From Plan B to Air Force Secretary: Deborah Lee James on Resilience, Mentorship, and Leadership (Part One)

Gary sits down with Deborah Lee James, the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force. Deborah shares her inspiring journey from a small town in New Jersey to leading a force of 660,000 personnel with a $139 billion budget. She discusses the power of mentorship, the importance of pivoting when faced with setbacks, and her framework for success in both personal and professional life. Deborah offers valuable insights on navigating transitions between public service and the private sector, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and the necessity of continual learning. This conversation is filled with practical advice for anyone looking to chart their path to success, regardless of their starting point.