The Grit Factor

Season 3 of The Grit Factor, hosted by Shannon Huffman Polson, Army veteran, pilot, and corporate and non-profit leader dedicated to building courageous leaders for a better world. We’ll look at facing fear and failure, connecting to purpose, when to grit and when to quit, and much, much more, from the fields of the military to government, law to business, academia and more. Tune in Tuesdays for new conversations, and make sure to leave your questions for Shannon at https://www.speakpipe.com/TheGritFactor

Sarah McArthur on Frances Hesselbein: Leadership, Mentorship, and Service 09/09/2025

Sarah McArthur on Frances Hesselbein: Leadership, Mentorship, and Service Guest Bio is an accomplished editor, writer, and leadership thinker. She worked for over two decades alongside renowned executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, serving as managing editor on dozens of leadership books and co-authoring several works. Sarah was also mentored by the late —one of the most influential leadership figures of the 20th century—becoming a close collaborator and friend. Today, Sarah continues to preserve and share Frances’s legacy through writing, editing, and storytelling. Host is a former Apache helicopter pilot, corporate veteran, keynote speaker, and author of . She is the founder of The Grit Institute, where she equips leaders to build resilience, lead with purpose, and navigate challenges with impact. Episode Description In this episode of , Shannon welcomes Sarah McArthur for a heartfelt conversation about the extraordinary life and leadership of Frances Hesselbein, former CEO of the Girl Scouts and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Sarah shares her personal journey as Frances’s mentee, collaborator, and friend, offering stories that illuminate Frances’s unwavering humility, love, and commitment to service. Together, Shannon and Sarah explore what makes Frances’s leadership so timeless and how her lessons can guide today’s leaders through uncertainty, division, and change. Summary This episode is both a tribute and a toolkit for values-driven leadership. Listeners will hear: Sarah’s path to working with Marshall Goldsmith and later meeting Frances Hesselbein. How Frances transformed the Girl Scouts into a thriving, values-centered movement. The power of mentorship, storytelling, and consistency of character. Lessons on resilience, integrity, and servant leadership that remain urgently relevant. How Frances’s legacy continues through Sarah’s work, including books and a documentary film. Highlights (00:00) Opening reflections on Frances Hesselbein’s passing and the love she inspired. (02:51) Sarah’s early work with Marshall Goldsmith and first encounters with Frances’s writings. (05:54) The book Work Is Love Made Visible and Frances’s profound influence. (10:54) Frances’s vision-driven leadership and transformative years at the Girl Scouts. (17:16) The consistency of Frances’s character across 107 years of life. (21:42) Lessons from the “cookie incident” and transparency in leadership. (25:08) Frances’s “invisible tattoos” and storytelling as a teaching tool. (29:33) Sarah’s decision to ask Frances to be her mentor. (33:56) Living and learning alongside Frances during her later years. (41:34) How Frances commanded respect and credibility across sectors. (44:35) Frances’s timeless advice for today: We will get through this together. (47:27) Meeting Peter Drucker and forming a lifelong leadership partnership. (50:50) Three words to capture Frances’s legacy: humility, love, and service. (53:13) “To serve is to live” — Frances’s enduring purpose. (54:57) Sarah on carrying forward Frances’s story through a documentary film. Resources Website: Email: [email protected] Books: Work Is Love Made Visible: Hesselbein on Leadership: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781118717622 My Life in Leadership: Frances Hesselbein “Defining Moments” Documentary: /episode/index/show/fe850dbc-2fda-4951-ba5f-82c49028557f/id/38141160

Radical Humility: Urs Koenig on Leading with Grit, Heart, and High Standards 08/20/2025

Radical Humility: Urs Koenig on Leading with Grit, Heart, and High Standards Guest Bio / Introduction Urs Koenig is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, former NATO peacekeeping commander, and ultra-endurance athlete. With an eclectic background spanning UN peacekeeping missions, military command, competitive cycling, academia, and business coaching, Urs brings a rare blend of lived experience and research-backed insight to leadership. His award-winning book, Radical Humility, challenges the outdated “heroic” leadership model and offers a compelling framework for blending high performance with humanity. Episode Summary In this episode of The Grit Factor, Shannon Huffman Polson talks with Urs Koenig about his journey from the intense world of ultra-endurance sports to leading international peacekeeping missions—and how those experiences shaped his philosophy of “radical humility.” Urs shares how failure in a 3,000-mile race across America became a crucible for growth, why loving people is at the heart of great leadership, and how leaders can be both tough on results and tender on people. They also explore the five shifts in his leadership framework, the importance of self-awareness, and how purpose evolves over time. Urs leaves listeners with practical strategies for managing energy, building agency in teams, and redefining success as being both a badass leader and a good human. Important Topics Covered 00:02:45 – Urs’s unconventional journey from academia to ultra-endurance sports to military command. 00:07:20 – The Race Across America failure story and how reframing setbacks fuels growth. 00:11:35 – Why leaders must truly love people to be effective. 00:15:50 – “Tough on results, tender on people” — balancing high standards with deep care. 00:20:12 – The Five Shifts of Radical Humility explained. 00:26:40 – Commander's Intent: how clarity of purpose empowers teams. 00:33:05 – Managing energy like an elite athlete for sustainable performance. 00:37:15 – The confidence vs. competence trap in leadership promotion. 00:42:28 – When transparency becomes oversharing—and the concept of being “translucent.” 00:48:00 – Lessons from Urs’s father on reinvention and courage. 00:53:22 – Redefining success as being both a badass leader and a good human. Episode Highlights 00:07:50 – “That DNF was one of the best things that ever happened to me—it taught me how to reframe failure.” 00:11:40 – “You want to be a leader? You have to love people. It’s not about being an extrovert—it’s about caring deeply.” 00:15:55 – “Caring gives you the license to set high standards.” 00:22:10 – The Five Shifts: Digging Deep (Self-awareness & self-leadership) Tough on Results, Tender on People Leading Like a Compass (Commander's Intent) Full Transparency Championing Fearless Culture 00:33:45 – Why managing energy beats managing time. 00:37:20 – “We often promote the loudest person, not the most competent one.” 00:42:40 – Why leaders sometimes need to be “translucent” instead of fully transparent. 00:48:25 – His father’s midlife leap from corporate executive to artisan cheesemaker. 00:53:30 – “Success is being a badass and a good human.” Book: Website: Email: Phone: 206.372.8626 /episode/index/show/fe850dbc-2fda-4951-ba5f-82c49028557f/id/37889335

Uncolonized Power: Healing Mindsets, Embracing Purpose, and Rising Together with Valeria Aloe 08/06/2025

Uncolonized Power: Healing Mindsets, Embracing Purpose, and Rising Together with Valeria Aloe Professional Summary Valeria Aloe is an award-winning author, speaker, and high-performance business coach who founded the Rising Together movement to help professionals unlearn limiting mindsets and build the clarity, confidence, and behaviors needed to reach their next level. Her signature work combines mindset transformation with applied behavior change to accelerate individual and team performance. Born in Argentina, Valeria was the first in her family to graduate from college. She holds undergraduate degrees in Finance and Business Administration and later pursued graduate studies in the U.S., building a global career across corporate, nonprofit, and startup environments. Her corporate experience spans major organizations including Procter & Gamble, Citibank, Reckitt Benckiser, PwC and TIAA, and she has more than two decades of experience helping leaders and teams perform at scale. Episode Summary: In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Shannon Huffman Polson speaks with Valeria Aloe—author, spiritual scientist, and founder of the Rising Together Movement—about the invisible ancestral mindsets that shape our lives, leadership, and wellbeing. From her childhood in rural Argentina to Ivy League classrooms and corporate America, Valeria shares her powerful journey through burnout, healing, and spiritual awakening. Together, they explore how trauma is inherited, how to reverse internalized limitations, and why true leadership starts with self-awareness and micro-steps. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to live more fully, lead more authentically, and rise with others—especially first-generation professionals and allies. Episode Highlights: From Rural Argentina to Ivy League: Valeria’s journey from a dusty town to Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business—and how she overcame fear, culture shock, and the pressure of being first-generation. The Burnout That Sparked a Movement: What led Valeria to collapse emotionally and physically in 2016, and how that turning point inspired her to reexamine everything she believed about success. Unpacking Ancestral Mindsets: How culturally inherited beliefs—about authority, sacrifice, success, and identity—impact professionals, especially in Latino communities, and how to begin healing them. From Trauma to Triumph: Why healing inherited trauma is essential, how colonization affects modern mindsets, and the science behind generational pain and potential. Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: The key difference—and how to overcome the inner voice that says “Don’t bother them.” Spiritual Science in Leadership: Valeria’s journey into spiritual studies and how embracing the identity of a soul having a human experience changed everything. Micro-Steps, Major Shifts: Why transformation doesn't require giant leaps—and how simple breathing exercises and mindset shifts can rewire your professional and personal life. Building Bridges: How to create unity in a polarized world, celebrate shared humanity, and foster meaningful connections across diverse identities. Resources & Mentions: Rising Together Movement: www.valeriaaloe.com — Valeria's platform for empowering first-generation professionals and allies. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey – Where Valeria led entrepreneurship programs. Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth – Where Valeria earned her MBA. Studies on Epigenetics – Research on how trauma and resilience are passed across generations. /episode/index/show/fe850dbc-2fda-4951-ba5f-82c49028557f/id/37698770

Conviction, Capital & Courage: Alexander Friedman on Purposeful Leadership in a High-Stakes World 07/29/2025

Conviction, Capital & Courage: Alexander Friedman on Purposeful Leadership in a High-Stakes World Host: Shannon Huffman Polson Guest: Alexander Friedman, CEO & Co‑founder of Novata; former CFO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; former CIO of UBS; ex‑White House Fellow; board member at Franklin Templeton Episode Summary Join Shannon as she interviews Alexander Friedman, a leader who has navigated high-stakes roles across the highest levels of philanthropy, finance, government, and now tech. In this episode, Alex shares insights into operationalizing purpose, driving change across complex systems, and forging a career of conviction and curiosity. This conversation brings together personal grit, lessons from mountaineering and family, and hard-earned wisdom on systems change, all with a clear north star in mind. Key Highlights & Timestamps [00:04] Meet Alex and get a preview of his storied path [03:37] How the outdoors serve as spiritual grounding for Alex [06:58] Learning Alex was a White House Fellow—and protégé of General Krulak [08:46] A Marines’ boot incident that sparked leadership lessons [11:29] The Krulak legacy: from WWII to a fourth star in the Oval Office [16:17] Balancing tradition and transformation in entrenched institutions [18:27] The limits of logic: why being right doesn’t guarantee change [21:35] How leaders can wield influence carefully—and not burn it [22:55] The benefits and questions around the 5% philanthropic payout rule [25:13] Alex answers: Should foundations give away all assets or exist perpetually? [25:48] Why the 5% rule may be outdated—and how investment returns challenge it [26:37] On whether billionaire-backed space ventures serve higher purpose or oligarchy [28:18] Does purpose come easier in nonprofits vs. for‑profits—and what Alex believes [29:24] Exploring the distinction—and overlap—between mission and purpose [31:31] Transcending self to serve something greater: Maslow and Viktor Frankl insights [33:24] How founding a B Corp, Novata, merges purpose with sustainable business [36:11] Novata’s model: driving impact measurement for private companies globally [37:49] Why ESG backlash hasn’t undermined demand—and what persists beneath politics [39:10] Alex’s confidence in long‑term ESG trends despite short‑term turbulence [40:08] The importance of overcoming initial inertia—just like Moana crossing the reef [40:42] Parenting lessons: explaining purpose to a six‑year‑old and why it matters [41:38] Advice to younger self or child: follow your own compass, not someone else’s shiny things [44:40] A dynamic “three‑body problem” metaphor for balancing work, family, purpose [47:02] Alex defines success: Try boldly—even if you fail [47:55] Why repeated failure builds resilience—and fuels new action Resources & Further Reading Novata – Platform Alex co-founded to measure ESG and impact outcomes in private markets Jackson Hole Economics – A forum Alex helped launch to shape policy and economic discourse Council on Foreign Relations – Alex contributes to global policy thought leadership B Corp & Public Benefit Corp structures – the organizational form Alex chose for Novata Legacy article on General Victor “Brute” Krulak, with family and presidential story Book: Website: General Charles C. Krulak Article: /episode/index/show/fe850dbc-2fda-4951-ba5f-82c49028557f/id/37518100

The Blueprint for Thriving People and Teams: Belonging, Autonomy, and Purpose 07/17/2025

Jim Weber’s Long-Term Vision: Building a Brand That Lasts 07/09/2025

Building Resilient Communities: Killian Noe’s Vision of Love, Leadership, and Recovery 06/24/2025

The Core Principles of Building Evergreen Companies: The Seven P’s Framework 06/19/2025

The Core Principles of Building Evergreen Companies: The Seven P’s Framework In this conversation, Shannon Huffman Polson and Dave discuss the importance of purpose and values in leadership and entrepreneurship. Dave shares his early career experiences at Hewlett Packard, the challenges he faced while founding Good Technology, and the profound impact of Joseph Campbell's hero's journey on his perspective. He introduces the concept of evergreen companies, which prioritize long-term sustainability over rapid growth, and outlines the seven P's that define these companies. The discussion emphasizes the need for a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who share these values and principles. In this conversation, Dave discusses the importance of partnerships, particularly his relationship with Jessica Herron, and how it shaped his understanding of building evergreen companies. He emphasizes the need for a deliberate approach to innovation and growth, focusing on sustainability rather than quick profits. The discussion also highlights the significance of aligning personal purpose with professional goals, especially in the context of employee engagement and satisfaction. Dave envisions a future where a new generation of entrepreneurs can redefine business success by prioritizing purpose and creativity over traditional funding models. Takeaways Purpose and values are crucial for effective leadership. Early experiences shape our understanding of corporate culture. Personal challenges can impact professional journeys. The hero's journey offers valuable insights for business leaders. Evergreen companies focus on long-term sustainability. Community support is vital for like-minded entrepreneurs. The seven P's provide a framework for building lasting companies. Introverts often have a strong internal compass for their goals. Rewiring our thinking is necessary for new business models. Hidden evergreen companies exist and need recognition. Partnerships can significantly influence business development. Evergreen companies prioritize long-term sustainability over quick profits. Innovation requires a deliberate approach to risk management. Personal purpose alignment is crucial for employee satisfaction. Companies should measure personal purpose during recruitment. Growth rates impact the capacity for reflection and development. Evergreen companies can thrive without external capital. The true purpose of many companies may differ from their stated mission. Investors often prioritize financial returns over authentic company purpose. A new generation of entrepreneurs can redefine business success. Contact Details Website: Book /episode/index/show/fe850dbc-2fda-4951-ba5f-82c49028557f/id/37069340

Soaring Beyond Limits: The Fight for Women in Military Flight 06/12/2025

Soaring Beyond Limits: The Fight for Women in Military Flight In this conversation, Dr. Eileen Bjorkman shares her remarkable journey in aviation, highlighting the evolution of women's roles in the military and her personal experiences as a flight test engineer. She discusses her family's aviation legacy, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the leadership lessons she learned throughout her career. Dr. Bjorkman's insights provide a unique perspective on resilience, communication, and the importance of representation in STEM fields. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the themes of leadership, storytelling, and the evolution of women in aviation. They discuss the importance of collaboration in leadership, the journey of writing and preserving untold stories, particularly those of women in aviation and veterans. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by women in the aviation industry and the need for a supportive culture that embraces diversity. Ultimately, the speakers reflect on the definition of success, emphasizing passion and purpose over monetary gain. Takeaways Women couldn't fly combat aircraft at that time. Dr. Bjorkman was the sixth woman to graduate from the Air Force Test Pilot School. She logged over 700 hours in 25 military aircraft. Her book, Fly Girls Revolt, uncovers women's struggles in aviation. She transitioned from computer science to aviation after feeling unfulfilled. Dr. Bjorkman faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field. She emphasizes the importance of communication in leadership. Most people just want to be listened to by their leaders. Her experiences highlight the need for representation in STEM. She believes in a collaborative leadership style. Taking a collaborative approach in leadership fosters inclusivity. Respecting everyone's input leads to better decision-making. Writing is a powerful tool for preserving untold stories. Women in aviation have made significant contributions that need recognition. The history of women in the military is often overlooked. Documenting veterans' stories is crucial for preserving history. The culture in aviation remains male-centric, impacting women's participation. Childcare support is essential for women in the workforce. Success is defined by passion and purpose, not just money. We must advocate for veterans and their stories. Resources: Website: Follow her on: Facebook: X: Goodreads: Amazon: Get your copy of: The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World *** Listen in to Facing the Wind podcast *** FREE The Grit Factor manifesto for your download! *** Have a question? Leave me a voicemail! *** Join me on Social: Twitter @aborderlife Instagram @shannonhpolson LinkedIn @shannonhpolson Facebook @shannonhuffmanpolson and SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and newsletter for tactical tips and conversations /episode/index/show/fe850dbc-2fda-4951-ba5f-82c49028557f/id/36979555

Unlocking the Cockpit: Powerful Lessons in Leadership and Legacy 06/06/2025

Unlocking the Cockpit: Powerful Lessons in Leadership and Legacy In this conversation, Shannon Huffman Polson and Tom discuss the importance of service, personal journeys, and the impact of role models. Tom shares his experiences in aviation, his humanitarian efforts, and the ongoing project to honor his fallen classmate, John Connors. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of community, learning, and active participation in democracy. In this conversation, Tom and Shannon explore the themes of community, legacy, purpose, leadership, and success. They discuss the importance of role models and the impact of legacy on individuals and communities. Tom shares insights on finding purpose in both work and life, the transition from military to civilian life, and the significance of being an ally in leadership roles. The conversation culminates in a reflection on defining success beyond monetary achievements, emphasizing the value of service and contribution to others. Takeaways Everybody's journey is different, and we learn from it. It takes years to gather wisdom and put it into action. The path to our goals is often non-linear. Reading physical books enhances retention and comprehension. Service can take many forms, not just military. Networking is crucial for facilitating humanitarian efforts. You can make a difference with your time and talents. Democracy requires active participation from everyone. Role models are essential for guiding future generations. Honoring those who served helps keep their legacy alive. Building a community involves finding and connecting with role models. Legacy is what we make of it and should be preserved. Purpose can be found in both work and personal life. Leadership principles are consistent across military and civilian sectors. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but is manageable. Service to others is a key aspect of finding purpose. Being an ally in leadership is a responsibility and a privilege. Success is not defined by monetary gains but by contributions to others. Role models can influence us throughout our lives, not just in childhood. The journey of life is ongoing, and purpose evolves over time. Contacts: /episode/index/show/fe850dbc-2fda-4951-ba5f-82c49028557f/id/36888030

Mastering Human Performance for Lasting Success 05/20/2025

Mastering Human Performance for Lasting Success This conversation explores the remarkable journey of a woman who transitioned from baton twirling to becoming a combat pilot and military leader. She shares her experiences in the military, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mental resilience and self-trust in high-stakes situations. The discussion also highlights the biases she encountered as a woman in a male-dominated field and how she navigated these challenges to achieve success. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields, emphasizing the importance of excellence, mastery of craft, and mental resilience. They explore the need for psychological performance in leadership and the cultural shifts required to create inclusive environments. The discussion also touches on the recognition of women's contributions in history and the importance of supporting one another in professional spaces. This conversation explores the themes of empowerment, purpose, and resilience, particularly focusing on women's experiences in high-stakes environments. The speakers share personal stories that highlight the importance of role models and the need for women to see themselves in positions of power. They discuss the significance of having a clear purpose in life, especially during transitions, and how aligning one's values with their goals can lead to fulfillment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating societal expectations and the importance of embracing hard work and challenges to achieve personal growth. Sound Bites "I wanted to do something meaningful." "Just be a badass." "Show up and be excellent!" "Train your body and mind." "Mental skills are hard skills." "Naysayers are just challenges." "Bring your own chair to the table." "I want young women to know." "We need the stories to be told." "Our kids are resilient." Resources TedTalk: Rolling Stone Article: /episode/index/show/fe850dbc-2fda-4951-ba5f-82c49028557f/id/36638680

Building Next-Generation Leaders: The Power of Experiential and Purposeful Education 05/07/2025

From Peaks to Purpose: A Narrative of Growth and Authenticity 04/29/2025

From Peaks to Purpose: A Narrative of Growth and Authenticity In this conversation, Melissa Arnot Reid shares her experiences as a mountaineer and the lessons learned from her climbs, particularly on Everest. She discusses the internal struggles faced during high-stakes situations, the importance of team dynamics, and the journey to finding a sense of belonging. The conversation delves into the nature of leadership in perilous environments and the responsibilities that come with guiding others. Melissa emphasizes the significance of consistency, honesty, and understanding individual strengths within a team. In this conversation, Melissa Arnot Reid shares her insights on leadership, personal values, and the challenges faced as a woman in the mountain guiding community. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, the evolution of success, and the impact of her nonprofit, the Juniper Fund, which supports families of high-altitude workers. The discussion highlights the significance of love, intent, and personal growth in both leadership and life. TAKEAWAYS Climbing without supplemental oxygen exposes both physical and mental limits. The internal voice of doubt can be a source of discomfort that needs to be navigated. Team dynamics are crucial; each member brings unique strengths to the table. Belonging is a fundamental human need that can drive us to extreme challenges. Leadership in climbing involves significant responsibility for others' safety. Experiencing discomfort in nature can provide a sense of control over one's life. Having someone who believes in you can change your life trajectory. Leaders must confront the weight of their decisions and their impact on others. Consistency and honesty are essential traits for effective leadership. Understanding individual needs within a team enhances trust and collaboration. Leadership is a customized process that requires deep relationships. Operating from your values increases your chances of success as a leader. Self-reflection is essential for personal growth and leadership development. Love and connection are critical components of effective leadership. Intent behind actions significantly affects how they are received by others. Judging someone's capability based on appearance is misleading. Climbing Everest multiple times was necessary for recognition in a male-dominated field. Loss can create space for new opportunities and growth. You don't need to be perfect to be deserving of love and success. The journey of healing and self-acceptance is ongoing and transformative. TITLES Climbing the Heights of Leadership The Power of Personal Values in Leadership Breaking Barriers: Women in Mountain Guiding Redefining Success Beyond Achievements The Heart of Leadership: Love and Connection Get a copy of her book WEBSITE /episode/index/show/fe850dbc-2fda-4951-ba5f-82c49028557f/id/36351715