For this week’s guest, growing up in a military service family had a huge impact on how she learned to tackle challenges in her life and career. From the value of preparation to building your “special forces unit,” six time Emmy Award Winner, author, and anchor of not one, but two daytime news programs on FOX, Harris Faulkner shares tremendous life and career lessons to help you create your own version of success. 

In our conversation, we talk about the unique experience of growing up in a military family. How that shaped Harris and instilled the values of curiosity and preparation. She is quick to point out, you don’t necessarily need to know exactly what you are preparing for. Rather, the value comes from constantly challenging yourself to learn, build understanding, and embrace new ideas. You never know when that additional knowledge and perspective will come in handy! Harris doesn’t specifically say this, but that additional preparation is often what can help us differentiate ourselves, and give us an added advantage for innovation and problem solving. 

Harris and I also delve into her best selling book “9 Rules of Engagement: A Military Brat’s Guide to Life and Success.” One of my favorite of Harris’ rules relates to building your “special forces unit.” We often talk on this podcast about the value of finding your tribe or creating your personal board of advisers. Harris goes a step further and underscores that this can also mean “letting go” of those who are “not prepared to go the distance with you.” So true! 

We also tackle race, and she shares her perspective on the importance of showing “grace and space,” especially at a time in which we are particularly polarized. 

As we recognize Memorial Day and honor service members, it’s the perfect time to remember families like Harris’. When a member of the family serves in the military, the entire family serves. These families make a tremendous contribution to this freedom and security we as Americans enjoy. 

I’m delighted to bring you this conversation with Harris Faulkner. I’d love to know what resonates with you, and which advice you found most helpful. 

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Until then, take care and I’ll see you next week.