As kids, we were unafraid to dream big. Minus the social awkwardness of the teenage years, we generally weren’t swayed by other people’s expectations of us or their perceptions of our dreams. For some odd reason, the older we get, the more susceptible we are to being influenced by society’s expectations of us. Somewhere along the way, we seem to subdue our dreams, become more reserved in our ambition, and guarded against judgment from others.
Failures can knock us down, make us lose confidence in ourselves and can threaten to prevent us from trying again. When I was in pilot training, I failed one of my earliest checkrides (an important “flying test”). I encountered a plethora of maintenance problems when I went to start the jet, which was frustrating. But, once in the air, I flew pretty darn well. However, once on the ground, the instructor informed me I had failed the checkride.
January is here, so it’s no surprise that the word around the watercooler is well-intentioned talk about resolutions. The first month of every year always starts off with big promises....
Nicole Malachowski |
January is here, so it’s no surprise that the word around the watercooler is well-intentioned talk about resolutions. The first month of every year always starts off with big promises....
Nicole Malachowski |
Most leaders know when they’ve fallen short and many know where they need to improve. They can often identify blind spots in delegation, decisiveness, empathy, strategic thinking--you name it. The...
Nicole Malachowski |
Gratitude isn’t soft--it’s strategic. For leaders, gratitude can be a powerful tool that demonstrates a genuine interest in helping people feel seen and valued. It builds trust and loyalty, as...
Nicole Malachowski |
Autumn is here--a season of change and preparation for growth. Throughout the season, we witness transformation, from dropping temperatures and leaves changing color. We watch the revitalization of the world...
Nicole Malachowski |
Ever feel like life is coming at you faster than you can keep up? Like the ground is shifting under your feet, and no matter how hard you try, it...
Nicole Malachowski |
Why Elite Fighter Pilots Never Fly Alone (and Why Your Business Shouldn’t Either) Here’s something no one tells you about becoming a fighter pilot: your real breakthrough moment won’t...
Nicole Malachowski |
As someone who has spent decades in high-stakes environments, I understand precision isn’t just preferred; it can be required for survival. That said, I learned this counterintuitive truth: the path...
Nicole Malachowski |
Through decades of pushing boundaries in military aviation, followed by battling life-threatening tickborne infections, I’ve experienced my fair share of fear…and it’s taught me A LOT. One of the most...
Nicole Malachowski |
Change isn’t coming—it’s already here. It always has been. And if you’re in any kind of leadership role, there’s one truth you must embrace: change is the environment in which...
Nicole Malachowski |
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life it’s this: 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗦 𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦. Whether you’re swinging for the fences or just trying to get on base, we will all face...
Nicole Malachowski |
During the 2+ decades I spent as a fighter pilot and leader in the United States Air Force, I learned that esprit de corps is the lifeblood of every high-performing...
Nicole Malachowski |