Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristin Goodwin, Brig Gen (ret) USAF. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kristin, appreciate you joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Have you ever tried to capture the essence of your life’s work in a single name? It can be a daunting task. A name can carry profound significance. For me, the journey to finding the perfect moniker for my brand was deeply rooted in my personal history and professional vision.

Picture this, I am sitting in the cockpit, calculating the precise adjustments needed to navigate through the sky. In that moment, I’m not just a pilot; I’m a navigator of change, constantly adapting to the ever-shifting conditions around me. It was in these moments of precision and adaptation that the seed of “The Delta-v” was planted.

In the world of physics and engineering, delta-v represents the change in velocity required to maneuver a spacecraft from one trajectory to another. Yet for me, it became so much more. It became a metaphor for the journey we all undertake in our personal and professional lives.

Think about it – we are all constantly navigating changes, adjusting our course to reach our goals. That is what The Delta-v represents. It is that crucial space between where you are and where you aim to be. It’s the momentum that propels you forward, the force that helps you break through barriers and soar to new heights.

When I transitioned from my role as a military leader to the corporate world to leadership coaching and consulting, I knew I needed a name that bridged these worlds. “The Delta-v” emerged as the perfect choice, encapsulating both my past experiences and my current mission.

Every time I say the name, I am reminded of the precision, adaptability, and forward momentum required in both flying and guiding others towards their goals. Just as I once calculated the perfect delta-v to reach my destination in the air, I now help clients navigate the changes necessary to achieve their aspirations on the ground.

So, “The Delta-v” is not just a clever name or a nod to my past. It is a philosophy, a constant reminder of the transformative journey I facilitate. It is about empowering individuals and organizations to propel themselves from their current state to their desired future. It is about embracing change, calculating your moves, and then pushing forward with all you have got.
In essence, The Delta-v is more than just a brand name. It is an invitation – an invitation to join me in that exhilarating space between where we are and where we want to be.

Kristin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Imagine standing on the launchpad of your life, knowing that your next decision could catapult you into an entirely new orbit. That’s exactly where I found myself as a wide-eyed 10-year-old girl, watching in awe as the space shuttle Columbia pierced the sky on its maiden voyage in 1981. In that earth-shaking moment, I felt my own world shift. The vast possibilities of the heavens above became my refuge, my inspiration, and ultimately, my calling.

That calling led me on an extraordinary journey from the United States Air Force Academy to the cockpit of some of the most sophisticated aircraft in our nation’s arsenal, including the iconic B-2 Stealth bomber. Yet my path was not just about breaking sound barriers – it was about breaking through the barriers of expectation and limitation that so often hold us back.

As the first female to command a Bomb Wing in the United States Air Force, I learned that true leadership transcends rank or title. It’s about inspiring others to reach their full potential and navigating the turbulent skies of change with grace and purpose. My roles expanded beyond the cockpit to include critical positions in national security, global affairs, and leadership development. I served on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and even in the Thai Embassy, gaining a unique perspective on the intricacies of global leadership.

Today, through The Delta-v, I bring this wealth of experience to executives and organizations worldwide. We are not just about achieving business goals – we are about changing lives, reshaping organizations, and leaving an indelible mark on communities through visionary leadership.

What sets us apart is our unique approach, which I call R.I.Z.E. – Radical Curiosity, Innovation, Zest for life, and Excellence. This framework, born from my own journey of overcoming adversity and achieving success, underpins everything we do. We encourage leaders to question the status quo, adapt to rapidly changing environments, maintain a passion for growth, and strive for the highest standards in leadership and organizational performance.

Here’s the thing – The Delta-v is not just a business to me. It is a mission, a calling as powerful as the one that first drew my eyes to the sky. It is about empowering others to overcome their own challenges and reach new heights. I bring not just my professional experiences, but also my personal journey of resilience and growth to every interaction. As a mother to two amazing daughters, I understand the delicate balance of personal and professional life, and the importance of authentic leadership in driving innovation and success.

Whether you are an executive facing unprecedented challenges, a team struggling to find cohesion, or an organization on the brink of transformation, The Delta-v is here to guide you through that crucial space between where you are and where you aim to be. We are not just reaching for the stars – we are teaching others how to fly among them.

Are you ready to calculate your own delta-v? Are you prepared to push beyond your limits, to lead with authenticity and purpose, to inspire those around you to reach for the stars? If so, The Delta-v is ready for you. Together, we will navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and redefine what is possible in leadership and in life. The sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My journey from the cockpit of a B-2 Stealth bomber to boardrooms has taught me one invaluable lesson: true leadership is about connection, not perfection. This philosophy has been the cornerstone of building my reputation, especially among women leaders who often feel pressured to be flawless in a world that sometimes seems designed to challenge them at every turn.

Throughout my career, I’ve been guided by three core principles that have resonated deeply with the leaders I work with. The first is the belief that authenticity is your superpower. In a world of corporate masks, I choose to show up as my full self – career, motherhood, struggles, and all. This has not always been easy. I remember standing before a room of leaders, my heart pounding, as I shared a personal story of failure and redemption. The silence was deafening… until it wasn’t. The flood of responses, the shared experiences, the palpable relief in the room – it was a revelation. Leaders are not looking for another perfect role model; they are craving someone real, someone who understands their challenges because she too has lived them.

The second principle is that vulnerability is courage in action. Admitting you do not have all the answers is not weakness; it is the first step to finding better solutions. I recall a moment early in my career, I took a deep breath and said the words many fear: “I don’t know.” The result? A collaborative brainstorming session that not only solved our immediate problem but strengthened our team in ways I could not have imagined. This moment shaped my entire approach to leadership coaching. Now, I guide my clients to embrace vulnerability as a tool for innovation and trust-building.

The third principle is unwavering reliability. In the tumultuous world of executive leadership, being a steady presence is invaluable. Whether it’s a 3 AM call before a make-or-break presentation or a shoulder to lean on during a crisis, I have made it my mission to be there. This reliability extends beyond just being available; it’s about creating a safe space where leaders can be fully themselves, knowing their confidences are protected and their growth is my top priority.

Here is the real secret: it’s not about me. It is about creating a space where leaders can shed the weight of expectations and rediscover their authentic power. Every time a client tells me, “For the first time, I feel seen and heard,” I know we are changing the face of leadership itself.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At The Delta-v, we do not just build relationships; we nurture lifelong partnerships. Our approach to fostering loyalty is not about strategies or sales tactics – it’s about creating a community of leaders who uplift and inspire each other. We make this happen through a multifaceted approach that puts genuine connection at its core.

The power of personal touch is at the heart of everything we do. In a world of automation, we choose connection. Every client receives personalized check-ins from me – not because a CRM system prompted it, but because I genuinely care about their journey. These are not just courtesy calls; they are opportunities to celebrate victories, offer support during challenges, and sometimes, just to listen.

We also provide curated growth opportunities for our clients. Our monthly newsletter is not just a broadcast; it is a carefully curated resource tailored to our clients’ needs. From thought-provoking articles to exclusive insights from leadership experts, it is designed to be a monthly dose of inspiration and practical wisdom.

Our blog serves as a continuous learning platform. It is not just content; it is a living, breathing extension of our coaching philosophy. We tackle real issues our clients face, offering actionable advice and inviting discussion. It’s not uncommon to see comment threads evolve into powerful dialogues between leaders across industries.

Perhaps the most important aspect of our approach is the ‘always open door’ policy. Whether it’s a quick question or a looming crisis, our clients know they can reach out anytime. This level of access and support creates a safety net that empowers leaders to take bold actions, knowing they have backup.

Here is what truly sets us apart: we do not just talk about transformation; we live it. Every interaction, every piece of content, every event we host is infused with our core values of authenticity, courage, and excellence. We are not just building a brand; we are nurturing a movement of leaders who are changing the world, one decision at a time.

The result? Our clients do not just stay with us; they become our biggest advocates. They refer their colleagues, bring us into their organizations, and often, become partners in developing new leadership initiatives. This organic growth of our community is the truest testament to the impact of our work.

In the end, fostering loyalty at The Delta-v is not about tactics; it’s about trust. It is about creating an experience so valuable, so transformative, that our clients cannot imagine their leadership journey without us. We are not just coaches or consultants; we are partners in their success, cheerleaders in their victories, and a steady hand during their challenges.

So, if you’re ready to be part of a community that will challenge you to grow, support you when you stumble, and celebrate you when you soar, The Delta-v is more than a service – it is your launchpad to transformative leadership. Are you ready to take flight?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedelta-v.com
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/kristin-goodwin
• Other: Delta Dynamics (blog and newsletter) : https://thedelta-v.com/landing/lp-delta-dynamicsBook release October 2024: https://thedelta-v.com/landing/stilettos-on-the-glass-ceiling-landing-page