About Linda Cureton
Welcome to my world of storytelling.
My Journey
Where it all began
As the former Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), she led one of the best IT organizations in government. Linda served as principal advisor to the NASA Administrator, providing insight and technology leadership to some of the most brilliant scientists and engineers in the world. She held various other executive IT positions including Associate CIO at Department of Energy and Deputy CIO at Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
She was born and raised in Washington, DC and went to DC public schools attending Duke Ellington School of the Arts studying trumpet, French horn, and piano. In 1980, she graduated from Howard University with a BS in Mathematics. She later received a Master of Science degree and post-Masters advanced certificate in Applied Mathematics at Johns Hopkins University. She has been published in the Journal of Sound and Vibration. She also received her PhD in Organizational Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore
"Great leaders spark possibility where others see limits."
First African-American Chief Information Officer at NASA
Linda made history as the first African‑American CIO for the entire agency—leading IT strategy and infrastructure for all NASA centers
Founded Muse Technologies, Inc.
(April 2013)
Turning insider insight into enterprise impact, she launched Muse Technologies—now a thriving leadership and IT transformation firm
Earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership (2020)
Demonstrating lifelong learning, she completed her doctorate at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, further grounding her work in academic and practical expertise
My Writing Philosophy
Real-World Wisdom Meets Empowered Leadership
I believe leadership is both an art and a discipline, shaped by courage, authenticity, and a willingness to grow. My writing blends practical wisdom from real-world experience with timeless principles, creating resources that are as inspiring as they are actionable. Whether sharing stories from my own journey or the journeys of others, I aim to offer guidance that readers can immediately apply to their own leadership paths.
At the core of my work is a passion for empowering others to lead with confidence and integrity. I write with honesty and warmth, inviting readers to reflect deeply, embrace challenges, and discover their unique strengths. For me, writing is a form of service—a way to connect, uplift, and build a community of leaders who are ready to make a meaningful impact.
Authentic & Relatable
These aren’t abstract lessons—they’re lived experiences from women navigating complex careers.
Guidance You Can Use
Practical takeaways, reflection prompts, and conversation starters help you integrate leadership wisdom into your own journey.
Championing Change
The book inspires a shift—from turning ambition inward to channeling it outward in support of others.
Beyond the Pages
The person behind the pen
She has received prestigious awards including the 50 Women of Influence and Power Award from the Minority Enterprise Executive Council and the ITSMF Summit Heritage Award. Linda has also received recognition from the Washington Business Journal- Women Who Mean Business and she was a Women in Technology Award Finalist for Excellence in Leadership, Mentoring and Technology. She was honored as Government Computer News Civilian Executive of the Year and was recognized as one of Washingtonian Magazine’s Tech Titans, one of Federal Computer Week’s Fed 100, and one of Business Insider’s 25 Most Powerful Women Engineers.