Doug Young spent 35 years designing and building spacecraft and aircraft. He lived half his life in New England and half in Los Angeles. He remains very active–playing tennis, cycling, skiing, and completing triathlons.

What hopes and dreams did you have 20 years ago? To lead my company into the space business.

What do you love about aging? Perspective.

What talent would you like to have? The talent for foreign language.

What are you most proud of yourself for? My career.

What is your idea of a moment of perfect bliss? Skiing down a mountain in untracked powder.

What was one of your biggest “aha” moments? In 1998, I participated in a weekend program called The Landmark Forum. During the course, I discovered that I am a “meaning making machine”and with that came enormous freedom.

What would you like to be remembered for? Being an effective leader who made a difference for our country and for our workforce.

What do you most treasure? My wife Kelly.

If you could invite three people – living or dead – to dinner, who would you invite? Werner von Braun, Elon Musk, Neil Armstrong.

If you could have one great adventure, what would it be? To go to Mars (and return!)

What is your favorite word? Juxtaposition.

What is your favorite sound? My Porsche when accelerating at full power.

Who’s your favorite musician or band? The Rolling Stones.

Among the places you have traveled to, what was your favorite? Paris, France.

What’s a place you would love to travel to and have never been? Space.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Oreos in any form.