Shows
Brilliant BalanceFinding Grit when you need it most with Shannon Huffman PolsonIn this episode, I sit down with Shannon Huffman Polson to talk about grit. Shannon is the founder of The Grit Institute and the author of The Grit Factor…a skill she honed by, among other things, being one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army! Shannon shares her incredible journey from a shy Alaskan kid to breaking barriers in some of the world’s toughest environments, including the military, leading line units on three continents, and corporate leadership. We get real about what it takes to find true grit when...2025-05-0646 min
Potent with Steven LawsonThe Power and Necessity of Personal Grit | Shannon Huffman PolsonHow can you make discomfort work for, rather than against you?On today's episode of Potent, Steven Lawson and Shannon Huffman Polson, founder of The Grit Institute, explore the transformational power of grit, and how you can build grit in your own life to live into a deeper potential through moving towards rather than away from discomfort, change, and difficulty. Uncover how discomfort, service, and challenging experiences pave the way for transformation and a more purposeful existence.About Today's GuestShannon Huffman Polson is the author of The Grit Factor: Courage,Resilience and L...2024-04-0959 min
Seeking SynergyHow Much Grit Do You Have?I recently heard Shannon Huffman Polson give a keynote at the Frances Hesselbein Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. I was intrigued by her background and her belief that "to serve is to thrive". She is an author, a keynote speaker and founder of the online Grit Institute where individuals can take virtual courses to get in touch with their true purpose. Shannon is passionate about the need for workers at all levels to do deep inner work. Leaders need to lead with heart and commitment. Her Grit Triad consists of commitment, learning and launching which helps leaders build...2024-03-2125 min
Going North PodcastEp. 776 – I Decide with Erin Lopez & Lisa Cox“We wanted to do something that created a personal impact for women and men, and that's where our book kind of bloomed out of.” – Lisa CoxToday’s featured bestselling bookcasting duo are both moms, wives, keynote speakers, coaches, direct sales experts, and entrepreneurs, Erin Lopez and Lisa Cox. Erin, Lisa, and I had a fun on a bun chat about their book, “I Decide: The Happy Little Guide To Living Your Best Life”, using setbacks as growth opportunities, the impact that faith plays on their lives, and more!! Key Things You’ll Learn:Th...2024-01-0543 min
Going North PodcastEp. 773 – Serve Your Bigger Why Through Single Seat Wisdom with Dominic "Slice" Teich (@DomTeich)“The things you need to stop doing are more impactful in your life than the things that you need to start doing.” – Dominic "Slice" Teich Today’s featured bestselling author is a father, husband, entrepreneur, Fighter Pilot, US Air Force veteran, and Civilian & Military Instructor Pilot, Dominic "Slice" Teich. Dom and I had a chat about his books, how faith plays a major role in his life, his journey from the military to entrepreneurship, and tons more!! Key Things You’ll Learn:The inspiration behind the single seat wisdom book seriesThe im...2024-01-0151 min
Be Equal PodcastU.S. Veterans － Leadership, Resilience and ServiceEvery year, on November 11th, Veterans Day is observed to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In this episode, Joy Dettorre engages in a conversation with IBMers and U.S. veterans, Catherine Harkins and Daniel Sturm. They share their perspectives on the 2023 theme for Veterans Day at IBM: Leadership, Resilience, and Service, as well as their experiences in the military and their transitions to the workplace.During this conversation, you'll also have the opportunity to hear from Shannon Huffman Polson, a trailblazing figure, U.S. veteran, author of 'The...2023-11-0831 min
HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoThe Grit Factor: How to Find Resiliency, Courage and PurposeIn this awe-inspiring episode, Hilary welcomes the extraordinary Shannon Huffman Polson, a beacon of strength, resilience, and unyielding determination. Shannon's life story reads like an epic novel, filled with triumphs over adversity. During this episode of HIListically Speaking, she shares the invaluable wisdom behind her grit and leadership. From her groundbreaking achievements as one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army to her remarkable journey through grief and loss, Shannon's experiences are a testament to the human spirit's capacity to rise above even the darkest moments. 2023-11-0839 min
NEGOTIATEx76 B: Embracing Setbacks And Chasing Purpose | With Shannon Polson In this episode of the NEGOTIATEx podcast, Shannon Huffman Polson, founder of The Grit Institute, delves into the essence of grit, resilience, and purpose. Drawing from her diverse experiences in the military, academia, and corporate world, Shannon introduces practical exercises to cultivate grit, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on life’s events to shape one’s future narrative. Discussing resilience, she underscores the significance of commitment, embracing failures, and fostering a growth mindset. Additionally, Shannon accentuates the role of adaptability, active listening, and understanding one’s purpose in negotiations and organizational success.2023-11-0828 min
NEGOTIATEx76 A: A Veteran’s Take On Leadership And Resilience | With Shannon Polson In this Veteran’s Day special edition of the NEGOTIATEx podcast, Shannon Huffman Polson, a former U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot and author of “The Grit Factor,” discusses her unexpected journey into the military through ROTC at Duke University. She highlights the invaluable ‘make-it-happen’ mindset she acquired during her military tenure and how it bolstered her pursuits in academia, the corporate world, and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, Shannon delves into her definition of ‘grit’ as “dogged determination in difficult circumstances” and shares personal stories emphasizing its significance. The podcast touches upon challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields and the importance of...2023-10-3130 min
The Jason Cavness ExperienceShannon (Shay) Huffman Polson - Founder, The Grit Institute, Leadership Speaker and AuthorShannon (Shay) Huffman Polson - Founder, The Grit Institute, Leadership Speaker and Author Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms. Sponsor CavnessHR delivers HR companies with 49 or fewer people with our HR platform and by providing you access to your own HRBP. www.CavnessHR.com CavnessHR Crowdfunding Campaign We are doing an equity crowdfunding campaign for CavnessHR. You can become an owner in CavnessHR by taking part in our ca...2023-10-082h 31
The Four Star Leadership Podcast: Core Principles of Leadership with General Tommy FranksFinding Your Grit with Shannon Huffman PolsonShannon Huffman Polson, one of the first female Apache Helicopter Pilots in the US Army, author, and founder of The Grit Institute shares how to find your grit through identifying your purpose, which is the core of your story.2023-09-291h 04
Going North PodcastEp. 735 – “Take Back Your Weekends” with Allison Graham (@AllisonDGraham)“Worrying is a down payment on a problem you may never have.” – Allison GrahamToday’s featured author is keynote speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer, Allison Graham. Allison and I had a fun chat about her books, the importance of addressing the emotional & mental aspects behind productivity, why being organized reduces stress is a misconception, and more!!! Key Things You’ll Learn:How misplaced emotions can complicate unrelated areas of our livesThe "ice cube" strategy to help you become more productiveWhat to expect from her upcoming bo...2023-09-241h 05
Going North PodcastEp. 704 – “Unleashing the Power of Authentic Stories” with Dr. Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt (@jeckleberryhunt)“Working on yourself is badass.” - Dr. Jodie Eckleberry-HuntToday’s featured bestselling author is a mom, Board Certified Health Psychologist, and Executive Coach, Dr. Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt. Dr. Jodie and I had a fun chat about her latest book, “Badass Stories: Grit, Growth, Hope, and Healing in the Shitshow”, the gift of giving people a chance to be heard without immediately dismissing their experiences, and more!! Key Things You’ll Learn:How Dr. Jodie became a psychologistThe unexpected challenges of therapyThe importance of sharing authentic stories2023-08-0435 min
Going North PodcastEp. 672 – “Becoming Mother Martha” with Martha Hoy (@annmarhoy)Putting yourself to the side at times can help put you in a better state of mind.Today’s featured author is nurse, speaker, and Founder of Mother Martha Family Foundation, Martha Hoy. Martha and I had a chat about her books, escaping from an abusive relationship, and more!! Key Things You’ll Learn:How Martha became "Mother Martha"Her writing process for her booksWhat to expect from her upcoming book Martha’s Site: https://mothermarthafamilyfoundation.org/Martha’s Books: https://ww...2023-05-1932 min
12 Geniuses PodcastBuilding Grit with Shannon Huffman PolsonBeing able to bounce back from adversity is a critical skill in being successful in business and in living a healthy, fulfilled life. In general, resilient people have better mental and physical health, are more productive, have a greater sense of purpose, and experience greater success. In this episode, Shannon Huffman Polson discusses the challenges she faced as a pioneer in military aviation. Shannon also shares what she has learned about developing resilience that anyone can apply in the face of disappointment, defeat, and adversity. Shannon was one of the first women to pilot an Apache attack...2023-03-0742 min
Deep LeadershipThe Grit Factor with Shannon Huffman PolsonToday, I’m joined by Shannon Huffman Polson. Shannon is a leadership speaker, author, and founder of the Grit Institute. She is a U.S. Army veteran who became one of the first women to fly Apache helicopters. She is the author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World. I’m excited to have her on the show to talk about how to harness grit to transform your own life and career.Show resources:The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in t...2023-02-0842 min
The Bed Head Chronicles176: Turn Towards Resistance with Shannon Huffman PolsonAt 19 years old Shannon became the youngest woman ever to climb Denali. She went on to serve as one of the army's first attack helicopter pilots. Shannon is a keynote speaker. Author. Founder of the Grit Institute.This was an incredible conversation. I loved every minute of it and I know you will too. We talk about grit. What it is and why it matters. We talk about what it takes to be a great leader and how to face your fears. Shannon takes us through the how of finding your purpose a...2023-01-1250 min
When Women Fly097 A Real Perspective on Moving, Belonging, and Expat Parenting with Shannon Polson of the Grit InstituteShannon Huffman Polson is continuously challenging herself to move out of her comfort zone, whether it’s by flying attack helicopters, climbing the tallest mountain in North America, or speaking in front of hundreds of people. This time, it’s by moving with her family from Washington state to a village nobody’s ever heard of in the mountains of France. And no, she does not speak French… yet, anyway.As one of the first women to fly Apache helicopters in the male-dominated U.S. Army, Shannon is a person who continuously chooses courage over comfort. Some of her a...2022-11-221h 23
Voices from the Sky: A Companion Podcast to Sky Island Journal"After the Bombs Fall" by Shannon Huffman Polson (Issue 22 Poetry Feature)This past Saturday we published Issue 22 of Sky island Journal, and the next three episodes are special features of brand new works from that issue! You will get a sampling of the world-class poetry, flash fiction, and creative nonfiction included in Issue 22, and hear from a few of the writers and poets themselves!First up, I am honored to introduce you to Shannon Huffman Polson. Shannon took time to speak with me recently about her poem, “After the Bombs Fall.” Here is a brief bio:Shannon Huffman Polson writes in all genres, wrestling to fi...2022-10-2620 min
The Art of Passive IncomeIs There a Secret to Success in the Land Business?Joining Mark for this session are:ErikPetersonTateLitchfieldScottTodd The team takes turns sharing the qualities, skills and experience needed to overcome the inevitable challenges associated with business ownership. Do you have what it takes? Find out now. TIP OF THE WEEKScott: Go look up the book The Keys to Success by BC Forbes. I read it in 2000. It’s an old book, but a good old book. WANT TO LISTEN MORE?Did you like this episode? If so, tune into another one of our ex...2022-05-3128 min
The Unforgiving60S4E9–Cleared Hot! Shannon Huffman Polson on flying Apache Gunships, bagging big peaks and being a badassShannon Polson was one of Americas first female gunship pilots. We talk flying and that incredible aircraft but also climbing, losing loved ones and grit and resilience.
After a childhood in Alaska, Shannon studied English literature and art history at Duke University then commissioned into the Army to fly Apache helicopters, serving on three continents and leading two flight platoons and a line company.
In the midst of school and flying came skydiving, scuba diving, big-mountain climbing and long-course triathlons. She climbed Tim’s dream mountain- Denali.
Now she devotes her work to sp...2022-05-3059 min
Leveraging Thought LeadershipBeing Strategic with Your Book and Business Model | Jan Rutherford & Shannon Huffman Polson | 396This was originally a LinkedIn Live recorded on October 6th, 2021 In our first Leveraging Thought Leadership Live session, we invited two amazing guests to speak with us about challenges and the grit it takes to overcome them. Jan Rutherford is a former Green Beret, and the founder of Self-Reliant Leadership. He's also the author of The Littlest Green Beret: On Self-Reliant Leadership. Shanon Huffman-Polson is one of the first female Apache helicopter pilots, and also the founder of The Grit Institute and author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male Dominated Organization in the World.2022-05-2630 min
Journey With LeiThe Grit Factor With Shannon PolsonShannon Polson is an author, speaker, and you can picture her as the female Top Gun, because she is! She is one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army. In this episode, Shannon shares with us the leadership lessons she learned from leading in the most male-dominated organization in the World.2022-04-2039 min
Lead To Excel PodcastDeveloping Grit with Shannon Huffman-Polson - E68Send us a textI am joined in this episode by Shannon Huffman Polson - the author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience and Leadership in the Most Male Dominated Organization in the World, and the founder of The Grit Institute, a leadership institute committed to whole leader development and a focus on grit and resilience.As one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army, Polson shares her passion and firsthand experience in and study of leadership and grit to companies and organizations.We discuss the...2022-04-1157 min
Life After Corporate91. Insider Secrets on How to Become an In-Demand Speaker with Shannon Huffman PolsonHow do you become a great speaker that makes people want to hear from you more and more each time? Today we are speaking with Shannon Huffman Polson, author of The Grit Factor, Founder The Grit Institute, one of the first-ever women pilots of the Apache helicopter and someone who I am pleased to call a dear friend, she is an incredible leader, a mentor, someone who I've met in the Elevate Network. [00:01 - 04:44] Opening Segment I welcome our guest: Shannon Huffman Polson Shannon shares the winding road of her career The beginning of Shannon’s author journey: North o...2022-03-1633 min
The Jumping Point Podcast#74 Shannon Huffman Polson, Author - The Grit FactorShannon Huffman Polson is the author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience and Leadership in the Most Male Dominated Organization in the World, and the founder of The Grit Institute, a leadership institute committed to whole leader development and a focus on grit and resilience. As one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army, leading line units on three continents, Polson combines her passion and firsthand experience in and study of leadership and grit to deliver world-class keynotes and training to companies and organizations on leadership and grit. A...2022-02-1645 min
GRACE under Pressure John BaldoniGRACE under pressure: John Baldoni with Shannon PolsonShannon Huffman Polson is the author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience and Leadership in the Most Male Dominated Organization in the World, and the founder of The Grit Institute, a leadership institute committed to ethical whole leader development with online and supported training. As one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army, Polson combines her passion for creativity with firsthand experience in leadership and grit to deliver world-class training to companies and organizations. After serving for a decade in the armed services, including leading two flight platoons and a fli...2022-01-1830 min
Strap on your BootsHow to use the Grit Factor in a changing world with Shannon PolsonIn this episode I talk to Shannon Polson on how to use the Grit Factor in a changing world. As one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army, leading line units on three continents, Polson combines her passion and firsthand experience in and study of leadership and grit to deliver world-class keynotes and training to companies and organizations on leadership and grit. Listen to her wisdom in this episode and learn how to use the Grit Factor to your advantage!2021-11-2310 minThe Art of Passive IncomeHow To Cultivate Grit In Your Organization And Personal LifeShannon Huffman Polson is an Author, Leadership Speaker, and U.S. Army Veteran. She is the founder of The Grit Institute, where she focuses on leadership and grit based on her years of service and her time in the corporate world. Shannon studied English Literature and Art History at Duke University. At her graduation, she was commissioned as a 2LT in Army Aviation and became one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army, where she has led two flight platoons and line units on three continents. She later earned her M...2021-11-0439 min
Going North PodcastEp. 418 – “Breaking Free & Overcoming Self-Doubt” with Traci Duez (@traciduez)“You don’t suck, you’re just stuck.” – Traci Duez Today’s featured author is an accomplished and highly sought-after coach, mentor, speaker, and renowned neuro-axiologist, Traci Duez. Traci and I have a fun conversation about self-awareness, overcoming low self-esteem, and more self-leadership goodness!!! Key Thing’s You’ll Learn: What is neuro-axiology. How her chemistry major played a huge role in her self-development. Why you need to talk to strangers. Why it’s good to...2021-10-1849 min
Lessons in Orthopaedic Leadership: An AOA PodcastGrit in Leadership an Interview with Shannon Huffman PolsonAOA's 2021 keynote speaker, author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience and Leadership in the Most Male Dominated Organization in the World, and the founder of The Grit Institute, Shannon Huffman Polson joins AOA hosts Charles A. Goldfarb, MD, FAOA, and Alexander Aleem, MD to discuss grit in leadership. Shannon Huffman Polson shares her experience to discuss topics such as:Improving diversity in a male dominated fieldBuilding gritLeading by exampleThe role of mentorship in creating resilienceLimitations of gritLearn more about Shannon Huffman Polson's work here.Music:Special thanks to Peter Mar...2021-09-1935 min
Going North PodcastEp. 402 – “The ASK Framework” with Carole Stizza (@relevant4you)“The richest information is where you ask.” - Carole Stizza Today’s featured author is a Professionally Certified ICF Executive Coach, a Sr. HR Professional, mom, wife, and stage 3 cancer thriver, Carole Stizza. Carole and I have a fun chat about being a book boomer, surviving multiple life-threatening setbacks, and more!!! Key Thing’s You’ll Learn: What motivated Carole to write her book? The importance of asking. How to introduce yourself as a parent to your new...2021-09-1146 min
Cockpits & CocktailsFemale Apache Pilot with GRIT! Shannon Huffman Polson (Season 2, Episode 14)Female Apache Pilot with GRIT! Shannon H Polson: Helicopters, Denali, doubt, change, failure, overcoming failure...There are so many lessons and insights Shannon provides from her personal journey as a military Apache helicopter pilot with some key lessons and words of wisdom for anyone on their own journey within aviation and beyond. We also get to hear some quirky WASP history while we get the inside scoop on her Denali climb. You will walk away with a renewed understanding and belief that adaptability is key in fulfilling your own purpose (whether it's passing a check ride or starting all...2021-09-0643 min
Going North PodcastEp. 396 – “First Lead Yourself” with Stacey Ashley (@AshleyCoaching)“It’s such an important thing to give leaders the opportunity to be successful.” – Stacey Ashley Today’s featured award-winning bestselling author is High-Performance Leadership & Coaching Expert, Stacey Ashley. Stacey and I talk about the foundations for effective leadership and more!! Key Thing’s You’ll Learn: How Stacey had leadership tendencies since the age of 6. The 3 keys to strategic leadership. 2 Things New Leaders Must Do to Become Better Leaders. How the pandemic he...2021-08-2827 minWhen Women Fly045 Highlights with Shannon Polson: What You Need to Know About Grit and Nurturing Optimism TodayToday, we highlight Shannon Huffman Polson in the seventh installment of our Summer Series. Having gleaned insights from serving in one of the most male-dominated organizations in the world, Shannon has become a thought leader on the subject of grit. Shannon teaches how to cultivate grit and resilience through introspection and knowledge of self.Shannon was one of the first women to fly an Apache helicopter for the US Army, and has since gone on to become an author and keynote speaker.In this episode, Sylvia and Shannon talk a lot about grit...2021-08-2630 min