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 leadership lives.
I’ve spent decades on flight lines, in briefing rooms, and on keynote stages. I’ve led high-performance teams under extreme pressure and stood at the edge of the unknown more times than I can count. And if there’s one lesson I’ve carried from those experiences, it’s this:
Readiness is not a checklist. It’s a mindset.
Change Is a Flight Path, Not a Detour
Too often, we treat change like turbulence—something to ride out, hoping it passes quickly. But here’s the thing: change isn’t a detour—it is the route. As a fighter pilot, I couldn’t ignore shifting weather, surprise variables, or evolving threats. I had to lean into them, adapt in real time, and lead with conviction. The same goes for leadership. Every pivot, obstacle, or disruption is a proving ground. Change demands your courage. It demands your focus. And it demands that you lead not despite uncertainty—but through it.
Readiness Is the Foundation of Leadership
In the Air Force, we trained relentlessly—not for what we hoped would happen, but for what might happen. Readiness was never about perfection; it was about being mentally agile, emotionally steady, and tactically prepared. You don’t need all the answers. What you need is the resolve to act when things don’t go as planned. And when your team sees that in you? That’s when you build trust, resilience, and a culture that thrives amid change.
Lead Through Change to Leave Impact
Every leader hits turbulence. It’s how you respond that defines your trajectory—and your impact. If you want to defy gravity, you have to lead with readiness and resolve when things are hard, not just when they’re smooth. Change is not your enemy. It’s your launchpad.
Ready to Put This Into Action? Try These 4 Steps:
- Debrief the Discomfort: Regularly reflect on recent changes—what worked, what didn’t, and how you showed up as a leader. Learn from both successes and stumbles.
- Train for the “What Ifs”: Build muscle memory for change. Run drills, simulate scenarios, and challenge your team to solve problems in uncertainty. Contingency plan!
- Model Calm Under Pressure: Your team takes its cues from you. Speak with clarity. Decide with confidence. Listen with intent. Your demeanor during change matters more than your title. Equanimity is key!
- Celebrate Change-Driven Wins: When change leads to growth, innovation, or new direction—call it out. Reinforce the idea that embracing change is a strength, not a burden.
Remember, you were born to fly—but not on autopilot. Real leadership happens when you’re fully engaged, alert, and leading through the winds of change.
Defy gravity. Lead on!
