THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST

What does it take to lead at every level and shape the leaders of tomorrow? SUMMARY Long Blue Line podcast host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 sat with Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s vice superintendent, for a deep dive into leadership, humanity and building a world-class service academy. This episode is packed with wisdom for aspiring, emerging, and seasoned leaders alike.   SHARE LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/leadership-from-a-global-perspective-maj-gen-thomas-p-sherman-95/?token=98c1600cda62b3172c36dbe0011ffa33]  |  FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/leadership-from-a-global-perspective-maj-gen-thomas-p-sherman-95/?token=98c1600cda62b3172c36dbe0011ffa33]   GEN. SHERMAN'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS  - Leadership is a human experience - focus on connecting with and caring about people.  - Love what you do and love the people you lead; passion inspires others to follow you.  - Embrace failures and challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.  - Set the right culture and values within your team to build trust and mutual support.  - Be present and engaged with your team, understanding their motivations and experiences.  - Leadership is about more than rank or position - it's about earning genuine trust and respect.  - Invest time in understanding different generations, cultural nuances, and individual perspectives.  - Balance professional excellence with personal growth and life experiences.  - Support your team's development by providing encouragement and holding them accountable.  - Your legacy is built through individual interactions and the positive impact you have on people's lives.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Major General Thomas P. Sherman 01:29 Choosing Leadership Over Flying 07:23 The Impact of Mentorship and Values 12:46 Heritage and Evolution of Security Forces 17:43 Personal Growth in Aviano, Italy 24:17 The Importance of Work-Life Balance 29:50 Culminating Command Experience at Bagram 42:25 The Role of Family in Leadership 51:29 Continuous Self-Improvement as a Leader 56:27 Embracing Failure as a Growth Opportunity 01:00:06 Legacy and the Impact of Leadership   ABOUT GEN. SHERMAN BIO Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman is the Vice Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. He is serving as the chief operations officer to the Superintendent and overseeing the Academy’s blend of military training, academics, athletics, and character development for cadets. Gen. Sherman commissioned in 1995 from the Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He built a distinguished career as a security forces officer. He’s held command at nearly every level. His key assignments include leadership of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB and critical staff positions at the Pentagon. In May 2024, Gen. Sherman was tapped to serve as the Academy's Vice Superintendent   CONNECT WITH GEN. SHERMAN LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-%E2%80%9Ctank%E2%80%9D-sherman-22227a133/]     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES [https://www.longblueleadership.org/]  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/longbluelinepodcast] AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS       TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95  |  Host, Lt. Col. (ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99   KEYWORDS Leadership, Air Force Academy, Major General Thomas P. Sherman, mentorship, personal growth, security forces, work-life balance, family support, continuous improvement, legacy       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation

In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Dr. John Torres shares his inspiring journey from being the first in his family to attend college to becoming NBC's senior medical correspondent. SUMMARY Dr. Torres discusses the challenges he faced at the Air Force Academy, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership skills, and the influence of his family values. He reflects on his unconventional experiences, including survival training and falconry, and how these experiences prepared him for a successful career in medicine and media. His story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the importance of mentorship in leadership. In this conversation, he shares his journey from dealing with hantavirus outbreaks in New Mexico to becoming a prominent medical correspondent during the pandemic. Dr. Torres discuss the challenges of communicating complex medical information to the public, the importance of empathy when delivering bad news, and the role of family support in his career. Finally, he emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in leadership and the value of instilling positive values in the next generation.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/survival-training-a-catalyst-for-leadership-dr-john-torres-82/?token=87baae78601101b48bd0b5724f8936a7] | FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/survival-training-a-catalyst-for-leadership-dr-john-torres-82/?token=87baae78601101b48bd0b5724f8936a7]   DR. TORRES' TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS  - Lead with empathy: Understand where people are coming from, recognizing that anger often stems from fear and underlying concerns.  - Communicate clearly: Break down complex information into understandable terms, whether speaking to patients, soldiers, or the public.  - Be willing to admit mistakes: True leadership means having the courage to acknowledge when you're wrong and take responsibility.  - Develop a "no excuse" mentality: Take ownership of situations, even when they're not entirely your fault.  - Build trust through peer-to-peer interactions: Treat people as equals rather than using an authoritarian approach.  - Continuously learn and adapt: Stay current in your field and be open to new experiences and perspectives.  - Support your team's individual growth: Encourage people to pursue their passions and provide guidance without pressure.  - Match your emotional delivery to your message: Ensure your communication is authentic and appropriate to the content.  - Lead by example: Demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from others through your own actions.  - Focus on purpose over position: Leadership is about making a positive impact and helping others grow, not about title or status.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dr. John Torres 02:01 Overcoming Challenges at the Academy 05:03 Discovering Leadership Through Survival Training 08:33 Influence of Family Values on Leadership 10:42 Unconventional Experiences at the Academy 13:41 Transitioning from Pilot to Medical Doctor 20:06 Lessons Learned as a Flight Doc 23:58 Becoming an NBC Correspondent 24:37 Hantavirus and Early Medical Experiences 26:00 Transitioning to Media: From ER to TV 27:23 The Pandemic: A Super Bowl for Medicine 29:05 Communicating Medical Information Effectively 32:29 Delivering Bad News with Compassion 34:41 Teaching NATO Special Forces Medics 37:02 Family Support and Legacy 39:58 Instilling Values in the Next Generation 41:56 Continuous Improvement as a Leader 45:52 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations   ABOUT DR. TORRES BIO Dr. John Torres ’82 is currently Senior Medical Correspondent for NBC News and a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. With a career spanning more than 30 years in emergency medicine, military service, and national media, Dr. Torres brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, crisis leadership, and public communication to every role he takes on. Before joining NBC, he served in the Air Force, deploying to combat zones and responding to humanitarian crises around the globe. After retiring from the military, Dr. Torres transitioned to civilian emergency medicine and later began sharing trusted medical insights with millions of viewers through his work in broadcast journalism. On camera and off, he is known for making complex medical issues accessible and relevant, especially during moments of national concern like the COVID-19 pandemic. A seasoned leader shaped by experience in the field, the ER, and the newsroom, Dr. Torres exemplifies the values of service, clarity under pressure, and lifelong learning—principles he credits in large part to his upbringing in rural New Mexico, foundational Academy education and military experiences.   CONNECT WITH DR. TORRES LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-torres-797bb160/]       ALL PAST LBL EPISODES [https://www.longblueleadership.org/]  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/longbluelinepodcast] AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS:  Guest, Dr. John Torres ’82 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99   KEYWORDS Leadership, Air Force Academy, Dr. John Torres, survival training, medical correspondent, family values, unconventional journey, overcoming challenges, mentorship, public health, Hantavirus, medical communication, pandemic, media, family legacy, leadership, teaching, NATO, bad news delivery, continuous improvement       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation

In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, we’re exploring the evolution and elevation of leadership with a leader who knows what it means to build champions in every sense of the word. SUMMARY Jemal Singleton ’99 is a mentor, a motivator and has mastered the grind. From the military to NFL locker rooms, he has forged a path rooted in service, strength and success. Learn more about masterful game planning and get ready to be inspired!    SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/jemal-singleton-99-gridiron-battlefield-or-boardroom-the-evolution-of-leadership/?token=13353f8370393646b1afdf7a8b932d68] | FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/jemal-singleton-99-gridiron-battlefield-or-boardroom-the-evolution-of-leadership/?token=13353f8370393646b1afdf7a8b932d68]   COACH SINGLETON'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS  - Coach Singleton emphasizes the importance of leading with conviction.  - He learned to connect with people through immersive cultural experiences.  - The Super Bowl victory was a culmination of focus and teamwork.  - Growing up as a military brat shaped his adaptability and leadership.  - Family dynamics played a crucial role in his development as a leader.  - Discovering the Air Force Academy was a pivotal moment in his life.  - Basic training taught him valuable lessons about overcoming fear.  - His leadership style evolved through experiences at the Academy.  - Transitioning from military to coaching was a significant decision.  - Failures in his career have provided the greatest learning opportunities.  - Success and failure are both essential for growth.  - Belief in others can significantly impact their performance.  - Understanding individual motivations is key to effective leadership.  - Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping leaders.  - Building relationships is foundational to leadership success.  - Balancing family and work is vital for personal fulfillment.  - Grit and resilience are important traits in leadership.  - Investing in personal growth enhances leadership effectiveness.  - Daily routines help maintain focus and discipline.  - Leadership can be demonstrated from any position.    EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights 04:30 Jamal's Early Life and Military Influence 08:00 Family Dynamics and Leadership Development 11:35 Basic Training and Leadership Challenges 14:52 Growth at the Air Force Academy 18:58 Transitioning from Military to Coaching 21:34 Navigating Career Decisions 22:57 Facing Failures and Learning from Them 26:18 Navigating Success and Failure 27:38 The Power of Belief in Leadership 29:58 Understanding Individual Motivations 32:40 Influences and Inspirations in Leadership 34:05 Building Relationships as a Leadership Foundation 36:02 Balancing Family and Professional Life 38:23 Lessons in Grit from Home 40:38 Investing in Personal Growth 42:41 Daily Routines for Effective Leadership 44:36 Striving for Continuous Improvement 47:27 Leading from Any Position 49:14 Final Thoughts on Leadership and the Academy   ABOUT JEMAL BIO Jemal Singleton ’99, is a veteran coach with over 20 years of experience at the collegiate and professional levels. He is currently the Philadelphia Eagles' running backs/assistant head coach. Under his leadership, the Eagles have made four consecutive playoff runs, capturing two conference titles and the Super Bowl LIX Championship. From 2021–24, Philadelphia led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (108) and ranked among the top three in rushing yards per game (153.9) and yards per carry (4.7). Singleton helped three different running backs earn Pro Bowl honors during this span. In 2024, Singleton coached a historic ground game led by Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 2,005 yards in the regular season and 2,504 total, earning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pro honors. The Eagles set a league record with 3,866 team rushing yards. Previously, Singleton helped guide D’Andre Swift (2023) and Miles Sanders (2022) to their first Pro Bowls, with both ranking in the top five in rushing yards. In 2021, Philadelphia led the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns. Before joining the Eagles, Singleton coached running backs for the Bengals (2019–20), Raiders (2018), and Colts (2016–17), mentoring talents like Joe Mixon, Jalen Richard, and Frank Gore. His collegiate experience includes Arkansas (2015) and Oklahoma State (2011–14), where he coached standout backs such as Alex Collins and Joseph Randle. Singleton began his coaching career at the Air Force Academy, his alma mater, spending nine years in various roles and helping the Falcons consistently rank among the top rushing teams in the nation. A former team captain and honorable mention All-WAC running back, Singleton led Air Force to consecutive 10-win seasons and a conference title. A San Antonio native and son of a retired Air Force Sergeant, Singleton holds a degree in social sciences and lives with his wife, Jennifer. He has two daughters, Morgan and Mallory.  - Bio excerpted from philadelphiaeagles.com   - Image credit:  Mr. Ryan Hall     CONNECT WITH JEMAL LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemal-singleton-39636035a/] | PA EAGLES [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/coaches/jemal-singleton]     WITH OUR SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO THE EAGLES' PRODUCTION TEAM Eagles Team (Center L-R):  JohnPaul Beattie | Wes Lauria | Kelleher |  Haley Mccullough | Alex Barson (L) LBL Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 | (R) Guest, Jemal Singleton ’99  - Image credit:  Mr. Ryan Hall     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES [https://www.longblueleadership.org/]  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/longbluelinepodcast] AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS       TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS GUEST:  Jemal Singleton ’99 | HOST:  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99   KEYWORDS Leadership, Air Force Academy, coaching, Super Bowl, mentorship, personal growth, military influence, sports, resilience, career decisions, leadership, success, failure, motivation, personal growth, relationships, coaching, NFL, family, grit       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation

From A-10 combat missions to three Super Bowl championships, Chad Hennings has led in the air, on the field, and now—through character-based leadership.----more---- SUMMARY In the latest episode of Long Blue Leadership, Chad shares pivotal lessons from two leadership crucibles: flying in combat and transitioning from military life to the NFL. We also talk about his work today helping others lead with moral courage, through business, mentorship, and his Forces of Character podcast.   SHARE THIS CONVERSATION LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/chad-hennings/?token=7e257ea49c6d54079aba6dc03ed4ea5b] | FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/chad-hennings/?token=7e257ea49c6d54079aba6dc03ed4ea5b]   CHAD'S TOP LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS  - Chad chose to fulfill his military commitment over NFL opportunities.  - Commitment and integrity were instilled in him from a young age.  - Athletics served as a leadership laboratory for Chad.  - Leadership is about setting an example for others.  - Identity is not defined by what you do, but who you are.  - Struggles and obstacles are essential for personal growth.  - Character development requires strong relationships and feedback.  - Kinetic character means actively working on your character.  - Resilience is built through overcoming challenges.  - True fulfillment comes from relationships, not material success. Visualization is key to understanding identity and leadership.  - Leadership is about serving others, not just personal gain.  - True leadership involves modeling behavior for others.  - Identity is foundational for making sound decisions.  - Transitioning from structured environments can challenge one's identity.  - Don't compromise your values to fit in with a group.  - Creating community is essential for personal growth.  - Daily practices like devotionals can set the tone for leadership.  - A growth mindset is crucial for continuous improvement.  - Character and integrity are essential for effective leadership.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Commitment 02:02 Crossroads: Choosing Commitment Over Opportunity 05:58 Lessons from Athletics and Leadership 11:47 The Evolution of Identity and Purpose 16:07 Character Development Through Struggles 21:50 Kinetic Character: The Importance of Relationships 24:04 Visualizing Identity and Leadership 29:12 Navigating Transitions and Identity 32:07 Building Community and Legacy 38:09 Daily Practices for Effective Leadership 40:49 The Importance of Mindset in Leadership 42:08 Character and Integrity in Leadership 43:06 Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders   ABOUT CHAD BIO Chad learned the value of hard work, trust, and integrity growing up on his parent’s farm in Iowa. Those lessons became central to the life he’s lived since with unwavering character. From the fields of Iowa to the skies over Iraq, Chad’s journey took him from the U.S. Air Force Academy where he earned academic All-American honors and won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top lineman, to flying 45, A-10 combat and humanitarian missions in the first Gulf war. It was only after fulfilling his commitment to serve that Chad entered the NFL. He was 27 at the time and went on to win three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys. Today, Chad continues to lead from the front. He’s a speaker and he’s authored several books including It Takes Commitment, Rules of Engagement, and Forces of Character. He founded Wingmen Ministries and is a principal in Rubicon Representation, where he helps businesses grow through meaningful relationships and synergy. He’s also the host of his new podcast, Forces of Character, where he shares stories of moral courage and principled leadership, including two periods in his life as a developing and growing leader that ultimately became crucibles. One of those in the cockpit in combat and another transitioning from the military to the NFL.   FORCES OF CHARACTER PODCAST Chad Hennings, renowned author and former professional NFL athlete, is excited to announce the upcoming launch of his new project, the Forces of Character Podcast, slated for release in early 2025. Based on the principles outlined in his bestselling book, Forces of Character, the podcast will feature insightful interviews with extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated unwavering character and a noble purpose in their personal and professional lives. LISTEN HERE [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxFfWUuPemiZ_RyOASSgPDQ]    - Copy and image courtesy of Chad Hennings and Forces of Character     CONNECT WITH CHAD LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadhennings/] | RUBICON REPRESENTATION ON LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rubicon-representation/]       ALL PAST LBL EPISODES [https://www.longblueleadership.org/]  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/longbluelinepodcast] AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Our guest:  Chad Hennings ’82 | Our host: Lt. Col. Naviere Walkewicz ’99   KEYWORDS Leadership, commitment, character, Air Force Academy, NFL, personal growth, identity, resilience, mentorship, purpose, leadership, identity, visualization, transitions, community, legacy, daily practices, mindset, character, integrity     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation

In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, host Naviere Walkewicz ’99 talks with Emma Przybyslawski ’10, an Air Force Academy graduate whose path has taken her from the front lines of tactical special operations in combat zones to the founder’s chair at Strike Solutions. SUMMARY With 1,634 confirmed kills, and personal threats from ISIS, Emma knows what high-stakes leadership looks like. She opened up about her transition to the tech world, the power of the Air Force Academy network, and the role that courage, flexibility, and humor play in both survival and success. Whether you're in uniform or in a startup, Emma’s insights on active listening and continual growth are essential to your success as a developing or seasoned leader.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/leadership-from-battlefield-grit-to-start-up-guts/?token=b2b4afaa56b230450ca5f49ea10efc3e]  |  FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.longblueleadership.org/e/leadership-from-battlefield-grit-to-start-up-guts/?token=b2b4afaa56b230450ca5f49ea10efc3e]   EMMA'S 10 BEST LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS  - Leadership requires courage and action  - Course correction is a leadership strength  - Ownership is the price of admission to elite teams  - Active listening builds trust and influence  - Feedback isn’t personal—it’s growth fuel  - You can lead from any seat  - Clarity of standards drives excellence  - Mission over ego  - Diversity demands curiosity, not assumptions  - Leaders multiply leadership   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Emma Prisboslawski's Journey 01:26 Life in Special Operations 07:02 Navigating Chaos: A Day in Emma's Life 10:40 The Academy Experience: A Personal Journey 18:04 Leadership Lessons from Military Experience 27:52 The Importance of Active Listening in Leadership 28:21 The Power of Listening and Empathy 29:51 Navigating Career Transitions 32:18 Embracing Technology and Innovation 35:55 The Importance of Networking 36:24 Building Strike Solutions 37:48 Navigating the Vast Tech Landscape 40:14 Learning from Mistakes 42:31 Giving Back to the Academy 46:31 Continuous Self-Improvement and Leadership   ABOUT EMMA BIO Emma Przybyslawski ’10 is the daughter of Mj. Gen. (Ret.) Anthony '76 and Priscilla Pzybyslawski. She spent her childhood counting the number of states she lived in as a military brat. While at the Academy, she loved living in Cadet Squadron 19 and eventually led the Wolverines as Squadron Commander to Outstanding Squadron of the Year. Upon graduation, Emma was commissioned as a special operations intelligence officer and spent her Air Force career either overseas supporting counterdrug efforts or counterterrorism operations in the Middle East; she was awarded a Bronze Star during her last deployment for her combat efforts in Iraq. She decided to separate from the Air Force in 2016 and started her civilian career in the high-tech industry. Emma has since founded Strike Solutions, a defense company focused on bringing advanced technology solutions to various DoD operational mission sets. In her free time, she has a passion for traveling, food, spending time with family and friends, and sports – but all of those things are best enjoyed with her husband and Air Force pilot Chris Spach and their Bernese Mountain Dogs, Gunner and Harley.   CONNECT WITH EMMA L [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaprz]INKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaprz]  |  STRIKE SOLUTIONS [https://www.strikesolutions.io/]     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES [https://www.longblueleadership.org/]  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/longbluelinepodcast] AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS GUEST:  Emma Przybyslawski ’10  |  HOST:  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99    KEYWORDS leadership, resilience, military, special operations, personal growth, Air Force Academy, women in combat, entrepreneurship, active listening, mentorship, leadership, empathy, career transition, technology, networking, innovation, military, Air Force Academy, personal growth, mentorship     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation