The Intern Model: Character Development in Orbit

By: Samantha Visser

In the aerospace industry, mission success depends on every crew member following the flight plan. When one person drifts, the entire trajectory is at risk. As a CEO, I’ve spent my career managing these trajectories. But lately, I’ve had to apply these "Space-Related" principles to a much more intimate atmosphere: my home.

This week, I faced a "nebula" of friction. With my son, Owen, on school suspension and my own body navigating a mid-range CFS flare, the atmosphere was heavy. In the corporate world, when an employee is "oblivious" to their tasks or disrespectful to the leadership’s needs, we don't just hope for the best. We implement a Performance Review.

The Strategy of the Performance Review Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome means my "RAM" is a finite resource. I cannot afford the energy expenditure of repeated verbal arguments. When I found the kitchen uncleaned and my "Intern" (Owen) acting as if the tasks were invisible, I didn't raise my voice. I raised the standard.

I drafted a formal Intern Performance Review.

• The Goal: To remove the emotional "static" and move back to objective KPIs.

• The Boundary: To communicate that my tactical rest is a non-negotiable medical requirement for this "company" to function.

Leadership Through the Flare Stoicism teaches us that we cannot control the actions of others—even our children—but we can control our response. By taking the Xbox and the phone and moving to a written "corrective action" plan, I protected my peace. I stayed on my acupuncture mat, I listened to my Yoga Nidra, and I let the system handle the discipline.

This isn't just parenting; it’s executive-level character development. We are training the next generation of crew members to understand that "Mission Control" requires respect, attention to detail, and accountability.

The Anchor: "He who refuses to stock-discipline his son, hates him... But he who loves him disciplines him diligently..." — Proverbs 13:24 (AMP)

The Perspective: "No man is free who is not master of himself." — Epictetus

If you are a leader navigating health challenges while raising future leaders, remember: Your boundaries are your life-support system. Do not apologize for maintaining them.