Ep. 21 with Susan Mace: Lead yourself first and lead others with humility, honesty and vulnerability

Send us Fan MailSHOW NOTESPassing the Torch with Martin FosterGuest: Retired Chief Master Sergeant Susan MaceSummary:Susan Mace served 25 years in the United States Air Force and is a retired Chief Master Sergeant. She held a position that represents the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force.Susan is an experienced leader with an accomplished record of operations management success in teambuilding, continuous improvement, intelligence operations, project management, and quality control. In addition, she is a skilled communicator and an expert at building high performing teams, key relationships, and improved operational results. As if that were not enough, Susan has a proven track record as an experienced manager adept at leading and implementing innovative initiatives by leveraging cross-functional teams within a complex organization to achieve operational goals. Throughout her decorated career, Susan has excelled with strengthening individuals, teams, and organizations to achieve increased results and effectiveness. Key Takeaways:Reflecting on legacy and comparing perspective on legacy while serving as opposed to post retirement (2:00)Identifying the things that make each person special and leveraging that talent for the greater good (6:00)Reflecting back on her career, one example Susan looks back on and is proud of that moment (8:20)Past failure or apparent failure that set her up for future success (11:30)After 25 years in the military, best advice for those searching to reboot their life (13:30)What comes first, trust or vulnerability? (20:40)Thoughts on insecurity as motivation to living life at the fullest (26:00)Importance of mentorship and coaching (29:30)Shout out to strong women who Susan admires (30:30)Casting choices if a movie were made about Susan's life (33:30)Possible celebrity crushWhat Matthew McConaughey smells likeSusan's billboard messageSupport the showConnect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartinMore Amazing Stories:Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You InsecureEpisode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel------------© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.