Finding Your Sisu: The Quiet Strength That Carries You Through

Finding Your Sisu: The Quiet Strength That Carries You Through

Finding Your Sisu: The Quiet Strength That Carries You Through What do you do when life knocks you down and you feel like you have nothing left to give? In this episode of Be Undaunted, Tara Collingwood and George Dom explore the powerful Finnish concept of Sisu—a unique form of resilience that combines courage, perseverance, grit, and self-compassion. Unlike the "push harder" mentality that often dominates our culture, Sisu is about accessing a deeper reserve of strength while remaining gentle with yourself along the journey.  In This Episode, We Discuss: * What Sisu is and why there is no perfect English translation for it * The difference between ordinary perseverance and finding strength beyond what you thought you had * How Sisu shows up during life's "dark forest" moments * Why resilience isn't always loud, dramatic, or heroic * The role of self-compassion in navigating adversity * How our culture often glorifies burnout, hustle, and exhaustion * When to push through challenges and when to pause, pivot, or ask for help * Why purpose and meaning help sustain us during difficult times * The importance of training resilience through everyday discomfort * How physical wellness, recovery, and sleep support mental toughness * The power of connection and community during challenging seasons * Why resilience is often built through small, quiet acts repeated over time  Personal Stories Shared Tara shares her deeply personal experience recovering from anorexia as a college freshman and the pivotal moment that helped her choose healing and reclaim her future.  George reflects on his early struggles in flight training, when self-doubt nearly led him to quit pursuing his dream of becoming a naval aviator. He discusses how purpose, support from others, and persistence helped him move forward.  Practical Ways to Build Your Sisu * Clarify your purpose and "why" * Seek healthy discomfort and embrace challenges * Try new things that stretch your capabilities * Practice difficult conversations * Focus on progress rather than perfection * Build resilience through repetition * Prioritize sleep, movement, nutrition, and recovery * Cultivate self-compassion * Lean into meaningful connections and community * Take the next step, even when it's small  Memorable Quotes "Sisu is what happens when you think you've got nothing left and somehow, some way, you still keep going."  "The strongest thing you can do is sometimes step back and get some rest."  "You are stronger than you think you are."  "We're stronger than we think, but sometimes we need to be softer than we realize."  "Sisu is an action-oriented mindset. When things get hard, focus on the very next step."  Key Takeaway Sisu isn't about grinding yourself into exhaustion or proving your toughness. It's about finding the wisdom to keep moving forward, one step at a time, while honoring your humanity. True resilience combines strength and compassion, determination and grace.  Resources Mentioned * Dr. Elisa (Elizabeth) Latie and her work on the concept of Sisu * Carol Dweck's book Mindset * Toastmasters International * Mindfulness and meditation tools including Calm and Insight Timer  Connect with Be Undaunted If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, review, and share it with someone who may need a reminder of their own inner strength. Remember: In life's greatest challenges and opportunities, keep taking the next step—and be undaunted.   High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book [https://www.georgedom.com/book] More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ [https://www.georgedom.com/] More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ [https://www.dietdiva.net/] Follow the show: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-undaunted-lead-stronger-elevate-your-impact-live/id1861951337] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6txCTUCajOUaGEYBBnKKyE?si=945c13259acb45d1] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BeUndaunted] Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com [www.jagpodcastproductions.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Flight Lessons in Leadership, Grit, and Resilience with Captain Barbara Bell

Flight Lessons in Leadership, Grit, and Resilience with Captain Barbara Bell In this inspiring episode of Be Undaunted, Tara Collingwood and George Dom sit down with Captain Barbara Bell, retired U.S. Navy Captain, educator, leadership expert, and author of Flight Lessons. Barbara shares her extraordinary journey from one of the first women admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy to becoming a Naval Flight Officer, test pilot school instructor, and senior leader responsible for hundreds of personnel and millions of dollars in resources. Along the way, she learned invaluable lessons about resilience, leadership, grit, and navigating life's turbulence.  In This Episode, We Discuss: * Why clarity of purpose often develops one step at a time rather than through a perfectly mapped-out plan * The power of answering a calling and remaining open to new directions throughout life * What it was like being part of the fourth class of women at the U.S. Naval Academy and helping change military culture * How adversity and struggle build grit, resilience, and persistence * Why young people don't need to have everything figured out before taking action * The importance of competence and connection in building trust as a leader * Strategies for sustaining physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy in demanding environments * Why balance is dynamic rather than static * Leadership lessons from aviation, including how to navigate turbulence and uncertainty * The responsibility and opportunity of serving as a role model * How setbacks and disappointments can become unexpected gifts and open new doors * Why it's critical not to "clip your own wings" by deciding in advance what you cannot achieve * Barbara's advice for anyone who feels different or doesn't fit in: "If you don't fit in, choose to stand out." Memorable Quotes "We don't have to have it all figured out, but we've got to move forward."  "Grit is only built through struggle."  "Balance is not staying in the middle. Balance is dynamic."  "Know your stuff, become excellent at what you do, and let the results speak for themselves."  "When you don't fit in, choose to stand out."  About Barbara Bell Captain Barbara Bell is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, educator, speaker, and leadership expert. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in Systems Engineering, earned her Wings of Gold as a Naval Flight Officer, became the first female instructor at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, and served in numerous leadership roles throughout her 28-year Navy career. Today, she teaches leadership and ethics at the Naval Academy and is the author of Flight Lessons: Navigating Through Life's Turbulence and Learning to Fly High.  Connect with Barbara Bell * Website: https://captainbarbarabell.com/ [https://captainbarbarabell.com/] * Book: Flight Lessons: Navigating Through Life's Turbulence and Learning to Fly High Connect with Be Undaunted Subscribe and follow Be Undaunted on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with someone who could benefit from Barbara's powerful message of resilience, leadership, and courage.   High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book [https://www.georgedom.com/book] More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ [https://www.georgedom.com/] More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ [https://www.dietdiva.net/] Follow the show: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-undaunted-lead-stronger-elevate-your-impact-live/id1861951337] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6txCTUCajOUaGEYBBnKKyE?si=945c13259acb45d1] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BeUndaunted] Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com [www.jagpodcastproductions.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Burnout: What Happens When Everyone Counts on You

Burnout: What Happens When Everyone Counts on You Episode Theme: Recognizing burnout, protecting your energy, and building sustainable high performance. In this episode of Be Undaunted, Tara Collingwood and George Dom tackle a topic that affects nearly every high performer at some point: burnout. Burnout is more than simply feeling tired. It’s the gradual erosion of energy, focus, resilience, and purpose that can leave even the most capable people feeling emotionally exhausted and disconnected. Drawing from experiences in military leadership, executive coaching, and health performance, Tara and George unpack: * Why high performers are especially vulnerable to burnout * The warning signs most people ignore * What actually helps recovery * How leaders unintentionally create burnout cultures * Practical strategies to protect energy and sustain performance If you are the person everyone relies on, this episode is for you. George’s Pentagon Burnout Story George shares a vivid story from his final Navy assignment working in the Pentagon during strategic planning for Operation Iraqi Freedom. His days routinely looked like this: * Arriving by 6:00 AM * Back-to-back meetings all day * Evening updates for admirals and generals * Working until midnight or later * Repeating the cycle six days a week Despite taking pride in being “the last initials on the sign-out sheet,” George realized that by Thursday and Friday, he was operating on fumes. Key Insight: “You’d still get the work done — but they weren’t getting your best work anymore.” The story highlights an important truth: Burnout often develops while people are still functioning and performing. Why High Performers Are at Higher Risk Tara and George explain why ambitious, responsible, high-achieving people are especially vulnerable to burnout. Common Drivers Include: Identity Becomes Tied to Performance High performers often equate productivity with self-worth. Fear of Letting Others Down Many people worry that slowing down will make them appear less committed. Rewarded for Overperforming Reliable people often receive more responsibility because leaders trust them. Addiction to Adrenaline High achievers can become dependent on the stimulation of pressure, urgency, and constant motion. Delayed Recovery People often tell themselves: * “I’ll rest after this project.” * “I’ll take vacation next month.” * “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” But recovery keeps getting postponed. Burnout Warning Signs Burnout rarely appears overnight. Instead, it builds gradually through chronic stress and insufficient recovery. Physical Signs * Poor sleep * Waking during the night * Brain fog * Forgetfulness * Digestive issues * Appetite changes * Increased cravings for sugar and caffeine * Constant fatigue Emotional & Behavioral Signs * Irritability * Short temper * Loss of humor * Feeling emotionally flat * Going through the motions * Reduced motivation * Increased cynicism or apathy Performance Signs * Declining focus * Taking shortcuts * Lower creativity * Reduced resilience * “Checking boxes” instead of bringing full engagement Burnout Isn’t a Lack of Effort One of the biggest takeaways from the episode: Burnout is not caused by laziness. It’s caused by prolonged output without adequate recovery. George’s Key Insight: “Burnout isn’t a lack of effort — it’s a lack of recovery.” Initially, stress can sharpen focus and improve performance. But chronic stress eventually drains physical, emotional, and cognitive capacity. What Doesn’t Work Tara and George discuss several common but ineffective strategies people use when approaching burnout. These Usually Make Things Worse: * More caffeine * Less sleep * Skipping meals * Working longer hours * Ignoring warning signs * “Pushing through” indefinitely * Treating exhaustion as a badge of honor Important Reminder: Burnout is not solved by “trying harder.” What Actually Helps Recovery 1. Tactical Recovery Throughout the Day Research shows that short recovery breaks every 60–90 minutes significantly improve performance and reduce stress. Examples: * Going for a short walk * Getting sunlight * Stretching or doing squats * Drinking water * Talking with a coworker * Stepping away from screens * Practicing deep breathing Tara’s Insight: Recovery is not just vacations. It’s small resets throughout the day. 2. Strategic Recovery Tactical recovery helps during the day. Strategic recovery means intentionally taking extended time to rest and recharge. This includes: * Vacations * Weekends without work * Protected downtime * Recovery after travel * Sleep restoration George emphasizes that people often do their best work before vacations because their brain knows recovery is coming. 3. Setting Boundaries George shares how difficult boundary-setting was during his military career — and how important it became later. Memorable Quote: “If you don’t protect your time, somebody else will spend it.” Healthy boundaries may include: * Leaving work at a consistent time * Limiting after-hours emails * Protecting sleep * Scheduling recovery after travel * Saying no to unnecessary commitments The Power of Habits & Routines The hosts discuss how sustainable habits reduce reliance on willpower. George’s Insight: “You don’t rise to the occasion — you fall to your habits.” Helpful habits can include: * Daily movement * Transition rituals between work and home * Consistent sleep schedules * Hydration   High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book [https://www.georgedom.com/book] More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ [https://www.georgedom.com/] More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ [https://www.dietdiva.net/] Follow the show: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-undaunted-lead-stronger-elevate-your-impact-live/id1861951337] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6txCTUCajOUaGEYBBnKKyE?si=945c13259acb45d1] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BeUndaunted] Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com [www.jagpodcastproductions.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Astronaut Bill Readdy Takes Us Into Orbit

Guest: Astronaut & Naval Aviator Bill Readdy Episode Theme: Leadership, trust, resilience, and high-performance teamwork under pressure. In this powerful episode of Be Undaunted, hosts Tara Collingwood and George Dom sit down with retired NASA astronaut, naval aviator, and aerospace executive Bill Readdy. From carrier landings to commanding space shuttle missions, Bill shares lessons on humility, preparation, teamwork, and leadership forged in some of the highest-stakes environments imaginable. This episode is packed with inspiring stories from NASA, the Space Shuttle program, Artemis, and the International Space Station — along with leadership lessons that apply far beyond aerospace. About Bill Readdy Bill Readdy graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1974 and became a naval aviator flying the A-6 Intruder aboard the USS Forrestal. He later attended Test Pilot School, became an instructor, and was named Instructor of the Year in 1984. After serving aboard the USS Coral Sea, Bill joined NASA as a research pilot and program manager working on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft program. He was selected as an astronaut in 1987 and flew three space shuttle missions: * STS-42 – Mission Specialist * STS-51 – Pilot * STS-79 – Commander Across his career, Bill logged: * 7,000+ flight hours * 60+ aircraft types * 550+ carrier landings * 672 hours in space Following his astronaut career, he served as NASA Associate Administrator for Human Space Flight Operations and later held senior executive roles at Boeing and Aerojet Rocketdyne. From Naval Aviator to Astronaut Bill shares how his Navy and test pilot background prepared him for NASA, but also how joining the astronaut corps introduced him to an entirely different level of systems thinking, teamwork, and preparation. He discusses: * Why he initially flew as a Mission Specialist instead of Pilot * NASA’s intense post-Challenger return-to-flight efforts * Working on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft program * The progression during his three Shuttle flights from Mission Specialist → Pilot → Commander High-Trust Teams & NASA Culture One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is trust. Bill explains how NASA develops high-trust teams through: * Constant training * Integrated simulations * Cross-functional collaboration * Open debriefs * Accountability without ego Memorable Insight: “You train and you train and you train some more — and you train with everything broken.” The crew, mission control, trainers, engineers, and launch teams all trained together repeatedly until coordination became almost instinctive. Leadership Lessons from Spaceflight Bill describes how great shuttle commanders intentionally built team cohesion by: * Encouraging every crew member to contribute * Cross-training outside areas of expertise * Creating psychological safety * Building trust through humility and humor Bill’s Leadership Philosophy: “Be humble and be a good listener.” He also shared the military leadership principle: “Mission. Men. Me.” Meaning: 1. Mission first 2. Team second 3. Yourself last The Reality of Shuttle Training The episode provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at shuttle mission preparation. Topics include: * Simulators connected directly to Mission Control * Practicing failures repeatedly * Full launch countdown rehearsals * Emergency escape procedures * Quarantine protocols before launch * Physical and mental preparation Bill emphasizes that NASA teams didn’t just train for ideal conditions — they trained relentlessly for contingencies. Launch Delays, Scrubs & Staying Ready Bill discusses STS-51 and the emotional challenge of four launch delays and countdown scrubs, including one that occurred nine seconds before liftoff! The crew prepared for launch multiple times over several months before finally lifting off. He describes: * The stress of sitting strapped into the shuttle * Countdown aborts only seconds before launch * Maintaining focus over long delays * Continuing flight and night training while in quarantine Leadership Takeaway: High-performing teams prepare not only for success — but for setbacks, delays, and unexpected problems. What Launching Into Space Actually Feels Like One of the most memorable moments of the episode is Bill’s description of reaching orbit. He vividly explains: * The violence and noise of solid rocket booster ascent * The silence after booster separation * The sensation of going from 3G acceleration to zero gravity * Seeing Earth from orbit for the first time Memorable Quote: “My commander turned around, hit me on the arm, and said: ‘Look out the window.’” Bill describes being overwhelmed by the beauty and emotional impact of seeing Earth from space. Crisis Management: Losing Communication with Houston During STS-51, the shuttle lost communication with Mission Control early in the mission. Bill explains: * Why losing communications was a major threat to mission success * The detailed procedures crews trained for * How the crew methodically worked the problem * Why keeping Mission Control informed was critical * How trust and preparation enabled the team to recover and continue the mission Key Lesson:  When challenges arise, disciplined communication and training prevent panic. The International Space Station Today Bill also shares insights about the International Space Station (ISS), which has now been continuously crewed for over 25 years. He discusses how ISS research helps improve life on Earth through studies involving: * Human physiology * Bone density and osteoporosis * Immune system changes in space * Combustion science * Pharmaceuticals * Exercise and long-duration health Fascinating Fact: Astronaut Peggy Whitson returned from a six-month mission with increased bone density due to rigorous exercise protocols. Artemis & The Future of Human Spaceflight Bill reflects on the Artemis program and the next generation of lunar exploration. He praises the Artemis crew for: * Building strong relationships over years of training * Bringing the broader support team into the mission * Demonstrating exceptional professionalism and teamwork He also highlights the importance of making every contributor feel connected to the mission — from astronauts to ground crews. Favorite Quotes from the Episode “You train like you fight, and fight like you train.” “Be humble and be a good listener.” “Mission. Men. Me.” “The mission becomes everybody’s mission.” “You train with everything broken.” Key Takeaways 1. Preparation Builds Confidence Elite teams don’t simply hope things go right — they rehearse failure repeatedly until response becomes automatic. 2. Trust Is Built Through Shared Experience NASA’s culture of simulations, debriefs, accountability, and humility creates extraordinary trust. 3. Humility Strengthens Leadership The best leaders prioritize the mission and the team above themselves. 4. Communication Matters Most During Crisis Clear communication prevents confusion and keeps teams aligned under pressure. 5. Great Leaders Bring Everyone Into the Mission People perform at their best when they feel ownership and purpose. Connect with "Be Undaunted" Follow and subscribe to Be Undaunted on: * Apple Podcasts * Spotify * YouTube Leave a review, share the episode, and send suggestions for future guests and topics.   High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book [https://www.georgedom.com/book] More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ [https://www.georgedom.com/] More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ [https://www.dietdiva.net/] Follow the show: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-undaunted-lead-stronger-elevate-your-impact-live/id1861951337] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6txCTUCajOUaGEYBBnKKyE?si=945c13259acb45d1] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BeUndaunted] Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com [www.jagpodcastproductions.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 7 Trust Under Stress

Trust Under Stress – What Really Shows Up When Pressure Hits In this episode of Be Undaunted, Tara Collingwood and George Dom dive into a powerful truth: stress doesn’t break trust, it reveals it. When deadlines tighten, uncertainty rises, and emotions run high, our habits, not our intentions, take over. So what does that mean for leadership, teamwork, and personal growth? They explore the 5 pillars of high trust and how each one either strengthens or breaks down under pressure. Key Takeaways * Stress amplifies who we already are, it doesn’t create new behaviors. * Under pressure, people fall back on habits and training, not intentions. * Trust can actually grow stronger during difficult times if handled well. * Awareness is the first step to improving how you show up under stress. The 5 Pillars of Trust (and How They Show Up Under Stress) 1. Character – Do you walk your talk? Breaks down as: * Blaming others * Deflecting responsibility * Denying mistakes to protect ego Strong leaders: * Take ownership * Admit mistakes * Lead with authenticity and integrity “Character is most visible when it’s most inconvenient.” 2. Commitment – Do you put the team first? Breaks down as: * Taking shortcuts * Lowering standards * Prioritizing self over team Strong leaders: * Follow through on promises * Stay disciplined * Anchor decisions in purpose (“the why”) 3. Competence – Are you capable and relevant? Breaks down as: * Rushing and multitasking * Sloppy execution * Reacting instead of following process Strong leaders: * Stay calm and disciplined * Trust their training and systems * Slow down to execute effectively “Under pressure, we don’t need more intensity.  We need more discipline.” 4. Connection – Do people feel understood? Breaks down as: * Withdrawing or isolating * Barking orders without listening * Failing to engage the team Strong leaders: * Stay engaged and present * Ask thoughtful questions * Make people feel heard (even if they don’t get their way) 5. Communication – Do people understand you? Breaks down as: * Being vague or unclear * Making assumptions * Thinking “I said it once, so they got it” Strong leaders: * Communicate clearly and consistently * Check for understanding * Share intent, not just information Real Talk on Stress * Stress triggers fight-or-flight responses, physically and emotionally. * Common reactions include: Recognizing your personal stress patterns is key to managing them. Actionable Reflection Ask yourself: * Which pillar breaks down for me under stress? * What patterns or habits do I fall back on? * What will I do differently next time I feel pressure rising? Awareness to Intention to Better Behavior Practical Tips * “Wind the clock” Pause before reacting and follow your process * Train consistently during calm periods so you’re prepared for chaos * Don’t wait until trust is broken, build it daily * Ask a trusted person for honest feedback on how you show up Mentioned * High Trust Leadership by George Dom Enjoying the Podcast? Follow, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. Have a topic suggestion? We’d love to hear from you! Closing Thought Never waste a crisis. Stress is a mirror:  use it to learn, grow, and lead better.   High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book [https://www.georgedom.com/book] More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ [https://www.georgedom.com/] More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ [https://www.dietdiva.net/] Follow the show: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-undaunted-lead-stronger-elevate-your-impact-live/id1861951337] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6txCTUCajOUaGEYBBnKKyE?si=945c13259acb45d1] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BeUndaunted] Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com [www.jagpodcastproductions.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.