“The reality is that the only way change comes is when you lead by example.” -Anne Wojcicki
With over 200 years of proud heritage and rich tradition, the United States Army is one of the largest, most sophisticated organizations in the world today. The 1.1 million person Army Force, comprised of Active Duty, the National Guard and Reserve Forces, is approximately 16% women and 30% racial minorities. Changing anything inside a bureaucracy this large is an undertaking that requires grit, willpower, and an indominable spirit—and that’s exactly what one determined woman brought to bear to change the Army for the better.
In this episode of the “Leading from Purpose” podcast, Nick Craig, talks with Dr. Andrea Peters—Army Lieutenant Colonel and West Point Assistant Professor whose purpose is “to be the rocky jawed, gap spanning amp” that amplifies the voices of those who can’t to provide them a bridge to their future.
Listen to hear how she overcame serious illness, bureaucratic machinations, and deeply entrenched government policy to change Army regulation 670-1—Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. Through diligence and determination, Lieutenant Colonel Peters—a second generation soldier—marshalled women leaders from across the Army to bring the military grooming standards more on line with social norms to help women—women of color in particular—express themselves more fully and feel a stronger sense of belonging in today’s all volunteer force.
If you want to hear how one person’s dogged leadership by example overcame 40 years of history, listen in to this engaging episode.