Leadership Lessons from a 2-Star General (That Apply to You, Too)
Leadership lessons come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they show up in boardrooms or breakrooms. Other times? They come flying a C-130, in a 20-aircraft formation, in absolutely terrible weather.
This week on the Lead Into It podcast, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Major General Dan Tully, Director of Operations at U.S. Transportation Command. We talked about everything from what it takes to lead under pressure to how to build trust that sticks—even when everything around you is shifting fast.
Dan’s leadership journey started with stories from his dad’s service in Vietnam. Inspired, he joined ROTC at Duke and went on to become an Air Force pilot. But what really stuck with me was how his time as an aircraft commander became a leadership laboratory.
Every flight? A test.
Every mission? A lesson.
He said it best:
“There was frequently pressure, there was a mission to be accomplished, and everybody loves that environment.”
One of the most intense stories he shared? Flying in a 20-plane formation—low visibility, lots of radio calls, turbulence—and still having to execute a mission flawlessly. That story wasn’t just about flying. It was about training for the unknown.
And wow—what a reminder for all of us navigating uncertainty in leadership, life, or both.
What really struck me, though, was Dan’s deep belief in empowering teams. He doesn’t want to be the one holding all the answers or the only person who can make things happen. He builds teams that thrive—even when he’s not in the room. He said,
“Nobody wants to be that single leader that everything depends on.”
Can we pause on that for a sec? Because YES. That’s what sustainable, healthy leadership looks like.
Before we wrapped, I asked him what advice he’d give to rising leaders. His answer?
Keep an open mind. Stay curious. Seek feedback. Learn from your past.
Simple? Maybe. Powerful? Absolutely.
If you’re leading anything—a team, a project, a business, a family—this episode is full of insights that’ll inspire you to show up differently: more grounded, more open, and more equipped.
🎧 Episode drops this Tuesday morning on your favorite podcast platform. I can’t wait for you to hear it.
Sincerely,
Someone who always hopes to lead with an open and curious mind,
Sara
Well said, and in a memorable way. Thanks for sharing this!