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  • C1C Andrew Cormier ’25 - Service Before Self, Lessons in Leadership

    C1C Andrew Cormier ’25 - Service Before Self, Lessons in Leadership
    2024/11/12
    In this episode of the Long Blue Leadership Podcast, Cadet First Class Andrew Cormier ’25 opens up about his inspiring journey from growing up in Massachusetts to becoming a squadron commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He reflects on the early influences that shaped his values, the value of community service and service before self, sharing the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. SUMMARY Andrew also talks about launching his own podcast, designed to help fellow cadets explore their career paths and grow as leaders. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the importance of understanding diverse career opportunities, the personal growth that comes from podcasting, and the power of community engagement. With a focus on national pride and perspective, he emphasizes that true leadership is about serving others—putting the team first rather than seeking personal recognition. 5 QUOTES "It's not about you. It's not about you. It's about the team.""When you're a leader, it's your job. There shouldn't be any extra, you know, kudos given to you. Everyone has their own piece in the puzzle, and just because your face is more prominent than others does not mean that the mission is any less doable with like one piece missing or another piece missing.""I just really urge people to try to understand other people's perspectives and listen more than they talk, because those pieces for me, like I'm a Pretty staunch capitalist, but I recently bought the Communist Manifesto. I want to understand where these ideas stem from.""American ideals are amazing, and they need to be protected. And in order for me to have any say in that, I need to have skin in the game. And that's what I look at my service as is me gaining skin in the game.""It's not difficult, it's just super time consuming and kind of annoying. And so, I mean, it even like stays true to today, everything I have to do isn't necessarily difficult. I'm a management major. I don't know what the Astro or aero people are going through. I'm sure that's very difficult. But for me, it's more just like getting the reps in it, and it's very gradual." - C1C Andrew Cormier ’25, October 2024 SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | TWITTER | FACEBOOK CHAPTERS 00:00: Introduction to Cadet Andrew Cormier 02:52: Andrew's Early Life and Background 05:52: Discovering the Military Path 08:46: Community Service and Humanitarian Efforts 12:10: Transitioning to the Air Force Academy 15:07: Experiences in Basic Training 17:57: Leadership and Followership at the Academy 20:47: Becoming a Squadron Commander 24:11: The Role of a Squadron Commander 27:12: Starting the Podcast Journey 34:54: Understanding Career Paths in the Air Force 39:30: The Impact of Podcasting on Personal Growth 44:45: Engagement and Value in the Cadet Community 52:36: Navigating Post-Graduation Decisions 01:00:05: The Importance of National Pride and Perspective 01:04:53: Leadership Lessons: It's Not About You ANDREW'S 5 KEYS TO LEADERSHIP SUCCESS Leadership is not about you, it's about the team. As a leader, your job is to represent and protect your people, not focus on personal privileges.Seek to understand different perspectives and listen more than you talk. Don't take American ideals and freedoms for granted - they need to be actively defended.Balance future planning with living in the present. Don't become overly fixated on the future at the expense of enjoying the moment.Perseverance, critical thinking, and resourcefulness are key to success. Rely on these core strengths rather than trying to control everything.Diverse experiences and mentorship are invaluable. Seek out advice from those who have walked the path you want to follow, and be open to learning from a variety of backgrounds. ABOUT ANDREW BIO C1C Andrew D. Cormier is a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, CO. Cadet Cormier is the commander of squadron 15, the Mighty War Eagles. C1C Cormier is originally from Fitchburg, MA and entered the Air Force Academy in June of 2021 following his lifelong passion to “serve others.” Throughout his cadet career he has held the squadron position of Diversity & Inclusion NCO and Spark Innovator, but on an unofficial level has hosted the “For the Zoomies” podcast interviewing over 75 officers to better understand their experiences in the Air Force for the sake of helping cadets make career decisions, as well as been a widely trusted barber in the dormitories. C1C Cormier plans to complete his Bachelor of Science in Business Management in May 2025. Immediately following graduation he intends to commission as a Second Leiutenant in the U.S. Air Force and become an Acquisitions Officer. - Copy and Image Credit: Andrew Cormier CONNECT WITH ANDREW LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER RECOMMENDED LISTENING: FOR THE ZOOMIES PODCAST with C1C Andrew Cormier ’25 LISTEN NOW! ABOUT LONG BLUE ...
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    1 時間 7 分
  • The Honorable Dr. Ravi I. Chaudhary ’93 - Leading Through Great Power Competition

    The Honorable Dr. Ravi I. Chaudhary ’93 - Leading Through Great Power Competition
    2024/10/29
    Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy Installations and Environment, is a leader who has taught his team to, "Eat no for breakfast." He lives by a value he learned from his mother at an early age: "If you do your full duty, the rest will take care of itself." SUMMARY In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, Dr. Chaudhary discusses his role in modernizing and reoptimizing Air Force installations to withstand kinetic, cyber, economic, and extreme weather threats. He emphasizes the importance of ruggedizing installations for the Great Power Competition. Dr. Chaudhary shares his background, including his upbringing in Minneapolis and his parents' immigrant journey, and highlights the values instilled in him. He also discusses his work on the implementation of microgrids and microreactors to enhance energy resilience at critical installations like Eielson Air Force Base. 5 QUOTES "If you do your full duty, the rest will take care of itself." - This quote from Dr. Chaudhary's mother reflects the importance of dedication and doing one's job well."We eat no for breakfast." - This quote highlights Dr. Chaudhary's team's determination to not accept limitations and push boundaries."Love what you do. Love our nation." - Dr. Chaudhary emphasizes the importance of passion and patriotism in leadership."America is not about what goes on entirely in Washington. It's about neighbors. It's about what you do for your neighbors." - This quote reflects Dr. Chaudhary's belief in the power of community and service."Get out of the way and let them in." - Dr. Chaudhary's advice on enabling the next generation of leaders to excel. SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | TWITTER | FACEBOOK CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ravi Chaudhary and His Role 03:07 The Importance of Air Force Installations 06:08 Dr. Chaudhary's Early Life and Family Background 09:03 Lessons from Family: Service and Community 11:52 Reflections on the Air Force Academy Experience 14:54 Leadership Lessons from Cadet Days 18:01 The Role of Innovation in the Air Force 20:48 Strategic Imperatives for Future Operations 23:59 Optimism for the Future of the Air Force Academy 25:07 A Lifelong Dream: Becoming a Pilot 27:31 Launching Innovations: The GPS Program 28:36 Inspiring the Next Generation of Pilots 30:14 Adapting to Modern Challenges in Aviation 32:40 Navigating Change: The Evolution of Standards 34:57 Learning from Failure: A Personal Journey 35:42 The Role of the Assistant Secretary 38:55 Preparing for Great Power Competition 41:09 Innovative Energy Solutions for the Future 44:58 Leadership Lessons and Final Thoughts 5 KEYS TO LEADERSHIP Embrace failures as opportunities for growth. Dr. Chaudhary shared how his failures, like failing a check ride, ultimately helped him grow as a leader.Keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity. Dr. Chaudhary emphasized the importance of keeping your "legs moving" and not giving up when faced with challenges.Leverage the bonds formed with your team. Dr. Chaudhary highlighted how the bonds he formed with his classmates at the Academy carried over into his missions, demonstrating the power of camaraderie.Empower and enable the next generation. Dr. Chaudhary expressed optimism about the capabilities of the current cadets and emphasized the need to get out of their way and let them excel.Maintain a service-oriented, patriotic mindset. Dr. Chaudhary's passion for serving his country and community was evident throughout the interview, underscoring the importance of this mindset in effective leadership. ABOUT DR. CHAUDHARY ’93 BIO Dr. Ravi I. Chaudhary is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment, Department of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Chaudhary is responsible for the formulation, review and execution of plans, policies, programs, and budgets to meet Air Force energy, installations, environment, safety, and occupational health objectives. Dr. Chaudhary most recently served as the acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy. Prior to this role, he served as the Director of Advanced Programs and Innovation, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, at the Federal Aviation Administration. He provided technical leadership and oversight for the commercial space industry, to include research and development activities to support Department of Transportation and White House National Space Council initiatives. Prior to this role, he served as Executive Director, Regions and Center Operations, at the FAA. In this role, he was responsible for leadership, integration and execution of aviation operations in nine regions nationwide. Dr. Chaudhary served as second in command to the Deputy Assistant Administrator and was responsible for providing Department of Transportation and FAA-wide services in the areas of operations, safety, policy, congressional outreach and emergency readiness for the National ...
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    49 分
  • Brian Campbell ’08 - A Journey of Growth

    Brian Campbell ’08 - A Journey of Growth
    2024/10/15
    Brian Campbell, Assistant Vice President for Athletics Development at the University of Miami, shares his journey from growing up in Columbus, Ohio, to becoming a leader in athletics fundraising, his experiences as a cadet at the Air Force Academy, the challenges he faced, and the resilience he developed. SUMMARY In this conversation, Brian Campbell, Assistant Vice President for Athletics Development at the University of Miami, shares his journey from growing up in Columbus, Ohio, to becoming a leader in athletics fundraising. He discusses his experiences as a cadet at the Air Force Academy, the challenges he faced, and the resilience he developed. Brian emphasizes the importance of leadership, surrounding oneself with great people, and the impact of private investment in athletics. He also reflects on his transition from military to civilian life and his current role in shaping the future of athletics at UM. OUR TOP 5 FAVORITE QUOTES "I think it's important to be really authentic with people, and that has worked. It's worked well for me, especially when those decisions are consistent with being authentic to what we're trying to accomplish." "I think a lot about the elements that we put into it, because it's hard on a daily basis to know if you're doing a good job being a leader, but if you take those pieces of the fabric that we learned at the Academy, and you keep doing it the right way and thinking about these things and surrounding yourself by people with with surrounding yourself with people of those kinds of values, and people that you can take little pieces of what they do and try to try to bring them with You. I think it's the right road." "I don't think I've arrived as a leader and I but I started to think that I probably that I would be willing to bet that General Clark might say the same thing, and Coach Calhoun might say the same thing. So I think it's always a work in process." "If you take those pieces of the fabric that we learned at the Academy, and you keep doing it the right way and thinking about these things and surrounding yourself by people with with surrounding yourself with people of those kinds of values, and people that you can take little pieces of what they do and try to try to bring them with You. I think it's the right road." "I think it's always a work in process, but I think it's important to be really authentic with people, and that has worked. It's worked well for me, especially when those decisions are consistent with being authentic to what we're trying to accomplish." - Brian Campbell ’08, the Long Blue Leadership Podcast SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK | LINKEDIN CHAPTERS 00:00: Introduction to Brian Campbell 02:52: Growing Up in Columbus and Early Athletic Influences 06:14: The Journey to the Air Force Academy 08:59: Life as a Cadet: Challenges and Resilience 11:53: Leadership Lessons from the Academy 15:10: Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 18:06: Fundraising and Philanthropy in Athletics 21:00: The Kutra Legacy Center: A Personal Connection 23:53: Current Role at the University of Miami 27:06: Leadership Philosophy and Key Takeaways TAKEAWAYS Brian's journey highlights the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges.Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and connection with others.Surrounding yourself with talented individuals can enhance personal growth.Private investment plays a crucial role in the success of athletic programs.Experiences at the Air Force Academy shape leadership philosophies.Fundraising in athletics is about building relationships and trust.Transitioning from military to civilian life requires adaptability and networking.The Kutra Legacy Center represents a significant investment in future cadets.Leadership is a continuous journey of learning and growth.Engaging with alumni can create impactful opportunities for current students. ABOUT BRIAN CAMPBELL ’08BIO Brian Campbell ’08 joined the University of Miami in May of 2023 as Assistant Vice President for Athletics Development. In this role, Brian has oversight of fundraising operations, programs, and the development team for Miami Athletics. Brian came to UM from his alma mater, the United States Air Force Academy, where he had spent the previous five years, beginning in 2018 as the Assistant Athletic Director for Development and finishing as the Executive Director of Development for Strategic Programs and Athletic Giving. At Air Force, Brian was responsible for the fundraising strategy and execution for athletic capital projects, endowments, and major giving, in addition to other revenue generating initiatives. He also served as the liaison to the Air Force Academy Foundation Board of Director’s Athletic Committee. The academy experienced unprecedented fundraising success during Brian’s time at USAFA – most notably completing a $270 million campaign nearly 18-months ahead of schedule, headlined by multiple record-breaking years ...
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Jason Kim ’99 - Inspired by Heroes, Moved to Lead

    Jason Kim ’99 - Inspired by Heroes, Moved to Lead
    2024/10/01
    While a cadet at the Air Force Academy, Jason Kim ’99 experienced the “pedestal effect” and learned the importance of curiosity, compassion, trust and mutual respect. SUMMARY Jason Kim, a USFA class of '99 and CEO of Firefly Aerospace, discussed his leadership journey and experiences. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, compassion, and mutual respect in leadership. Jason shared his upbringing in Richardson, Texas, and his parents' influence. He recounted his time at the Air Force Academy, highlighting the humbling experience of being among top cadets and the value of building trust. Jason detailed his career path, including roles at Boeing, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman, and his MBA from UCLA. He stressed the importance of giving back to the Air Force Academy and the Space Force. OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "I think just being curious and being an active listener and asking questions and listening to other people, sometimes people want to vent, or sometimes people want to just be heard or have a voice, or some, most of the time, people just have good ideas.""And so I would just say, just be curious, what did I miss? Did you miss something? Did we both miss something? If you get all those great ideas and you share it amongst different people from different backgrounds and walks of life, you don't miss as much, you know, and you're just bet off better off, you'll have a better solution.""Building that trust, you know, with your your your teams, that's extremely empowering and motivating when you trust someone else, and they trust you, and you can go much, much further when you build that trust up.""We got this drilled into us, and we didn't even know at the time how important it was. But you know, building that trust, you know, with your your your teams, that's extremely empowering and motivating when you trust someone else, and they trust you, and you can go much, much further when you build that trust up.""And then the last thing I would say is, I think we were one of the first classes that had non commissioned officers alongside with AOCs that were there to teach us about mutual respect, about mutual respect between officers and non commissioned officers. And I think that went a long ways for for all of us, because, you know, once we went to the real Air Force, you know, we were going to lead a lot of officers and NCOs, and getting that kind of exposure early on was helpful, but also learning about mutual respect, that's something that is extremely important in any work setting that you're in." SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK | LINKEDIN CHAPTERS 00:00: Introduction and Background 02:24: Welcome to Long Leu Leadership 07:42: Early Inspirations and Motivations 10:56: Discovering the Air Force Academy 16:00: Memorable Experiences at the Academy 23:26: Leadership Lessons Learned 26:32: Leadership: Curiosity, Compassion, and Mutual Respect 28:14: Startup Journey: Taking Risks and Minimizing Regrets 30:07: Leadership Lessons: MBA and Personal Growth 32:05: Startup Experience: Joining and Growing a Company 36:18: Family and Risk-Taking: Lessons from Parents 39:36: Hidden Talent: Drawing and Painting 45:36: Giving Back: Involvement with the Air Force Academy Foundation 51:30: Impact of the Air Force Academy: Building Resilience and Confidence TAKEAWAYS Growing up in Texas with immigrant parents instilled a strong work ethic and a desire to give back to the country in Jason Kim.Inspired by the space shuttle program and the Gulf War, Jason decided to pursue a career in the military.At the Air Force Academy, Jason experienced the pedestal effect and learned the importance of curiosity, compassion, trust, and mutual respect in leadership.Jason's academic and extracurricular experiences at the Academy helped shape his leadership skills and provided him with lifelong friendships.His parents and role models like Colonel Ellison Onizuka influenced his decision to join the Air Force and give back to the country. Curiosity, compassion, and mutual respect are essential qualities in leadership.Taking risks and minimizing regrets can lead to personal and professional growth.Giving back and supporting future generations is important.The Air Force Academy provides valuable experiences and lifelong friendships.Learning multiple languages and exploring different cultures can broaden perspectives.The Academy's challenging environment builds resilience and confidence. ABOUT JASON KIM ’99 Mr. Jason Kim ’99 is a member of the Air Force Academy Foundation Board of Directors. He is also CEO for Firefly Aerospace. Jason's career includes his work in the satellite and national security space for Boeing Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. While in the Air Force, he served as a program manager for the Space Superiority Systems program and Reconnaissance Systems Program offices. He has served on the boards of the National Defense industrial Association and space enterprise ...
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    53 分
  • 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23 - Leading with Empathy

    2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23 - Leading with Empathy
    2024/09/17
    A conversation with 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23, the first active duty military member to be crowned Miss America 2024, about her background, leadership experiences, transition to Harvard Kennedy School, and key lessons on empathetic leadership and following one's passions. SUMMARY Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh, the first active-duty military member and Miss America 2024, discussed her journey and leadership experiences. She highlighted her foundation for pancreatic cancer research, her academic achievements, and her role as a mentor at the Air Force Academy. Marsh emphasized the importance of empathetic leadership, mental health support, and balancing personal and professional life. She shared her transition from aspiring to be an astronaut to focusing on public policy and her current studies at Harvard Kennedy School. Marsh underscored the significance of passion, support from family and mentors, and the impact of diverse perspectives on leadership. OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "Don't ask your people to do something that you are not willing to do yourself." - Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh"Your life is too short to live it for someone else or to do things that you are not passionate about." - Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh"I knew that if I put 100% into something I'm passionate about, the outcome and the impact that I'm gonna have is going to be far greater than forcing myself into this idea of who other people want me to be." - Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh"Leaning on people, whether it is your partner or a loved one, that is how you're going to succeed in life." - Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh"Being an empathetic leader, being a leader who goes by example. So don't ask your people to do something that you are not willing to do yourself."- 2nd Lieutenant Madison Marsh SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK | LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM CHAPTERS 00:00: Empathetic Leadership: The Foundation of Success 02:43: Journey to the Air Force Academy: A Personal Story 11:33: Overcoming Tragedy: The Power of Support 16:18: Leadership Lessons from the Academy 28:31: Navigating Career Changes: Finding Passion 45:02: Key Takeaways: Empathy and Passion in Leadership TAKEWAYS Embrace empathetic leadership - Truly understanding and supporting your team members, even when they are struggling, is crucial for effective leadership.Lead by example - As a leader, you should be willing to do anything you ask of your team and not ask them to do something you wouldn't do yourself.Follow your passions - Pursuing work and activities you are truly passionate about will lead to greater fulfillment and impact than forcing yourself into a path for others.Build a strong support network - Relying on partners, mentors, and loved ones can provide the encouragement and guidance needed to overcome challenges.Prioritize self-care - Taking time for your own mental, physical, and emotional well-being is essential to being an effective leader and avoiding burnout. ABOUT MADISON Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh, crowned Miss America 2024, poses in a Colorado Air National Guard hanger on Buckley Space Force Base on August 7, 2024. Marsh embodies service in and out of uniform, proving that you can achieve your dreams and goals while serving in the United States Air Force. Image Credit: Ms. Miram Thurber, Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, USAFA class of ’23, and Miss America 2024 is the first active-duty member of the military to hold the title. She is also the first such title holder in 50 years for Colorado. She attained her private pilot license at the age of 16. She is a highly accomplished humanitarian, scholar and service member. After the loss of her mother in 2018 to pancreatic cancer, she established a foundation to raise funds for research to fight the disease. When she became a cadet, she excelled in her physics and astronomy studies, winning a Truman scholarship and is now pursuing her master’s in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School. CONNECT WITH MADISON Instagram: @‌missamerica | @‌madiisabellaa ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates! FULL TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS Guest, 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 Naviere Walkewicz 00:22 My guest today is Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh, USAFA Class of 23 and newly crowned Miss America. This is a first for an active-duty member of the military and one for the Colorado history books in that she is the first such title holder in 50 years for the Academy's home state. But there is much, much more to Lieutenant Marsh, including her attaining a private pilot's license at the age of 16. She is a highly...
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    50 分
  • Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks - Making Day-1 Leaders

    Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks - Making Day-1 Leaders
    2024/09/03
    Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks ’96 discusses the absolute importance of standards and integrity in leadership, and how a new, more rigorous approach at the Academy will build that in to cadets making them Day-1 leaders. SUMMARY Brigadier General Gavin P. Marks, Commandant of the Air Force Academy, shares his journey from being a young man in Atlanta, Georgia to becoming a pilot and eventually serving as the Commandant. He discusses his experiences at the Air Force Academy, including basic cadet training and the challenges he faced. General Marks emphasizes the importance of perseverance, leaning on support networks, and maintaining high standards in leadership. He also reflects on the impact of the Academy on his personal and professional development. General Gavin Marks reflects on his personal journey and the impact of his wife on his military career. He discusses the importance of being adaptable and humble as a leader and the unique responsibilities of command. He shares his decision to return to the Air Force Academy and the changes he is implementing to better prepare cadets for the challenges of great power competition. General Marks emphasizes the love and passion that the leaders at the Academy have for developing future officers and encourages listeners to continue dreaming big. OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "How you do anything is how you do everything." "There's always somebody better." "I want to make sure that they feel like they got their money's worth from a military development perspective or military training perspective." "The leaders at the Air Force Academy, from top to bottom, love deeply, deeply love the institution, and are incredibly passionate about the development of these young men and women into officers in the Air Force and the Space Force." "Continue to dream big. Don't let anyone dissuade you from goals that you have. And as it relates specifically to the Air Force Academy, it is absolutely worth it." SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK CHAPTERS 00:00: Introduction and Background 01:53: Returning to the Air Force Academy 02:52: Young Gavin Marks: Childhood and Calling to Serve 07:04: Challenges and Growth in Basic Cadet Training 08:29: Lessons in Leadership and Perseverance 11:45: Choosing the Air Force Academy and Pilot Training 15:06: Reflections on the Academy's Impact 20:52: Leadership Experiences as a Cadet 23:43: Lessons in Leadership and Perception 27:55: Successes and Career Progression 32:35: Meeting His Wife and Reflecting on Tinker Air Force Base 37:25: Personal Journey and the Impact of Relationships 57:54: Changes in the Life of a Cadet 01:05:48: Challenges and Partnerships 01:09:39: Rigor and Expectations 01:11:09: Love and Passion for Developing Future Officers 01:12:34: The Value and Worth of Attending the Air Force Academy TAKEAWAYS The importance of perseverance, resilience, and grit in overcoming challenges, especially during difficult experiences like the Air Force Academy.The value of having a strong support network, including family and friends, to help navigate challenging times.The significance of leadership roles and experiences during the Air Force Academy in shaping one's development and future success.The Air Force Academy's focus on evolving its training and development methods to better prepare cadets for the challenges of great power competition.The deep passion and commitment of the Air Force Academy's leadership in developing leaders of character who are ready to serve their country. ABOUT GEN. MARKS BRIG. GEN. MARKS' BIO Brigadier General Gavin P. Marks is the Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He commands the 4,300-member Cadet Wing and more than 200 Air Force and civilian personnel. He guides military, leadership, character development, Basic Cadet Training and Expeditionary Skills Training for the Air Force Cadet Wing in addition to providing facilities and logistical support. Brig. Gen. Marks earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1996 and his pilot wings from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, in 1998. Brig. Gen. Marks has served as a T-1A instructor pilot (at both the undergraduate and graduate training levels) and flight examiner, an E-3B/C instructor pilot and flight examiner, an Air Force Intern, a staff officer on multiple joint staffs, and has commanded at the squadron and wing levels. Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Director, Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. Brig. Gen. Marks is a command pilot with more than 3,400 flying hours in the T-3, T-37, T-1A, E-3B/C/G, RC-135S/U/V, TC-135W, OC-135B, and WC-135C aircraft. - Copy credit: AF.MIL CONNECT WITH GEN. MARKS INSTAGRAM: @‌USAFACOMMANDANT ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on ...
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    1 時間 15 分
  • Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 - Know Your Craft and Your People Well

    Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 - Know Your Craft and Your People Well
    2024/08/20
    Perhaps best known for his accomplishments on the field, at its core, Coach Troy Calhoun's work is about building athletes in to leaders of character.----more---- SUMMARY In this conversation, Coach Troy Calhoun discusses his journey from childhood to becoming the head football coach of the Air Force Falcons. He talks about his upbringing in a family of service and the influence of his parents. Coach Calhoun shares his experiences as a cadet at the Air Force Academy and the lessons he learned in leadership. He also discusses the intersections of athletics and academics and the importance of patience in navigating the highs and lows of life. In this conversation, Coach Troy Calhoun discusses the importance of resilience, patience, and delayed gratification in the pursuit of success. He emphasizes the need to slow down and assess challenges, rather than seeking instant affirmation. Coach Calhoun shares examples of cadets who have shown tremendous growth and success after facing initial difficulties. He also highlights the importance of instilling values and standards in his players, both on and off the field. Coach Calhoun discusses his philosophy on leadership, which includes being right alongside his people, knowing his craft well, and creating an environment where ideas and perspectives are valued. He also emphasizes the significance of believing in and supporting others. Outside of football, Coach Calhoun enjoys spending time with his family, learning, and maintaining a balance in life. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of passion, involvement with people, and the development of others in leadership. OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "Coach Calhoun can easily be considered a game changer and trailblazer shaping the world of sports, leadership and beyond.""You gotta go serve the people.""The discipline, the attention to detail, and the unselfishness for what was required and demanded in terms of teamwork.""If you push forward when you come out the other side, just the additional strength, the confidence.""Maybe you can share a story? And what I'm thinking about is when you talk about patience and affirmation showing in an outcome that is later on.""You know, I think it is more difficult than ever for a teenager, for all human beings." SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:50 Childhood and Upbringing 04:25 Discovering the Air Force Academy 05:22 Life as a Cadet 09:00 Leadership and Mentorship 10:27 Intersections of Athletics and Academics 13:23 Lessons in Leadership 16:06 Navigating Challenges and Growth 19:43 Transition to Coaching 22:54 Coaching and Leadership 23:23 Values and Character Development 25:46 The Power of Resilience and Patience 30:08 Instilling Values and Standards for Success 31:59 The Philosophy of Leadership 35:18 Believing in and Supporting Others 42:30 Finding Balance and Pursuing Personal Interests 49:34 Passion and Involvement in Leadership 51:59 The Reward of Developing Others TAKEAWAYS Coach Calhoun's upbringing in a family of service shaped his values and commitment to leadership.His experiences as a cadet at the Air Force Academy taught him the importance of discipline, time management, and teamwork.Coach Calhoun emphasizes the value of mentorship and the impact it can have on young people.The intersections of athletics and academics provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership development.Navigating the highs and lows of life requires patience and a willingness to learn and grow. Resilience and patience are key qualities for success in any endeavor.Delayed gratification can lead to greater strength and confidence.Instilling values and standards is important for personal and professional development.Leadership involves being involved with and supporting your people.Believing in and supporting others can help them achieve more than they thought possible.Maintaining a balance in life and pursuing personal interests is important for overall well-being.Passion and involvement with people are essential in leadership.Developing others and helping them grow is a rewarding aspect of leadership. ABOUT COACH CALHOUN BIO Air Force Academy Head Football Coach Troy Calhoun graduated USAFA with the class of ‘89. Coach Calhoun can easily be considered a game-changer and trailblazer, shaping the world of sports, leadership and beyond. He is the very dynamic head coach of the Air Force Falcons football team. Known for his innovative approach and unwavering commitment, Coach Calhoun has led the Falcons through remarkable seasons, transforming them into a formidable force in college football and as warfighters. With a career that spans over a decade at Air Force Academy, Coach Calhoun has earned a reputation for building resilient teams and cultivating emerging leaders using a blend of discipline and inspiration. We’ll walk through his journey from his days as a child, to becoming a cadet, then ...
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    54 分
  • Sam Eckholm ’18 - Live, Serve, Lead

    Sam Eckholm ’18 - Live, Serve, Lead
    2024/08/06
    A conversation with Sam Eckholm ’18 about his unique path and work to inspire the next generation of military leaders through social media and content creation.----more---- SUMMARY In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, is talking with Sam about his journey from the three times he landed on the “footprints” on in-processing day through the challenges he faced as he learned to lead his peers, side-stepping career advice that might have left him in obscurity, his relentless perseverance pursuing his dreams, graduation in 2018, the history he’s making now and Sam’s continuing support of the Air Force Academy. SOME OF OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "Putting yourself in other people's shoes is big." "If you have an end goal in mind, it's not going to be easy to get there. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it." "What you see as a finished polished video, the behind the scenes is crazy." "Don't lose sight of that end goal." "Dig deep down and realize what you want. And just relentlessly go after that." SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN CHAPTERS 00:00 - Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes 21:13 - The Terrazzo Gap: Challenges and Perceptions 23:49 - Finding Passion in Clubs and Sports 27:40 - From Photography to Public Affairs 30:05 - Inspired by the F-22 Demo Team 31:00 - Pursuing a Career in Public Affairs 32:24 - Learning and Growing as a Young Lieutenant 33:22 - Challenges and Rewards of Public Affairs 34:22 - Maintaining Motivation and Finding Balance 35:44 - Leading Others and Finding Personal Outlets 38:41 - Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 41:49 - Impactful Moments and Inspiring Others 46:49 - Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Dreams 53:31 - Supporting the Academy and Creating Impactful Content 56:19 - Final Thoughts and Message to Listeners TAKEAWAYS - Putting yourself in other people's shoes is important for effective leadership - The Terrazzo Gap between intercollegiate athletes and non-athletes at the Academy is a unique challenge - Being involved in clubs and sports at the Academy provides valuable experiences and friendships - Passion for photography and social media can lead to a career in public affairs. - Don't lose sight of your end goal and relentlessly pursue it. - Advocate for yourself and trust in your own decisions. - Creating meaningful impact requires hard work and dedication. - Inspire others by sharing your journey and experiences. - The Academy Blueprint program helps level the playing field for aspiring cadets. - Expand your knowledge and learn from various sources of inspiration. - Don't be discouraged by challenges and setbacks; they can lead to growth and success. ABOUT SAM Deep down, Sam Eckholm always knew the Air Force Academy was where he belonged. As the son of an Air Force pilot and Academy graduate, he was brought up on the blue and silver. After graduating high school in Dallas, Texas, he followed in his dad's footsteps, attending the U.S. Air Force Academy as a member of the class of 2018. Following graduation, Sam was selected as a member of the F-22 Raptor Demonstration team, where he traveled the world as a Public Affairs Officer, documenting the 5th generation stealth fighter jet at air shows across the globe. After separating from active duty in 2022, Sam's passion for military service has not changed, but his ability to share that passion with an even larger audience has. His videos have accumulated over 100 million views online, with over 1 million followers across his social media platforms. Attending the Air Force Academy is what started it all, and Sam's goal is to help others achieve their dreams of throwing their hat in the air and graduating from the Academy. The Air Force Academy Blueprint is the culmination of almost two years of pouring his heart and soul into a singular project, and he can't wait to bring it to you. - Image and copy courtesy of Sam Eckholm CONNECT WITH SAM LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER LINKS WE MENTIONED ACADEMY BLUEPRINT SAM'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates! SAM'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS: Guest: Sam Eckholm ’18 | Host: t. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 Sam Eckholm Putting yourself in other people's shoes is big. It's kind of hard to remember that because you're getting information from your leader, right, your boss, they're telling you one thing, it's hard for them to see kind of two layers down how that's going to impact everyone else. So, I mean, I would always just try to put myself in other people's shoes. Okay, if I do this, what's that gonna… ...
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