28 Jul A Million Miles Away: Why José Hernández’s Story Inspires Teams to Reach Higher
Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the support of his family, José’s drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal.
In today’s fast-moving business world, organizations are constantly looking for speakers who do more than fill a slot on the agenda. They want voices that resonate. Stories that move teams beyond everyday challenges and remind them what’s possible when people commit, collaborate, and refuse to give up.
Few keynote speakers embody that message better than José Hernández — former NASA astronaut, engineer, and the real-life inspiration behind the acclaimed film A Million Miles Away, now streaming on Prime Video.
At the Collaborative Agency Group, we’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes when an audience doesn’t just hear a story but feels personally connected to it. And José’s story is that powerful: a journey from the fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley to the launchpad of the Space Shuttle Discovery. It’s about perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless drive to turn “impossible” into “achieved.”
A Story Millions Can See — and Millions Relate To
A Million Miles Away Now streaming on Prime Video has brought José’s life to an even broader audience. Viewers see the reality of a boy who spent his childhood working alongside his family as migrant farmworkers. They see how he balanced school, family responsibilities, and an ambitious dream of becoming an astronaut — a goal that demanded not only skill, but a decade-long fight against rejection and doubt.
By the time the credits roll, audiences aren’t just impressed — they’re invested. They know the setbacks he faced, the rejections he refused to accept, and the teamwork that finally sent him into space. This connection is why José’s keynotes don’t feel like typical presentations; they feel like a conversation with someone who understands struggle, understands growth, and still believes that reaching higher is worth it.
Why His Message Matters to Organizations Today
For companies navigating rapid change, uncertainty, and competition, the themes at the core of José Hernández’s journey couldn’t be more relevant:
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Perseverance: In a business climate defined by shifting markets and new challenges, perseverance isn’t optional; it’s a necessity. José shows what it looks like in action, reminding teams that setbacks aren’t signs to stop — they’re moments to adapt and keep moving.
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Teamwork: Space missions succeed because of collective effort. It’s a lesson José lived firsthand and shares with clarity. His story highlights that great results come not from individual brilliance alone but from people who know how to work together, trust each other, and stay aligned on a mission.
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Pushing Limits: José wasn’t the most obvious candidate to become an astronaut. His path shows what happens when someone dares to set a goal beyond what others think possible — and then does the work to get there. It’s a message that sparks teams to think bigger and leaders to encourage ambition.
What Sets José Apart on Stage
Some keynote speakers share facts. Others motivate with generic pep talks. José does something different: he brings audiences into the real experience of struggle, rejection, and finally, triumph. His story isn’t abstract — it’s detailed, grounded, and deeply human.
Audiences see the hours of study after long workdays, the repeated “no” from NASA, and the choice to keep trying anyway. They see a family that supported a dream and a man who refused to let circumstance define his future. When attendees leave, they don’t just remember a few quotes — they remember the feeling of “If he could do that, what’s stopping us?”
Tailoring His Keynote to Your Event
Every organization faces its own challenges: leading through transformation, fostering innovation, keeping teams connected in hybrid environments, or motivating employees in times of change. José’s message can be shaped to fit these needs.
Whether it’s a keynote for a national sales meeting, a leadership retreat focused on vision, or an industry conference where resilience is the theme, his story becomes a bridge between inspiration and action. It sparks questions like:
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What does perseverance look like in our daily work?
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How do we build a team culture that stays focused on the mission?
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Where are we accepting limits — and where should we challenge them?
Bringing José to Your Audience
At Collaborative Agency Group, based in Boston, we partner with organizations across industries to help them find speakers who do more than fill time. We help bring in voices like José Hernández who change how teams see what’s possible.
With A Million Miles Away streaming worldwide, your audience likely knows his name and story already — which turns the keynote into something even more powerful. It’s not an introduction; it’s a deeper conversation with someone they’ve already seen overcome the impossible.
If you’re organizing a conference, leadership summit, or corporate event, consider what José Hernández could bring to your team. Let’s explore how to tailor his story to fit your audience and make your next event unforgettable.
