Host

Shannon Huffman Polson is the founder of The Grit Institute and host of The Grit Factor Podcast, where she helps purpose-driven leaders build grit, resilience, and purpose in their lives and organizations.

A former U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot and one of the first women to fly the Apache in the Army, Shannon brings real-world leadership experience from the military and corporate boardroom to her work as an author, speaker, and leadership educator. She is the author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World, which distills lessons from elite leaders across industries and the armed forces.

Through The Grit Institute, Shannon combines research, storytelling, and actionable frameworks to help individuals and organizations navigate transitions, overcome challenges, and lead with impact. Her work empowers people to connect with purpose and bring values-based leadership into every facet of life and work.

Whether in the cockpit, the classroom, or the boardroom, Shannon champions a mission to cultivate courage, purpose, and authentic leadership for a better world.

Guest Bio

Dr. Ruth Gotian, Chief Learning Officer and Associate Professor of Education in Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, is a globally recognized expert in mentorship and leadership development. 

Hailed by Nature, Wall Street Journal, and Columbia University, she was named a top 20 mentor worldwide. Thinkers50 ranked her as the #1 emerging management thinker in 2021, LinkedIn recognized her as a top voice in mentoring in 2023, and she was named a Top 50 Executive Coach in the world in 2024 (Coaches50 list).  

A semi-finalist for Forbes 50 Over 50, Dr. Gotian is a prolific contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Psychology Today, where she shares insights on 'optimizing success.' 

With a focus on the mindset and skill set of peak performers, including Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, Olympic and NBA champions, she's also an award-winning author of The Success Factor and The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring.

Summary

In this conversation, Shannon Huffman Polson sits down with Dr. Ruth Gotian, a world-renowned expert in leadership, high performance, and success. Together, they explore what truly sets high achievers apart—from astronauts and Olympic athletes to top-performing leaders. Dr. Gotian shares insights from her groundbreaking research on motivation, resilience, and peak performance, revealing practical strategies anyone can apply to excel in their personal and professional life.

They also discuss the mindsets that drive exceptional achievement, the habits that separate elite performers from the rest, and how purpose, curiosity, and continuous learning fuel long-term success. Whether you're a leader, creator, or someone striving to improve, this conversation offers actionable wisdom to help you elevate your performance and live with intention.

• What Dr. Ruth Gotian has learned from studying the world's highest performers

• The mindsets and daily habits that drive exceptional success

• How purpose fuels resilience and long-term motivation

• The importance of curiosity and continuous learning

• Practical tools you can start using today to elevate your performance

• Why high achievers think differently—and how you can too

Resources

Website: https://ruthgotian.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgotian

Host

Shannon Huffman Polson is the founder of The Grit Institute and host of The Grit Factor Podcast, where she helps purpose-driven leaders build grit, resilience, and purpose in their lives and organizations.

A former U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot and one of the first women to fly the Apache in the Army, Shannon brings real-world leadership experience from the military and corporate boardroom to her work as an author, speaker, and leadership educator. She is the author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World, which distills lessons from elite leaders across industries and the armed forces.

Through The Grit Institute, Shannon combines research, storytelling, and actionable frameworks to help individuals and organizations navigate transitions, overcome challenges, and lead with impact. Her work empowers people to connect with purpose and bring values-based leadership into every facet of life and work.

Whether in the cockpit, the classroom, or the boardroom, Shannon champions a mission to cultivate courage, purpose, and authentic leadership for a better world.

Guest Bio

Sam Ushio is the founder and Chief Ikigai Officer of Ikigai Lab, a social enterprise that blends ancient Japanese wisdom with modern science to help people and organizations align purpose with measurable impact. Drawing on two decades in corporate leadership and consulting, Sam's work focuses on human sustainability, values-based growth, and bringing humanity back into business.

A former financial services executive, Sam experienced a pivotal moment that transformed his understanding of success—from financial growth to personal and purposeful growth. His family's story, rooted in Japan over a century ago, deeply shaped his worldview and introduced him to the authentic essence of Ikigai—the Japanese concept of a "reason for being."

Through Ikigai Lab, Sam works with global brands and leaders to create cultures where people thrive through alignment of strengths, values, and daily actions. His frameworks integrate positive psychology, emotional intelligence, and ancient wisdom, inspiring people to live with awareness, gratitude, and intention every day.

Sam is also the creator of the Ikigai Summit (soon to be rebranded as Repurpose), an annual event that explores how purpose-driven leadership can reshape organizations and communities for a more meaningful future.

At his core, Sam believes purpose isn't a destination—it's a daily practice. His mission is to help others discover and live their Ikigai through the simple yet profound act of aligning who they are with how they live and lead.

Summary

In this conversation, Shannon Huffman Polson and Sam Ushio explore the concept of Ikigai, its origins, and its significance in personal and professional life. They discuss the importance of family legacy, personal growth, and the misunderstandings surrounding Ikigai, particularly the common four-circle Venn diagram. Sam shares his journey of discovering Ikigai through his family's history and emphasizes the need for gratitude, intentionality, and the integration of personal values in daily life. The discussion also touches on the impact of Ikigai on organizations and the importance of spirituality and rituals in Japanese culture.

Takeaways

• Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning 'reason for being'.

• Personal stories shape our understanding of purpose.

• Financial growth should not compromise personal growth.

• Gratitude and awareness are essential for a fulfilling life.

• Ikigai is about aligning daily actions with personal values.

• The four-circle Venn diagram is a common misunderstanding of Ikigai.

• Daily life (sekatsu) is central to understanding Ikigai.

• Mindset and emotional intelligence are crucial for personal development.

• Reflecting on influential people can help clarify one's values.

• Ikigai can enhance both personal and professional fulfillment.

Chapters

00:00 – What Is Ikigai, Really?
Sam Ushio introduces the real meaning of Ikigai—not just an abstract idea of life's purpose, but the alignment of daily actions with personal values and priorities.

01:05 – Purpose as the Foundation of Grit and Resilience
Host Shannon Huffman Polson shares how purpose became central to her research on grit and leadership, setting the stage for the conversation.

02:57 – Sam Ushio's Journey from Corporate Success to Purpose Alignment
Sam reflects on his background in financial services, the "lightning bolt moment" that shifted his path, and his discovery of a deeper calling through Ikigai.

03:48 – The Power of Family Heritage and Migration
Sam shares his great-grandparents' story—leaving Japan to support a 1,200-year-old shrine—and how that legacy shaped his modern understanding of purpose and sacrifice.

08:19 – Realizing the Limits of Financial Growth
Sam explains how a career focused solely on financial metrics led to personal disconnection—and how redefining growth became the start of his transformation.

11:03 – The Value of Failure and Creative Experimentation
Sam describes his early entrepreneurial struggles and creative experiments that didn't work, emphasizing how failure built clarity and resilience.

13:30 – Discovering the Family Photo That Changed Everything
A 100-year-old family photo surfaces at just the right moment, sparking deep reflection and connecting Sam's modern journey to ancestral purpose.

14:52 – Rediscovering Ikigai Through Family Wisdom
Sam's Aunt Julie plays a key role in reconnecting him with the true Japanese essence of Ikigai—as a philosophy of balance, awareness, and daily living.

16:33 – Debunking the 4-Circle Ikigai Myth
Sam and Shannon unpack the viral "Venn diagram" of Ikigai, exploring how Western interpretations often miss its true meaning rooted in sekatsu—daily life.

20:12 – Ikigai as Daily Alignment, Not a Destination
Sam reframes Ikigai as the daily practice of aligning values with actions—living your reason for being moment by moment, not chasing a final goal.

24:21 – Frameworks for Living with Purpose
Exploring the fusion of Japanese wisdom and positive psychology, Sam discusses using values and strengths (via CliftonStrengths) to guide intentional living.

26:10 – From Purpose to Measurable Impact
Sam connects Ikigai to measurable outcomes in leadership and business, linking emotional awareness, cognition, and behavior to results.

32:10 – How to Begin Your Ikigai Journey
Sam offers a practical starting point: reflect on a person who has shaped you, explore the values behind their influence, and connect that to your own life purpose.

34:05 – Practicing Ikigai in Daily Life (Sekatsu)
Sam introduces the "Minimum Viable Purpose" concept—testing small daily actions outside your comfort zone to grow purposefully, not perfectly.

38:05 – Purpose in the Age of AI
A discussion on how AI is shaping human purpose and connection, and how grounding in values helps navigate rapid technological change.

40:15 – Inside Ikigai Lab: Bridging Humanity and Business
Sam explains how Ikigai Lab helps organizations and teams connect individual purpose to measurable impact through human sustainability frameworks.

43:04 – Building Awareness and Intention Across Generations
Sam discusses bringing the Ikigai philosophy to workplaces, universities, and communities to help people live and lead with intention.

49:23 – Returning to Japan: A Full-Circle Journey
Sam shares the emotional story of returning to his family's ancestral shrine in Japan, honoring generations of purpose, resilience, and continuity.

53:29 – The Sacred in the Everyday
Shannon reflects on her trip to Japan, the power of ritual, and what it means to recognize the sacred in daily life—connecting to the heart of Ikigai.

56:11 – Purpose as a Verb, Not a Goal
Sam and Shannon conclude that Ikigai isn't something you find once—it's something you live daily, through curiosity, courage, and continual growth.

Resources

Website: https://ikigailab.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samushio/

In this conversation, Killian Noe discusses her journey through leadership, resilience, and community work, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, accountability, and the power of forgiveness. She reflects on her upbringing, experiences in diverse communities, and the founding of Recovery Cafe, highlighting the significance of beauty in healing and the need for loving accountability in organizations. The dialogue explores the balance between control and surrender in leadership, the role of community in personal transformation, and practical steps for engaging in social change.

Takeaways

• The importance of community in personal growth and transformation.

• Experiences of joy can be found in diverse communities.

• Loving accountability is essential for personal and organizational success.

• Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and personal responsibility.

• Beauty plays a significant role in the healing process.

• We must connect with the real needs in the world to find purpose.

• Success is defined by the journey towards freedom from barriers to love.

• Transcending self-actualization leads to deeper fulfillment.

• Leadership requires active listening and transparency.

• Navigating control and surrender is a daily practice in leadership.

Contacts:

Website : https://recoverycafe.org/

Email: killian@recoverycafe.org

Tedx Talks:  https://youtu.be/E32xsoDsAhw

In this conversation, Shannon Huffman Polson and Dave discuss the importance of purpose and values in leadership and entrepreneurship. Dave shares his early career experiences at Hewlett Packard, the challenges he faced while founding Good Technology, and the profound impact of Joseph Campbell's hero's journey on his perspective. He introduces the concept of evergreen companies, which prioritize long-term sustainability over rapid growth, and outlines the seven P's that define these companies. The discussion emphasizes the need for a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who share these values and principles. In this conversation, Dave discusses the importance of partnerships, particularly his relationship with Jessica Herron, and how it shaped his understanding of building evergreen companies. He emphasizes the need for a deliberate approach to innovation and growth, focusing on sustainability rather than quick profits. The discussion also highlights the significance of aligning personal purpose with professional goals, especially in the context of employee engagement and satisfaction. Dave envisions a future where a new generation of entrepreneurs can redefine business success by prioritizing purpose and creativity over traditional funding models.

Takeaways

• Purpose and values are crucial for effective leadership.

• Early experiences shape our understanding of corporate culture.

• Personal challenges can impact professional journeys.

• The hero's journey offers valuable insights for business leaders.

• Evergreen companies focus on long-term sustainability.

• Community support is vital for like-minded entrepreneurs.

• The seven P's provide a framework for building lasting companies.

• Introverts often have a strong internal compass for their goals.

• Rewiring our thinking is necessary for new business models.

• Hidden evergreen companies exist and need recognition. Partnerships can significantly influence business development.

• Evergreen companies prioritize long-term sustainability over quick profits.

• Innovation requires a deliberate approach to risk management.

• Personal purpose alignment is crucial for employee satisfaction.

• Companies should measure personal purpose during recruitment.

• Growth rates impact the capacity for reflection and development.

• Evergreen companies can thrive without external capital.

• The true purpose of many companies may differ from their stated mission.

• Investors often prioritize financial returns over authentic company purpose.

• A new generation of entrepreneurs can redefine business success.

Contact Details
Website: https://www.tugboatinstitute.com

Book
https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9798892791137

In this conversation, Dr. Eileen Bjorkman shares her remarkable journey in aviation, highlighting the evolution of women's roles in the military and her personal experiences as a flight test engineer. She discusses her family's aviation legacy, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the leadership lessons she learned throughout her career. Dr. Bjorkman's insights provide a unique perspective on resilience, communication, and the importance of representation in STEM fields. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the themes of leadership, storytelling, and the evolution of women in aviation. They discuss the importance of collaboration in leadership, the journey of writing and preserving untold stories, particularly those of women in aviation and veterans. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by women in the aviation industry and the need for a supportive culture that embraces diversity. Ultimately, the speakers reflect on the definition of success, emphasizing passion and purpose over monetary gain.

Takeaways

• Women couldn't fly combat aircraft at that time.

• Dr. Bjorkman was the sixth woman to graduate from the Air Force Test Pilot School.

• She logged over 700 hours in 25 military aircraft.

• Her book, Fly Girls Revolt, uncovers women's struggles in aviation.

• She transitioned from computer science to aviation after feeling unfulfilled.

• Dr. Bjorkman faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field.

• She emphasizes the importance of communication in leadership.

• Most people just want to be listened to by their leaders.

• Her experiences highlight the need for representation in STEM.

• She believes in a collaborative leadership style. Taking a collaborative approach in leadership fosters inclusivity.

• Respecting everyone's input leads to better decision-making.

• Writing is a powerful tool for preserving untold stories.

• Women in aviation have made significant contributions that need recognition.

• The history of women in the military is often overlooked.

• Documenting veterans' stories is crucial for preserving history.

• The culture in aviation remains male-centric, impacting women's participation.

• Childcare support is essential for women in the workforce.

• Success is defined by passion and purpose, not just money.

• We must advocate for veterans and their stories.

Resources:

Website: https://eileenbjorkman.com/

Follow her on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AviationHistGal
X: https://twitter.com/AviationHistGal
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16650358.Eileen_A_Bjorkman
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Eileen-A.-Bjorkman/e/B01MZ8ZRTA

Get your copy of: The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World http://amzn.to/2RQTDjB

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Listen in to Facing the Wind podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facing-the-wind/id1611668766

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FREE The Grit Factor manifesto for your download! https://www.thegritinstitute.com/manifesto

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Have a question? Leave me a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/TheGritFactor

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In this conversation, Shannon Huffman Polson and Tom discuss the importance of service, personal journeys, and the impact of role models. Tom shares his experiences in aviation, his humanitarian efforts, and the ongoing project to honor his fallen classmate, John Connors. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of community, learning, and active participation in democracy. In this conversation, Tom and Shannon explore the themes of community, legacy, purpose, leadership, and success. They discuss the importance of role models and the impact of legacy on individuals and communities. Tom shares insights on finding purpose in both work and life, the transition from military to civilian life, and the significance of being an ally in leadership roles. The conversation culminates in a reflection on defining success beyond monetary achievements, emphasizing the value of service and contribution to others.

Takeaways

• Everybody's journey is different, and we learn from it.

• It takes years to gather wisdom and put it into action.

• The path to our goals is often non-linear.

• Reading physical books enhances retention and comprehension.

• Service can take many forms, not just military.

• Networking is crucial for facilitating humanitarian efforts.

• You can make a difference with your time and talents.

• Democracy requires active participation from everyone.

• Role models are essential for guiding future generations.

• Honoring those who served helps keep their legacy alive. Building a community involves finding and connecting with role models.

• Legacy is what we make of it and should be preserved.

• Purpose can be found in both work and personal life.

• Leadership principles are consistent across military and civilian sectors.

• Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but is manageable.

• Service to others is a key aspect of finding purpose.

• Being an ally in leadership is a responsibility and a privilege.

• Success is not defined by monetary gains but by contributions to others.

• Role models can influence us throughout our lives, not just in childhood.

• The journey of life is ongoing, and purpose evolves over time.

Contacts:

https://www.ameasureofaman.org/

This conversation explores the remarkable journey of a woman who transitioned from baton twirling to becoming a combat pilot and military leader. She shares her experiences in the military, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mental resilience and self-trust in high-stakes situations. The discussion also highlights the biases she encountered as a woman in a male-dominated field and how she navigated these challenges to achieve success. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields, emphasizing the importance of excellence, mastery of craft, and mental resilience. They explore the need for psychological performance in leadership and the cultural shifts required to create inclusive environments. The discussion also touches on the recognition of women's contributions in history and the importance of supporting one another in professional spaces. This conversation explores the themes of empowerment, purpose, and resilience, particularly focusing on women's experiences in high-stakes environments. The speakers share personal stories that highlight the importance of role models and the need for women to see themselves in positions of power. They discuss the significance of having a clear purpose in life, especially during transitions, and how aligning one's values with their goals can lead to fulfillment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating societal expectations and the importance of embracing hard work and challenges to achieve personal growth.

Sound Bites

"I wanted to do something meaningful."

"Just be a badass."

"Show up and be excellent!"

"Train your body and mind."

"Mental skills are hard skills."

"Naysayers are just challenges."

"Bring your own chair to the table."

"I want young women to know."

"We need the stories to be told."

"Our kids are resilient."

Resources

https://jannellmacaulay.com/

contact@jannellmacaulay.com

TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/jannell_macaulay_how_to_achieve_high_performance_under_stress

Rolling Stone Article: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/syria-war-chemical-weapons-sarin-1296374/

Ross Wehner shares his journey of discovering and uncovering his purpose through experiences in Chile and teaching. He emphasizes the importance of following intuition and stepping into one's own story. Ross discusses the impact of traumatic events and the role of darkness in shaping purpose. He highlights the influence of philosophy, solitude, and fasting in gaining clarity. Ross also explains the mission of World Leadership School in partnering with K-12 schools to reimagine learning and create next-generation leaders. He advocates for purpose learning and the integration of thinking, feeling, and doing in education.

Takeaways

• Follow your intuition and step into your own story.

• Traumatic events can lead to a deeper understanding of purpose.

• Solitude and fasting can provide clarity and insight.

• Education should focus on purpose learning, integrating thinking, feeling, and doing.

Chapters

• Introduction and Background

• Engagement with Purpose in Chile

• Impact of Traumatic Events

• Stepping into Purpose

• Uncovering Purpose

• Transitioning to Teaching

• Finding Meaning in Teaching and Wilderness Instruction

• Uncovering Purpose with the Help of a Coach

• Living the Story of Purpose

• Influence of Philosophy on Purpose

• Navigating Darkness and Finding Purpose

• Seeking Solitude and Fasting for Clarity

• Purpose Learning and Reimagining Education

• Planting Seeds of Purpose in Education

• Balancing Classical Learning and Purpose

• Recommendations for Discovering Purpose

• Conclusion and Contact Information

Website: https://worldleadershipschool.com/

In this conversation, Melissa Arnot Reid shares her experiences as a mountaineer and the lessons learned from her climbs, particularly on Everest. She discusses the internal struggles faced during high-stakes situations, the importance of team dynamics, and the journey to finding a sense of belonging. The conversation delves into the nature of leadership in perilous environments and the responsibilities that come with guiding others. Melissa emphasizes the significance of consistency, honesty, and understanding individual strengths within a team. In this conversation, Melissa Arnot Reid shares her insights on leadership, personal values, and the challenges faced as a woman in the mountain guiding community. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, the evolution of success, and the impact of her nonprofit, the Juniper Fund, which supports families of high-altitude workers. The discussion highlights the significance of love, intent, and personal growth in both leadership and life.

TAKEAWAYS

• Climbing without supplemental oxygen exposes both physical and mental limits.

• The internal voice of doubt can be a source of discomfort that needs to be navigated.

• Team dynamics are crucial; each member brings unique strengths to the table.

• Belonging is a fundamental human need that can drive us to extreme challenges.

• Leadership in climbing involves significant responsibility for others' safety.

• Experiencing discomfort in nature can provide a sense of control over one's life.

• Having someone who believes in you can change your life trajectory.

• Leaders must confront the weight of their decisions and their impact on others.

• Consistency and honesty are essential traits for effective leadership.

• Understanding individual needs within a team enhances trust and collaboration. Leadership is a customized process that requires deep relationships.

• Operating from your values increases your chances of success as a leader.

• Self-reflection is essential for personal growth and leadership development.

• Love and connection are critical components of effective leadership.

• Intent behind actions significantly affects how they are received by others.

• Judging someone's capability based on appearance is misleading.

• Climbing Everest multiple times was necessary for recognition in a male-dominated field.

• Loss can create space for new opportunities and growth.

• You don't need to be perfect to be deserving of love and success.

• The journey of healing and self-acceptance is ongoing and transformative.

TITLES

• Climbing the Heights of Leadership

• The Power of Personal Values in Leadership

• Breaking Barriers: Women in Mountain Guiding

• Redefining Success Beyond Achievements

• The Heart of Leadership: Love and Connection

Get a copy of her book HERE.

WEBSITE

https://www.melissaarnot.com/

Today's episode with Siri Lindley is an inspiring conversation about overcoming fear, achieving success, and living fearlessly. Siri Lindley is a two-time world champion triathlete, winner of twelve ITU World Cup races, an inspirational, energetic life coach and one of Tony Robbins' 10 favorite motivational speakers.With an infectious & authentic passion, she empowers audiences to strive for peak performance, and to work through and ultimately conquer the demons of fear and self-doubt. In late 2019, Siri faced her most difficult battle yet when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Despite being given less than a 10% chance of survival at the time of her diagnosis, she was pronounced cancer-free by her doctors in May of 2020. In the episode, Lindley shares her personal journey as a former professional triathlete and coach, and discusses her unique coaching style that emphasizes a holistic approach to training and personal development. Throughout the episode, Polson and Lindley delve into topics such as resilience, mental toughness, and finding joy in the process of pursuing one's goals. Listeners will come away from this episode feeling inspired and empowered to tackle their own challenges and achieve their own goals.

Visit her online here:

Siri Lindley https://siri.siriandbek.com/

Believe Ranch and Rescue: https://www.believeranchandrescue.org/

Siri's forthcoming book:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/finding-a-way-taking-the-impossible-and-making-it-possible-siri-lindley/19259090?aid=15754&ean=9781637587928&listref=recommended-on-the-grit-factor-podcast

A keynote speaker and writer on partnership, mentorship, diversity, and relationship building, Lisa Gable's mission is to support the next generation of leaders and organizations that are solving the world's biggest problems. She is a five-time award-winning Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author and recognized as an innovative global businesswoman who leads with discipline and diplomacy. In addition to her multiple corporate roles, including CEO, Lisa has served US Presidents and Governors, as well as a US Ambassador and UN Delegate.  

Over the course of her career, Lisa has been called to turnaround failing organizations—businesses, teams, nonprofits, political campaigns, and government projects—to solve seemingly intractable problems. She has learned that the key to course-correcting when things go South is applying process engineering—strategically evaluating everything your organization does and how it does it—with authority and humanity. 

Her work has carried her to dozens of conferences and events where she has met with global leaders, spent time with some of the world's largest manufacturers and their employees and executives, 52 US military installations interviewing over 1,000 military personnel, engaged with local Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Girl Scouts of the USA to better understand the needs of America's youth, and met with representatives of over 200 nations through her service as a democracy advocate. 

 Watch today and learn some funny stories about working at the white house, and take some time to discuss what she has learned through her hardships.

Read her book

https://bookshop.org/p/books/turnaround-how-to-change-course-when-things-are-going-south-lisa-gable/16180044?ean=9781646870585

As well as visit lisagable.com.

Breda McCague works as a Transformation Professional within the Finance industry working with people from all over the globe. McCague joined the Irish Reserve Defence Forces at the age of 17 and went on to become her unit's first Female Lieutenant. She has continued in positions of leadership across the Corporate world ever since.

McCague is Co-Founder of Lean-In Ireland and runs events for women and men teaching them how to practice peer mentoring to develop each other's careers and life journeys. She is an accredited ECR coach in Emotional Intelligence. Breda is on a mission to teach and inspire others on how to understand themselves better. She loves to share her passion through educating others on understanding emotions and decision making so that they can become the best emotionally regulated Leaders across their societies, communities and work environments. Breda was awarded the Women of the Year title in the Women in Finance Ireland Awards for 2021. She plays in a rock band and has 3 children.

Host: Shannon Huffman Polson

Shannon Huffman Polson is a former Apache helicopter pilot, speaker, and author of "The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World." She is the founder of The Grit Institute, where she helps purpose-driven leaders build grit and resilience.

Guest: Phyllis Wilson

Phyllis Wilson is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 with a military career spanning nearly four decades, including deployments to Iraq as a senior intelligence analyst. She is the president of the Military Women's Memorial in Washington, DC, the only national memorial honoring the service of women in all branches and eras of the U.S. military.

Description

In this episode of The Grit Factor, Shannon Huffman Polson talks with Phyllis Wilson about her remarkable journey from a young recruit to a leader in the Military Women's Memorial. Phyllis shares her experiences in the military, the challenges she faced, and her mission to preserve the stories of America's servicewomen.

Summary

Phyllis Wilson discusses her military career, the importance of preserving the stories of servicewomen, and her leadership at the Military Women's Memorial. She reflects on the challenges of being a woman in the military, the impact of her work, and the lessons learned from her service.

00:00 – Challenge Accepted
Phyllis opens by reflecting on moments when people underestimate her:

"Sit back and watch, buddy. I'll show you what I'm capable of doing."
She frames underestimation as fuel for proving herself rather than discouragement.

03:17 – Joining the Army for Opportunity
Phyllis describes joining the military to afford college — a "four-year plan" that turned into 37 years of service.
She was drawn in by education, travel, and a sense of purpose.

05:09 – Motherhood & Warrant Officer Training
Phyllis recounts attending the Warrant Officer Candidate Program while raising young children:

• Describes grueling inspections and "hazing" culture of the time.

• Brought her kids to training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, with classmates helping out.

• Reflects on resilience and community support.

09:07 – Climbing to Chief Warrant Officer 5
She breaks down the rarity of her rank:

• Out of 1 million Army personnel, only ~822 are CW5s.

• Highlights the tight Warrant Officer network and the importance of relying on collective expertise, not pretending to know everything.

10:22 – Imposter Syndrome
Phyllis candidly talks about moments of doubt at senior levels:

"You pinch yourself—am I really supposed to be here?"
She learned to trust the leaders who believed in her and to "just do the work."

13:25 – Iraq: Life-or-Death Intel Decisions
As a senior intelligence analyst in Special Operations, she was responsible for nightly mission targeting:

• Describes pressure of ensuring missions aren't sent to "dry holes" or booby-trapped locations.

• Talks about guilt when missions result in deaths, even if assessments were correct.

"Sometimes when they don't come home alive, you kick yourself… Can I keep doing this?"

• Coping through treadmill running 70–80 miles a week to manage stress.

17:36 – Serving Alongside Her Sons
Phyllis' sons were deployed in Iraq simultaneously:

• Promoted one to Sergeant during Thanksgiving.

• Mixed pride and deep fear, especially near the end of their tours.

21:43 – Special Operations as a Woman
She thrived in Special Ops because the mission came first and gender was irrelevant:

"I never even noticed I was the only woman in the room… I count lefties, not women."
She stresses speaking with value, not just to be heard.

25:57 – Leadership & Trust Under Pressure
Trust looks different in combat vs. garrison. She highlights how earning trust through competence is essential when lives are on the line.

29:45 – Childhood Foundations
Growing up as a tomboy in a strict but loving household shaped her confidence and resilience.
She recalls lifeguarding as a teen and learning to develop "thick skin" early.

33:45 – Evolving Sense of Purpose
Over decades, her purpose deepened through service and exposure to other cultures.
She learned profound lessons on contentment and gratitude from communities abroad.

39:01 – Post-Military Transition
After hanging up the uniform, Phyllis felt unexpectedly lost.
She founded "Wounded Warriors Have Families Too" to support families of injured service members, restoring her sense of mission.

44:28 – Leading the Military Women's Memorial
As president, she discovered how many women's stories remain untold.

• The Memorial's database has 325,000+ stories but represents only ~10% of all who served.

• She's passionate about preserving and amplifying these histories.

51:52 – Defending Women's Stories Today
In an era where some narratives are being erased, Phyllis emphasizes protecting and elevating military women's stories — including those who died recently.

"Our job is to honor and tell the stories… not drag their names through the mud."

58:01 – Lifelong Mission
Phyllis' driving force today:

"How could I not have known these stories?"
She's committed to making sure America knows the names and deeds of the women who served.

1:01:20 – Closing
Shannon thanks Phyllis for her leadership and storytelling. Phyllis' journey is framed as a call to preserve legacy, build resilience, and lead with purpose.

Resources & Contact Details

The Grit Institute: thegritinstitute.com
Military Women's Memorial: womensmemorial.org

Book: The Grit Factor
Download The Grit Factor Manifesto

Contact Phyllis Wilson:
info@womensmemorial.org

Sunita Lyn Williams is an American astronaut and United States Navy officer who formerly held the records for most spacewalks by a woman (seven) and most spacewalk time for a woman (50 hours, 40 minutes). Williams was assigned to the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 14 and Expedition 15. In 2012, she served as a flight engineer on Expedition 32 and then commander of Expedition 33.

In this episode, we talk about her memories of being in space and the feelings that still remain to this day. We also draw a couple parallels to the Covid lockdowns to space travel, and the certain benefits that come with close proximity to others for long periods of time.

Katie Cook is from Severna Park, Maryland, and graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, VA in 2004.  She attended the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 2008.  Katie continued her education at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. and graduated with a Masters of Arts in International Security in 2009. In February 2017, Katie reported for duty as the Airfield Operations Company Commander with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina. During her time in the fleet, Katie has accumulated more than 1,400 flight hours, including 400 in combat. Her decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, five Air Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various personal and unit awards.  In August 2019, Katie transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserve and currently works as a Senior Director of Operational Excellence for Global Public Sector at Salesforce. Watch now and learn what it takes to thrive in a world you are not comfortable in and learn to make the most out of the situation you're in.

Mentorship comes up again and again any time we run into challenges, but it's really a critical ingredient for success at all times. Whether it's veterans transitioning to corporate, someone taking a new position, or planning for future contribution, mentorship plays a key role. The senior leaders I interviewed while researching for The Grit Factor all attribute mentorship in one or usually many kinds to their success.

That's why I'm so excited to talk with Lisa Fain today. I met Lisa through a women's business organization several years ago, where we discovered we were both speaking at an event in California, and we've stayed connected ever since. Lisa is the CEO of Center for Mentoring Excellence, and an expert in the intersection of cultural competency and mentoring. Her personal and professional goals were met when she realized she wanted to help people mutually learn and grow from one another. In this episode, we discuss the importance of establishing the proper mentoring relationship and the rules that come along with it. (Minute 16:45) As well as some pro tips for goal setting, career advancement, and setting up the perfect workplace.

BOOKS & RESOURCES

Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring

www.centerformentoring.com

Courtney has found success by living her life as a leader. Notable achievements include her nine years of service as a Marine Corps officer, managing a top-notch sales team for Rational Software, earning her law degree at William & Mary, practicing at one of the nation's leading law firms, and creating Lead Star (www.leadstar.us) -- a premier leadership development consulting firm that works globally with leading organizations. She has also served as an elected official and recently spent time living in the UK during which she served as Chief Operating Officer of a rapidly scaling technology company. Beyond Courtney's government and corporate accomplishments, she is a business owner, thought leader, and New York Times best-selling author of Spark, Bet on You, and Leading from the Front. Her success has been recognized throughout her professional career, but most recently she was awarded the National Stevie Award for Best Female Entrepreneur and BusinessWeek profiled her achievements as a leadership expert. A dynamic guest on CNBC, FOX News, and CNN, Courtney's efforts with Lead Star have been noted in publications ranging from Harvard Business Review and Fast Company to The Financial Times. Courtney is married to Patrick Lynch and is the proud mother of three children. She resides in the Washington, DC area.

In this podcast we discuss:

Courtney's seemingly unusual path to the Marines and her start in her career (7:12)

The importance of authenticity and the origins of the theming in Courtney's book (12:37)

The social influence that comes with a leadership role and how finance is not the only factor. (19:10) And the correlation between risk-taking and leadership. (32:32)

Books: Spark, Bet on You, and Leading from the Front

Website: Leadstar.us

As we get started, why not hit subscribe to be sure you never miss an episode? And remember to leave a review – it helps others find us!

I'm so grateful for this conversation today with Bishop Gretchen Rehberg, a truly extraordinary person, who happens to be our bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, a diocese with a massive and politically polarized territory including 38 different congregations. She may also be the bishop with the most unusual background…with her PhD in Chemistry, she taught organic Chemistry at Bucknell University, and served her community as an EMT and firefighter. While at seminary, Gretchen was on the ground for 9-11 and shares her story from that terrible day, and its direct impact on her in the years to follow. I'm grateful for the opportunity to know and learn from Bishop Rehberg over several years. We're going to talk today about leadership of a large and diverse community, what to do about burnout in organizations, and what grit means to her after September 11th. Bishop Rehberg is candid, open and honest, and often funny. She is passionate about proclaiming the inclusive love of God and equipping the people of God for transformation and growth. Christian formation for all ages is of vital importance to Gretchen, and she stresses the need for both rigorous engagement and the need for openness and humility in learning.

Website: The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane

As we get started, why not hit subscribe to be sure you never miss an episode? And remember to leave a review– it helps others find us!

A number of years ago, Ruchika and I met at the rehearsal for a Seattle Ignite event, and it's been just fantastic to stay connected and watch her trajectory ever since! I'm so grateful to welcome her on to Facing the Wind, shere we talk about diversity and leadership.

Ruchika is a passionate advocate and speaker for amplifying the voices of women in the workplace. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Time and Bloomberg, among other publications. Ruchika has most recently been a guest of Brene Brown's and contributed to BigThink.

Diversity is key to a company's success and bottom line– and yet women are leaving the workforce in higher numbers than ever before. That's one of many reasons this conversation is so important. In this episode, we'll discuss the difference in personality and behavior that takes place before and after the ego is developed. We also talk about ways society has trained us to rely solely on other's expectations (minute 11), and how to break the mentality.

In this episode, we discuss the difference in personality and behavior that takes place before and after the ego is developed. We also talk about ways society has trained us to rely solely on other's expectations (minute 11), and how to break the mentality.

As we get started, why not hit subscribe to be sure you never miss an episode? And remember to leave a review– it helps others find us!

Books Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work And The Diversity Advantage: Fixing Gender Inequality in the Workplace

Amy Conway-Hatcher is a fierce advocate, lawyer, Board director, warrior career mom, and former federal prosecutor. After decades of managing 24/7 crises, climbing to the upper echelons of Big Law, and sacrificing family for career, Amy did the unthinkable. She left her high-paying equity partner job and an unsustainable climb...to reclaim her life.

Amy wrote Infinitely More to shine a spotlight on systemic workplace inequities that hold women back. Through witty and darkly humorous story-telling, Amy challenges leaders to take bolder actions to fix uneven playing fields, while advocating for women to stand firmly in control of their careers. She firmly believes that by sharing our stories, opening our eyes, and being brave enough to have hard conversations, #wecandobetter.

Today, a partner in a boutique law firm specializing in complex legal problems, Conway-Hatcher thrives as an advocate, author, speaker, and mom of teens. All proceeds of her book are being donated to organizations that support women and girl leaders of the future.

BOOK: Infinitely More

We talk about the difficulties in navigating the role as team leader in a male dominated workplace (minute 14) and balancing time between family and business (minute 20).

Give yourself the gift of listening in to our conversation— and forward it along to whoever might enjoy or benefit!

This Veteran's Day, we're happy to release this special episode with Tina Morris, a graduate of West Point, veteran of the United States Army's military police corps, and now senior corporate leader. Tina talks about the values and ideas she brought to her twenty year tenure at S&P from her time in uniform.

We talk about the difficulties in navigating the role as team leader, like holding those accountable while growing a healthy working relationship (minute 22).

Give yourself the gift of listening in to our conversation— and forward it along to whoever might enjoy or benefit!

Amy Melinda McGrath is a retired US Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel raised in Kentucky. McGrath was the first woman to fly a combat mission for the Marine Corps, as well as the first to pilot the F/A-18 on a combat mission. She is also a political candidate from Kentucky, and author. Her book is titled Honor Bound: An American Story of Dreams and Service

In this episode, we talk about the overall change in politics over the years, and how the average person is affected though mainstream news and media. We also talk about ways the war has been marketed towards citizens (minute 33), and what the future may hold for democracy.

Give yourself the gift of listening in to our conversation— and forward it along to whoever might enjoy or benefit!

BOOKS & RESOURCES

Honor Bound, by Amy McGrath. https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9780525659105

American SOS Project (link here https://americansos.org)

Invisible Storm, Jason Candor. https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9780358658962

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Host: Shannon Huffman Polson

Shannon Huffman Polson is a renowned author and speaker, known for her work on grit and resilience. As the founder of The Grit Institute, she empowers individuals to lead with purpose and determination.

Guest: John Coleman 

John Coleman is the co-CEO of Sovereign's Capital and a Harvard Business Review author. He is a thought leader in purpose-driven leadership, offering insights into how individuals can find meaning in their personal and professional lives.

Summary

In this episode, John Coleman discusses the crisis of purpose in modern life, exploring how individuals can find meaning and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. He shares insights on leadership, the importance of agency, and the myths surrounding purpose.

Highlights

[00:00:46] Introduction to Purpose

John Coleman introduces the concept of a crisis of purpose and its impact on modern life.

[00:32:58] The Myths of Purpose

Discussion on common misconceptions about purpose and how to overcome them.

[01:05:32] Creating Purpose in Life

Insights into how individuals can craft their own purpose and find fulfillment.

[02:18:34] Purpose in Leadership

 John Coleman shares how purpose-driven leadership can transform workplace culture.

[03:03:38] Purpose and Service

 The role of service in enhancing personal meaning and fulfillment.

Resources

Books by John Coleman:
HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781633699830

Passion and Purpose - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781422142424

Miracles - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9798987316610

The Grit Institute:

Visit thegritinstitute.com for courses and resources on leading with purpose.

Download The Grit Factor Manifesto - https://training.thegritinstitute.com/the-grit-factor-manifesto

Just Like You: Mandy Hickson was one of the first women to fly the Tornado in the Royal Air Force, and flew combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. I talk to her about what motivated her as an ambassador today, what she worked through in her time in the RAF, the power and challenge of teams, and what she thought of the new Top Gun! And we laugh a lot. Hope you enjoy!

LtGen Reynolds talks candidly about leading Marines from an unexpected challenge, to combat deployments and finally commanding the newly formed Marine Corps Cyber. Sharing what inspired her from an early age, to what leaders need to do to ensure the best results in today's world, this conversation is one for every leader, but come with a notepad. You won't want to miss, or forget, a thing.

CPT Shaye Haver and CPT Kristen Greist are the two first women to graduate as U.S. Army Rangers and become Infantry Officers. In this conversation, they offer inspiration and practical takeaways for all of us. Though both West Pointers, Haver and Greist came from different backgrounds and motivations. In this interview we talk about what directed them toward the unique opportunity and challenge of Ranger School, what they did to prepare, and how they faced failure and disappointment. This opportunity to hear from both exceptional leaders is not one to miss.

Deidre Paknad is the Co-founder and CEO of Workboard, Inc. She has founded and led three tech startups, acquired companies and been acquired, and led a high-growth business as an executive at IBM for several years. Deidre has over a dozen patents and has twice been inducted into the Smithsonian Institution for innovation. Goldman Sachs named her one of the 100 most intriguing entrepreneurs of 2019. In this episode, Deidre and I talk about how tragedy shaped her life and work, her biggest challenge with grit (it might surprise you), what she learns from sports, and how taking care of your people has been the same and different over the last few years.

Air Force Colonel Kim Campbell has led from her single seat A-10 over Baghdad to a wing command of over a hundred, sharing lessons of the power of preparation, authenticity and making the hard calls.

Sarah McArthur is an accomplished editor, writer, and leadership thinker. She worked for over two decades alongside renowned executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, serving as managing editor on dozens of leadership books and co-authoring several works. Sarah was also mentored by the late Frances Hesselbein—one of the most influential leadership figures of the 20th century—becoming a close collaborator and friend. Today, Sarah continues to preserve and share Frances's legacy through writing, editing, and storytelling.

Shannon Huffman Polson is a former Apache helicopter pilot, corporate veteran, keynote speaker, and author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World. She is the founder of The Grit Institute, where she equips leaders to build resilience, lead with purpose, and navigate challenges with impact.

In this episode of The Grit Factor, Shannon welcomes Sarah McArthur for a heartfelt conversation about the extraordinary life and leadership of Frances Hesselbein, former CEO of the Girl Scouts and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Sarah shares her personal journey as Frances's mentee, collaborator, and friend, offering stories that illuminate Frances's unwavering humility, love, and commitment to service. Together, Shannon and Sarah explore what makes Frances's leadership so timeless and how her lessons can guide today's leaders through uncertainty, division, and change.

Summary

This episode is both a tribute and a toolkit for values-driven leadership. Listeners will hear:

• Sarah's path to working with Marshall Goldsmith and later meeting Frances Hesselbein.
  
  

• How Frances transformed the Girl Scouts into a thriving, values-centered movement.
  
  

• The power of mentorship, storytelling, and consistency of character.
  
  

• Lessons on resilience, integrity, and servant leadership that remain urgently relevant.
  
  

• How Frances's legacy continues through Sarah's work, including books and a documentary film.
  
  

• (00:00) Opening reflections on Frances Hesselbein's passing and the love she inspired.

• (02:51) Sarah's early work with Marshall Goldsmith and first encounters with Frances's writings.

• (05:54) The book Work Is Love Made Visible and Frances's profound influence.

• (10:54) Frances's vision-driven leadership and transformative years at the Girl Scouts.

• (17:16) The consistency of Frances's character across 107 years of life.

• (21:42) Lessons from the "cookie incident" and transparency in leadership.

• (25:08) Frances's "invisible tattoos" and storytelling as a teaching tool.

• (29:33) Sarah's decision to ask Frances to be her mentor.

• (33:56) Living and learning alongside Frances during her later years.

• (41:34) How Frances commanded respect and credibility across sectors.

• (44:35) Frances's timeless advice for today: We will get through this together.

• (47:27) Meeting Peter Drucker and forming a lifelong leadership partnership.

• (50:50) Three words to capture Frances's legacy: humility, love, and service.

• (53:13) "To serve is to live" — Frances's enduring purpose.

• (54:57) Sarah on carrying forward Frances's story through a documentary film.

Resources

Website:
https://www.sarahmcarthur.com/
https://www.hesselbeinforum.pitt.edu/

Email: sarah@sarahmcarthur.com

Books:
Work Is Love Made Visible: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781119513582
Hesselbein on Leadership: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781118717622
My Life in Leadership: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9780470905739

Frances Hesselbein "Defining Moments" Documentary: https://youtu.be/ImQ0zQpTJec?si=Lv6u5il5NBKjN50W

Urs Koenig is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, former NATO peacekeeping commander, and ultra-endurance athlete. With an eclectic background spanning UN peacekeeping missions, military command, competitive cycling, academia, and business coaching, Urs brings a rare blend of lived experience and research-backed insight to leadership. His award-winning book, Radical Humility, challenges the outdated "heroic" leadership model and offers a compelling framework for blending high performance with humanity.

In this episode of The Grit Factor, Shannon Huffman Polson talks with Urs Koenig about his journey from the intense world of ultra-endurance sports to leading international peacekeeping missions—and how those experiences shaped his philosophy of "radical humility." Urs shares how failure in a 3,000-mile race across America became a crucible for growth, why loving people is at the heart of great leadership, and how leaders can be both tough on results and tender on people. They also explore the five shifts in his leadership framework, the importance of self-awareness, and how purpose evolves over time. Urs leaves listeners with practical strategies for managing energy, building agency in teams, and redefining success as being both a badass leader and a good human.

• 00:02:45 – Urs's unconventional journey from academia to ultra-endurance sports to military command.
  
  

• 00:07:20 – The Race Across America failure story and how reframing setbacks fuels growth.
  
  

• 00:11:35 – Why leaders must truly love people to be effective.
  
  

• 00:15:50 – "Tough on results, tender on people" — balancing high standards with deep care.
  
  

• 00:20:12 – The Five Shifts of Radical Humility explained.
  
  

• 00:26:40 – Commander's Intent: how clarity of purpose empowers teams.
  
  

• 00:33:05 – Managing energy like an elite athlete for sustainable performance.
  
  

• 00:37:15 – The confidence vs. competence trap in leadership promotion.
  
  

• 00:42:28 – When transparency becomes oversharing—and the concept of being "translucent."
  
  

• 00:48:00 – Lessons from Urs's father on reinvention and courage.
  
  

• 00:53:22 – Redefining success as being both a badass leader and a good human.

00:07:50 – "That DNF was one of the best things that ever happened to me—it taught me how to reframe failure."

00:11:40 – "You want to be a leader? You have to love people. It's not about being an extrovert—it's about caring deeply."

00:15:55 – "Caring gives you the license to set high standards."

00:22:10 – The Five Shifts:

1. Digging Deep (Self-awareness & self-leadership)
   
   

2. Tough on Results, Tender on People
   
   

3. Leading Like a Compass (Commander's Intent)
   
   

4. Full Transparency
   
   

5. Championing Fearless Culture
   
   

00:33:45 – Why managing energy beats managing time.

00:37:20 – "We often promote the loudest person, not the most competent one."

00:42:40 – Why leaders sometimes need to be "translucent" instead of fully transparent.

00:48:25 – His father's midlife leap from corporate executive to artisan cheesemaker.

00:53:30 – "Success is being a badass and a good human."

Book: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781637554050
Website: https://www.urskoenig.com/
Email: urs@urskoenig.com
Phone: 206.372.8626

Professional Summary

Valeria Aloe is an award-winning author, speaker, and high-performance business coach who founded the Rising Together movement to help professionals unlearn limiting mindsets and build the clarity, confidence, and behaviors needed to reach their next level. Her signature work combines mindset transformation with applied behavior change to accelerate individual and team performance. valeriaaloe.com

Born in Argentina, Valeria was the first in her family to graduate from college. She holds undergraduate degrees in Finance and Business Administration and later pursued graduate studies in the U.S., building a global career across corporate, nonprofit, and startup environments. Her corporate experience spans major organizations including Procter & Gamble, Citibank, Reckitt Benckiser, PwC and TIAA, and she has more than two decades of experience helping leaders and teams perform at scale.

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Shannon Huffman Polson speaks with Valeria Aloe—author, spiritual scientist, and founder of the Rising Together Movement—about the invisible ancestral mindsets that shape our lives, leadership, and wellbeing. From her childhood in rural Argentina to Ivy League classrooms and corporate America, Valeria shares her powerful journey through burnout, healing, and spiritual awakening. Together, they explore how trauma is inherited, how to reverse internalized limitations, and why true leadership starts with self-awareness and micro-steps. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to live more fully, lead more authentically, and rise with others—especially first-generation professionals and allies.

• From Rural Argentina to Ivy League: Valeria's journey from a dusty town to Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business—and how she overcame fear, culture shock, and the pressure of being first-generation.
  
  

• The Burnout That Sparked a Movement: What led Valeria to collapse emotionally and physically in 2016, and how that turning point inspired her to reexamine everything she believed about success.
  
  

• Unpacking Ancestral Mindsets: How culturally inherited beliefs—about authority, sacrifice, success, and identity—impact professionals, especially in Latino communities, and how to begin healing them.
  
  

• From Trauma to Triumph: Why healing inherited trauma is essential, how colonization affects modern mindsets, and the science behind generational pain and potential.
  
  

• Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: The key difference—and how to overcome the inner voice that says "Don't bother them."
  
  

• Spiritual Science in Leadership: Valeria's journey into spiritual studies and how embracing the identity of a soul having a human experience changed everything.
  
  

• Micro-Steps, Major Shifts: Why transformation doesn't require giant leaps—and how simple breathing exercises and mindset shifts can rewire your professional and personal life.

• Building Bridges: How to create unity in a polarized world, celebrate shared humanity, and foster meaningful connections across diverse identities.
  

• Valeria Aloe's Book: Unbeatable Latinas

• Rising Together Movement: www.valeriaaloe.com — Valeria's platform for empowering first-generation professionals and allies.

• The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey – Where Valeria led entrepreneurship programs.

• Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth – Where Valeria earned her MBA.

• Studies on Epigenetics – Research on how trauma and resilience are passed across generations.

Host: Shannon Huffman Polson

Guest: Alexander Friedman, CEO & Co‑founder of Novata; former CFO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; former CIO of UBS; ex‑White House Fellow; board member at Franklin Templeton

Episode Summary

Join Shannon as she interviews Alexander Friedman, a leader who has navigated high-stakes roles across the highest levels of philanthropy, finance, government, and now tech. In this episode, Alex shares insights into operationalizing purpose, driving change across complex systems, and forging a career of conviction and curiosity.

This conversation brings together personal grit, lessons from mountaineering and family, and hard-earned wisdom on systems change, all with a clear north star in mind.

[00:04] Meet Alex and get a preview of his storied path

[03:37] How the outdoors serve as spiritual grounding for Alex

[06:58] Learning Alex was a White House Fellow—and protégé of General Krulak

[08:46] A Marines' boot incident that sparked leadership lessons

[11:29] The Krulak legacy: from WWII to a fourth star in the Oval Office

[16:17] Balancing tradition and transformation in entrenched institutions

[18:27] The limits of logic: why being right doesn't guarantee change

[21:35] How leaders can wield influence carefully—and not burn it

[22:55] The benefits and questions around the 5% philanthropic payout rule

[25:13] Alex answers: Should foundations give away all assets or exist perpetually?

[25:48] Why the 5% rule may be outdated—and how investment returns challenge it

[26:37] On whether billionaire-backed space ventures serve higher purpose or oligarchy

[28:18] Does purpose come easier in nonprofits vs. for‑profits—and what Alex believes

[29:24] Exploring the distinction—and overlap—between mission and purpose

[31:31] Transcending self to serve something greater: Maslow and Viktor Frankl insights

[33:24] How founding a B Corp, Novata, merges purpose with sustainable business

[36:11] Novata's model: driving impact measurement for private companies globally

[37:49] Why ESG backlash hasn't undermined demand—and what persists beneath politics

[39:10] Alex's confidence in long‑term ESG trends despite short‑term turbulence

[40:08] The importance of overcoming initial inertia—just like Moana crossing the reef

[40:42] Parenting lessons: explaining purpose to a six‑year‑old and why it matters

[41:38] Advice to younger self or child: follow your own compass, not someone else's shiny things

[44:40] A dynamic "three‑body problem" metaphor for balancing work, family, purpose

[47:02] Alex defines success: Try boldly—even if you fail

[47:55] Why repeated failure builds resilience—and fuels new action

• Novata – Platform Alex co-founded to measure ESG and impact outcomes in private markets

• Jackson Hole Economics – A forum Alex helped launch to shape policy and economic discourse

• Council on Foreign Relations – Alex contributes to global policy thought leadership

• B Corp & Public Benefit Corp structures – the organizational form Alex chose for Novata

• Legacy article on General Victor "Brute" Krulak, with family and presidential story

Book: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9780578683577\

Website: www.novata.com

General Charles C. Krulak Article: https://www.mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/Krulak-Jun-2021.pdf

What does it look like to lead with grit, purpose, and a fierce sense of responsibility—across the battlefield, boardroom, and home?

On this week's episode of The Grit Factor, I speak with Kiwi phenom Ellen Joan Ford—a former New Zealand Army officer, tech leader, mother, and fierce advocate for Work School Hours. Ellen's story is one of extraordinary service, from deploying with the U.S. military to evacuating Afghan allies during the fall of Kabul, to now challenging the structural norms that leave working parents (especially mothers) behind.

We talk about:
• How military leadership forged her approach to high-stakes decision-making
• The incredible story behind her urgent efforts to help Afghan interpreters and their families escape- saving hundreds of lives
• Why the current 9-to-5 doesn't work—and how her #WorkSchoolHours (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/workschoolhours/) movement is gaining momentum
• What it means to rebuild your identity after leaving uniform—and how to lead with purpose in the civilian world

This is a conversation about service, reinvention, and building systems that reflect what actually matters.

🎧 Listen in—and let me know: What would change in your world if we really designed work to support families? And would you share, rate and review the podcast? It helps others find it!

#Leadership (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/leadership/) #Grit (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/grit/) 
#Veterans (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/veterans/) 
#WorkSchoolHours (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/workschoolhours/)
#Purpose (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/purpose/)
#Afghanistan (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/afghanistan/)
#WomenInLeadership (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/womeninleadership/) #TheGritFactor (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/thegritfactor/)
@powrsuit (https://www.instagram.com/powrsuit/)
@drellenjoanford (https://www.instagram.com/drellenjoanford/)
#womeninuniform (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/womeninuniform/)
#newzealand (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/newzealand/)
#anzac (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/anzac/)

What does it look like to lead with purpose and performance — to stay true to your values while building something that lasts?

I so enjoyed talking with fellow @tuckschool alum @Jim_Weber, longtime CEO of @BrooksRunning, for a conversation about leadership, grit, and building a brand rooted in conviction.

Jim took the helm at Brooks when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy — and through a relentless focus on purpose, customer obsession, and culture, he helped lead it to become a billion-dollar brand.

He did all of this while navigating a personal cancer diagnosis — a chapter that deepened his clarity, his courage, and his belief in the kind of leadership that endures.

We also talk about what it's like to work alongside Warren Buffett with the astonishing story of Brooks and @BerkshireHathawayInc, and the mindset required to lead through uncertainty without losing sight of what matters most.

If you're a leader looking for clarity, or someone in a season of challenge, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. #running

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weber-3b996b8
Website: http://www.jimweber.org/
Keppler: https://www.kepplerspeakers.com/speakers/jim-weber
Book: tinyurl.com/runpurpose