Leadership is a journey and such a driving force in life! It is both tangible and intangible, and where it really makes a difference is in crisis. It makes a difference between a good and a great family, a good and a great community, or a good and a great company, because it takes a great deal of self-discipline to be a leader, to be on time, and to choose the harder right over the easier wrong. The perfect place to learn these values is in the army, and oftentimes, the people that have served in the US Military, in high positions, have become excellent leadership examples to follow.  In today’s episode, Becky and I discuss the qualities and the values a highly successful leader must have, the reasons why everything starts with yourself, and the importance of knowing when to step up and admitting when it’s time to step down. We also dive deep into her experience in the Military and how it was for her, not only to be a woman in a men’s world, but also thrive in there and lead thousands of soldiers in combat. Becky Halstead is a retired Brigadier General who founded her own consultancy company - STEADFAST Leadership - after 27 years of service in the United States Army, and one year as the Executive Director for Leader Development with Praevius Group. She has been honored to be selected to attend West Point in 1977 - entering with the second class of women and being the first kid from her hometown to graduate from West Point. She's blessed to be the first female graduate of West Point to be promoted to General Officer and she served and commanded in combat, as the first female Commanding General at the strategic level of leadership in Iraq - leading 20,000 soldiers, 5,000 civilians from 2005 to 2006 - a first for our Army and our Nation. Becky has also written the leadership book, “The First Person You Must Lead Is You”, so listen to Episode 235 of Becoming Your Best, to learn some strategies she used in the military and how can those translate in the civilian world so that we can all become our best at leading teams.  Questions I ask: Could you, please, tell us about your background, including any turning points that have had a significant impact on you? (03:00) What was it like to be the first woman graduate who became a general? (10:59) How did you deal with the setbacks you encountered in your journey? (12:45) How did your book come to be? (17:20) What is the value of both practical and tactical leadership, in being able to get results? (21:26) In this episode, you will learn:  How Becky’s high school coach influenced her decision to go to West Point. (05:19) The importance of not quitting when it gets tough. (07:35) How the death of Becky’s coach has helped her later in life, during her military career. (09:11) What the acronym STEADFAST stands for and the reason Becky decided to make it her leadership model. (19:26) One of the most important qualities a leader should possess. (22:36) The difference between practical and tactical leadership. (23:45) Connect with Becky:  Website Facebook Page LinkedIn Twitter Book: Becky Halstead – The First Person You Must Lead Is You YouTube Channel Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.