Finding Calm in Crisis

Auto Care ON AIR

Fighter pilot Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell takes us into the cockpit of leadership under extreme pressure, sharing the heart-stopping moment her A-10 Warthog was struck by a surface-to-air missile over Baghdad. What happened next reveals powerful lessons about preparation, decision-making, and maintaining clarity when everything is on fire—literally.
Campbell's military nickname "Killer Chick" might suggest a hardened warrior, but her most profound insights come from embracing vulnerability. "If you told me I would use the word 'vulnerable' as a young fighter pilot, I would have laughed," she admits, detailing her evolution from projecting unwavering confidence to recognizing that acknowledging fear creates stronger teams. This transformation occurred at a surprising moment: when her three-year-old son interrupted a formal military ceremony, teaching her that being human connects us more deeply than projecting perfection.
The conversation draws fascinating parallels between combat decisions and workplace challenges. When podcast host Jacki Lutz shares her panic over missing equipment before a major event, Campbell highlights how both situations require the same approach: compartmentalizing immediate emotions, focusing on the next actionable step, and conducting honest debriefs afterward. Dean Martin of Fleet Equipment adds valuable perspective on translating these principles to media leadership, where tight deadlines and unexpected disruptions mirror combat's unpredictability in surprising ways.
What distinguishes truly exceptional leaders? According to Campbell, it's their ability to remain calm during chaos—like her flight instructor who simply said "wiggle your fingers and toes" when he sensed her tension during mid-air refueling. This single instruction changed everything, demonstrating how a leader's composed response ripples through an entire team. Whether facing missiles over Baghdad or missing podcast equipment, the message resonates clearly: do the next right thing, trust your training, and remember that our most challenging moments often become our most valuable teachers.

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Chapters

1. Finding Calm in Crisis (00:00:00)

2. Top Gun Talk and Introduction (00:00:14)

3. Meet Casey Campbell, Fighter Pilot (00:03:23)

4. The Baghdad Mission and Missile Hit (00:04:37)

5. Handling Podcast Equipment Crisis (00:09:01)

6. Leadership, Calm, and Team Trust (00:16:35)

7. Compartmentalizing Work and Home Life (00:28:32)

8. Facing Fear and Being Vulnerable (00:32:09)

9. Final Takeaways and Reflections (00:40:05)