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.
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 |
January starts with fresh ambition, but by February, the real challenge sets in: staying the course. Resolutions fade, motivation dips, and adversity tests our commitment. This is where resilience makes...
Nicole Malachowski |
What if I told you that the key to true success isn't found in grand achievements or big moments—but in the quiet, consistent steps you take every day? As someone...
Nicole Malachowski |
Whether you’re flying a million-dollar jet, providing medical care, or running a business, getting too comfortable and letting your guard down can lead to devastating consequences. Throughout my years as...
Nicole Malachowski |
Every November, Americans anticipate the Thanksgiving holiday at the end of the month. They consider all their reasons for being thankful. Of course, genuinely thankful people tend to count their...
Nicole Malachowski |
I learned a lot about how to lead during my time as a US Air Force officer and aviator, as well as in my post-military life as I have battled...
Nicole Malachowski |
Great leaders don’t focus on their individual power and authority. They understand their role is one of empowerment. They know that to serve and empower those around them, they must...
Nicole Malachowski |