Dr. Heather Wilson ’82, former secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. (Ret.) David Goldfein ’83, former chief of staff of the Air Force, highlight the human side of leadership — honoring family, listening actively and using humility and humor to build strong teams. Their new book, Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership, challenges leaders to serve first and lead with character.

1. Leadership Is a Gift and a Burden – Leaders are entrusted with the well-being and development of others, but that privilege entails tough, sometimes lonely, responsibilities.
2. Servant Leadership – True leadership is about enabling and supporting those you lead, not seeking personal advancement or recognition.
3. Influence and Teamwork – Lasting change comes from pairing authority with influence and working collaboratively; no leader succeeds alone.
4. Embrace Failure and Own Mistakes – Effective leaders accept institutional and personal failures and use them as learning and teaching moments.
5. Family Matters – Great leaders recognize the significance of family (their own and their team’s) and demonstrate respect and flexibility for personal commitments.
6. Be Data-Driven and Strategic – Borrow frameworks that suit the mission, be clear about goals, and regularly follow up to ensure progress.
7. Listening Is Active – Truly listening, then responding openly and honestly—even when you can’t “fix” everything—builds trust and respect.
8. Humility and Curiosity – Never stop learning or questioning; continual self-improvement is a hallmark of strong leaders.
9. Celebrate and Share Credit – Spread praise to those working behind the scenes; leadership is not about personal glory, but lifting others.
10. Resilience and Leading by Example – “Getting back up” after setbacks inspires teams; how a leader recovers can motivate others to do the same.

0:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
0:00:21 - Guest Backgrounds and Family Legacies
0:02:57 - Inspiration for Writing the Book
0:05:00 - Defining Servant Leadership
0:07:46 - Role Models and Personal Examples