Anchored to Lead Boldly with Rachael Jackson

The achievements that shape our careers can also shape how we see ourselves. An unexpected change can invite us to discover a deeper foundation for our identity—and a new way to lead.

In this special BOLDLY Breakout Spotlight episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Rachael Jackson of REV, a West Point graduate and former Army Apache helicopter pilot, for a candid conversation about identity, faith, perseverance, and the power of meaningful connection.

Rachael’s journey began with a praying mother and a conversation with an Army recruiter. As a strong-willed teenager, she was making decisions that concerned her family. Joining the military brought discipline, direction, and a sense of purpose. She went on to attend West Point, study physics and nuclear engineering, and become an Apache helicopter pilot.

Over time, those accomplishments became central to her identity. But during a deployment to Iraq, significant medical issues left her unable to safely continue flying. Being grounded and eventually medically discharged brought the career she had worked so hard to build to an unexpected end.

Rachael shares honestly about the anger, grief, and uncertainty of that season. Alongside losing her professional identity, she faced the pain of having her character questioned by leaders who did not understand what she was experiencing. Other leaders, who knew her personally, believed her and offered support. That contrast helped shape her understanding of why knowing someone’s story matters.

Through that experience, Rachael describes how God helped her build a different identity while redirecting the skills and determination she already carried. Her “warrior heart” continues to shape how she leads, parents, and serves—through perseverance, faith, and a willingness to keep going.

She also reflects on her late mother, whose life was marked by struggle but whose faith continued to influence others. Even in a hospital room, her mother found opportunities to ask people about Jesus. Rachael’s story reminds us that God can use our lives and experiences wherever we are.

Today, through REV’s mission of leading a “meaning revolution,” Rachael equips leaders to build meaningful connection with the people they love, lead, and serve. She describes that connection as a deep sense of feeling “known, valued, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.”

Rachael explains why meaningful connection and high expectations belong together. Leaders can support people through real challenges while calling them to greater growth, responsibility, and contribution. Through storytelling and a shared sense of purpose, they can help people understand both that they matter and that their contributions matter.

The conversation also explores the competing messages and demands on our attention in a digital age. Rachael shares why leaders need practical ways to strengthen relationships, build trust, and help people stay connected to the mission and values they share.

This conversation is ultimately about being anchored in faith: allowing God to shape our identity through change, making room for people’s stories, and leading with both compassion and conviction.

In this episode, we get into:

Your identity reaches beyond your achievements.
Trust God to shape your purpose through unexpected change.

Meaningful connection begins with being known.
Make room for people’s stories and help them feel valued.

Care and high expectations belong together.
Support people while calling them to grow and contribute.

Rachael also introduces REV’s Meaningful Connection Foundations training, which equips leaders with practical tools they can use within their families, teams, and organizations. She shares how the same approaches that strengthen workplace relationships can also help parents connect with their teenagers.

Her story offers encouragement for anyone navigating an unexpected transition: the skills and experiences you carry can continue to serve a purpose as God leads you into what comes next.

4word is excited to welcome Rachael to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where she will share more about meaningful connection and REV’s work equipping leaders to help people flourish.

Learn more about BOLDLY at 4wordwomen.org/boldly/.

About Rachael Jackson

Rachael Jackson is a West Point graduate, former Army Apache helicopter pilot, and leader of REV. Drawing on her military experience and faith journey, she equips leaders to build meaningful connection with the people they love, lead, and serve.

REV is leading a “meaning revolution,” helping leaders create environments where people feel known, valued, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves. Through leadership equipping and its Meaningful Connection Foundations training, REV helps leaders strengthen relationships while calling people to greater growth, responsibility, and contribution.

Learn more about REV.

Follow Rachael on LinkedIn.

 

About Melissa Harrison

Melissa Harrison is a journalist, nonprofit leader, and President & CEO of 4word. She is passionate about helping women integrate faith, leadership, and purpose in the workplace. As host of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa brings a storyteller’s perspective to honest conversations about work, calling, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.

 

Learn more about Melissa: melissaharrison.net

Follow Melissa on LinkedIn and Instagram

 

About 4word

4word is a global community for Christian women in the workplace, helping women grow in their faith, thrive in their work, and become the women and leaders God created them to be.

 

Find out more about 4word: https://4wordwomen.org/

Follow 4word on LinkedIn and Instagram