Ethics Guest Speaker Series Features Aerospace Executive Andy Crocker on Values-Based Leadership

A Deep Dive into the Five Unconditional Values

Crocker shared his framework for Unconditional Leadership, emphasizing five essential values:

• Unconditional Love
• Unconditional Gratitude
• Unconditional Integrity
• Unconditional Accountability
• Unconditional Endeavor

Drawing from three decades of experience in NASA’s Human Landing System program, defense systems, hypersonics, and commercial space ventures, he demonstrated how ethical values guide high‑performance teams through adversity, complexity, and change.

“Our values determine who we are, what we pursue, and how we lead,” Crocker emphasized, highlighting the link between personal character and organizational success.

Strong Participation and Real Impact

Attendees were highly engaged throughout the event, asking thoughtful questions and reflecting on how the principles of unconditional leadership apply to their own academic and professional journeys.

One participant, who attended via Zoom, shared:

“I tuned into the Zoom to watch the Andy Crocker's presentation today and I really enjoyed it. I am also an engineer in the aerospace industry who is looking to branch into management/leadership, so I found it particularly applicable to my own career. His perspective regarding what the most important values of leadership was surprising to me since they are primarily soft skills, not super technical expertise like many things in engineering require. I also appreciated his explanation of each value as it helped me to envision how I can start working on improving each value during my career now, instead of waiting until I become a manager. Overall, listening to Andy speak was a great experience and I am grateful to have the opportunity to hear from someone like him.”

This direct feedback reflects the broader enthusiasm expressed by many students following the session.

 

A Collaborative Effort

The Center extends appreciation to Dr. O.C. Ferrell, Director of the Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures, for his leadership of the series.

We also thank faculty members who shared the event with their students and encouraged attendance across multiple programs and disciplines.

 

Event Highlights

• Andy Crocker presenting on the Five Unconditional Values
• Audience participation during Q&A
• Group photo with SCPT members and organizers

 

About the Speaker

Andy Crocker is a distinguished aerospace executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience on major NASA and defense programs. He has served in leadership roles in commercial space ventures and is the author of “The Unconditionals,” a book focused on character-driven leadership and values-based decision‑making.

About the Ethics Guest Speaker Series

The Ethics Guest Speaker Series brings experienced leaders, scholars, and industry professionals to Auburn University to discuss real‑world issues related to ethics, organizational culture, leadership, and integrity. The series advances the mission of the Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures, promoting values-driven leadership among Auburn students and strengthening ethical awareness in the professional community.