Leading Under Pressure: Leadership Lessons from the Military That Still Apply Today

Leading Under Pressure: Leadership Lessons from the Military That Still Apply Today

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Alexandra Mahanna shares her inspiring journey from military service to leadership coaching, highlighting key leadership lessons learned along the way. Discover how pressure reveals leadership strengths and gaps, and gain practical tips for authentic, confident leadership. Takeaways * Leadership becomes clear under pressure. * Pressure amplifies existing traits, good or bad. * Effective communication is crucial for trust. * Adaptability is key to leadership success. * Self-trust and clarity build sustainable confidence. About Alexandra: Alexandra Mahanna is the Founder of Alexandra Mahanna Leadership and an executive leadership coach known for helping leaders cut through the noise and lead with greater clarity, confidence, and intention. Through a grounded, practical approach shaped by experience across military, corporate, and higher education environments, she helps leaders strengthen decision-making, communicate more effectively, and stay steady under pressure. Her work challenges leaders to stop operating on autopilot and start leading with the kind of clarity others trust. Connect with Alexandra: https://www.alexandramahannaleadership.com https://www.instagram.com/alexandramahannaleadership/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584831492007# https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandramahanna FREE Gift: Alexandra would like to invite listeners to watch her free webinar "The Hidden Leadership Gap: Why Clarity, Confidence and Connection Matter More Than Ever" Right now the very end of this webinar does invite viewers to learn more about a coaching program she is offering. https://www.alexandramahannaleadership.com/get-leadership-gap-webinar Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo

From Enlisted to Officer: Leadership, Resilience, and Self-Advocacy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Dawn Rose shares her inspiring journey from a troubled personal life to a fulfilling career in the Air Force, where she rose from enlisted to officer. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of mentorship, and the balance between military and family life. Dawn emphasizes the need for self-advocacy and the significance of supportive partnerships in achieving career goals. Her story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of leadership, especially for women in the military. Takeaways: * Dawn joined the Air Force to change her life direction. * Mentorship played a crucial role in her career advancement. * Balancing family and military life requires teamwork and communication. * Self-advocacy is essential for career growth. * Leadership should be about supporting others, not diminishing them. * Work-life balance is more about integration than separation. * Challenges in the military can lead to personal growth and resilience. * Women in the military often face unique challenges that require strong support systems. About Dawn: Dawn is a retired Air Force Major. She started her enlisted career as a Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) and ended her officer career as a Healthcare Administrator. Dawn is married with two children. She was a military brat growing up and found that the military served her very well. She is a self-described “gypsy” who loves to move every few years but she is trying to settle down in one place now. She currently works in the healthcare construction industry, utilizing her equipment and facility management knowledge that she gained in the military to catapult her career post AF retirement.  Connect: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AqDPRN5Vs/?mibextid=wwXIfr Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo

Faith, Family, and Finding Purpose After Service

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Jackie Frederick shares her journey from military service to civilian life, discussing her experiences as a retired Lieutenant Colonel, a mother of four, and her advocacy for health and family issues. She reflects on the challenges of balancing military duties with family life, the impact of her husband's health condition, and the importance of faith and mindfulness in navigating these transitions. Jackie emphasizes the need for women in the military to embrace their unique strengths and offers advice for those transitioning to civilian life, highlighting the importance of setting goals and giving oneself grace during the process. Takeaways * Jackie Frederick's military journey began in 2002 through officer training school. * She emphasizes the importance of embracing feminine qualities in the military. * Navigating family life while serving can be challenging, especially with health issues. * Health care for military families can be complex and often requires advocacy. * Transitioning to civilian life can lead to a loss of identity and purpose. * Setting goals and having a plan is crucial for post-military life. * Mindfulness and being present with family are essential for well-being. * Women should have the freedom to make medical choices during pregnancy and nursing. * Financial planning is important when transitioning out of the military. * Encouraging and supporting spouses can strengthen family dynamics. About Jackie: Jackie Frederick is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, devoted wife, and mother of four. After completing 20 years of military service, she has embraced a new chapter focused on financial independence, travel, educational freedom, and the rewarding role of being a stay-at-home mom. In her post-military career, Jackie has built a diverse portfolio of remote and leadership roles, including serving as a Fellow with Children's Health Defense, Department of Defense consultant, real estate investor, Central Baptist Church Administrator, Accountant, and Chief Operating Officer for Nutrition Advisor. During her military career, Jackie served as an Air Battle Manager and speechwriter, gaining extensive experience operating at both the tactical and strategic levels. She developed expertise in U.S. Department of Defense operations, government affairs, business process improvement, requirements development, public speaking, and tactical communications. She is also recognized as an expert in Multi-Domain Command and Control (MDC2). Jackie holds a Master's degree in International Relations and Conflict Resolution from American Military University and remains passionate about leadership, family advocacy, personal growth, and helping others successfully navigate life's transitions. Connect with Jackie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclynfrederick/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo

VA Resources, Storytelling & Support for Women Veterans

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Ashley Sard leverages her military background and nonprofit experience to support women veterans through innovative outreach, education, and storytelling initiatives. Learn about VA resources, community programs, and ways to honor veterans' legacies.  In this episode:  * Ashley shares her inspiring story of service in the Air Force and her transition into civilian advocacy  * The Veteran History Project's role in preserving firsthand stories of veterans since 2000  * How to participate and submit stories to the Library of Congress and Women Veterans Memorial  * Resources available at VA for women veterans, including maternity care, postpartum support, and grief services  * The impact of community events, coffee socials, and networking on veteran support Innovative outreach ideas like virtual calendars, social media, and local resource fairs  * The Blue Butterfly program for children experiencing trauma and the importance of mental health support   * The benefits of partnership and information sharing among veteran organizations and nonprofits  * Practical tips for advanced care planning and having conversations about end-of-life wishes  Resources * Library of Congress Veteran History Project [https://www.loc.gov/vets/] * Empath Health [https://empathhealth.org/] * Hope Florida [https://hopeflorida.org/] * CareerSource Tampa Bay [https://careersourcetampabay.com/] About Ashley: Ashley Sard is a proud Air Force Veteran with 15 years of service as a medic; however, her dedication to the military began long before she ever put on the uniform. Growing up in a military family, her father served in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, and her younger brother followed in his footsteps—service was a part of her identity from an early age.  During her time in the Air Force, she was privileged to care for service members and their families, an experience that deepened her commitment to the well-being of those who serve. Today, that mission continues in a new form. As a Community Partnership Specialist with Empath Health, she has the honor of supporting Veterans through outreach, education, and advocacy. It’s her passion to bridge the gap between our communities and the needs of those who served, ensuring that no Veteran is forgotten or underserved. Connect with Ashley: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleysard/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo

From Orders to Intuition: How Military Discipline Can Build (or Break) Your Civilian Life

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Hadon McKinley shares her inspiring journey from a C-130 navigator in the U.S. Air Force to a coach empowering women to regulate their nervous systems, banish burnout, and find calm amidst chaos. Her story highlights the importance of unlearning military hustle culture and embracing self-awareness for a more fulfilled life. Key Topics * Hadon’s military career and lessons learned in leadership and resilience * The transition from military to civilian life and the challenge of unlearning "go, go, go" mentalities * Recognizing and overcoming burnout cycles rooted in overachievement and high standards * How nervous system regulation and self-awareness transform inner calm and confidence * The role of self-reflection in healing, boundary-setting, and personal growth * Practical tools Hadon provides: online courses, burnout archetype quiz, group programs, and personalized coaching * The significance of community support, especially from family, in emotional transformation * The importance of patience—how different people need different times to realize they need help * How military leadership lessons like compartmentalization influence civilian wellbeing and how to unlearn them * Tips on managing overthinking and emotional clouds to live more peacefully About Hadon:  Hadon McKinley is a certified coach, former Air Force C-130 Navigator, and corporate overachiever turned burnout disruptor. She teaches ambitious women how to stop living in chaos and start leading with calm confidence. Connect: www.confidencecollectivecoaching.com  www.linkedin.com/in/hadon-mckinley-pmp-certified-coach-a77a4178 https://www.youtube.com/@HadonMcKinley FREE Stress Archetype Quiz: This quiz will allow you to see where you are in the burnout cycle and you'll receive free resources. https://link.confidencecollectivecoaching.com/widget/quiz/YyLyqfGAAZzsz722J6j8 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo