In the fall of 2001, Miller had submitted her retirement paperwork when she watched in horror as terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Without hesitation, then Lieutenant Colonel Miller, made a life-altering choice.
“It was a Tuesday. I remember just standing there getting ready and watching the airplane go into the first tower,” Miller recalled, “That Friday, I called the Air Force Reserve Command and said pull my retirement paperwork, I’m staying. Duty is not done.” She served 19 more years and rose to become, at the time, the highest-ranking woman in the United States military.
Growing up in Hilliard, Ohio, Miller spent many nights as a young girl playing baseball in the backyard. “Every family has that one thing that gathers them,” she said, “Sports became that for all six of us in the house.” Her fun family tradition led to a softball scholarship at Ohio State University, an experience that taught her valuable lessons in grit and perseverance.
In this candid conversation with one of America’s great leaders, you will learn how to leverage your weaknesses properly, and we will reveal the biggest mistake people make as they seek to climb the ranks.
You will learn:
As a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, and 14-time New York Times Best-Selling author, Don Yaeger is one of America’s most provocative thought leaders. From walking into Afghanistan with the Mujahadeen to living with football legend Walter Payton, Don has spent three decades embedded with the world’s greatest "Greats." Now a sought-after executive coach and host of the Corporate Competitor Podcast, he translates the lessons of sports and business legends into actionable strategies for building a culture of greatness.
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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