In this episode Kelly Harrison, a retired Navy Commander and award-winning helicopter pilot, shares her harrowing experience of a near-fatal helicopter crash in 2007, and the leadership lessons she learned from it. Kelly discusses the importance of preparation, courage, and the value of sharing difficult experiences for personal growth and greater team cohesion. The conversation delves into the significance of diversity and open communication in leadership, and how Adversity can be a powerful teacher. Kelly also talks about her transition from military to civilian life, her exploration of new passions, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and leadership.
Episode Highlights:
01:09 The Night That Changed Everything: A Helicopter Pilot’s Tale of Survival
25:39 The Weight of Expectations and Self-Doubt
28:01 Reflections on Leadership and Learning from Hardships
30:19 The Power of Sharing Hard Stories
36:59 Exploring New Paths After the Military
Kelly Harrison, a dynamic Keynote Speaker, Executive Director, and Aviation and Defense Consultant, passionately guides teams to exceptional results. With a blend of public and private sector expertise, she champions process improvement and effective leadership. Kelly’s captivating narratives, drawn from commanding officer roles and piloting experiences—including surviving a harrowing helicopter mechanical failure—inspire trust, collaboration, and resilience. Through tailored solutions, she empowers clients to navigate change, foster growth, and optimize team performance.
You can connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kellynatterharrison
