Expanding Without Losing My Core: A Leader's Anchor in Growth
From U.S Army First Sergeant to CEO: How I Stayed True to My Values While Growing Into Leadership
Growth has stretched me in every direction, but the anchor has always been my values and my belief in God: take care of people, honor the mission, and build something that outlives my rank or title.
Where I Started
I grew up in the Army — from junior Soldier to currently serving as a First Sergeant (Senior Talent Acquisition Manager) — learning quickly that leadership isn’t about power; it’s about stewardship and service.
Over 20 years, every promotion forced me to ask, “Who am I when the rank comes off?” I asked that question so I wouldn’t confuse my identity with my position. It followed me into entrepreneurship when I stepped into the CEO role of Legacy Vanguard Scott Group alongside my husband.
When Growth Felt Like Identity Whiplash
Stepping into senior leadership as a woman, I finally understood what people meant when they said, “It’s lonely at the top.” There weren’t many women at my level, and that isolation made me question whether I needed to harden who I was just to fit into the room.
At the same time, I was building a company — making decisions as a founder while still carrying the weight of serving as a senior enlisted advisor in a geographically dispersed medical recruiting organization.
The pressure wasn’t just professional; it was personal. Growth stretched me in ways I didn’t expect.
How I Expanded Without Losing Myself
I made one non-negotiable decision: my people-first philosophy comes with me into every room — uniform on or off.
That means I lead Soldiers, clients, and teams the same way. If I take care of my people, the mission takes care of itself.
When growth tried to pull me out of alignment, I returned to three questions:
- Does this decision honor my values of service, integrity, and accountability?
- Am I leading in a way my younger self needed to see?
- Will this open a door for another woman coming behind me?
Those questions became my compass.
Building a Business That Matches My Values
Legacy Vanguard Scott Group was never meant to be “just a business.” It was designed as an extension of my leadership philosophy.
In the Army, I develop Soldiers. In our firm, I develop leaders and cultures — different arena, same assignment.
My background in organizational leadership and public relations allows me to build systems and a brand that reflect who I truly am, not a persona I think the market expects.
What Keeps Me Grounded Today
Today, I live in the tension of two worlds: active-duty First Sergeant and CEO/emerging leadership coach. But I let purpose — not pressure — define me.
I stay grounded by staying close to God, prioritizing my family, investing in women rising into leadership, and telling the truth about what leadership really feels like at the top.
Growth has changed my titles and platforms, but it hasn’t changed my core assignment: develop people, protect culture, and use my story so others don’t feel they have to shrink in order to succeed.
