The OWLS Podcast

In the high-stakes environments of military service and corporate leadership, the most formidable obstacles we face aren't always external—they are the "invisible scripts" we carry within. For many high-achieving women, these limiting beliefs act as a silent tax on potential, causing us to "freeze" or self-censor even when we have the most valuable ideas in the room. Listen to our fabulous webinar guest Rachel Dunlap—Founder of Inner Energy Coaching, DLA Energy Director, and Air Force Veteran. Drawing from her personal journey, Rachel will provide a blueprint for dismantling the internal barriers that stall career momentum.

Today we have the opportunity for you to meet 4 athletes from the Stuttgart High School girls soccer team. They contacted us to help spread the word about their fundraiser, a goalathon, to support travel, equipment, and team events. As a school serving military families overseas, most of their players come from active-duty or veteran households, and, in their words, being part of this team has been an important way for them to build confidence, resilience, and leadership.We thought it would be interesting to meet these incredibly mature and put together young women and share our conversation with them. Anna, Regan, Sienna and Sydney were a joy to talk to, and we hope you enjoy the conversation also. Their fundraiser kicks off April 9th, and here is the link to contribute - we would love if you could join us in supporting them!

Listen in on this panel discussion from March 19, 2026 featuring leaders from GE Aerospace, Leidos, and Travelers who shared insights about finding your best career fit. This will be helpful for anybody personally considering a job transition or mentoring others seeking new career opportunities. Listen in to discover: 1) The landscape of opportunities with top employers2) Insights about corporate culture and programs for transitioning veterans3) Tips for the job search and hiring processSubmit your profile into the Professional Profile Directory (PPD). This directory will be shared with AcademyWomen partners who may be able to facilitate hiring, a group that includes a wide array of top-caliber corporate, nonprofit and government entities.  Join AcademyWomen and be in the know for all the great events coming up!

We gathered together 6 incredible women who have been breaking barriers and connecting women, and this year are helping us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first female midshipmen and cadets to enter federal military academies! This second episode includes alumnae from each service academy, we reflected on the legacy of Public Law 94-106, signed by President Gerald Ford on October 7, 1975 and the evolution of leadership, mentorship, and sisterhood across generations. Joanne McCaffrey (USCGA), Marene Allison and Amberle Kerkowski (USMA), Gretchen Cook and Susan Feland (USAFA) and Linda "Postie” Postenrieder (USNA) shared so much insight, memories, and lessons learned we needed two episodes!Learn more about upcoming celebrations here:West Point Women USNA Women USCGA Alumni CommunityUSAFA WomenAcademyWomen

We gathered together 6 incredible women who have been breaking barriers and connecting women, and this year are helping us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first female midshipmen and cadets to enter federal military academies! This first episode includes alumnae from each service academy, we reflected on the legacy of Public Law 94-106, signed by President Gerald Ford on October 7, 1975 and the evolution of leadership, mentorship, and sisterhood across generations. Joanne McCaffrey (USCGA), Marene Allison and Amberle Kerkowski (USMA), Gretchen Cook and Susan Feland (USAFA) and Linda "Postie” Postenrieder (USNA) shared so much insight, memories, and lessons learned we needed two episodes!Learn more about upcoming celebrations here:West Point Women USNA Women USCGA Alumni CommunityUSAFA WomenAcademyWomen

In this virtual session from the November 7th Career Coaching Workshop, we brought together a diverse panel of speakers from different industries and in a range of leadership positions. Each shared the joys and challenges they face to help you gain insights that will help you navigate your own life and explore future opportunities. We covered a gamut of topics ranging from financial literacy, pivoting in the face of challenges, taking your military experience to a completely different federal organization, the impact of artificial intelligence and making sure you are ready when the "right door" opens. Led by moderator Vimbo Watson, speakers were Tamika Adams, Jennifer Burch, Jinada Rochelle, Tom Solitario and Gwendolen Wilder.

How do YOU find success? What brings YOU joy? How do YOU want to live your life? This interactive workshop from our November 7th Career Coaching Workshop dives into how you can cultivate purpose to create the life you love. This virtual session was led by Christina Mattison, life coach and leadership expert, who specializes in women in the military. The session starts with a quiet grounding that settled us in to a great discussion, enjoy!

This interactive workshop from our November 7, 2025 Career Coaching Workshop helps you align your interests and skills in order to identify opportunities that excite you so that you can narrow your focus while confidently and succinctly presenting yourself so that others can support you and your next move. Led my Tiffany Taylor of Hello Strengths this session will help you determine your unique personal strengths so that you can communicate how you can add value to your community, to organizations, and the nation in a way that is authentic and brings out the best in you. Enjoy!

Join us for our first ever direct-to-pod episode with Samantha Arrington Sliney. Sam is an attorney, Air Force veteran, current Air National Guard officer, and military spouse dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen military families and promote gender equity. Advocacy is a common thread in her work, to include the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Public Service, the Military Spouse JD Network, and the Department of the Air Force Women’s Initiative Team. We had a great conversation about the NDAA, the Federal shutdown, and how all of us, including uniformed service members, have a right to let our representatives know when there are issues to be fixed.You can catch up with Sam on her website https://www.whitelaceandcombatboots.com/ and also LinkedIn Instagram and Facebook.NOTE: The views expressed are our own and not those of any organization we are affiliated with.

CONNECT TO INNOVATE: LEVERAGE TALENT TO INNOVATE THROUGH CHANGEDiscover how tapping into your unique talents can spark innovation and ways to navigate transformative change. Hear from trailblazing leaders who have used their skills in unconventional ways to overcome obstacles and inspire progress regardless of the circumstances. This session focuses on leveraging strategic connections while fostering a mindset of creative problem-solving and continuous growth to amplify your influence and create lasting impact.Speakers:Brooke Jackson Kahn, PA-C: U.S. Army Combat Veteran and Founder, She’s the VeteranLT Michaela “Mic” Long:Instructor Pilot, US NavyMajor Christina Mattison:USAF Reserves and Heart-Centered Leadership Coach and Retreat LeaderTiffany Taylor:CliftonStrengths Coach and Owner, Hello StrengthsMajor Teri Weber: Senior Pilot, USAF and Children’s Book Author

POWER OF CONNECTION: TAPPING INTO YOUR PASSIONSWhen you are either in uniform or supporting a military member as a spouse, and life is super busy, you often put some of your personal passions into the “when we retire bucket.” But I have actually found that when my immediate responsibilities were the busiest, that’s when I most needed to step into a different world to regain balance and perspective. Our plan for today is to show you some of the ways to do that, through either personal growth or helping others or both.Speakers:Meredith McCall: Certified Travel Advisor, Military SpouseCarol Northrup: Ultra-runner & outdoor adventurer, retired AF ColonelSarah Olson: N. Virginia Program Manager and Service Dog Training Instructor at Warrior Canine Connection, Military SpouseAndrea Reichwald: Program Coordinator DC Chapter - Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), Military SpouseTammy Trychon: Yoga Instructor, retired AF Lt ColVimbo Watson: Speaker and education expert, Military Spouse

CONNECT WITH HerSTORY: THE POWER OF STORYTELLING TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWERStories shape history and sharing your own story can inspire others. This discussion will explore the power of storytelling to connect with others, motivate change, and create impact. Learn about valuable resources that will enable you to craft and share your narrative in a way that resonates with others, empowering both yourself and those who hear your story.Panelists:Travis Bickford: Head of Programs and Communications for Veterans History Project at Library of CongressMarilla J. Cushman: Senior Advisor to the President, Military Women's MemorialCapt Riley Tejcek:USMC Captain, Speaker, Team USA Bobsled Pilot, and Author Dr. Crystal Tramack:Speaker, Coach, Program Manager and StorytellerElisabeth Auld: Panel Moderator and Chair, OWLSIntroduction: Susan Feland, President and Founder, AcademyWomen

CONNECT WITH SELF: LEVERAGING HUMOR AS A TOOL FOR HEALING AND GROWTHIn today’s world, leaders must adapt and build resilience in order to thrive. This session explores how to harness humor to enhance your mindset, boost emotional resilience, and foster personal growth. Today we’ll learn how to use humor as a powerful tool for healing, navigating obstacles, and maintaining balance in high-pressure situations.Robin Phoenix Johnson served 26 years as an Army Logistician including 5 deployments to Afghanistan & Iraq.  She is now a stand-up comedian touring world-wide with Armed Forces Entertainment.  Robin is a Hoover Institution Fellow at Stanford University where she is a subject matter expert on the applied & therapeutic use of humor for improved performance.  She serves as faculty for both Thayer Leadership at West Point and the Institute for Defense & Business.  She guest lectures at the College of Charleston and Stanford Medical School.  

CONNECT TO MASTER CONFLICT: DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO OVERCOME WORKPLACE CHALLENGESConflict is a natural part of any team dynamic, but how you handle it as a leader makes all the difference. This discussion will provide tools to help you proactively address challenges and resolve conflicts before they escalate. Learn how to manage difficult relationships, maintain team cohesion, and create a positive work environment, all while ensuring mission success and fostering collaboration.Panelists:Megan Allison: an AF veteran who is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and driving long-term successRobin Fortner: USMC veteran who founded RC Fortner Enterprises, whose mission is to assist individuals or businesses to reach their highest goals through Coaching, Training, and Personal and Professional DevelopmentMichelle Still Mehta, PhD:An experienced consultant, coach, and researcher specializing in the dynamics of organizations and working life. Jessica Ruttenber:USAF veteran and Director, Level Up Aviation a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth and young adults find equity in aviation, combining her passion for flying with her commitment to breaking barriers in the field. Eleanor Vuono:Attorney who began her career as an Army JAG, and is a founding member and past President of the Military Spouse JD Network, advocate for licensing accommodations for military spouses. Elisabeth Auld:  Moderator andChair, OWLS