Blue Sky Lee Ellis on Taking Lessons Learned as a Vietnam POW to Shape a Lifetime of Leadership
Today, Lee Ellis is an acclaimed and accomplished author and leadership coach. But in 1967, while flying a combat mission over North Vietnam, he was shot down, captured, and held as a prisoner of war for five-and-a-half years at the “Hanoi Hilton,” where his group of fellow prisoners included the late Senator John McCain. and on this Blue Sky episode, Colonel Lee Ellis shares his incredible story and the valuable leadership and life lessons he learned under these trying circumstances, as well as the optimistic and hopeful mindset he’s used to get him through his toughest challenges.
Chapters:
02:11 Meet Lee Ellis Lee Ellis shares his gratitude for being on the podcast and reflects on his long-standing connection with Bill Burke. They delve into Lee’s early life in Georgia and the pivotal moment that sparked his passion for flying.
05:03 The Vietnam Experience Begins He vividly describes the moment he was shot down during his 53rd mission over North Vietnam and the immediate aftermath of his capture.
07:13 Life as a POW Lee paints a picture of his harrowing life as a prisoner of war in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. He shares the challenges of living in cramped quarters with fellow POWs and the psychological toll of constant interrogation.
11:13 Finding Hope in Darkness In this chapter, Lee discusses the importance of hope and optimism during his captivity.
15:03 The Power of Leadership Lee reflects on the remarkable leadership displayed by senior officers in the POW camp. He emphasizes the significance of following a strong command structure and the impact it had on their morale and resilience.
21:10 Resilience and Adaptability Lee shares stories of resilience and adaptability among the POWs, including their innovative methods of communication.
25:35 Viktor Frankl’s Influence Lee discusses how he came to read Viktor Frankl’s ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ while imprisoned. He recounts a touching encounter with Frankl shortly after his release, reflecting on the profound impact of the book on his perspective.
27:51 The Power of Brotherhood Lee shares how the bond between fellow POWs fostered a sense of community and optimism during their harrowing experience.
29:23 A Career Beyond the POW Experience After returning home, Lee discusses his extensive career in the Air Force, highlighting his rise through the ranks and his passion for leadership training.
31:39 The Essence of Leadership Lee delves into the significance of leadership, explaining his motivation to help others become better leaders. He introduces his model of confidence and humility, illustrating how these traits can inspire teams and foster a positive work environment.
35:00 Listening: The Key to Great Leadership In this chapter, Lee emphasizes the importance of listening as a fundamental quality of effective leadership. He shares insights from his research, revealing that the ability to listen ranks highest among the traits people seek in their leaders.
38:23 Gratitude Through Adversity Lee reflects on how his POW experience shaped his perspective on life and gratitude. He discusses the psychological resilience developed through hardship and how it influences his outlook on modern challenges.
43:39 Optimism and the Future As Lee addresses the current state of the country, he expresses concerns about polarization and the impact of technology on personal connections. He shares his hope for a future where leaders prioritize respect and understanding across differences.
50:01 Lessons from Lee Ellis In the closing segment, Lee summarizes key lessons from his life experiences, emphasizing belief in oneself, the importance of relationships, and faith in a higher power. His insights serve as a powerful reminder of the values that can guide us through adversity.