In this episode, Sarah and Jamie face a series of technical challenges and minimal white space before going live—so instead of stressing, they decided to have some fun! Join us for an impromptu, light-hearted conversation full of laughs, spontaneous insights, and a reminder that sometimes, it’s best to just go with the flow. Perfect for a Friday vibe, this episode is all about embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the moment.

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where we explore new perspectives and inspire you to navigate life’s twists and turns with purpose and intention. Whether you’re pivoting in your career or seeking personal growth, this podcast is your place to recharge, reflect, and discover strategies for success. Join us each week for powerful conversations that help you embrace the journey and find joy in every step.

Call to Action:

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In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Colonel Merryl Tengesdal (ret), the first and only African American woman to pilot the U-2 "Dragon Lady" in the United States Air Force. Merryl shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity, fighting resistance, and leading with discipline. We discuss her journey from electrical engineering to aviation, the power of embracing fear and growth, and how to build resilience in both personal and professional life. Merryl’s insights are sure to inspire you to tackle your challenges head-on and realize your superpowers.

Guest Spotlight:

Name: Colonel Merryl Tengesdal (ret)

Bio: Merryl Tengesdal is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and the first African American woman to pilot the U-2 "Dragon Lady," a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. With a career in aviation, leadership, and military service, Merryl has held prestigious roles such as Chief of Flight Safety for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and Director of Inspections at the Pentagon. She is a motivational speaker, TV personality, and the author of the memoir Shatter the Sky, which reflects on her remarkable journey in aviation, leadership, and life.

Links:

Website: www.merryltengesdal.com

Social:

Episode Highlights (Optional - with Timestamps):

[00:00:00] Introduction and Merryl’s background

[05:15] Overcoming adversity and embracing the unknown

[15:30] The power of staying open and learning from challenges

[22:00] Leadership lessons from a U-2 pilot and military career

[30:00] Merryl’s post-military journey and the importance of women in STEM

[40:00] Life lessons from welding and the wisdom of resilience

[45:00] Closing thoughts: Your superpowers are on the other side of fear

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where we explore new perspectives and inspire you to navigate life's twists and turns with purpose and intention. Whether you're pivoting in your career or seeking personal growth, this podcast is your place to recharge, reflect, and discover strategies for success. Join us each week for powerful conversations that help you embrace the journey and find joy in every step.

Call to Action:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Music in the soul can be heard by the Universe.” — Lao Tzu

In this episode, Sarah welcomes Grammy®-winning producer and arranger Brent Fischer to the lounge. Brent carries on the legacy of his legendary father, Dr. Clare Fischer, and has worked with some of the biggest names in music, from Usher to Michael Jackson. Together, they dive into the importance of integrating the arts into STEM education, reframing it to STEAM, and why a soulful presence is essential in both science and space exploration.

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Spotlight:

Fun Facts:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Brent's musical background and his family legacy

[00:10:00] The importance of integrating the arts into STEM fields to create STEAM

[00:20:00] How music and creativity influence scientific fields and space exploration

[00:35:00] Multigenerational planning for space exploration: living on other worlds, asteroid mining, and terraforming

[00:50:00] Brent’s passion for guiding and mentoring composers, arrangers, and improvisers

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where we explore personal growth, leadership lessons, and stories of inspiration. Hosted by Sarah, this podcast is all about helping you pivot towards success, embrace the journey, and unlock new opportunities to live your life fully.

Call to Action:

To Learn More about Brent:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Never stop dreaming.” — Paulo Coelho

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Salam Abualhayjaa, a mechanical engineer specializing in spacesuit design and 3D modeling for mechanical assemblies. Salam shares her passion for space exploration, the journey that led her to design seven different spacesuits, and how she continues to merge her engineering expertise with her love for science communication and travel.

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Spotlight:

Fun Facts:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Salam's background and her journey into space exploration

[00:15:00] Insights into Salam’s spacesuit designs and her work on improving astronaut comfort and safety

[00:30:00] The importance of diversity and inclusion in space, and how anyone can contribute to space exploration without being an astronaut

[00:45:00] Salam’s aspirations to one day travel to Mars and become an astronaut

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where we explore personal growth, leadership lessons, and stories of inspiration. Hosted by Sarah, this podcast is all about helping you pivot towards success, embrace the journey, and unlock new opportunities to live your life fully.

Call to Action:

To Learn More about Salam:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“We need the brilliance and innovation of all people to face today’s challenges and to succeed at our extraordinary ambitions. Be part of the solution!” — Nancy A. Levenson, Deputy Director, Space Telescope Science Institute

In this episode, Sarah chats with Samantha Dolski, a third-year aerospace engineering student at the University of Texas at Austin and the Director of Operations at the Texas Rocket Engineering Lab. Samantha shares her journey in aerospace engineering, her work on the lab's mission to send a liquid bipropellant rocket to space, and how her passion for climate research is shaping her career. Alongside her engineering endeavors, Samantha explains how the creative arts, like playing the piano, help develop the skills necessary for success in STEM.

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Spotlight:

Fun Facts:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Samantha’s background and passion for aerospace engineering

[00:15:00] The work being done at the Texas Rocket Engineering Lab and their goals for the future

[00:30:00] How Samantha incorporates the creative arts, like music, into her technical studies

[00:45:00] The importance of encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers and the need for more diversity in the field

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where we explore new perspectives, personal growth, and leadership lessons with inspiring guests. Hosted by Sarah, this podcast aims to help you pivot towards success and enjoy the journey of life, no matter the turbulence you may face.

Call to Action:

To Learn More about Samantha and the Texas Rocket Engineering Lab:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“To strive, to seek, to find; and not to yield.” — Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Tristan Punnett, a true storyteller and aviation enthusiast whose career has taken some unconventional turns. From his roots in the Caribbean to his time as an actor in Pirates of the Caribbean and later, his journey into aviation, Tristan’s story is a testament to the magic of starting over and finding your true path. Join us for a deep dive into his experiences, his passion for learning, and the transformative power of embracing change.

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Spotlight:

Fun Facts:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Tristan's background and his curiosity-driven journey

[00:15:00] How Tristan’s experiences shaped his view on leadership and feelings in the workplace

[00:30:00] The magic of starting over and the importance of embracing change

[00:45:00] Tristan’s spiritual journey and the lessons learned along the way

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, the podcast where we explore new perspectives, personal growth, and leadership lessons. Join Sarah and her guests as they share their stories and inspire you to pivot and thrive in your own life and career.

Call to Action:

To Learn More about Tristan or Connect with Him:

Sponsored By:

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“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” — Leonardo Da Vinci

In this special episode, Sarah is joined by two inspiring young cadets, Ellie Flick and Matthew Gaikins, from the Red Tail Cadet Program. These cadets share their life-changing experiences with the program, and how it has shaped their perspectives on aviation and their futures. From their unique paths to aviation, to their dreams of becoming pilots and astronauts, Ellie and Matthew's stories reflect the impact of mentorship, leadership, and the transformative power of aviation.

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Spotlight:

Fun Facts:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to the Red Tail Cadet Program and its impact on at-risk youth

[00:15:00] Ellie’s journey and future aspirations in aviation

[00:30:00] Matthew’s path from engineering to flying and his college ambitions

[00:45:00] How aviation has shaped both of their futures and dreams

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, the podcast where we explore new perspectives, personal growth, and leadership lessons. Join Sarah and her guests as they share their stories and inspire you to pivot and thrive in your own life and career.

Call to Action:

To Learn More about the Red Tail Cadet Program:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Be bold enough to choose your own path and strong enough to follow it.” - Anonymous

In this episode, Sarah engages in an enlightening conversation with Scott A. Moore, a true pioneer in blending science, philosophy, and leadership. From his career as a military aviator to becoming a certified coach and human leadership guru, Scott shares his journey of pivoting through life’s various stages. He opens up about the powerful principles of Tantra, how to live a fulfilled life, and the challenges and rewards of leading with authenticity.

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Spotlight:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Scott Moore and his remarkable life journey

[00:15:00] The intersection of science and philosophy in leadership

[00:30:00] Tantra in leadership: What it means and how it influences Scott’s work

[00:45:00] Pivoting careers: Scott’s transition from military pilot to executive coach

[01:00:00] The concept of “county collecting” and the life lessons it’s taught him

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, the podcast where we explore the power of pivoting, new perspectives, and personal growth. Join Sarah and her guests as they share stories and insights that inspire you to design the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Call to Action:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” - Alice in Wonderland

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Dr. Greg Hodgin, a visionary CEO, peacebuilder, and scientist, to explore the art of believing in—and achieving—the impossible. Dr. Hodgin shares his fascinating journey, from tackling complex science to making humanitarian strides on the global stage. Together, we dive deep into how stimulating the mind with impossible solutions can lead to groundbreaking innovations and lasting impact.

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Spotlight:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Greg Hodgin and his fascinating career

[00:15:00] The role of quantum spacetime research in shaping the future of fusion reactors

[00:30:00] How to cultivate a mindset that welcomes impossible solutions

[00:45:00] The humanitarian work that led to a career in diplomacy and global rights advocacy

[01:00:00] Turning the “impossible” into reality: the lessons learned

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, a space where you can relax, gain new perspectives, and rejuvenate before taking off on life’s next adventure. In this podcast, Sarah shares her mission to inspire others to embrace their personal PIVOTS as superpowers and turn life’s turbulence into opportunities for growth.

Call to Action:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all surround yourself with those who see greatness within you.” - Anonymous

In this special pre-recorded episode for International Women’s Day, Sarah sits down with the inspiring Stephanie Goetz—a modern-day renaissance woman and a true giver back to her community. As an Emmy-nominated news anchor turned professional pilot, business owner, and executive coach, Stephanie’s journey is a perfect example of pivoting and thriving in multiple arenas. In this episode, we dive into deep, heartfelt conversations about mental health in aviation, the beauty of struggle, and the importance of understanding our emotions in leadership.

What You’ll Learn:

Guest Spotlight:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Stephanie Goetz and her diverse career journey

[00:15:00] The importance of mental health in aviation and supporting young pilots

[00:30:00] Celebrating the tiny wins and navigating the struggles in life

[00:45:00] Pivoting from a media career to becoming a professional pilot

[01:00:00] Why taking risks is the key to unlocking your true potential

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, a space where you can relax, gain new perspectives, and rejuvenate before taking off on life’s next adventure. In this podcast, Sarah shares her mission to inspire others to embrace their personal PIVOTS as superpowers and turn life’s turbulence into opportunities for growth.

Call to Action:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices