ReThinking Admiral Linda Fagan on servant leadership
May 30, 2023
Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a branch of the U.S. military and Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, shares her inspiring journey. She candidly discusses overcoming impostor syndrome and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Leadership, she argues, thrives on confidence and humility. The conversation also highlights the importance of fostering mental health and resilience within organizations. Furthermore, Fagan emphasizes the critical need for open communication and 360-degree feedback to enhance accountability in leadership.
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Path to the Coast Guard
- Admiral Fagan's early exposure to the Coast Guard stemmed from her New England upbringing and her father's boat.
- She sought a different path than her father's corporate career, finding a calling in the Coast Guard's mission.
Icebreaking Mission
- Admiral Fagan's first assignment involved serving on the Polar Star, the nation's only heavy icebreaker.
- Her duties included breaking ice channels to resupply McMurdo Station in Antarctica, highlighting the Coast Guard's diverse roles.
Integrating Women
- Admiral Fagan reflects on being the only woman on her first assignment, highlighting the early stages of gender integration.
- The Coast Guard intentionally avoided restricting roles for women, fostering an inclusive environment unlike other services.
