2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23 - Leading with Empathy

2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23 also Miss America 2024, lost her mom to pancreatic cancer in 2018. That was the year she was accepted to the Air Force Academy, news she was able to share with her mom who passed away just hours later. Madison fought through grief, doubt and fear, learning along the way that to become a successful leader meant asking for help and leading with empathy. Learn who she leaned on and how she leads now as a result.
SUMMARY
Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh, the first active-duty military member and Miss America 2024, discussed her journey and leadership experiences. She highlighted her foundation for pancreatic cancer research, her academic achievements, and her role as a mentor at the Air Force Academy. Marsh emphasized the importance of empathetic leadership, mental health support, and balancing personal and professional life. She shared her transition from aspiring to be an astronaut to focusing on public policy and her current studies at Harvard Kennedy School. Marsh underscored the significance of passion, support from family and mentors, and the impact of diverse perspectives on leadership.
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OUR FAVORITE QUOTES
"Don't ask your people to do something that you are not willing to do yourself." - Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh
"Your life is too short to live it for someone else or to do things that you are not passionate about." - Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh
"I knew that if I put 100% into something I'm passionate about, the outcome and the impact that I'm gonna have is going to be far greater than forcing myself into this idea of who other people want me to be." - Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh
"Leaning on people, whether it is your partner or a loved one, that is how you're going to succeed in life." - Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh
"Being an empathetic leader, being a leader who goes by example. So don't ask your people to do something that you are not willing to do yourself."
- 2nd Lieutenant Madison Marsh
CHAPTERS
00:00: Empathetic Leadership: The Foundation of Success
02:43: Journey to the Air Force Academy: A Personal Story
11:33: Overcoming Tragedy: The Power of Support
16:18: Leadership Lessons from the Academy
28:31: Navigating Career Changes: Finding Passion
45:02: Key Takeaways: Empathy and Passion in Leadership
TAKEWAYS
Embrace empathetic leadership - Truly understanding and supporting your team members, even when they are struggling, is crucial for effective leadership.
Lead by example - As a leader, you should be willing to do anything you ask of your team and not ask them to do something you wouldn't do yourself.
Follow your passions - Pursuing work and activities you are truly passionate about will lead to greater fulfillment and impact than forcing yourself into a path for others.
Build a strong support network - Relying on partners, mentors, and loved ones can provide the encouragement and guidance needed to overcome challenges.
Prioritize self-care - Taking time for your own mental, physical, and emotional well-being is essential to being an effective leader and avoiding burnout.