Emily Harman, host of Onward Podcast, interviews Sheila McNeill, who in 2003 became the first woman to serve as National President of the Navy League of the United States, where she toured bases across the world as an advocate for the sea services. In this prestigious role, Mrs. McNeill interacted with many of the nation’s top military leaders. In her book entitled What Are You Doing Here?, Mrs. McNeill she shares stories about people she met during her journey. Listen to this interview and learn Mrs. McNeill’s answer to “What are you doing here?”. 

 

Episode Highlights: 

 

• Emily Harman introduces Mrs. Sheila McNeill.
• Mrs. McNeill talks about her book What Are You Doing Here?
• How did Mrs. McNeill become interested in the Navy League?
• Mrs. McNeil shares stories about getting involved in the Navy League and working her way up through the ranks.
• When she competed in elections for Navy League positions, Mrs. McNeill was always competing with men. 
• Mrs.McNeill shares her experiences advocating for the sea services on Capitol Hill.
• How did she approach becoming President of the Navy League? 
• What advice does Mrs. McNeill have for women working in a male-dominated field? 
• Mrs. McNeill discusses her book and gives some highlights.
• Mrs. McNeill talks about serving on the Defense Advisory Committee On Women in the Services.
• Mrs. McNeill shares a story about being asked to speak at a Submarine Veterans of World War II event. 
• Mrs. McNeill shares how she was fired and later sued for sex discrimination.

 

3 Key Points:

1. A desire to achieve in something larger than herself, passion, and preparedness benefitted Mrs. McNeill, the United States, and the sea services.
2. Mrs. McNeill’s reputation as a staunch advocate for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard has answered the question that has followed her the past half-century: “What are you doing here?”.
3. Ms. McNeill progressed up the ladder in the Navy League and, once elected President, she never had a bad moment.

 

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Nothing was typical about how I operated things. And I think that is part of why I stand out a little bit.” – Sheila McNeill
• “Once I got started I could not stop. The more you learn about the Coast Guard and the Navy and the Marine Corps, the more you want to get involved.” – Sheila McNeill
• “I over-prepare. You would not believe what I do sometimes before any meeting.” – Sheila McNeill

Resources Mentioned:

• Linkedin: SSheila McNeill
• Mrs. McNeil’s bio: Thecamdenpartnership.org
• Book: “What Are You Doing Here?”
• https://www.navyleague.org/
• https://emilyharman.com
• https://www.facebook.com/Onward-Podcast
• https://www.instagram.com/onwardpodcast
• https://twitter.com/OnwardPodcast
• https://www.soulpajamas.com/home
• https://www.podcastpress.io/