What can grocery leaders be taught from a Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut who has made essential choices in fight, accomplished 10 spacewalks and spent greater than a 12 months in orbit?
This October, attendees on the 2026 NGA Government Convention could have the chance to seek out out.
Captain Christopher J. Cassidy, USN (Ret.), will ship the keynote tackle, “Management Below Strain: An Astro SEAL’s Perspective,” throughout NGA’s premier gathering for unbiased grocery homeowners, operators, CEOs and senior executives, going down October 20–22 in downtown Chicago.
Cassidy’s extraordinary profession has positioned him in a number of the most difficult environments possible. From navy missions to the Worldwide Area Station, he has led groups by uncertainty, managed threat and remained targeted when failure was not an possibility.
These classes have by no means been extra related for unbiased grocers.
In the present day’s grocery leaders are navigating labor challenges, provide chain disruptions, financial uncertainty, quickly evolving expertise and shifting shopper expectations. Success requires greater than expertise. It calls for resilience, sound judgment, trusted groups and the flexibility to behave decisively when circumstances change.
Cassidy brings a robust perspective on every of these qualities.
Earlier than being chosen as a NASA astronaut in 2004, Cassidy spent 11 years within the Navy SEAL Groups. He graduated as Honor Man of his Fundamental Underwater Demolition/SEAL coaching class and have become a combat-proven chief throughout missions following the September 11 assaults. His navy honors embrace two Bronze Stars, one with Fight “V,” the Legion of Benefit and the Protection Distinguished Service Medal.
At NASA, Cassidy accomplished three spaceflights, logged 377 days in orbit and labored alongside worldwide crews aboard the Area Shuttle Endeavour, the Russian Soyuz and the Worldwide Area Station. His ultimate six-month mission launched in 2020 because the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented uncertainty world wide.
Cassidy additionally served as NASA’s Chief Astronaut, overseeing coaching, crew assignments and operations whereas serving to put together others to carry out at their finest underneath excessive stress.
Via compelling tales, humor and sensible perception, Cassidy will present attendees how robust leaders construct belief, create high-performing cultures, keep calm underneath stress and encourage groups to beat obstacles.
His keynote shall be one of many can’t-miss moments of the 2026 NGA Government Convention and a possibility for grocery leaders to return dwelling with recent perspective, renewed confidence and actionable management classes.
Be a part of us October 20–22 in downtown Chicago for this unforgettable expertise.
