The Jedi Leadership Chronicles

Well...here it is folks. Newsletter #1...the journey begins.

This is only beginning within the Command With Courage domain, but one I've been looking forward to for many years now. There's certainly a nervousness about starting something new, something like this. Lots of questions spinning around in head.

• What do I have to say?
• What do I have to offer?
• What do I have to teach?
• What can others learn from me?

Well...it's time to throw away internal judgement and just let my mind and my fingers do the talking and stay true to the focus of this endeavor. And that focus is you, of course! And I'm glad you're here.

For many, many years now, I've been on a leadership journey but it didn't start out that way. It went from seeing Star Wars in 1977--wanting to fly the Millennium Falcon, to a 25+ year career in the Air Force flying KC-135s & C-17s--leading some of the most amazing men and women I've ever encountered at the Flight, Squadron, Wing and Numbered Air Force Levels. I even had a short stint on the Joint Staff and attended joint war colleges with the Army and the Navy. Now, I find myself on a new leadership journey...one of an entrepreneur, a small business owner, a consultant, a coach, a trainer, a speaker and soon to be author.         

But isn't that the way of a Jedi? From one journey to the next. Each one building upon the other in wisdom, knowledge and experience. Well...for this Jedi I'll add 'Elevating Others' as my one true path. My purpose for existing. The one true thing that keeps me in the light.

I am nearing the half century mark on this 'Pale Blue Dot' and it feels like I've lived a dozen lives already. I know there is so much more to living to do. I'm excited to be on this leadership journey that is now 100% focused on others--turning them from Padawans, to Jedi Knights, to Master Jedi.

But if you ask me, a Jedi never stops learning, growing, developing, failing, and performing. For leadership skills, much like Jedi skills, can always be fine-tuned or re-applied to fit a given set of circumstances or effectively applied to the ever-changing dynamics of both work and home. For it's the people that make this journey so good and fulfilling.

As we go forward, I'd like to be in your guide. To help you Unleash the Force Within You and Within Your Team. To shine a light when all you see is darkness. To illuminate a path where others have failed to conquer. To provide you the right kind of lightsaber to take on new obstacles and challenges.

If you're willing, if you're curious, if you can withhold judgement of yourself and others...just enough to see what is truly possible, I want to be in your life and battling by your side.

Showing you how to Command With Courage every step of the way.

If you're up for a challenge, let's discuss the wants and needs in your life while you're on your leadership journey. I want to understand your areas of darkness in order to shine a light and effectively journey on. Within these chronicles we will explore all facets of personal and professional leadership and provide you with knowledge and wisdom to better equip you as you explore new and perhaps more effective ways to lead today.

But should you fancy more of a one-on-one experience with me, do not hesitate to reach out. Let's have an authentic and transparent discussion about where you are today and what heights you'd like to reach tomorrow.

May the Force Be With You on Your Journey!

J. Scot Heathman, Organizational Leadership Jedi

Founder/CEO, Elevating Others LLC