Be Not Afraid

When former General Mark Welsh III of the United States Air Force gave a speech to the Academy's Cadets, he presented a slide asking them if they visited the honor wall. General Welsh wanted to know if the cadets took the time to understand the history of the men and women who came before them. He challenged them never to lose sight of the journey and the bridges built from the sacrifice that brought them across. Do yourself a favor and watch Welsh's powerful speech and message. It will be one of the best investments of your time.

General Mark Welsh asks the cadets during the speech about U.S. Air Force officer Robert Lodge. One of the many names honored on the wall. Welsh questioned, why don't we know him? He eloquently urges the United States Air Force cadets to visit the wall, pick a name, and research their life. All of us should implement General Welsh's timeless advice into learning about men and women who have quietly shaped the lifestyle, freedoms, and privileges we currently enjoy. Like French-Polish physicist Marie Curie.

Marie Curie was a remarkable woman. A true trailblazer, servant leader, and positive difference-maker. A winner of two Noble Prizes for her cutting-edge research and work on the therapeutic benefits of radium. She has often been considered as one of the most inspirational and influential women in history for her ability to overcome significant life obstacles that confronted her in the 19th and early 20th centuries while she challenged the status quo with grit.

Curie was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, during a time when Russia dominated the homeland, and Polish civilians were expected to be subservient to them. Marie Curie would receive general education in the local schools while learning some scientific teachings from her father. Being socially and politically curious from an early age, she found it imperative to leave Warsaw. Her studies and perseverance would eventually lead her to another country. Curie would go on to save enough money over two years to join her sister and brother-in-law in Paris, attending the University of Paris.

Marie Curie sacrificed everything. She kept warm by wearing every piece of clothing she owned on her and often went without food so that she could immerse herself in studying. Remarkably after two years, Curie earned a degree in physics and intended to move back to Poland to begin teaching. However, gender discrimination would once again present an obstacle that Curie would courageously confront. While rejected acceptance at Krakow University for being a woman, she became frustrated but never deterred nor defeated. Marie Curie would wind up returning to Paris to continue pursuing her academic endeavors as well as a revolutionary self-discovery journey.

Each of us can learn something from Marie Curie. Here are three takeaways we can incorporate into our daily life today to not only become a better leader, coach, executive, teacher, or parent but ultimately a better human being.

1. Inspire Others. Being an inspiration to others comes from afar. Inspiring others comes from being close. Find ways to inspire those you work and share with each day while never underestimating the power of a kind word, touch, or smile. People will always remember how you made them feel.

2. The Single—Mindedness of Purpose. Regardless of how many times you hear the word "NO" or are presented with challenges while cultivating your dreams — Never Give In and Never Give Up. Mental toughness is the ability to see the bright side of a hopeless situation. Adversity is an experience, not a final act.

3. Have a Strong Passion for Work, Process, and Helping Others. Marie Curie had a voracious appetite for learning, as well as teaching others. Life-learning and service to others is a process that has no beginning, middle, or end. It is life itself.

One email featuring Marie Curie would never do justice for all her extraordinary contributions to humanity and the timeless lessons we can learn from her leading-edge life and legacy. As General Mark Welsh bestowed to the United States Air Force Academy cadets, take the time to allow insights and inspiration to flood into your life by studying the historical monuments and learning about history. We have been afforded great opportunities in life due to the pioneering efforts of champions like Marie Curie. It is our responsibility not to allow her acts of service, courage, grace, and excellence to be in vain!

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