Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle - An Officer, a Mother and a Leader

THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST

Gen. Pringle discusses her experiences as a cadet, including unique firsts. And she highlights the challenges she faced in her career and the lessons she learned.

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SUMMARY

Gen. Pringle '91 shares her journey from the Air Force Academy to commanding the Air Force Research Laboratory. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and being the best wingman. Gen. Pringle discusses her experiences as a cadet, including unique firsts. She highlights the challenges she faced in her career and the lessons she learned. Gen. Pringle also provides advice for other leaders, emphasizing the value of honesty and feedback. She encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.

OUR QUOTE PICKS

"The mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert it the success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders."

"Everyone has a story. And so if someone's a supervisor out there, I would say job number one is to listen and know your team, listen to their stories."

"I would just say, don't think about me, you know, just go for it. And if you need help, call me. So that's it, that I just said, go for it. There's nothing should be stopping you."

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CHAPTERS

00:00: Introduction and Teamwork

01:06: General Pringle's Journey

03:22: Cadet Life and Experiences

04:22: Unique Firsts and Exchanges

05:41: Impressions of Today's Cadets

06:08: Indoctrination Day and Early Memories

07:30: Involvement in Clubs and Groups

08:19: Challenges and Lessons Learned

09:39: Transition to Air Force Research Laboratory

12:32: Commanding Air Force Research Laboratory

14:46: Transition to Civilian Sector and Nonprofit Work

19:05: Advice for Supervisors and Taking Care of Your Team

20:30: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failure

23:49: Lessons from Mentors and Leaders

24:46: Being the Best Wingman and Team Player

25:12: Commanding Air Force Research Laboratory

27:33: Transition to Civilian Sector and Nonprofit Work

30:25: Lessons Learned and Being True to Yourself

34:36: Final Thoughts and Encouragement

TAKEAWAYS FOR LEADERS AND ASPIRING LEADERS

- The importance of teamwork and being a good wingman in achieving mission success. No one person carries the burden alone.

- As a leader, it's important to listen to your team's stories to better understand and support them. Everyone comes from a unique background.

- Facing challenges and setbacks are an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't get discouraged by failures or non-selections - keep pursuing new opportunities.

- It's important to be honest with yourself and others for personal and professional development. Be open to feedback to improve.

- Focus on serving others through your work and giving back to your community through service and leadership.

- Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams and passions. With perseverance, you are capable of more than you realize.

- The success or failure of a mission is not on one person's shoulders; it requires a whole team working together.

- Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning.

- Be true to yourself and embrace your unique story and background.

- Take care of your team and listen to their stories; everyone has a unique perspective and contribution to make.

- Don't be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback to improve as a leader.

BIO

Major General (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91

Gen. Pringle retired as Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command, Dayton, Ohio, and Technology Executive Officer, supporting both the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. She led a $2.5 billion science, technology and innovation enterprise in accelerating the discovery and development of solutions for Airmen and Guardians. She was responsible for formulating a comprehensive technology portfolio that anticipates future warfighter needs, while promoting risk-taking and problem solving across her 6,000-member government workforce. She accelerated the delivery of cross-domain solutions through partnerships with industry, academia, and international allies, and executed an additional $2.3 billion in externally funded research and development. Through the laboratory's technology and functional directorates, AFWERX and the 711th Human Performance Wing, her team produced a deep technical and medical bench, pushed the boundaries of modern technology and improved the science for tomorrow.
Prior to her last assignment, Maj. Gen. Pringle served as the Director of Strategic Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.

- Copy and image credit: www.af.mil

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FULL TRANSCRIPT

SPEAKERS

Our Host is Naviere Walkewicz '99 | Our Guest is Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91

Major Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91 00:09

The mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert. The success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders. Just like being a cadet isn't just on the cadet’s shoulders. There's a whole team of folks out there who, if we are the best wingman that we can be, then the mission will succeed.

Naviere Walkewicz 01:00

My guest today is retired Major General Heather Pringle, a 1991 graduate of the Air Force Academy. General Pringle’s journey from in-processing day to her current role in the nonprofit sector spans 32 years. Along the way, she served in education, warfighter support, research, innovation and global leadership roles culminating in the command of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command. There is a unique first from her days as a fourth degree that stands out. And it makes me wonder how that affected the trajectory of your Air Force career. We'll talk about that with the general and much more. General Pringle, thank you for being here today.

Gen. Heather Pringle 01:36

Thanks for having me, Naviere. And please, call me Heather.

Naviere Walkewicz 01:39

So Heather, let's kind of go back a little bit, you know, to some early days. Back to the beginning. Let's talk about what you were like as a kid where you grew up, about your family?

Gen. Heather Pringle 01:50

Well, I grew up in a small town in Idaho. And I guess before we really dig in, I do want to say, thanks so much for having me here. It's yes, it's an honor to be able to talk to your audience and share some stories. And if there's any way I can be of help, that's what I'm all about.

Naviere Walkewicz

We love that. Thank you.

Gen. Heather Pringle

So, growing up in small town in Idaho, it's well known for the place where Evil Knievel jumped the Snake River Canyon, but he did not land on the other side, or the part of the canyon where I grew up. But the excitement surrounding it really enthralled me. And you asked what I was like growing up, and I love to challenge. I'd love to learn new things. And maybe that was a little difficult on my parents. But boy, they did a such a great job of instilling values in me and always doing my best and working hard and trying to make a difference for others.

Naviere Walkewicz

You grew up, you moved to Idaho.

Gen. Heather Pringle

I’m the oldest of three and my sister served in the Air Force as a nurse and my younger brother, also known as “Zoom”, also served in the Air Force as well. He was a pilot, and yes, so he was a pilot. There you go.

Naviere Walkewicz 03:11

That's awesome. And another long blue line graduate of the Air Force Academy.

Gen. Heather Pringle 03:15

Absolutely. He was class of 1996.

Naviere Walkewicz 03:18

Is that something? Did you know you wanted to go to the academy? How did that come about?

Gen. Heather Pringle 03:22

My aunt and uncle live on a ranch in Wyoming. And that's where I spent my summers. So that part about hard work and doing chores and you know, dawn to dusk type stuff. They taught me a lot about working to make a contribution. And my aunt was a high school teacher. And as part of her curriculum, she went on a trip to Annapolis. And she came back and she said if she had her life to do over again, she would go to a service academy. That was the first I'd ever heard of a service academy. I'm so grateful to my aunt and uncle. And I did my own research and found out about the Air Force Academy in Colorado. And it had an exchange with France…

Naviere Walkewicz

Okay.

Gen. Heather Pringle

…which was really fun. That intrigued me as well. So, I just worked hard and did my best and I got lucky.

Naviere Walkewicz

So did you get to go on an exchange?

Gen. Heather Pringle

While I was a cadet?

Naviere Walkewicz

Wow.

Gen. Heather Pringle

Yes, I did. And I used to joke that it was my favorite semester at the Academy. But there were a lot of great semesters out the Academy, but France was a unique one that is so unique. Yeah, we do. My brother and I have a unique distinction that we're the only brother sister at least couple years ago that was true. The only brothers sister combo that went to the French exchange.

Naviere Walkewicz

Oh my goodness. That's cool.

Gen. Heather Pringle

It is kind of cool. But I'm sure today's cadets have already surpassed that milestone and many more.

Naviere Walkewicz 05:02

The level of talent coming in and just how smart they are. I don't know that I would have made it in today’s…, for sure where I was, you know, back, you know, in ’95.

Gen. Heather Pringle 05:13

I completely agree. It's mind blowing. And I'm just so impressed by the cadet population and their talent and their selfless drive. It's amazing. And I'm very honored. They make me look better than I am. And they're, just fantastic. And the future is really bright. And we're in great hands.

Naviere Walkewicz 05:39

I think that’s true. They make they make us look good, because really they represent the long blue line from you know, from years before and as we move forward. So, talk about that a little bit more the cadet life. I know you graduated from five were you always in Vandy? What was Cadet life like for you?

Gen. Heather Pringle 05:55

So Cadet life was, oh, I don't even know how to describe it. But let's see, I started we're…

Naviere Walkewicz 06:03

You’re not military at all, like no exposure. So that was it. You literally showed up? Let's talk about just ID (induction day) what was that? Like? Let's start there, indoctrination day.

Gen. Heather Pringle 06:10

Okay, I have a couple of memories. So, the first one is I was on the plane, and my parents shipped me from Idaho to Colorado Springs. And I'm sitting next to somebody on the plane who has this little gold book in front of him. And I'm looking and I said, “Well, hi. I'm Heather.” And it turns out the individual was going to the Academy and had this book. He said, “Well, we have to memorize quotes.” And so that was the first part and then the bus ride from the airport to at the time, that was the Bring Me Men” ramp. It was dreary, it was raining. It was a rare rainy day here in Colorado. And so, you know, the ambiance started to sink in. And the weight of what I was about to enter started hitting me and I started getting worried. And could I cut it? Was I good enough? And all I could do was try. And the other funny memory that I have new here is they take you around on indoctrination day and you get measured for boots, you get measured for uniforms, etc. And they cut your hair.

Naviere Walkewicz 07:27

Yes. I remember that vividly.

Gen. Heather Pringle 07:28

Yes, and I had my hair cut before I went because I was going to be as prepared as I could. And immediately after getting my hair cut, they hand you the little placard to hold it under your chin and they were going to take your military identification photo. And I had the biggest grin because I was just proud and happy to be a part of the cadet corps and loving life. And then immediately after that, an upperclassman came around and definitely trained the smile right out of me. It was the last one for a little bit.

Naviere Walkewicz 08:02

Oh my goodness. So that was definitely a memory for sure. Let's talk a little bit more about while you're at the Academy. I know you, going before the Academy, you dabbled in different things and challenges. What were some of the experiences that you got involved with, or maybe clubs or groups that you can get involved as well while you were at the Academy?

Gen. Heather Pringle 08:19

Oh, that was, that was so fun. And the clubs really helped build that feeling of connection and camaraderie and family in addition to your squadron, right? I was a walk-on the track team. I was a hurdler.

Naviere Walkewicz

Wow.

Gen. Heather Pringle

Not great. I'm really, really not great. I was definitely the walk-on. But there's something for everyone. And that's, that's the goodness of it. And it just was really great. And I'm still friends with some of my track colleagues. And I'm really lucky to make some great friends during that time. I thought I'd mentioned as well, it wasn't all roses, as you can imagine. And in high school, I really liked physics. And I thought, you know, maybe I'll do physics. And I did not do well on the test that I had. So, I pretty quickly dropped physics as a major. And that's a tiny little regret that I have. Human Factors, which is no regret whatsoever. I loved it. And I loved the opportunity to combine technology and the human side of it. And it's it really worked out very, very well. At the time though I was a little disappointed that I didn't quite cut it but that's one of the thoughts that I had might be of interest is don't give up on your dreams when you're going through the Academy. And I'll say that even when one door closes a window opens and you're right, Human Factors, was the best thing ever. I loved it, I pursued it as a scientist and met many great people. And I leave the physics to the really, really talented people, which is there are so many out there.

Naviere Walkewicz 10:14

Well, that really speaks volumes, because so many listeners I think are at, you know, different points when you come to a crossroad. And you kind of wonder which way do I go. So, I think that's a really great story that you shared there. Because sometimes the path that you're not even seeing is the one that you should be going on. And that's kind of how you, you approached it. So, at the Academy, were there any particular leaders that really spoke to you and shaped you in a way that you knew was going to kind of make a difference in your career after the academy?

Gen. Heather Pringle 10:43

You look to so many around you. I leaned on so many people from my roommates along the way to faculty. I was really drawn to the academic side. And I had a lot of faculty that I looked up to, and they encouraged me. My academic advisor, for example, made a friendly bet with me once that I should get a particular grade point average. And, you know me, I love a challenge. So, I didn't just meet the challenge, but you know, that's a little, that's my personality. Unfortunately, yes, well, it can get in the way sometimes, too, but, um, you know, and then my AOCs. I still have my Cadet coin from 5th Squadron from 1991. I just can't believe how many people are dedicated to helping cadets succeed across the weighing across the base. I mean, we can't forget all those folks that are keeping the dorms warm, and ensuring that, you know, all the grounds are kept up to speed. And I, if I could say thank you to all of them for the lack of thank you’s that I said at the time, I would love to do so now.

Naviere Walkewicz 12:14

So, I did want to touch on this unique first that your class experienced. So, you know, your class was amongst the first cadets to receive desktop computers. Let's talk a little bit about that. Because, you know, I can think a lot of firsts that cadets have, but this was game changer for the Academy. How did that kind of, what did that look like for you, and did it, you know, shape anything for what you wanted to do in the future?

Gen. Heather Pringle 12:38

The freshmen had computers and the sophomores, but not the juniors and not the seniors. Interesting, very fascinating tool differential. So, I do remember getting the computer during basic training and trying to figure out how to stick the floppy in to boot up the computer and use it right. And we also had an intranet at the time. And I would say that our class got very, very good at coordinating spirit missions using our computers, and the juniors and seniors were none the wiser. And so, we would say, you know, we had to be pretty good about doing that. But we could never pull the wool over the eyes of our sophomores and they were always right there to get us. But I even remember a couple of upperclassmen requesting services, for example, in terms of entering papers into the computer so that they would have a document because I had it and they didn't, rather than handwriting or typing right on a typewriter.

Naviere Walkewicz 13:47

So, just share, do you have a particular spirit mission that still stands out into your mind that you remember?

Gen. Heather Pringle 13:54

Oh, I don't even know if I should get into those.

Naviere Walkewicz 13:58

Fair enough? I think we all have those. Those spirit missions are li those just stay with us.

Gen. Heather Pringle 14:03

Yeah. Let's just say, you know, I really bonded with my classmates. Yeah. And I'm really grateful for having those friends over the years as well. So yeah, there. We, I'm sure, we weren't the best, or the worst. But yeah, we made our mark.

Naviere Walkewicz 14:22

I think of all, every class, I think, feels like they either had the toughest or they had the best spirit mission.

Gen. Heather Pringle 14:29

So, you know, yeah, we're probably right in the middle, right in the middle.

Naviere Walkewicz 14:33

Well, maybe we can shift a little bit to your career. But before we do, for those listeners that are thinking about the Air Force Academy or kind of, you know, lessons that you learn, if you can go back and talk to Cadet Heather, you know, what would you say to her?

Gen. Heather Pringle 14:46

Oh, I would say just keep going for it and enjoy it because it's over too quickly. And I think I didn't really realize how many people were there to help me and I don't think I asked for help enough when I needed it. So, I would say that there are people that want you to succeed. And they're there to help cadets succeed. So that would be my message.

Naviere Walkewicz 15:16

Let's talk about this 32 years of amazing leadership in the in the Air Force, and I know that you're very modest.

Gen. Heather Pringle 15:24

(It) spans two centuries. So, I think it's not all that remarkable. And I have to say, you know, even given that the long blue line, there are so many leaders to look up to, like Heather Wilson, David Ogilvy and Mark Welsh, so many great leaders to look up to. It's very humbling just to be a part of it, and to help someone else make it better and follow in their great footsteps.

Naviere Walkewicz 15:55

Yes, well, I think that's part of what makes us so special is because I think every, you know, person that shares their experiences when it comes to their, like leadership lessons, or just some of the trials, tribulations, successes, someone that's listening on the other end can pick something from that and say, like, that really, that really spoke to me. So, you know, we'll talk about your career. Maybe you can just share just off the bat, you know, you're a mom?

Gen. Heather Pringle 16:19

I am a wife…

Naviere Walkewicz 16:20

You are also you know, you did 32 years and leadership positions. What's that like, juggling all of that? How did you do that?

Gen. Heather Pringle 16:27

I don't know that I did it very well. You know, you just do the best you can. But first is having a great husband who supported me along the way and made sure that the kids were fed. And yeah, I'll say they had dirt on their faces, or, you know, my daughter dressed in mismatched, you know, whatever. But it was just, it was just a great life. And I'm really grateful that he was helping me through the ups and the downs. It's hard to be a mom and to be active duty, and it gets harder over time. It's especially hard when they're little juggling. And you kind of feel like, wow, I'm failing at being a mom, I'm failing at being an officer, and how do you manage both? And I would just say, give yourself a break, and be the best you that you can be. I once tried to be something or meet a standard that I thought was the right thing to do. But once I decided, you know what, I'm Heather, I'm from Idaho, and not many of us are, and I'm a mom, and I just kind of owned that as part of my leadership. I was happier. And I don't know if I did better, but I was able to go further because of it. And I was much more comfortable in my skin. And, you know, you take the highs and the lows, and you just keep going.

Naviere Walkewicz 18:10

No, that's wonderful. I think there's young officers that feel that pressure at both moms and dads. And so I think that's, it's nice to hear those who have done so well to admit, you know, hey, it's tough at times, and sometimes you gotta lean on your network, and your network can be a lot of different things. So thank you for sharing that.

Gen. Heather Pringle 18:28

Yeah, well, you, you might end up going to work once in a while was spit-up on your shoulder, or, you know, kind of being a little, you know, or late to a soccer game. And you don't have to, I guess that's what I'm really saying, is you don't have to be perfect. Across the board. Just be you.

Naviere Walkewicz 18:49

I think that's a great nugget for those that are listening that maybe are feeling some of those pressures. What advice might you give to supervisors that maybe have some, some members in their, on their teams that you might say, maybe consider giving grace? Or what does that look like to you that you might share?

Gen. Heather Pringle 19:06

Well, this is something that I learned from General Mark Walsh, and he said, everyone has a story. And so, if someone's a supervisor out there, I would say job number one is to listen and know your team, listen to their stories. And every individual in the military is serving and comes from all these unique, amazing backgrounds. And they've conquered their own challenges, whether it's past or present. And so, when supervisors understand that, then they can better meet the individual in the middle. Of course, the mission has to get done and you want it to be done. Well, national security is an imperative and we're depending on our uniformed members, so I'm not worried about our military letting us down. I just want to make sure that we're living up to what our military needs. And so, listen, learn, and see if we can meet in the middle.

Naviere Walkewicz 20:12

I mean, it goes back to taking care of your people. And then I think that you just said, you couldn't have said that any better.

Naviere Walkewicz 20:20

Maybe you can share some of the challenges that you might have experienced. You talked about, you know, being a mom and being a leader. Talk about just in leadership in general. What was maybe one of the most challenging things you've experienced? And how did you overcome that?

Gen. Heather Pringle 20:34

I had a variety of challenges. Throughout my career, I’ll say I didn't have necessarily a straight line in the way that I went. And I think that's great. And I didn't know if I was, you know, I applied to a lot of different opportunities, you know, there's so many, and I, you know, I didn't get half of them or more. I wanted to be a Squadron Commander down at Air Education and Training Command down at Lackland. And I didn't get selected. That's okay. It like, it's, I kept going and doing other things, and other doors opened, and so you just, you just don't give up. That would have been an amazing opportunity. And what they do down at Lackland is phenomenal. But, you know, that's just one example of, you know, something I tried and didn't pan out. But what do you do, you just keep going and try something new, or work on those skills and learn from it. The worst thing I could have done, or the worst thing anyone could do, is to let that you know, non-selection define them as an individual or feel like, you know, all hope for the future is lost. That's not, couldn't be, couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, all learning comes from failure. And that's something we need to embrace, to improve, to adapt to change, and to keep getting better, right? And to grow as leaders to grow as a leader. So, I love a challenge. So, I took those failures as a challenge. All right, what am I going to learn what I'm going to do next?

Naviere Walkewicz 22:23

And it probably even helped in your, you've probably mentored others, you know, that are going through similar challenges that actually like let's look at it this from a different vantage point. And because you kind of went through those different experiences, you're able to be even more impactful in their lives.

Gen. Heather Pringle 22:35

It is important to be honest and give feedback that helps individuals grow. And so, another thought maybe for supervisors is we don't do them any favors if we don't tell them honestly, where they're strong, but where they need to work. And so, we all want to improve, and we all want to be the best that we can at whatever job that we've been given. So, I welcome that kind of feedback. And I'm currently learning about what I need to do. And so, I've got a lot to learn. So, I'm all ears every day all day long.

Naviere Walkewicz 23:14

I think there's a, I don't know that it's not a direct quote, it's certainly not in contrails. But there's something that talks about I think, truly being kind is being honest, you know, being truthful with people. And I think that's some of the best ways we can be kind is by just being honest and truthful with others. So sure. Now, that's wonderful. So you had mentioned that some of the best things that, you know, advice you can give to someone is ways that they can improve. Was there any particular mentor leader that just gave you something that really stuck with you, aside from general wells that maybe you've taken with you in your career as a growth opportunity?

Gen. Heather Pringle 23:45

A lot, I honestly, I really have so many people that I'm grateful for leaving a mark on me. You know, I learned or watched from afar, General Laurie Robinson and she would always say, “Be the best airman you can be, but also be the best wingman that you can be.” And I think that is another area where not only trying to improve yourself but uplift your teammates. And the mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert. And the failure, the success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders. There's a whole team of folks out there who if we are the best wingman that we can be, then the mission will succeed.

Naviere Walkewicz 24:44

Right, now teams are where it's at. And you had the opportunity to lead an incredible team at AFRL. And what's so, I think, so cool about that is you were at a time when you were supporting both Air and Space Force. Let's talk a little bit about that and talk about what was it like when you found out you're going to be commanding, you know, Air Force Research Laboratory? How did that feel and maybe just kind of share some of those moments with us.

Gen. Heather Pringle 25:08

Well the Air Force Research Lab, which you know, don't get confused about Air Force in the name, because it's there for the Space Force too, and provides a ton of amazing technologies for guardians. That was the honor of a lifetime, a huge privilege, because that team is eye-wateringly smart, and brilliant, and innovative. And they are, every day focused on solving problems for warfighters. What can be a higher calling than that? I, I just enjoyed getting to know them, helping them succeed. And they're doing some amazing things for, you know, they shoot lasers, they build robots, they blow things up. They code like crazy, right? It's just they love it, they love it. And they're great at it. They're the best in the world. And I'm forever grateful to have had that opportunity. And I know they continue that mission, even today. That's the other beauty of the military. So even when you have an opportunity, you're always moving, right. And now I know that the research lab is in wonderful, amazing, great hands of a test pilot, and doing even better things. And so it keeps getting better and better. Just like those cadets were better than we were back in the day. AFRL is better today than it ever was. And it's going in the right direction. And I would encourage anybody who's listening to go look up the research lab, because it's pretty inspiring, and they don't get the credit they deserve. That's for sure.

Naviere Walkewicz 27:00

Well, that is good for people. I think people always want to know, like, how do we get to some of these technologies that are doing all of these things and supporting our guardians, our Air Force, or you know, what does that look like? And I think that's cool that you said, “Hey, go check it out.” And part of that is maybe that journey will take them there as well.

Gen. Heather Pringle 27:15

Yeah. So that'd be great.

Naviere Walkewicz 27:17

How did you find out, so talk about just I think that's such a wonderful opportunity to like you said, you know, chance of a lifetime. How did you find out when you were selected for that?

Gen. Heather Pringle 27:26

Oh, I don't even remember. It was probably a blur. I was pretty incredulous though. I'll say this when I graduated in 1991. So last century, I never would have dreamed that I would have had such an opportunity or such a wonderful, yeah, opportunity to be a part of a team like that. So, as I said, my trajectory or my path may have been weaving, and I got so lucky to be there. And now they're doing great things. I just remember trying to relish every moment and trying to relate to the team that what they did mattered. And they're in it for the long haul. So, when they're solving problems, it's not a two-day problem. It's a problem for 10 years from now. So, it can be a little discouraging, but that's where you kind of have to have that you're in it for the long game. So, I don't really remember it was kind of a blur.

Naviere Walkewicz 28:33

Just the whole experience was itself just amazing. Yeah.

Gen. Heather Pringle 28:37

And it was also COVID. So that was a bit of a tricky wicket to navigate and figure out, well, how are you going to lead a distributed, diverse organization like that?

Naviere Walkewicz 28:57

Yeah, that's cool. That is, was there a particular capability that under your leadership, and with the team with you that you could, you know, just share about that you're proud of that kind of was accomplished during your tenure?

Gen. Heather Pringle 29:08

Well, they did it all. So, all the credit goes to the 10,000 professionals who do all that problem solving. They were focused on everything from, oh, the Battle Network, JADC to, to all this space technologies which are so exciting, and also the collaborative combat aircraft was a big one. And the other thing, I'll mention it here, too, even in that organization, it was important to think about who else is contributing to that mission. So, all of those technologies were collaborative efforts with acquirers and Air Force Materiel Command and the program offices with the warfighters, who were helping us understand what is needed on the battlefield and everyone in between. So, none of that work gets done without the whole team contributing.

Naviere Walkewicz 30:16

Was there any moments that you remember that you were surprised? Were there any particular people that just really kind of stood out to you that you were just so incredibly happy that you were able to be a part of their team? While you're there?

Gen. Heather Pringle 30:29

I used to say that if I, if I'm not surprised every single day, then the Air Force Research Lab isn't doing its job. Over the course of a couple years, there were plenty of surprises and lots of opportunities to learn, right? Say that in quotes. So, you were asking before the show, what are unicorns? Yeah, and I may have overused the phrase, but I always thought of the team at the research lab as unicorns because each one was unique. We had opera singers and fiction writers and band players. And, by the way, the world record for pumpkin chucking in a trebuchet is held by an AFRL team. Everyone had a unique story, they came from such amazing backgrounds, and here they were dedicated to serving the nation through technology.

Naviere Walkewicz 31:30

So that is how you catch unicorns? Well, let's talk a little bit about your transition from the military side to the civilian sector and nonprofit work. What does that been like for you?

Gen. Heather Pringle 31:42

Well, it was, it was hard to say goodbye to the team. And but, you know, like all things, you know, life goes on, and they're doing amazing, which is, I'm so proud of them, and so happy for them. And that's what you love to see. And that's truly the beauty of the military. And coming to being a retired person I love being called Heather. So that's probably, and mom, actually, I love mom first. And I get that a lot more than, you know, when I was full time military. And I have found that a lot of the things that you learned those gifts that you pick up through your military career are valued by the civilian sector. So having a mission focus, thinking about, you know, what is it you're trying to accomplish, and then focusing all your efforts on that. And you can't forget, it all starts with the team and who they are and the leadership that permeates everything. So, no mission gets accomplished, without the team there behind it. So, I've spent time getting to know this new team, that I'm a part of learning their unique contributions and understanding what the mission is. And then again, relying on that whole external teamwork, that external group of partners and stakeholders who also want success for that mission, and you find it's not lonely, you're not alone in accomplishing that, that so many people want you to succeed. And that's, that's what I want for your listeners. I want them to go conquer the world, make it better, you know, sweep up all that broken glass that me and my troubled classmates made and it's a little change, you know, you I'll say I have more to give and so that spirit of service before self, if that isn't in my blood, I'm, I am really hoping to continue to serve my family, my community, and my team and so I've got more to give and the Academy gave me those foundational skills to give more.

Naviere Walkewicz 34:18

I mean, well, starting with your family to your time as a cadet to your time in the military, and now the civilian, this new journey. What are some of the most important lessons that you've learned? Maybe in leadership and maybe just in you know, being a successful servant?

Gen. Heather Pringle 34:35

Oh, well, you know, and it's not always success. It's going through setbacks, learning more and trying to be more honest and sometimes those learnings are hard, too. And I had to, I had, there were times when I had to think long and hard about okay, what does this really mean? Am I being truly honest with myself and uh, you know, I'm not, I'm far from perfect. But, you know, I guess just, you know, being the best person that you are. Own whatever unique story that you are. Don't try and be something you're not. You know, I'm from Idaho, you're from Nebraska, we can do that. And it makes the solution so much better. And the more we help each other, the more successful our world will be. I guess the one thing I haven't mentioned really is take time to be with your family and know that they're making your service possible. And now I'm giving back to them.

Naviere Walkewicz 35:46

I mean, you've given so many incredible nuggets about yourself, and I think that people can really relate to that are listening. What's something that you really want them to remember about you?

Gen. Heather Pringle 35:57

I would just say, don't think about me, you know, just go for it. And if you need help, call me. So that's it, that I just said, go for it. There's nothing should be stopping you. And you know, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and I bet you are so much better than you even know that you are. So go for it.

Naviere Walkewicz 36:21

I think that was a great boil down nugget there. Well, I do want to just make sure we're there anything that I didn't ask you that you would really love for our listeners to hear?

Gen. Heather Pringle 36:32

No, I just want to say thanks for having me. I hope it's been an enjoy. It's I've enjoyed the conversation. So very much. Yeah. You know, it's it's important to be part of this community and give back and thanks for doing these kinds of podcasts to spread the word and get people excited. Yes, about coming to the academy and serving our Air Force in our space force. There is so much out there to do really is and we need great people and there's a lot of us out there rooting for you.

Naviere Walkewicz 37:11

Thank you very much. Thanks so much and Heather you have a wonderful day.

Gen. Heather Pringle

You as well.

KEYWORDS

team, Academy, cadet, great, Air Force, mission, Air Force Academy, work, military, love, leadership, unique, amazing, Idaho, serving, challenge, learn, opportunity, Heather, mother, mom, leader, succeed

The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation