EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Base leaders gathered at a Catalyst of Growth Summit here April 4. This year’s theme was “Resilient Leadership.”
The annual event brought the leaders together to receive knowledge, lessons and insight from four active duty and retired military leaders, and two civilians, who all shared connection and resilience messages.
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, 96th Test Wing commander, gave opening remarks.
“Resilient leaders navigate through challenges, setbacks and uncertainties while maintaining composure, adaptability and a positive outlook,” he said. “Resilient leadership is no longer a luxury. With the pace of technological changes, with everything that’s coming at us from all angles today, it’s a necessity.”
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman, the first chief master sergeant of the Space Force, discussed his experience of initiating the Space Force, while navigating uncharted territory.
Towberman said he got through his three-and -a-half year Space Force tour by relying on the wisdom, knowledge and resiliency of the Guardians he led.
Barbara Britt, a local motivational speaker and culture strategist, discussed understanding one’s personal needs to reach their goals.
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Jason Barnshaw, now the lead project manager for a small business corporation, offered ways for leaders to stop overthinking leadership and relationships, and showed how the simplest of actions can have a massive impact on others.
Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Lackey, Barnes Center of Enlisted Education command chief, conveyed his message of perseverance, grit, perspective and personal education.
“I believe adversity builds character,” he said. “I talked about going through tough times and looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Having a support system of family, friends, co-workers are all extremely important in finding one’s way through adversity and becoming more resilient.”
Erik Harris, a San Francisco 49ers safety, talked about purpose, persistence and peace.
“There are a lot of things in football that relate to the military,” he said. “Having discipline, staying motivated and being a good leader all play important roles. Getting through difficult times on and off the field requires a positive outlook and a resilient mindset. We need to be resilient to be able to power through obstacles and come out stronger.”
For more information about resilience, call (317) 580-1794.