Shannon Huffman Polson Knihy

At nineteen, Shannon Huffman Polson became the youngest woman to climb Mt. McKinley, later summiting Mt. Rainier and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Her journey took a pivotal turn when she joined the military as one of the Army's first female attack helicopter pilots, leading platoons in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Through her experiences and those of other remarkable women, Polson uncovered vital leadership insights. She connected with an elite group of female pioneers, including Heather Penney, one of the first female F-16 pilots, and General Ann Dunwoody, the Army's first female four-star general. These women faced challenges in a male-dominated environment, learning to lead at the highest levels. In the post-#MeToo era, Polson emphasizes that all women can break barriers and lead effectively. She shares their stories alongside her own, offering relatable lessons such as "your story is your strategy" and "push through the pushback." This work combines inspiration with practical advice, motivating current and aspiring leaders, regardless of gender, to embrace their potential and effect institutional change.