In the latest episode of the WarDoc's "10 Good Minutes on Leadership" series, listeners are treated to an enlightening conversation with Brigadier General Retired Susan Pietrykowski Pi, a renowned Air Force Medical Service Corps officer. Known for her distinctive leadership style dubbed "PIE's pontifications," Susan shares invaluable insights drawn from her extensive military career, culminating in her role as the 21st Medical Service Corps Chief.
Leadership Philosophy and Communication
Susan's leadership journey is underscored by her emphasis on effective communication and adaptability. She discusses the importance of tailoring communication strategies to suit diverse teams, especially in today's remote work environment. Susan believes in communicating early and often, a principle that aligns with the ever-evolving dynamics of military teams.
Work-Life Harmony
A significant highlight of the episode is Susan's refreshing take on work-life balance. Inspired by mentors like Colonel Mark Wetherington, she advocates for work-life harmony, recognizing that life isn't always balanced. Susan's personal strategy of dedicating one late night a week to work while ensuring quality time with family the rest of the week exemplifies her commitment to this philosophy.
Team Building and True Colors
The podcast also delves into Susan's strategies for building resilient teams. Her transformative experience with the True Colors course—a modern take on the Myers-Briggs framework—has been pivotal in understanding team dynamics. By valuing a cultural add over a cultural fit, Susan has successfully created diverse teams that thrive on varied perspectives and strengths.
Mentorship and Lifelong Learning
Mentorship is another key theme, with Susan emphasizing the importance of actively seeking mentors and maintaining diverse mentoring relationships. She highlights the role of mentorship in navigating transitions, such as moving from military to civilian life, and underscores its impact on career development.
Reflections on Leadership
Reflecting on her leadership journey, Susan encourages a collaborative and celebratory approach over competition. She advocates for breaking down stereotypes and biases, particularly for women in STEM fields, and shares personal anecdotes to inspire young leaders to pursue their passions.
Navigating Challenges and Looking Forward
The episode concludes with Susan's candid recounting of her leadership experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health and the evolving concept of work-life harmony in the post-pandemic era.
HOW TO LISTEN AND WATCH
The episode featuring Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Pietrykowski is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Here are some popular links that will bring you directly to the episode:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/iTs-x39H1Bw
Biography
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Pietrykowski earned her commission in 1993 through the Air Force ROTC at the University of Portland, Oregon, where she received a degree in mathematics, with minors in business and Spanish. She has served in a variety of Military Treatment Facility and staff positions, including Commander, 633rd Medical Group, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; Commander, 28th Medical Group, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota; Commander, 779th Medical Support Squadron, Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; Commander, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron, and Administrator, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Brig. Gen. (Ret) Pietrykowski was the Deputy Command Surgeon, headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia and also served as the Director of Manpower, Personnel and Resources, and Chief of the Medical Service Corps, Office of the Air Force Surgeon General, Falls Church, Virginia.
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Pietrykowski is a 2011 graduate of the National War College and a 2006 graduate of the Air Command and Staff College. She is board certified as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
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