Jared Isaacman Inspires Future Innovators at Lehigh University
Jared Isaacman, entrepreneur and astronaut, delivered an inspiring talk at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center on October 14, 2025. Addressing a packed auditorium of students and faculty, he emphasized the importance of higher education while sharing his own unconventional journey from high school dropout to billionaire businessman and space pioneer.
Isaacman, the founder of Shift4, a successful payment processing company based in Upper Saucon Township, highlighted that while he took a different path, he strongly advocates for education. “To be very clear for everyone in this room, I absolutely believe you should stick to the well-paved road of higher education,” he stated. His comments resonate with his own life story, where he achieved remarkable success, including leading the first all-civilian space mission, Inspiration4, in 2021.
Reflecting on his career, Isaacman acknowledged the role of fortune in his accomplishments. “A lot of things tend to go my way. There was a lot of luck bouncing your way in order to wind up where I’ve been in life,” he explained. He underscored that dropping out of school should not typically lead to such extraordinary outcomes.
As the inaugural guest for Lehigh’s Future Makers Speaker Series, Isaacman discussed the future of space travel and the opportunities it presents for innovation. Moderated by university Provost Nathan Urban, the event aimed to inspire attendees by showcasing individuals who have made significant contributions to society through hard work and resilience.
Isaacman’s journey includes a nomination by President Donald Trump to lead NASA, which was later withdrawn. Recently, he stepped down as CEO of Shift4 but continues to serve as the executive chairman. He also founded Draken International, a provider of tactical fighter aircraft.
In his 45-minute address, Isaacman shared five key insights that resonated with the audience. He emphasized the importance of blending passion with charitable efforts, citing that his Inspiration4 mission raised over $250 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, including $100 million of his own funds.
Isaacman remarked on the proximity of space exploration, noting that the distance from the ground to space is just 62 miles. “With recent advances in technology, trips have become easier and more numerous,” he said. He expressed excitement about the potential discoveries awaiting humanity beyond Earth.
The entrepreneur also addressed the economic aspects of space exploration. “This is the healthiest time we have ever had in the history of the space program,” he stated. He pointed to the numerous companies entering the launch market, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, highlighting the competitive landscape that fosters innovation and reduces costs.
Isaacman urged for a shift in how space exploration is funded, suggesting that taxpayer money alone cannot support the ambitious goals of the future. “We need a total game-changing moment where cancer-fighting drugs or crystal formulations or mining asteroids,” he explained, advocating for a more sustainable economic model to fund space endeavors.
Responding to questions about his experiences in space, Isaacman shared how it reshaped his perspective on life. “It’s an appreciation for how small we are in the grand scheme of things,” he said, emphasizing the vast unknowns that await exploration.
In concluding his talk, Isaacman shared his approach to decision-making, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and learning from past mistakes. “I obsess over decisions I make, especially the ones I got wrong,” he stated, illustrating his commitment to continual growth and improvement.
Through his engaging presentation, Jared Isaacman not only inspired students at Lehigh University but also reinforced the message that dreams can be pursued, regardless of the path taken to achieve them. His experiences serve as a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of space exploration.
