🎧 Listen now on Spotify: Click Here
In episode 131 of the Talk4 Podcast, I had the absolute honour of sitting down with Colonel Katrine Waterman, an inspiring leader, accomplished officer, and the Command Center Director at NORAD. With a military career that has spanned decades and taken her from the Air Force Academy to commanding aircraft maintenance units for some of the most advanced airframes in the world, Katrine’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to service.
This conversation is a deep dive into what it takes to lead with integrity, overcome life’s inevitable challenges, and create a meaningful impact in a mission-driven life. If you’re looking for inspiration or practical advice on leadership, this is the episode for you.
About Katrine Waterman
Katrine grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a father who flew F-4 Phantoms in Vietnam and a family legacy tied to the United States Air Force. Inspired by her father’s service, she pursued her dream of joining the military while simultaneously excelling as a national-level gymnast. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, she embarked on a remarkable career in the Air Force, commanding maintenance squadrons and aircraft groups, including units focused on the C-17 Globemaster III and the F-22 Raptor.
Currently serving as the Command Center Director at NORAD, Katrine oversees operations critical to North American aerospace defence. Outside of her professional life, she is an avid cyclist, an animal lover passionate about rescuing dogs, and someone who embodies a love for adventure.
Key Topics Discussed in the Episode
1. Life’s “Rewrites” and Adapting to Change
Katrine’s story is filled with pivotal moments where her initial plans were completely rewritten. From leaving gymnastics during her junior year at the Air Force Academy to discovering she was too short to qualify as a pilot, each of these challenges required her to adapt, find new passions, and redefine her goals.
In our chat, she shared how her father’s advice to pursue aircraft maintenance instead of piloting led her to a career she fell in love with, despite initially seeing it as a detour. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding fulfillment in unexpected opportunities.
Key Takeaway:
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but with the right mindset and an ability to adapt, you can find success in places you never expected.
2. Leadership in Action: Safety, Reliability, Lethality, and Passion
As someone who has commanded large maintenance units, Katrine spoke extensively about the core values she instills in her teams: safety, reliability, lethality, and passion. These values guide her leadership approach, ensuring that every team member understands their role in the bigger mission while fostering an environment of trust and accountability.
She shared powerful insights about her time transforming a maintenance unit during a challenging organisational change. By prioritising her values and cultivating passion in her team, she overcame resistance and helped the unit reach its full potential.
Key Takeaway:
Leadership is about more than strategy—it’s about values, consistency, and fostering a culture where people feel inspired to give their best.
3. Thriving in Male-Dominated Environments
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation was Katrine’s reflections on navigating male-dominated environments. She candidly discussed how she rarely noticed her gender as a factor until later in her career, where some challenges arose simply because she was a woman in leadership.
Rather than letting these challenges define her, she used them as motivation to excel, ensuring her actions and leadership spoke louder than any biases. Her advice to young women in similar environments? Develop tough skin, understand your value, pick your battles, and always stay true to your principles.
Key Takeaway:
Success in any environment requires knowing your worth, standing up for yourself when necessary, and staying committed to your goals despite obstacles.
4. Personal Growth Through Core Values
Katrine’s personal values—credibility, loyalty, grit, health, and overall well-being—have been her guiding principles throughout her career. She emphasised the importance of identifying your own values, using them as guardrails to keep you on track, and ensuring they inform your decisions in both personal and professional life.
Whether it’s adopting rescue dogs, pursuing cycling, or mentoring her teams, Katrine’s life is a testament to the power of living in alignment with your core beliefs.
Key Takeaway:
Define your values and let them guide every aspect of your life. They will help you navigate challenges, make tough decisions, and maintain integrity.
5. Advice for Young Leaders and Aspiring Airmen
For those considering a career in the military—or leadership in any field—Katrine’s advice was simple but profound:
- Be adaptable: Plans change, and success comes from how you respond to those changes.
- Embrace the team: Success in the military (and life) is a team effort. No one achieves greatness alone.
- Stay mission-focused: Pursue something bigger than yourself, and you’ll find fulfillment in ways you never imagined.
Why You Should Listen to This Episode
This conversation with Katrine Waterman is not just for those in the military—it’s for anyone who wants to lead with purpose, navigate challenges with resilience, and live a life driven by values. Whether you’re building a business, working in a team, or simply looking for inspiration, her insights are universally applicable.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify: Click Here
Final Thoughts
Katrine’s journey reminds us that life is full of unexpected twists and turns. What matters is how we adapt, the values we hold dear, and the impact we make on others along the way.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode! And if you enjoyed it, be sure to check out previous episodes featuring other remarkable leaders.
🌟 Support the Show:
- Grab a copy of 150 Secrets to Greatness: Amazon Link
- Follow me on Instagram for updates: Talk4 Podcast
Stay tuned for more incredible stories. Until next time, keep chasing greatness!
