Gen. Pringle '91 shares her journey from the Air Force Academy to commanding the Air Force Research Laboratory. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and being the best wingman. Gen. Pringle discusses her experiences as a cadet, including unique firsts. She highlights the challenges she faced in her career and the lessons she learned. Gen. Pringle also provides advice for other leaders, emphasizing the value of honesty and feedback. She encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.

"The mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert it the success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders."

"Everyone has a story. And so if someone's a supervisor out there, I would say job number one is to listen and know your team, listen to their stories."

"I would just say, don't think about me, you know, just go for it. And if you need help, call me. So that's it, that I just said, go for it. There's nothing should be stopping you."

• The importance of teamwork and being a good wingman in achieving mission success. No one person carries the burden alone.

• As a leader, it's important to listen to your team's stories to better understand and support them. Everyone comes from a unique background.
• Facing challenges and setbacks are an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't get discouraged by failures or non-selections - keep pursuing new opportunities
• It's important to be honest with yourself and others for personal and professional development. Be open to feedback to improve.
• Focus on serving others through your work and giving back to your community through service and leadership.
• Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams and passions. With perseverance, you are capable of more than you realize.
• The success or failure of a mission is not on one person's shoulders; it requires a whole team working together.
• Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Be true to yourself and embrace your unique story and background.
• Take care of your team and listen to their stories; everyone has a unique perspective and contribution to make.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback to improve as a leader.

00:00:  Introduction and Teamwork
01:06:  General Pringle's Journey
03:22:  Cadet Life and Experiences
04:22:  Unique Firsts and Exchanges
05:41:  Impressions of Today's Cadets
06:08:  Indoctrination Day and Early Memories
07:30:  Involvement in Clubs and Groups
08:19:  Challenges and Lessons Learned
09:39:  Transition to Air Force Research Laboratory
12:32:  Commanding Air Force Research Laboratory
14:46:  Transition to Civilian Sector and Nonprofit Work
19:05:  Advice for Supervisors and Taking Care of Your Team
20:30:  Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failure
23:49:  Lessons from Mentors and Leaders
24:46:  Being the Best Wingman and Team Player
25:12:  Commanding Air Force Research Laboratory
27:33:  Transition to Civilian Sector and Nonprofit Work
30:25:  Lessons Learned and Being True to Yourself
34:36:  Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91

Gen. Pringle retired as Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command, Dayton, Ohio, and Technology Executive Officer, supporting both the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. She led a $2.5 billion science, technology and innovation enterprise in accelerating the discovery and development of solutions for Airmen and Guardians. She was responsible for formulating a comprehensive technology portfolio that anticipates future warfighter needs, while promoting risk-taking and problem solving across her 6,000-member government workforce. She accelerated the delivery of cross-domain solutions through partnerships with industry, academia, and international allies, and executed an additional $2.3 billion in externally funded research and development. Through the laboratory's technology and functional directorates, AFWERX and the 711th Human Performance Wing, her team produced a deep technical and medical bench, pushed the boundaries of modern technology and improved the science for tomorrow.

Prior to her last assignment, Maj. Gen. Pringle served as the Director of Strategic Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.