Be Undaunted: Lead Stronger, Elevate Your Impact, Live With Energy

George Dom, Tara Collingwood
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Management
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Be Undaunted - the podcast that helps you lead strong, elevate your impact, and live with more energy, especially in a world that has definitely not hit the pause button. George Dom is a former Navy figher pilot, Blue Angels flight leader, and corporate executive. Tara Collingwood has been a performance dietitian to Olympians, CEOs, and everyday people who are under pressure. We specialize in high-performance leadership and people who want to lead their lives more intentionally. Instead of trying to get by, we want to help you build the types of energy systems that make life feel doable and exciting again. In the Be Undaunted podcast, you'll hear stories from the cockpit to the sidelines to the boardroom, and people living every day life at full speed. We'll talk about resilience, clarity, mistakes, and lessons that make us both better leaders - and better humans. We aren't just talking about physical energy, but mental and emotional energy too. In each episode, we'll give you something that you can put into action right away - a mindset shift, skill, strategy, or simply a better way to think about the day ahead. If you're ready to grow, strengthen your leadership, and reclaim your energy; if you're ready to feel more intentional, and more capable, you're in the right place. Welcome to Be Undaunted.

  1. Sep 3

    From Top Gun to CEO: Leadership Lessons from Rolland “RC” Thompson

    From Top Gun to CEO: Leadership Lessons from Rolland “RC” Thompson What does it take to remain undaunted through combat missions, leadership crises, entrepreneurial setbacks—and even quadruple bypass surgery? In this episode of Be Undaunted, Tara Collingwood and George Dom sit down with Rolland “RC” Thompson, founder and CEO of Tactical Air Support and a former Navy fighter pilot, Top Gun instructor and commanding officer, and air wing commander. RC’s extraordinary career began when he became an Army helicopter pilot at just 19 years old. He later transitioned to the Navy, flew strike fighters from aircraft carriers, attended Top Gun and returned as an instructor, commanded an F-18 squadron, and eventually returned to Top Gun as its commanding officer. His final operational tour included leading some of the first strike missions into Afghanistan following 9/11. But this conversation goes far beyond fighter jets. RC shares the leadership lessons he learned when the stakes were literally life and death—and how he later applied those lessons to building Tactical Air Support from an idea in an MBA class into a thriving company employing hundreds of people, many of them veterans. One of his most powerful lessons came early in his career: live in the minute. Instead of carrying yesterday’s mistakes or worrying about tomorrow’s outcome, RC learned to focus on what needed to be done right now. Decades later, that philosophy remains at the heart of what it means to him to live undaunted. The conversation also explores the difference between courage and recklessness. RC describes leadership as creating “guardrails” rather than rigid lanes—giving people enough freedom to think, take ownership, solve problems, and seize opportunities without crossing the boundaries that keep the organization safe. When RC became a squadron commander, a serious aircraft accident taught him another unforgettable lesson: the leader is the culture. In moments of uncertainty, people look to the leader to determine how they should respond. Culture isn't simply something an organization talks about; leaders shape it through their actions, expectations, decisions, and example. RC carried that philosophy into Tactical Air Support, where he focused on three things people need to thrive: connection, purpose, and growth. His experience reinforced something many organizations overlook: people don't simply leave jobs—they often leave bosses. Developing leaders, therefore, isn't optional. It's fundamental to creating a high-trust, high-performing culture. RC also shares the unlikely story behind starting TAC Air—and the fortune cookie that arrived just when he was ready to quit: “The temptation to quit is strongest just before success.” The following week, the company landed its first contract. Perhaps one of the biggest themes of the conversation is RC's approach to adversity. He doesn't categorize information as good news or bad news. It's simply news. The question is what you do with it. That mindset was tested personally when RC—despite being extremely fit and competing in CrossFit—learned he had four major coronary blockages and needed quadruple bypass surgery. The experience reinforced his belief that while we can't control everything that happens to us, we can control the mindset and actions we bring to what happens next. And RC leaves us with a challenge: Comfort and routine can become some of the biggest impediments to success and a good life. Push yourself. Stretch yourself. Get uncomfortable. Because ultimately, being undaunted isn't about knowing everything will work out. It's about doing everything you can today—and then detaching yourself from the outcome. In This Episode How RC became an Army helicopter pilot at just 19What Top Gun is really like compared with the moviesWhy preparation and repetition create excellenceThe difference between courage and recklessnessWhy great leaders give people guardrails instead of lanesThe moment RC realized, “You are the culture”Why high-performing organizations need connection, purpose, and growthWhy organizations should focus on getting the best out of people—not simply hiring “the best”How strong teams can outperform more talented individualsThe unlikely MBA assignment that became Tactical Air SupportThe fortune cookie that convinced RC not to quitHow to see opportunity inside adversityWhy RC refuses to label information “good news” or “bad news”How quadruple bypass surgery challenged his ideas about controlThe difference between a victim mindset and a hero mindsetRC’s emotional story of carrying a flag recovered from the World Trade Center into combat over AfghanistanWhy living in the present is central to becoming undauntedHow comfort and routine can quietly hold us backKey Takeaways Live in the minute.Don't let yesterday's mistakes or tomorrow's uncertainty steal your ability to execute today. Create guardrails, not lanes.Give people room to think, act, and take ownership while making the boundaries clear. The leader is the culture.Especially during difficult moments, people watch the leader to understand how they should respond. Don't just hire the best—get the best out of who you hire.Great leadership develops people rather than simply collecting talent. Adversity contains opportunity.When circumstances change, change the way you look at them. Mindset drives the fight.We can't control everything that happens, but we can choose the mindset we bring to it. Detach from the result.Do everything you can with the moment in front of you, then let go of the outcome. Get uncomfortable.Growth rarely happens when we stay inside the comfort and routine of what we already know. Memorable Quotes “I don't give them lanes in the road. I give them guardrails.” “You are the culture.” “We don't want to hire the best. We want to get the best out of who we hire.” “If you don't like the way things look, change the way you look at things.” “We're not allowed to say good or bad news in this company. It's news.” “Life isn't about discovery...it's about creation.” “You've got to detach yourself from the result.” “Comfort and routine are the biggest impediment to success in a good life.” The Undaunted Takeaway RC's career has taken him from Army helicopters to Navy fighter jets, Top Gun, combat operations, entrepreneurship, business leadership, and a life-threatening health crisis. Through all of it, one philosophy has remained remarkably consistent: Prepare relentlessly. Lead with trust. Stay in the present. Control what you can. Let go of what you can't. And keep moving forward—undaunted. Rolland "RC" Thompson Tactical Air Support  High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ Follow the show: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Aug 20

    Earned Resilient Confidence

    What does real confidence actually look like — and where does it come from? In this host-only conversation, George and Tara dig into a concept George has been developing: “earned resilient confidence.” Not arrogance, not bravado, and not the belief that everything will go according to plan — but a confidence built through preparation, tested by setbacks, and able to bounce back when things don’t go your way. They talk about the “confidence bar,” why humility is the keyhole that unlocks healthy confidence, how fear distorts our stories about an uncertain future, why great training is really about building confidence (not just competence), and how to rebuild confidence after a real setback — plus a two-question challenge to close it out. What We Cover (00:16) Why George wanted to talk about confidence — not arrogance, not bravado, not certainty of outcome (00:40) From a blog about humility to a human-performance interview that sparked this topic (link below) (01:10) Introducing the concept: “earned resilient confidence” (02:10) Tara’s take: confidence from preparation and repetition, resilience from knowing “I’ll be okay” and adapt when things don’t go as planned (03:11) The key reframe: “I’m confident I’ll adapt,” not “I’m confident I’ll succeed” (03:40) Confidence as a personality trait vs. confidence in your actual ability to do something (04:09) Confidence isn’t binary — it’s analog, and you “gradually crank up the dial” (04:46) The leader’s job: finding the right level of challenge (too easy = no growth, too hard = damaged confidence) (05:20) Tara on progressive overload in athletic training as a model for building confidence step by step (05:27) George’s “confidence bar” concept — setting the bar just beyond demonstrated capability (06:51) Tara’s examples: qualifying through the tennis ranking system to reach Grand Slams, and qualifying for the Boston Marathon (08:00) “The will to prepare to win” — and how humility keeps confidence from going off the rails (08:30) George’s line: “Confidence is unlocked through the keyhole of humility” (09:32) Tara’s nutrition-world example: when elite athletes with youth and genetics on their side start skipping the fundamentals (10:26) Where confidence really gets tested: uncertainty, catastrophizing, and where “choking” comes from (11:20) Tara’s story about a junior tennis player convinced he was injured before a Grand Slam match — and his coach’s blunt, effective response (12:36) Red-teaming plans in military aviation: converting fear-based uncertainty into manageable uncertainty (14:01) The naval aviation saying: “Train like you’ll fight, then fight like you trained” (14:15) “Borrowing confidence” from a leader, coach, or teammate you trust (15:13) Tara’s Ted Lasso “Believe” reference, and why you should fuel/train exactly as you plan to compete (16:26) George on holding young wingmen to the same standard in training and in real missions (17:16) Why training that goes perfectly every time can actually build fragile confidence (18:45) The story we tell ourselves — and each other, as a team — after a setback (19:50) Tara on parenting and letting people fall (safely) so they can learn (20:19) Learner vs. judger: “I failed, why?” vs. “I failed, therefore I’m a failure” (21:15) How a “judger” mindset can lead to covering up mistakes instead of learning from them (22:15) Rebuilding confidence after a real hit — the military-to-civilian transition, and losing streaks (22:36) Why the instinct to prove yourself in one big swing is usually the wrong move (22:36) Temporarily lowering the confidence bar (not the standard) to rack up small, real wins (23:03) Tara’s Michael Jordan story — cut from his high school team, went on to become the GOAT (24:30) Closing takeaways from both hosts (25:58) George’s challenge to listeners — two questions to ask yourself Notable Quotes “I’m confident I’ll adapt.” — George Dom, reframing what confidence really means “Confidence is unlocked through the keyhole of humility… Confidence allows us to act, humility allows us to see.” — George Dom “So is the other guy. Get out there and do it.” — the coach’s response to a nervous junior tennis player, as told by Tara Collingwood “Train like you’ll fight, then fight like you trained.” — naval aviation saying, shared by George Dom “Lower the bar, but you’re not lowering the standard.” — George Dom, on rebuilding confidence after a setback The Challenge George closes the episode with two questions for listeners: Where do you need more confidence — in one area of your life, or on a team you lead? What is the right work you need to do now to earn the confidence and resilience to be undaunted? “Being undaunted doesn’t mean believing nothing will go wrong. It means doing the work, facing reality with humility, and trusting yourself and the people around you to respond when it does.” — George Dom Links & Resources The human-performance interview George referenced:     Follow Be Undaunted If this episode resonated, please like, subscribe, comment, and share it with someone building their own confidence right now. New episodes of Be Undaunted drop regularly wherever you listen to podcasts. High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ Follow the show: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Aug 6

    Grand Slam Champion Dana Mathewson's Story

    Guest: Dana Mathewson, three-time Paralympian and Grand Slam wheelchair tennis champion  Hosts: George Dom & Tara Collingwood Episode Summary At age 10, a rare autoimmune disease left Dana Mathewson paralyzed from the waist down in the span of a single soccer practice. In this episode, Dana joins Tara and George to share how wheelchair tennis gave her a new identity, how she went from unranked to a top-10 world ranking with no coach and no budget, and how she became the first American woman to win a Grand Slam wheelchair tennis title. She also opens up about the mental side of disability, the wild logistics of traveling the world with a custom-built wheelchair, and what she’s building now in her “portfolio career” as a broadcaster, coach, and Miami Open tournament director. About Dana Mathewson Dana Mathewson is one of the most accomplished wheelchair tennis players in U.S. history. A three-time Paralympian (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024), she made history in 2022 as the first American woman to win a Grand Slam wheelchair tennis title, taking the Wimbledon doubles championship. She reached a career-high world ranking of No. 7 in singles and No. 4 in doubles, and won double gold at the 2023 Parapan American Games. Off the court, Dana holds a clinical doctorate in audiology from University College London. Since retiring from professional competition in 2024, she has stayed close to the sport as the tournament director for wheelchair tennis at the Miami Open, a broadcaster, a coach with USTA wheelchair athletes, and a sought-after speaker (Team USA; Dana’s official site). What We Cover (00:42) Introducing Dana Mathewson — her Paralympic and Grand Slam résumé (02:12) The day everything changed: developing transverse myelitis at age 10, during soccer practice (07:19) How Dana’s mom pushed her into adaptive sports camps — and why she resisted at first (11:01) What wheelchair tennis actually looks like — “a mixture of tennis and dancing” (13:43) Wheelchair pickleball and para-paddle: is it catching on? (14:26) Life on tour: traveling the world with a custom, bespoke racing wheelchair — and the terror of checking it in (16:44) A surprising travel insight: the U.S. leads on physical accessibility but lags on attitudes, compared to other countries (20:21) Falling out of love with tennis, walking away for three years, and the comeback that led to Rio 2016 (24:21) Making it work without a coach or sponsorship — becoming a “sponge” on tour (28:30) Life after retirement: Miami Open tournament director, broadcasting, coaching, and speaking (33:48) Why audiology? Dana’s path to a clinical doctorate and why she chose it over speech pathology (37:37) What Dana wants people to see instead of the wheelchair (41:41) Dana’s definition of being “Undaunted” Notable Quotes “The narrative switched from what my body can’t do anymore to look what I’m doing with my body again.” — Dana Mathewson, on rediscovering tennis “I think our country is the best in terms of physical access, but we are the worst as it relates to mental awareness, acceptance, [and] attitudes towards… disability.” — Dana Mathewson “You can still get from A to B. You just might have to make a couple stops in between, or you might have to take a longer road than you initially thought.” — Dana Mathewson, on being undaunted Links & Resources Dana Mathewson’s official website: dmathewson.com Dana on Instagram & X: linktr.ee/danamathewson Dana’s Team USA athlete profile: teamusa.com Dana’s Paralympic profile: paralympic.org Watch wheelchair tennis: search YouTube for match highlights and see the sport for yourself   Follow Be Undaunted If this episode moved you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a reminder that adversity doesn’t get the final word. New episodes of Be Undaunted drop regularly wherever you listen to podcasts. High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ Follow the show: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Jul 16

    Reinventing Yourself When Your Identity Changes

    Reinventing Yourself When Your Identity Changes Who are you when the title is gone? Whether you're retiring, changing careers, becoming an empty nester, recovering from an injury, grieving the loss of a loved one, or entering a completely new season of life, identity transitions are something every one of us will face. In this episode, George and Tara explore the emotional challenge of reinventing yourself when a role that once defined you comes to an end. They discuss why identity and purpose are not the same thing, how to move through the uncertainty of transition, and why your greatest strengths don't disappear simply because your circumstances change. This conversation offers practical guidance for anyone navigating change and reminds us that while our roles evolve throughout life, our core values, purpose, and ability to make an impact remain. In This Episode Why identity is often tied too closely to our careers and roles The grief that accompanies life transitions Why transition—not change—is what makes us uncomfortable How to separate your purpose from your profession The danger of becoming "the curator of your own past" Building confidence during a new chapter Questions that help uncover who you really are Practical strategies for creating your next chapter with intention Your identity is bigger than your title. Too often we introduce ourselves by what we do instead of who we are. Careers, roles, and accomplishments may change, but your character, values, and purpose can remain constant. Reinvention isn't starting over. Every chapter builds upon the previous one. The skills, resilience, wisdom, and experiences you've accumulated become the foundation for what's next—not something you leave behind. It's okay to grieve a changing identity. Whether it's retirement, becoming an empty nester, leaving military service, ending an athletic career, or losing a loved one, transitions often involve grief. Acknowledging that loss is an important part of moving forward. Purpose survives every transition. Roles change. Purpose evolves. The mission underneath often stays the same. George shares how his purpose of helping individuals and organizations perform at their best remained constant, even as his military career transitioned into leadership consulting. Stay curious. Your best days don't have to be behind you. Some of life's most meaningful work begins after a major transition when you're willing to remain open to new possibilities. Stop comparing yourself to previous versions of you. Instead of trying to recreate your past, focus on becoming the next version of yourself. Growth requires looking forward—not living in yesterday's success. Memorable Quotes "People don't hate change. They hate transition." "Don't chase who you used to be. Discover who you can become." "You're more than your title." "Purpose remains remarkably consistent—even when the platform changes." "Am I building new stories, or simply replaying the old ones?" "The goal isn't to hold on so tightly to the past that you miss what's happening in the present." Practical Strategies for Reinvention 1. Separate your values from your role. Ask yourself: What did I love about that role? What values was I living out? How can I express those same values in a new way? 2. Stay curious. Try something new. Learn a new skill. Volunteer. Start the business you've been thinking about. Write the book. Reinvention begins with curiosity. 3. Stop comparing chapters. Every season serves a purpose. Rather than wishing for the "good old days," ask: "What is this season preparing me for?" 4. Build confidence again. Confidence isn't lost forever. It's simply rebuilt in a new arena. Accept that feeling like a beginner is part of growth. Reflection Questions Take a few quiet moments this week to journal on these questions: Who am I if I remove my title, career, awards, and accomplishments? Who am I becoming? What values have remained constant throughout every chapter of my life? What new story am I ready to begin? Am I honoring my past—or living in it? Action Challenge Set a timer for 30 minutes. At the top of a blank page write: Who am I? Without mentioning your profession, title, achievements, or family roles, simply write. Don't edit yourself. Don't overthink. Just write. You may discover parts of yourself that have been there all along. Featured Story Tara shares her own experience of launching Truffles by Tara, turning a lifelong love of creating handcrafted chocolates into a joyful small business. It's a wonderful reminder that reinvention doesn't always require a dramatic life change—it can begin by leaning into something that simply brings you joy. Connect with Be Undaunted If today's conversation encouraged you: Follow Be Undaunted Leave a rating and review Share this episode with someone navigating a major life transition Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen Final Thought Life is made up of chapters. Some close by choice, others by circumstance. But every ending creates space for a new beginning. Your title may change. Your role may change. Your season may change. But your purpose, your values, and your ability to positively impact others can continue to grow. Be willing to reinvent yourself—not by becoming someone different, but by becoming more fully who you were created to be. High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ Follow the show: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Jul 2

    Return with Honor: POW Charlie Plumb on Resilience, Leadership, and Choosing Hope

    Return with Honor: POW Charlie Plumb on Resilience, Leadership, and Choosing Hope (00:00) Intro (01:11) Meet Captain Charlie Plum: A Hero's Journey (03:00) Defining Undaunted: Qualities of Resilience (06:00) The Day Everything Changed: Captured in Vietnam (09:58) Facing Reality: The Long Road Ahead (12:57) Keeping Hope Alive: The Power of Positive Thinking (15:01) Finding Purpose: The Importance of a 'Why' (17:52) Daily Life as a POW: Routine and Resilience (25:00) Community and Connection: The Strength of Brotherhood (30:08) Enduring Torture: The Psychological Battle (31:13) The Weight of Guilt and Surrender (35:07) Reintegration and the Challenge of Bitterness (39:31) The Power of Mindset and Community (42:09) Leadership in Adversity (48:10) Lessons from Captivity and Resilience   What happens when everything you've planned for your life changes in an instant? Captain Charlie Plumb was only five days away from returning home when his fighter jet was shot down over North Vietnam. Captured immediately, he spent the next 2,103 days as a prisoner of war, enduring torture, isolation, uncertainty, and unimaginable hardship. Yet Charlie's story isn't ultimately about captivity. It's about choice. In this deeply moving conversation, Charlie shares how a clear purpose, unwavering leadership, community, faith, and the decision to "return with honor" helped hundreds of American POWs survive one of history's most difficult circumstances. Rather than allowing adversity to define him, Charlie chose to grow through it—a lesson that continues to inspire audiences around the world. Whether you're leading a team, navigating personal loss, facing uncertainty, or simply trying to become more resilient, this conversation offers timeless wisdom on how to remain undaunted when life doesn't go according to plan. In This Episode Charlie's 75th combat mission—and the moment everything changed What it was really like spending nearly six years as a POW Why purpose matters more than circumstances The leadership lessons Admiral Jim Stockdale taught that saved lives How community became the prisoners' greatest survival tool The surprising daily routines that created resilience Why confession—not perfection—built trust How Charlie chose forgiveness instead of bitterness after returning home Why mindset determines whether adversity becomes your greatest teacher Key Takeaways Your circumstances do not determine your future—your response does. Charlie reminds us that while we don't get to choose every challenge, we always have a choice in how we respond. Purpose creates endurance. Drawing on Viktor Frankl's philosophy, Charlie explains that having a compelling "why" allows people to survive almost any "how." Great leaders provide clarity during uncertainty. Admiral Jim Stockdale united the POWs around one simple mission: Return with Honor. That purpose guided every decision they made. Community saves lives. Isolation weakens people. Connection strengthens them. The POWs intentionally built relationships, communicated constantly, taught one another, celebrated birthdays, exercised together, and reminded each other they were never alone. Routine builds resilience. Even under horrific conditions, maintaining daily structure helped preserve dignity, hope, and mental strength. Vulnerability creates stronger teams. One of the most powerful leadership lessons Charlie shares is how prisoners were instructed to immediately confess what happened during torture sessions—not for punishment, but because honesty built trust and eliminated shame. Refusing bitterness is a choice. After learning his wife had divorced him while he was imprisoned, Charlie admits he had a brief pity party—but then chose to move forward rather than live as a victim. His words:  "I had the right to be bitter. I chose not to be." Memorable Quotes "Stay the course regardless of what's happening to you." "Return with honor." "We all need a why." "Confession is good for the soul." "It's not what's happening around you that's important. It's how you respond." "If you blame someone else, you give them control of your life." "Life is full of challenges. You still have choices." Leadership Lessons Charlie shares several leadership principles that transcend the military: Create a clear mission people can rally behind. Repeat the mission often until it becomes part of the culture. Live the mission yourself. Take care of your people. Build trust through transparency. Never allow fear or shame to isolate team members. Leaders create meaning during uncertainty. Practical Takeaways Ask yourself: What is my "return with honor"? What purpose is guiding my decisions? Where am I allowing circumstances to dictate my mindset? Am I building community—or trying to carry everything alone? What challenge can I choose to respond differently to this week? About Our Guest Captain Charlie Plumb is a retired United States Navy fighter pilot, Vietnam POW, author, and internationally recognized speaker. After flying 74 successful combat missions, Charlie was shot down during his 75th mission and spent 2,103 days as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. Since returning home in 1973, Charlie has dedicated his life to helping others develop resilience, leadership, gratitude, hope, and purpose through one of the most extraordinary stories of perseverance in American history. Resources Mentioned I'm No Hero: A POW Story — Charlie Plumb Man's Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl Admiral James Stockdale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFR4LQY6MOM Epictetus Charlie Plumb's website:  https://www.charlieplumb.com High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ Follow the show: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Return with Honor: POW Charlie Plumb on Resilience, Leadership, and Choosing Hope

  6. Jun 18

    Finding Your Sisu: The Quiet Strength That Carries You Through

    Finding Your Sisu: The Quiet Strength That Carries You Through What do you do when life knocks you down and you feel like you have nothing left to give? In this episode of Be Undaunted, Tara Collingwood and George Dom explore the powerful Finnish concept of Sisu—a unique form of resilience that combines courage, perseverance, grit, and self-compassion. Unlike the "push harder" mentality that often dominates our culture, Sisu is about accessing a deeper reserve of strength while remaining gentle with yourself along the journey.  In This Episode, We Discuss: What Sisu is and why there is no perfect English translation for it The difference between ordinary perseverance and finding strength beyond what you thought you had How Sisu shows up during life's "dark forest" moments Why resilience isn't always loud, dramatic, or heroic The role of self-compassion in navigating adversity How our culture often glorifies burnout, hustle, and exhaustion When to push through challenges and when to pause, pivot, or ask for help Why purpose and meaning help sustain us during difficult times The importance of training resilience through everyday discomfort How physical wellness, recovery, and sleep support mental toughness The power of connection and community during challenging seasons Why resilience is often built through small, quiet acts repeated over time  Personal Stories Shared Tara shares her deeply personal experience recovering from anorexia as a college freshman and the pivotal moment that helped her choose healing and reclaim her future.  George reflects on his early struggles in flight training, when self-doubt nearly led him to quit pursuing his dream of becoming a naval aviator. He discusses how purpose, support from others, and persistence helped him move forward.  Practical Ways to Build Your Sisu Clarify your purpose and "why" Seek healthy discomfort and embrace challenges Try new things that stretch your capabilities Practice difficult conversations Focus on progress rather than perfection Build resilience through repetition Prioritize sleep, movement, nutrition, and recovery Cultivate self-compassion Lean into meaningful connections and community Take the next step, even when it's small  Memorable Quotes "Sisu is what happens when you think you've got nothing left and somehow, some way, you still keep going."  "The strongest thing you can do is sometimes step back and get some rest."  "You are stronger than you think you are."  "We're stronger than we think, but sometimes we need to be softer than we realize."  "Sisu is an action-oriented mindset. When things get hard, focus on the very next step."  Key Takeaway Sisu isn't about grinding yourself into exhaustion or proving your toughness. It's about finding the wisdom to keep moving forward, one step at a time, while honoring your humanity. True resilience combines strength and compassion, determination and grace.  Resources Mentioned Dr. Elisa (Elizabeth) Latie and her work on the concept of Sisu Carol Dweck's book Mindset Toastmasters International Mindfulness and meditation tools including Calm and Insight Timer  Connect with Be Undaunted If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, review, and share it with someone who may need a reminder of their own inner strength. Remember: In life's greatest challenges and opportunities, keep taking the next step—and be undaunted.   High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ Follow the show: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Jun 4

    Flight Lessons in Leadership, Grit, and Resilience with Captain Barbara Bell

    Flight Lessons in Leadership, Grit, and Resilience with Captain Barbara Bell In this inspiring episode of Be Undaunted, Tara Collingwood and George Dom sit down with Captain Barbara Bell, retired U.S. Navy Captain, educator, leadership expert, and author of Flight Lessons. Barbara shares her extraordinary journey from one of the first women admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy to becoming a Naval Flight Officer, test pilot school instructor, and senior leader responsible for hundreds of personnel and millions of dollars in resources. Along the way, she learned invaluable lessons about resilience, leadership, grit, and navigating life's turbulence.  In This Episode, We Discuss: Why clarity of purpose often develops one step at a time rather than through a perfectly mapped-out plan The power of answering a calling and remaining open to new directions throughout life What it was like being part of the fourth class of women at the U.S. Naval Academy and helping change military culture How adversity and struggle build grit, resilience, and persistence Why young people don't need to have everything figured out before taking action The importance of competence and connection in building trust as a leader Strategies for sustaining physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy in demanding environments Why balance is dynamic rather than static Leadership lessons from aviation, including how to navigate turbulence and uncertainty The responsibility and opportunity of serving as a role model How setbacks and disappointments can become unexpected gifts and open new doors Why it's critical not to "clip your own wings" by deciding in advance what you cannot achieve Barbara's advice for anyone who feels different or doesn't fit in: "If you don't fit in, choose to stand out." Memorable Quotes "We don't have to have it all figured out, but we've got to move forward."  "Grit is only built through struggle."  "Balance is not staying in the middle. Balance is dynamic."  "Know your stuff, become excellent at what you do, and let the results speak for themselves."  "When you don't fit in, choose to stand out."  About Barbara Bell Captain Barbara Bell is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, educator, speaker, and leadership expert. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in Systems Engineering, earned her Wings of Gold as a Naval Flight Officer, became the first female instructor at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, and served in numerous leadership roles throughout her 28-year Navy career. Today, she teaches leadership and ethics at the Naval Academy and is the author of Flight Lessons: Navigating Through Life's Turbulence and Learning to Fly High.  Connect with Barbara Bell Website: https://captainbarbarabell.com/ Book: Flight Lessons: Navigating Through Life's Turbulence and Learning to Fly High Connect with Be Undaunted Subscribe and follow Be Undaunted on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with someone who could benefit from Barbara's powerful message of resilience, leadership, and courage.   High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ Follow the show: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. May 21

    Burnout: What Happens When Everyone Counts on You

    Burnout: What Happens When Everyone Counts on You Episode Theme: Recognizing burnout, protecting your energy, and building sustainable high performance. In this episode of Be Undaunted, Tara Collingwood and George Dom tackle a topic that affects nearly every high performer at some point: burnout. Burnout is more than simply feeling tired. It’s the gradual erosion of energy, focus, resilience, and purpose that can leave even the most capable people feeling emotionally exhausted and disconnected. Drawing from experiences in military leadership, executive coaching, and health performance, Tara and George unpack: Why high performers are especially vulnerable to burnout The warning signs most people ignore What actually helps recovery How leaders unintentionally create burnout cultures Practical strategies to protect energy and sustain performance If you are the person everyone relies on, this episode is for you. George’s Pentagon Burnout Story George shares a vivid story from his final Navy assignment working in the Pentagon during strategic planning for Operation Iraqi Freedom. His days routinely looked like this: Arriving by 6:00 AM Back-to-back meetings all day Evening updates for admirals and generals Working until midnight or later Repeating the cycle six days a week Despite taking pride in being “the last initials on the sign-out sheet,” George realized that by Thursday and Friday, he was operating on fumes. Key Insight: “You’d still get the work done — but they weren’t getting your best work anymore.” The story highlights an important truth: Burnout often develops while people are still functioning and performing. Why High Performers Are at Higher Risk Tara and George explain why ambitious, responsible, high-achieving people are especially vulnerable to burnout. Common Drivers Include: Identity Becomes Tied to Performance High performers often equate productivity with self-worth. Fear of Letting Others Down Many people worry that slowing down will make them appear less committed. Rewarded for Overperforming Reliable people often receive more responsibility because leaders trust them. Addiction to Adrenaline High achievers can become dependent on the stimulation of pressure, urgency, and constant motion. Delayed Recovery People often tell themselves: “I’ll rest after this project.” “I’ll take vacation next month.” “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” But recovery keeps getting postponed. Burnout Warning Signs Burnout rarely appears overnight. Instead, it builds gradually through chronic stress and insufficient recovery. Physical Signs Poor sleep Waking during the night Brain fog Forgetfulness Digestive issues Appetite changes Increased cravings for sugar and caffeine Constant fatigue Emotional & Behavioral Signs Irritability Short temper Loss of humor Feeling emotionally flat Going through the motions Reduced motivation Increased cynicism or apathy Performance Signs Declining focus Taking shortcuts Lower creativity Reduced resilience “Checking boxes” instead of bringing full engagement Burnout Isn’t a Lack of Effort One of the biggest takeaways from the episode: Burnout is not caused by laziness. It’s caused by prolonged output without adequate recovery. George’s Key Insight: “Burnout isn’t a lack of effort — it’s a lack of recovery.” Initially, stress can sharpen focus and improve performance. But chronic stress eventually drains physical, emotional, and cognitive capacity. What Doesn’t Work Tara and George discuss several common but ineffective strategies people use when approaching burnout. These Usually Make Things Worse: More caffeine Less sleep Skipping meals Working longer hours Ignoring warning signs “Pushing through” indefinitely Treating exhaustion as a badge of honor Important Reminder: Burnout is not solved by “trying harder.” What Actually Helps Recovery 1. Tactical Recovery Throughout the Day Research shows that short recovery breaks every 60–90 minutes significantly improve performance and reduce stress. Examples: Going for a short walk Getting sunlight Stretching or doing squats Drinking water Talking with a coworker Stepping away from screens Practicing deep breathing Tara’s Insight: Recovery is not just vacations. It’s small resets throughout the day. 2. Strategic Recovery Tactical recovery helps during the day. Strategic recovery means intentionally taking extended time to rest and recharge. This includes: Vacations Weekends without work Protected downtime Recovery after travel Sleep restoration George emphasizes that people often do their best work before vacations because their brain knows recovery is coming. 3. Setting Boundaries George shares how difficult boundary-setting was during his military career — and how important it became later. Memorable Quote: “If you don’t protect your time, somebody else will spend it.” Healthy boundaries may include: Leaving work at a consistent time Limiting after-hours emails Protecting sleep Scheduling recovery after travel Saying no to unnecessary commitments The Power of Habits & Routines The hosts discuss how sustainable habits reduce reliance on willpower. George’s Insight: “You don’t rise to the occasion — you fall to your habits.” Helpful habits can include: Daily movement Transition rituals between work and home Consistent sleep schedules Hydration   High Trust Leadership by George Dom https://www.georgedom.com/book More about George Dom: https://www.georgedom.com/ More about Tara Collingwood: https://www.dietdiva.net/ Follow the show: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube Be Undaunted is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: www.jagpodcastproductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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About

Welcome to Be Undaunted - the podcast that helps you lead strong, elevate your impact, and live with more energy, especially in a world that has definitely not hit the pause button. George Dom is a former Navy figher pilot, Blue Angels flight leader, and corporate executive. Tara Collingwood has been a performance dietitian to Olympians, CEOs, and everyday people who are under pressure. We specialize in high-performance leadership and people who want to lead their lives more intentionally. Instead of trying to get by, we want to help you build the types of energy systems that make life feel doable and exciting again. In the Be Undaunted podcast, you'll hear stories from the cockpit to the sidelines to the boardroom, and people living every day life at full speed. We'll talk about resilience, clarity, mistakes, and lessons that make us both better leaders - and better humans. We aren't just talking about physical energy, but mental and emotional energy too. In each episode, we'll give you something that you can put into action right away - a mindset shift, skill, strategy, or simply a better way to think about the day ahead. If you're ready to grow, strengthen your leadership, and reclaim your energy; if you're ready to feel more intentional, and more capable, you're in the right place. Welcome to Be Undaunted.

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