C1C Andrew Cormier - Service Before Self, Lessons in Leadership

In this episode of the Long Blue Leadership Podcast, Cadet First Class Andrew Cormier opens up about his inspiring journey from growing up in Massachusetts to becoming a squadron commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He reflects on the early influences that shaped his values, the value of community service and service before self, sharing the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way.

 

SUMMARY

Andrew also talks about launching his own podcast, designed to help fellow cadets explore their career paths and grow as leaders. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the importance of understanding diverse career opportunities, the personal growth that comes from podcasting, and the power of community engagement. With a focus on national pride and perspective, he emphasizes that true leadership is about serving others—putting the team first rather than seeking personal recognition.

 

5 QUOTES

1. "It's not about you. It's not about you. It's about the team."
2. "When you're a leader, it's your job. There shouldn't be any extra, you know, kudos given to you. Everyone has their own piece in the puzzle, and just because your face is more prominent than others does not mean that the mission is any less doable with like one piece missing or another piece missing."
3. "I just really urge people to try to understand other people's perspectives and listen more than they talk, because those pieces for me, like I'm a Pretty staunch capitalist, but I recently bought the Communist Manifesto. I want to understand where these ideas stem from."
4. "American ideals are amazing, and they need to be protected. And in order for me to have any say in that, I need to have skin in the game. And that's what I look at my service as is me gaining skin in the game."
5. "It's not difficult, it's just super time consuming and kind of annoying. And so, I mean, it even like stays true to today, everything I have to do isn't necessarily difficult. I'm a management major. I don't know what the Astro or aero people are going through. I'm sure that's very difficult. But for me, it's more just like getting the reps in it, and it's very gradual."

- C1C Andrew Cormier ’25, October 2024

 

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CHAPTERS

00:00:  Introduction to Cadet Andrew Cormier

02:52:  Andrew's Early Life and Background

05:52:  Discovering the Military Path

08:46:  Community Service and Humanitarian Efforts

12:10:  Transitioning to the Air Force Academy

15:07:  Experiences in Basic Training

17:57:  Leadership and Followership at the Academy

20:47:  Becoming a Squadron Commander

24:11:  The Role of a Squadron Commander

27:12:  Starting the Podcast Journey

34:54:  Understanding Career Paths in the Air Force

39:30:  The Impact of Podcasting on Personal Growth

44:45:  Engagement and Value in the Cadet Community

52:36:  Navigating Post-Graduation Decisions

01:00:05:  The Importance of National Pride and Perspective

01:04:53:  Leadership Lessons: It's Not About You

 

ANDREW'S 5 KEYS TO LEADERSHIP SUCCESS

1. Leadership is not about you, it's about the team. As a leader, your job is to represent and protect your people, not focus on personal privileges.
2. Seek to understand different perspectives and listen more than you talk. Don't take American ideals and freedoms for granted - they need to be actively defended.
3. Balance future planning with living in