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May 6, 2025 46 mins

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Huffman Polson to talk about grit. Shannon is the founder of The Grit Institute and the author of The Grit Factor…a skill she honed by, among other things, being one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army!

Shannon shares her incredible journey from a shy Alaskan kid to breaking barriers in some of the world’s toughest environments, including the military, leading line units on three continents, and corporate leadership. We get real about what it takes to find true grit when life gets hard, the power of purpose and owning your story.

If you’re ready to push your own limits while still honoring your well-being, you’re in exactly the right place. Tune in for inspiration and actionable takeaways to fuel your next bold move!

Show Highlights:

  • The power of cultivating discipline in early adversity and success in paradoxes. [04:21]
  • What is it like to become a female Apache pilot? [11:15]
  • Challenges faced by pioneering women in military aviation. [14:29]
  • The double crucible “firsts” in insular fields face while representing change. [18:30]
  • Insights on heeding the inner call for a career shift and higher purpose. [23:38]
  • How a corporate bridge from tragedy to purpose birthed the Grit Institute. [25:46]
  • Discover the Grit Institute’s focus and world-class programs. [28:10]
  • Explore the healthy limits of grit with the “Grit Triad.” [30:25]
  • The essential key to strength and renewal in rest. [37:05]
  • The Grit Institute’s work for high school and college students. [40:58]

To find Shannon’s work, visit thegritinstitute.com. To buy Shannon's book The Grit Factor, visit: https://a.co/d/d77Au8q

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