept of reinventing oneself every ten years. He shared his personal experience of obtaining multiple degrees and transitioning between different career paths. He believes that reinvention is necessary to prepare oneself for future opportunities. He also mentioned the importance of companies like Corning and Quaker Oats, which have successfully reinvented themselves over the years to stay relevant in the market.

John emphasized the importance of working and saving for retirement. He explained that it's not about how much money you make, but rather how much you can convert into a monthly income for the rest of your life. He predicts that the world will be very different in the next 25 years, with changes to things like Medicare, Social Security, and global peace. This is why he started his company, Rocket Science Retirement, which aims to help people successfully plan and launch their retirement.

To learn more about John's work, click HERE and HERE.

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Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.