What does it take to thrive in one of the most high-pressure careers in the world—and then reinvent yourself on the other side of it?
In this episode of the Career Slay Podcast, host Kelly Poquiz Burke sits down with Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie, retired U.S. Air Force officer turned Founder & CEO of GauxMax Strategies, a brand strategy and PR consulting firm. From flying the F-15E Strike Eagle to commanding hundreds of airmen to launching her own business, Lilo’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and growth through discomfort.
Lilo shares her candid story of navigating burnout, identity, and career transition after 20 years of service. She opens up about what it’s like to lead in a male-dominated field, why teamwork is the ultimate “team sport,” and how she’s redefining success on her own terms.
If you’ve ever faced burnout, questioned your path, or wondered how to embrace the unknown with courage, this conversation will inspire you to lead with both grit and grace.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:52 Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie: A Journey of Resilience
05:18 From Criminology to Aviation: A Career Shift
10:15 Life as a Wizzo: Training and Responsibilities
12:02 Leadership Lessons from the Military
14:53 Navigating Bias in a Male-Dominated Field
19:03 The Importance of Purpose in Career
23:28 Transitioning to Civilian Life and New Ventures
27:10 Redefining Success: A New Perspective
29:54 Advice for Aspiring Aviators
32:23 Embracing the Unknown: Growth Through Discomfort
34:35 Summing Up a Career: Gratitude and Reflection
Guest Resources:
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