What happens when life halts your dream career? Paden Sickles faced torn Achilles injuries and a rare heart condition that ended her 11-year military service… but not her mission.
In this episode of Bold Moves, Confident Choices, Paden shares how a search for better socks during grueling Army training turned into Sick Fit, a purpose-driven company now serving veterans, athletes, diabetics, and kids with sensory needs.
From losing $25,000 in a warehouse break-in to landing major deals, Paden proves grit and heart can turn setbacks into success. Get ready to be inspired to “go for it” no matter the odds.
Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments
- Military career cut short by injury and rare heart condition
- Built SickFit from a passion for better sock design and performance
- Serves diverse communities: veterans, athletes, diabetics, and autistic children
- Overcame theft of $25,000 inventory and still grew the business
- Uses meticulous R&D and user feedback to perfect product lines
- Emphasizes mentorship, community, and solving real problems
- Dreams big: partnerships with MLB, Costco, and more
- Inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and entrepreneurial courage
Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode
- "Your story is super inspiring—your mission never stopped, just the uniform changed." - Courtney Turich
- "Thank the naysayers; they fuel the fire for your next bold move." - Courtney Turich
- "Sometimes the first step is the hardest, but it’s where greatness begins." - Courtney Turich
- "When my body said stop, I chose a new mission: entrepreneurship." - Paden Sickles
- "Find a real problem and make sure it truly needs solving." - Paden Sickles
- "Dream bigger—there will always be people who back you." - Paden Sickles
- "We’re more than a sock company; every pair helps change lives." - Paden Sickles
About Paden
Paden Sickles dedicated 11 years of her life as an Army Engineer Officer, leading Soldiers and breaking barriers while shaping some of the first enlisted female combat engineers. During her service, she achieved countless accolades, including Air Assault, Expert Soldier, Spur Rides, and completing 100-mile challenges. Despite these achievements, she often tried to avoid graduations because it hurt too much to put her boots back on due to blisters and foot issues. This frustration drove her to action. Paden traveled the world, testing 87 different pairs of socks to learn how to engineer the perfect pair. She began conducting A/B tests during PT formations with her peers and leaders, swapping socks before long runs and rucks in the field. This hands-on experimentation laid the foundation for her vision while leading some of the most lethal Soldiers in the force. These injuries pushed Paden to reflect on her future, realizing that her physical health needed to become a priority. In February 2024, after serving her country with honor, Paden made the difficult decision to transition out of active duty.
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