The VMI Leader Journey Podcast

Leading with Faith: A Cadet's Journey of Balance, Resilience, and Leadership at VMI

Welcome to an inspiring VMI Leader Journey podcast episode, "Leading with Faith." In this episode, we introduce you to Cadet Collin Shannon from the Class of 2026, a psychology major and VMI's quarterback, who shares his insightful journey about leadership, teamwork, time management, and relentless perseverance. From balancing the rigorous life of a student-athlete to identifying the transformative power of seeking help, Cadet Shannon's experiences paint an intricate picture of fortitude. He emphasizes the role faith and camaraderie play as the underpinnings of a reliable support system. He also discusses the importance of humility, authenticity, and unity within the VMI community while providing a peek into his future aspirations, especially toward coaching. "Leading with Faith" is part of a strategic outreach program of the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, designed to inspire and engage the leadership journey within the VMI community and beyond. So, don't forget to subscribe to the VMI Leader Journey podcast for more enlightening conversations!

Tap and Advance: Behind-the-Scenes of Writing 'Fire in my Eyes' with Veteran and Paralympian Brad Snyder

In this episode, we're doing something a little different. Our conversation with Brad Snyder, a Navy veteran, Paralympic gold medalist, and author, will reveal some behind-the-scenes insights into his memoir, "Fire in My Eyes." We'll discover what inspired him to write a memoir, what it was like to put some painful and confusing memories down on paper, and other details about his process. We will also talk about some leadership lessons that go beyond the pages of a book.

"Finding Abundance in Structure" with Kate Taylor, '24

Beginning in her third class year, Kate Taylor, VMI Class of 2024, got involved with programs at the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics. A civil engineering major, she attended the Annual Leadership and Ethics Conference three times, twice as a table group facilitator, and was a member of the VMI Swim and Dive Club and the Cadets' Superintendent's Advisory Board.   In this episode of the VMI Leader Journey, we predominantly cover the leadership domain of efficacy, which concerns an individual's confidence. Her leadership journey covers why she chose VMI out of 21 other choices, some of the distractions she faced, how a mentor helped her refocus her energy on productive goals, and what made her change her mind about commissioning. Her four-year development at VMI touches on leader competencies such as self-understanding, mentoring, service, resiliency, and goals.    If you enjoy this episode, please press like. If you think this story will inspire someone, please share it!  If you like our content, don't forget to subscribe!    To learn more about the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, please visit our website at www.vmi.edu/cle [http://www.vmi.edu/cle]. At the bottom of the homepage, check out our annual Year-in-Review newsletter, which covers all the happenings over the academic year.

"Something Beyond the Routine" with Riley Shultz, '24

Today's episode, "Something Beyond," is a conversation with Riley Shultz, VMI Class of 2024. They explore two of the Center's cadet clubs: The Cadets' Superintendent's Advisory Board, a diverse make-up of cadet representatives from thirds to firsts who explore aspects of cadet life and how to make improvements, and the Intercollegiate Ethics and Debate club, which competes in intercollegiate debate competitions. In addition to learning about these cadet experiences, he talks about peer leadership, accountability, and humility, and he includes some excellent advice for rats.  Major Roy's conversation with Shultz touches on leadership competencies such as interpersonal interaction, group dynamics, and personal behavior.

A Chronicle of the VMI Journey with First-Class President Cameron Cavanaugh

COVID, an investigation, loss... VMI's Class of 2023 has had a unique and 'wild ride,' according to First-Class President Cadet Cameron Cavanaugh.  Join us for this discussion of the challenges they faced and some of their lessons learned. Said Cavanaugh, ‘You’re not going to get through it alone, and it’s not worth doing alone.’ We touch on his deep faith, gratitude, leadership style, and our annual leadership theme, the courage of convictions, that inspired him and other corps leaders to lead by example. On behalf of my colleagues at the Center, I hope you will enjoy learning more about Cameron Cavanaugh and the Class of 2023 as they conclude their VMI leader journey.