Stars, Scars, and Starting Over: A Warrior Woman's Playbook for Change
After three decades in the Air Force, rising to Brigadier General, and then pivoting to entrepreneurship, I've garnered profound insights into change, leadership, and cutting through complexity. The core of this journey lies in understanding what truly matters.
Change: Your Unexpected Ally
In leadership, as in life, change is the only constant. From piloting bombers to navigating boardrooms, I've found that the turbulence is not all that different. Here is what I've gleaned:
- Adaptability is your lifeline, not just a buzzword.
- Your comfort zone is nice, but that's not where growth happens.
- The skills that got you here won't necessarily get you there. Keep learning.
Leading in a Man's World: Standing Out, Not Fitting In
Let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, leadership, especially in the military and corporate worlds, is still predominantly a man's game. Here's the kicker – that's their problem, not yours.
What I've Learned:
- Don't try to lead like a man. Lead like yourself. Your unique perspective is your strength.
- Confidence isn't about knowing everything; it's about being comfortable with what you don't know.
- Build your network, cultivate allies across genders, and elevate others as you ascend.
Embracing It All: The Unvarnished Approach
Now, let's discuss embracing these realities without sugarcoating:
- Authenticity beats perfection every time. People respect realness.
- Not everyone will like you or your style. That's fine. You're not here to win a popularity contest.
- Take care of yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup, and burnout is not a badge of honor.
The Hard Truths No One Tells You
- Imposter syndrome does not go away. Even as a General, I had moments of doubt. The key is to acknowledge it and move forward anyway.
- You will make mistakes. Big ones. How you handle them defines you more than your successes.
- Balance is a myth. It's all about priorities, and those will shift. Be flexible.
- Not all feedback is created equal. Learn to filter the noise and focus on what truly matters.
- Your journey is uniquely yours. Stop comparing yourself to others. Your path is your own.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Journey
Transitioning careers at 50, shifting from military to civilian leadership—these are not for the faint-hearted. But neither is flying combat missions, leading troops, or navigating corporate complexities. The key lies in approaching each new challenge with unwavering courage and determination.
Remember, leadership is not about having all the answers. It's about posing the right questions, making tough decisions with limited information, and inspiring others to reach their full potential.
To all women navigating change, leading in challenging environments, or contemplating significant life pivots—embrace it all. The triumphs, the setbacks, the uncertainties—they're all integral to your journey.
In moments of doubt, remember this: You have faced challenges before, and you will face them again. With each one, you become stronger, wiser, and more capable.
Now, step forward and lead. The world needs your voice, your perspective, and your leadership. Be unapologetically you.
Dynamic Reflection Exercise
- Try this short exercise to help flex your mental muscle. CLICK HERE FOR FREE EXERCISE
Soul Fuel
- "You don't pity a warrior for her scars, because scars are proof of survival and victory." - Chloe Jacobs
… just for fun….
- What do you call a boomerang that doesn’t come back?
A stick!
All My Best,
Kristin
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