In this inspiring episode of The Lounge, Sarah is joined by Jenny Showalter, Founder and Chief Motivational Officer of Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching (SBACC). Together, they explore:

Jenny also shares exciting announcements for 2024 that you won’t want to miss!

Guest Spotlight:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction and Jenny’s aviation journey

[00:07:45] Leveraging family legacy for leadership and career growth

[00:20:15] Navigating career pivots at any stage

[00:35:00] Mentorship and CFBAA’s role in developing future talent

[00:45:30] Special announcements for 2024!

[00:55:00] Closing thoughts and advice for embracing change

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but here we believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to allow their dreams to unfold and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! What’s the rush? You get to choose how you play.

Call to Action:

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

In this episode of The Lounge, Sarah sits down with Anthony Meyers, a dynamic Thought Innovator and Purpose Strategist, to uncover the keys to living a purposeful and impactful life. Together, they discuss:

Anthony brings over 30 years of expertise in non-profit management, ministry, and corporate leadership, offering wisdom on building authentic connections, developing leadership, and empowering others to live purposefully.

Guest Spotlight:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction and Anthony’s philosophy on purposeful living

[00:08:30] The Red Tail Cadet Program and inspiring young aviators

[00:20:00] Overcoming challenges and stretching yourself for impact

[00:35:00] How to use your 1440 minutes wisely each day

[00:50:00] Closing thoughts on living a fulfilling life

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to allow their dreams to unfold and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! What’s the rush? You get to choose how you play.

Call to Action:

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

In this episode of The Lounge, Sarah sits down with the awe-inspiring Dr. Kirby Runyon, a planetary geologist and space enthusiast, to dive into the power of awe and how it shapes our lives. We discuss:

Kirby, a staff scientist at NASA-funded Planetary Science Institute, specializes in planetary geology. Through his company, Planetary Experience (Planex.space), he offers immersive space-themed experiences that combine education, entertainment, and awe—such as analog geology astronaut training and zero gravity flights.

Guest Spotlight:

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Kirby and the awe-inspired life

[00:05:30] How geology can captivate and inspire

[00:15:00] The transformative power of zero-G flights

[00:30:00] Kirby’s thoughts on the future of space exploration and humanity's place in the cosmos

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge by Pivot Point, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to allow their dreams to unfold and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! What’s the rush? You get to choose how you play.

Call to Action:

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

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

In this episode of The Lounge, Sarah sits down with the incredibly smart and fun Dr. Graham Lau, an astrobiologist and science communicator, to discuss fascinating topics surrounding life, consciousness, and the future of civilisation. We dive deep into:

Dr. Lau is an expert in astrobiology with a diverse academic background that spans biology, chemistry, astrophysics, and geology. His research has taken him from the Canadian High Arctic to global particle accelerators, studying the x-ray spectroscopy of life. As the host of NASA's "Ask an Astrobiologist" livestream, he brings the exciting world of astrobiology to a broad audience.

Currently, Dr. Lau leads communications and marketing for Blue Marble Space, a nonprofit focused on advancing space exploration. He also contributes to scientific research as a Research Scientist with the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science and oversees the logistics for the University Rover Challenge, which challenges undergraduates to design Mars rovers.

Dr. Lau is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the world, offering public lectures, podcasts, and insights on our place in the cosmos. Outside of science, he is a meditation instructor and public speaking coach, helping others grow both personally and professionally.

Guest Spotlight:

Dr. Lau believes in the regenerative power of books, coffee, and good company by the campfire—values we share deeply.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Life, intelligence, and consciousness—what does it mean for civilisation’s longevity?

[00:20:00] What does an astrobiologist do and how do we search for alien life?

[00:40:00] The Overview Effect—how meditation connects to space exploration.

[00:55:00] Dr. Lau’s journey and thoughts on humanity’s place in the universe.

Learn More & Connect with Dr. Graham Lau:

Episode Call to Action:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to allow their dreams to unfold and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! What’s the rush? You get to choose how you play.

Call to Action:

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

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

On this episode of The Lounge, Sarah is joined by retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot, Kim “KC” Campbell, for an inspiring conversation about leading with courage and overcoming fear. Kim shares her journey from the cockpit to leadership, offering valuable insights on:

Kim Campbell served in the Air Force for 24 years, flying over 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog and completing more than 100 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2003, she was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged aircraft during an intense close air support mission.

Most recently, Kim served as the Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the Air Force Academy. She is also the author of Flying in the Face of Fear: A Fighter Pilot’s Lessons on Leading with Courage.

Guest Spotlight:

Kim’s story is one of bravery, leadership, and resilience. Her passion for the Colorado mountains parallels her love for aviation, where she thrives in high-stress environments—just like many of our inspiring guests.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Leading with courage—decisions in the face of fear.

[00:20:00] Balancing guilt and excitement in life and leadership.

[00:40:00] Building resilience through stress and growth from adversity.

[00:55:00] Kim’s journey as a fighter pilot and leadership expert.

Learn More & Connect with Kim Campbell:

Episode Call to Action:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to allow their dreams to unfold and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! What’s the rush? You get to choose how you play.

Call to Action:

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

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

On this episode of The Lounge, Sarah welcomes Army Colonel and Leadership Coach, Eric Kreitz, for a powerful conversation on leadership, healing, and personal growth. We’ll dive into:

Eric lives by five core values that guide his decisions: Trust, Balance, Self-Care, Family, and Service. His purpose is to help others find success through renewal. He believes in taking care of himself so he can always be the best for his family, allowing him to continuously serve others.

A self-proclaimed lover of board games and a man with a special talent of touching his nose with his tongue, Eric’s genuine heart and leadership are evident in every conversation.

Guest Spotlight:

COL Kreitz has served in various leadership roles throughout his career, including as the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 716, Senior State Chairman for Veterans with the North Carolina Society of the Children of the American Revolution, and Director of the Board for the Military Officer’s Association of America - Alamo Chapter. He is also a passionate advocate for self-care, leadership development, and community service.

Eric’s story is one of resilience, renewal, and the constant pursuit of balance. He is retiring from military service in November 2023 and is participating in an Army fellowship program with KAVEO Leadership.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] The journey from addiction to healing, and how leadership shaped Eric’s path.

[00:20:00] Embracing vulnerability as a source of strength and deeper relationships.

[00:40:00] Eric’s values and how they shape his mission to serve others.

[00:55:00] Leadership lessons learned from years of service and how to apply them in life.

Learn More & Connect with Eric Kreitz:

• LinkedIn: Eric Kreitz

Episode Call to Action:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Call to Action:

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

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

On this episode of The Lounge, Sarah sits down with Erika Armstrong, author of A Chick in the Cockpit and a true aviation powerhouse. Together, they’ll explore Erika’s fascinating journey through the skies, from her first aviation job to becoming a captain of a commercial airliner.

We’ll discuss:

Aviation is an industry driven by passion, exploration, and breaking barriers. Throughout history, women like Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, and Harriet Quimby have challenged the status quo in aviation. However, women still make up less than 10% of all licensed pilots today. Erika Armstrong is working to change that, inspiring the next generation of aviators.

Guest Spotlight:

Erika Armstrong’s aviation career spans from the front desk of an FBO in Minnesota to the captain's seat of a commercial airliner. She’s flown 28 different types of aircraft as a Red Cross, charter, corporate, cargo, hazmat, and air ambulance pilot. Now an aviation professor and VP of Business Development at Advanced Aircrew Academy, Erika’s passion for aviation shines through in everything she does.

She’s also the author of A Chick in the Cockpit and uses social media to inspire and educate future pilots. Erika demonstrates that a career in aviation offers diverse skills and opportunities for growth, leadership, and adventure.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Erika's journey into aviation and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field.

[00:20:00] A peek into Erika’s upcoming book The Art of Being a Pilot and what being a Zen Pilot means.

[00:40:00] Writing a bestseller and stunt car driving in The Mexican.

[00:55:00] Erika’s thoughts on the future of women in aviation and how we can inspire more women to pursue their dreams in the skies.

Learn More & Connect with Erika Armstrong:

Episode Call to Action:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Call to Action:

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

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

On this episode of The Lounge, Sarah is joined by retired Brigadier General Mark Towne, a leader with over 34 years of military service. Together, they explore the critical role trust plays in leadership, business, and national security, and how to cultivate trust readiness in an unpredictable world.

We’ll discuss:

Why is trust so essential? We often recognize when it’s missing, but it remains difficult to define for many people. Trust forms the foundation of relationships, organizational success, and national security. It fosters collaboration, builds bonds, and allows us to achieve great things together. But to lead effectively, we must first understand and develop self-trust.

Mark Towne brings over three decades of leadership experience to the conversation, ranging from small teams to large institutions. His distinguished military career, including key roles in the Pentagon and serving over 200,000 soldiers worldwide, has provided him with profound insights into how trust impacts decision-making, teamwork, and leadership.

Guest Spotlight:

Mark Towne is the President and CEO of VETS Leadership LLC. He served in the United States Army for over 34 years, retiring as a Brigadier General in 2020. Mark’s leadership success spans operational and command assignments in 30 countries, and he’s played a key role in supporting military personnel around the globe.

Mark is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, the Army War College, and holds both an MBA and a Doctorate in Education. His leadership philosophy focuses on building trust to solve complex problems in high-stakes environments.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Mark Towne and his leadership philosophy.

[00:15:30] The importance of Trust Readiness and how to develop it.

[00:30:00] Building trust in VUCA environments and what leaders can do today.

[00:45:00] Mark’s perspective on VETS Leadership and how it drives success.

Learn More & Connect with Mark Towne:

Episode Call to Action:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Call to Action:

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

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

On this episode of The Lounge, Sarah interviews René Banglesdorf, an aviation entrepreneur, business strategist, and advocate for organisational health. Together, they dive deep into the importance of fostering healthy teams and creating environments where leadership isn’t just about power but about people.

We’ll discuss:

Business aviation is a fast-paced, dynamic industry with constant change. From new regulations to talent gaps and perception issues, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But imagine having a checklist, just like a pre-flight and post-flight check, that could help you engage better with your team and lead with a servant-focused leadership style. This is possible—and you can learn how.

René and Sarah will introduce the key principles of Organisational Health, which they’ll expand upon at NBAA-BACE in October. René will also share insights from her experience as co-founder and CEO of Charlie Bravo Aviation, a company that sells private jets, and her new venture, The Aviation Collective, which is focused on developing aviation professionals and emerging leaders.

Guest Spotlight:

René Banglesdorf is an entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and aviation industry leader. She’s known for her ability to drive profitability, improve retention, and enhance safety in the aviation sector. René’s career includes co-founding Charlie Bravo Aviation and founding The Aviation Collective. She’s been deeply involved in public service and disaster relief efforts, helping mobilize resources for crises like Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey.

René is also an advocate for women in aviation, having won several awards, including Top 30 Broker in North America and Enterprising Woman of the Year. Her work and leadership have inspired many, and her journey as a private pilot further emphasizes her commitment to growth and learning.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to René Banglesdorf and the importance of organisational health in aviation.

[00:15:30] How coaching and leadership can create better, more effective teams.

[00:30:00] The role of collective innovation in building a resilient and successful organisation.

[00:45:00] René’s journey in aviation, leadership, and her latest project, The Aviation Collective.

Learn More & Connect with René Banglesdorf:

Episode Call to Action:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

Call to Action:

Get your Preflight Briefing to combine mindset and habits to design the ultimate trip—aka your life!

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

On this episode of The Lounge, Sarah talks with Dr. Peggy DeLong, also known as The Gratitude Psychologist. Dr. Peggy is a therapist, author, speaker, and passionate advocate for the power of gratitude. She’s here to teach us how to integrate gratitude into our daily lives—even in the midst of chaos.

We’ll discuss:

Many of us dismiss the healing power of gratitude, rationalizing that we don’t have time for it—especially when there’s so much on our plates. But what if you could experience daily gratitude, even with a laundry pile, a toddler refusing naps, and new client demands? It’s totally possible—and it only takes five minutes a day.

Dr. Peggy will guide us through five simple gratitude exercises to help you incorporate this powerful practice into your life. She’ll also share her personal story of pivoting through profound grief and turning it into a source of strength and gratitude.

Guest Spotlight:

Dr. Peggy DeLong, The Gratitude Psychologist, combines psychotherapy with the power of gratitude to help individuals connect to their lives and heal. Her books, courses, speaking engagements, and even gratitude bracelets have helped countless people find peace and joy in everyday moments.

Dr. Peggy loves skiing fast down steep mountains, watching sunsets from her kayak, and cherishing the mountains that remind her of feeling alive. She’s here to share how a simple daily gratitude practice can transform your life.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Peggy and the healing power of gratitude.

[00:10:30] How to incorporate gratitude into a busy life in under 5 minutes a day.

[00:20:00] Dr. Peggy’s story of turning grief into a superpower of gratitude.

[00:30:45] Tips for practicing gratitude in everyday moments, even when life is hectic.

Learn More & Connect with Dr. Peggy DeLong:

Podcast Description:

Welcome to The Lounge with Sarah the Pivoter, where you can kick back, relax, and nourish your mind before jetting off to your next destination. Life may have turbulence, but I believe the PIVOT is your superpower.

I’m on a mission to inspire millions to chase after their dreams and fall in love with life again—without the crash and burn[out]. After all, it’s all just a game! How do you want to play?

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