What does it take to face fear at 10,000 feet—and in leadership?

Former fighter pilot Kim Campbell reveals how rejection fueled her resilience, how preparation saved her life during a near-fatal combat mission in Iraq, and why human connection is the cornerstone of great leadership.

Discover lessons in courage, toughness, and purpose that apply far beyond the cockpit. Read her book “Flying in the Face of Fear” to dive deeper.

Key Takeaways

1. Resilience is built through action – Confidence grows by taking on hard tasks and proving to yourself what’s possible, even when fear or rejection says otherwise.
2. Preparation and mindset save lives – In moments of extreme pressure, it’s training, visualization, and calm decision-making that carry you through.
3. Leadership means culture-shaping – Whether shielding your team from toxicity or modeling resilience, leaders influence environments in ways that ripple far beyond their own role.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Introduction

1:23 The Role and Purpose of a Fighter Pilot

3:47 Handling rejection and Building Resilience

8:15 The Importnce of Preparation and PLanning

13:56 Leadership and Managing Toxic Work Cultures

14:10 The Impact of Near-Death Experiences on Leadership

14:41 Defining Toughness and resilience

40:53 Advice for Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

41:14 The Role of Human Connection in Leadership

45:30 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Future

Connect with Col. Kim Campbell

Website: https://kim-kc-campbell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kchawg987

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