Sam Eckholm ’18 – Live, Serve, Lead

In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, is talking with Sam about his journey from the three times he landed on the “footprints” on in-processing day through the challenges he faced as he learned to lead his peers, side-stepping career advice that might have left him in obscurity, his relentless perseverance pursuing his dreams, graduation in 2018, the history he’s making now and Sam’s continuing support of the Air Force Academy.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes
21:13 - The Terrazzo Gap: Challenges and Perceptions
23:49 - Finding Passion in Clubs and Sports
27:40 - From Photography to Public Affairs
30:05 - Inspired by the F-22 Demo Team
31:00 - Pursuing a Career in Public Affairs
32:24 - Learning and Growing as a Young Lieutenant
33:22 - Challenges and Rewards of Public Affairs
34:22 - Maintaining Motivation and Finding Balance
35:44 - Leading Others and Finding Personal Outlets
38:41 - Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
41:49 - Impactful Moments and Inspiring Others
46:49 - Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Dreams
53:31 - Supporting the Academy and Creating Impactful Content
56:19 - Final Thoughts and Message to Listeners


TAKEAWAYS

- Putting yourself in other people's shoes is important for effective leadership

- The Terrazzo Gap between intercollegiate athletes and non-athletes at the Academy is a unique challenge

- Being involved in clubs and sports at the Academy provides valuable experiences and friendships

- Passion for photography and social media can lead to a career in public affairs.

- Don't lose sight of your end goal and relentlessly pursue it.

- Advocate for yourself and trust in your own decisions.

- Creating meaningful impact requires hard work and dedication.

- Inspire others by sharing your journey and experiences.

- The Academy Blueprint program helps level the playing field for aspiring cadets.

- Expand your knowledge and learn from various sources of inspiration.

- Don't be discouraged by challenges and setbacks; they can lead to growth and success.