SHOW NOTES:
This episode features Lisa Steptoe, a 1987 graduate from the U.S. Military Academy. In this episode, you’ll hear all about how Lisa applied to West Point on a dare, the highs and lows of her time at the Academy including winning her weight class in powerlifting, and the relentless energy she’s put towards building a successful career in medical sales after she left the military. The openness and honesty that Lisa brings to the conversation about both her successes and her struggles provides great insight no matter where you are in your personal journey. Enjoy the show!
KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:
- Proving people wrong when they tell you that you can’t do something.
- Standing up for someone else and not remaining silent.
- Being a minority at the Academy.
- Dealing with body image issues.
- Motherhood and deciding to leave the military.
- Transitioning into a career in sales.
- Managing the frustration of getting laid off and having to be resilient and relentless.
0:50 INTRODUCTION:
- Can you tell everyone where you’re from? What school you went to and when you graduated?
- Can you give everyone 1-2 lines about who you are?
2:35 PART I:
- What made you choose a Service Academy – and what made you specifically choose West Point?
- How did your family feel about you going and was anyone in your family in the military?
- What was the atmosphere around you being a woman at the Academy?
11:10 PART II:
- If you had to sum up your time at the Academy in one word, what would it be?
- What were some of the high points and most memorable moments at the Academy?
- What were Academics like for you?
- How many women were in your class?
- How many racial minorities were in your class?
19:45 PART III:
- Were you challenged at West Point to face your values of duty and honor?
- Standing up and not remaining silent.
- What were some of the lowlights and more difficult times at the Academy?
- Struggling with body image.
- Feeling different due to race.
32:37 PART IV:
- What is the key lesson you learned at the Academy?
- What was the plan as you approached graduation?
- What was your career trajectory?
- Making the decision to leave the military.
- Balancing motherhood and career.
41:40 PART V:
- Leaving the military and pursuing medical sales.
- Managing job loss and being relentless and resilient.
- The perception of being an Academy graduate in the corporate world.
50:08 CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:
- Where are you today?
- Considerations for choosing a job outside of the military.
- What’s next for you?
- How do you feel now about your decision to attend a Federal Service Academy?
- Do you have any parting words for listeners? Perhaps a key message to your fellow Service Academy sisters?
- What’s one random fun fact about you?
- Where can people reach you?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasteptoe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetraveldiva87/?hl=en
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