Kim ‘KC’ Campbell on Courage Under Pressure

In moments of crisis or challenge, one principle from pilot training offers a powerful leadership framework: Aviate. Navigate. Communicate (AVA). First, fly the plane—focus on what you can control and what must happen to keep things steady. Next, navigate—clarify the path forward for your team, including their goals and objectives. Finally, communicate—share the plan, align stakeholders, and ask for help when needed. While this mindset is second nature for pilots, AVA serves as a valuable reminder for leaders everywhere to re-center and simplify.

One of the things that carried me through my time as a pilot is the camaraderie with my team. As pilots, we talk about somebody that has your six—the six o’clock area that you can’t see. This is critical as a leader because we all have blind spots. Having somebody by your side that will tell you the truth—like when your message to the team didn’t resonate—and challenge you to be your best forces us to continually level-up as individuals, teams, and organizations.

When I first became a squadron commander there was a very formal ceremony—think airplane behind me, flags, formations, strict military customs. In the middle of the ceremony, my three year old son decided he wanted to be with me so he slowly made his way to the stage and sat on my lap. I’m supposed to be this tough combat-proven fighter pilot, and of course he’s super cute, but I’m worried what people will think. Then I looked at the audience and everyone is smiling, and I thought, “You know what? This is what it’s all about.” We can be strong and compassionate at the same time. This moment with my son connected me to my team in a way I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.