Grant Otto on what 1,000 feet underwater can teach us about career purpose and the power of “waiting.”
“The biggest ‘career moves’ don’t start with a resume; they start with curiosity.”
I recently sat down with Grant Otto, a marine scientist and researcher specializing in marine robotics. If that sounds like a job from a movie, that’s because it almost is, complete with stories of underwater ROVs getting tangled 1,000 feet down and “wet storage” missions to recover equipment worth more than a house.
But Grant didn’t come on Outside Insights just to talk about how cool the tech is (though it is very cool). He came because he’s on a mission: he’s trying to get more talented people to care about the ocean.
Three Lessons from the Deep
1. We need more than just “Turtle Lovers.” Most people get hooked on marine science by watching National Geographic. But to solve the massive challenges facing our oceans, warming waters, and rising acidity, Grant argues we need more than just biology fans. To build a “Blue Economy,” we need:
- Engineers and Builders to design resilient tech.
- Artists and Communicators to tell the story of our changing coastlines.
- Problem Solvers who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty (or wet).
2. The Power of the Cold Email Grant’s career didn’t start with a recruiter; it started with a cold email. While studying mechanical engineering, he realized he loved robotics and surfing. He asked a simple question: “What about marine robotics?” That curiosity turned into a Master’s degree and a career with deep purpose.
3. Surfing as Leadership Meditation We dove into the difference between work that “funds your life” and work that “defines you.” Grant shared a powerful perspective on surfing, describing as 80–90% waiting.
For leaders who feel like they are constantly “pushing through,” Grant’s advice is a necessary pivot: Sometimes leadership isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about knowing when to get quiet enough to hear the right wave.
Try This This Week
Take five minutes of “waiting” time today, no phone, no music, no noise. Just observe. Like Grant waiting for a wave, use that quiet space to remember your “why.”
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Until next time,
Chris
P.S. You may notice a few small audio/video glitches in this episode. We had some technical issues during the recording. We debated re-recording it, but the conversation was too good (and too valuable) to lose. Thanks for sticking with it.
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