May 20, 2025
45 min
Chad Hennings ’88 Leadership Mindset, Mission, and Moral Courage
From A-10 combat missions to three Super Bowl championships, Chad Hennings has led in the air, on the field, and now—through character-based leadership.
SUMMARY
In the latest episode of Long Blue Leadership, Chad shares pivotal lessons from two leadership crucibles: flying in combat and transitioning from military life to the NFL. We also talk about his work today helping others lead with moral courage, through business, mentorship, and his Forces of Character podcast.
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CHAD'S TOP LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS
- Chad chose to fulfill his military commitment over NFL opportunities.
- Commitment and integrity were instilled in him from a young age.
- Athletics served as a leadership laboratory for Chad.
- Leadership is about setting an example for others.
- Identity is not defined by what you do, but who you are.
- Struggles and obstacles are essential for personal growth.
- Character development requires strong relationships and feedback.
- Kinetic character means actively working on your character.
- Resilience is built through overcoming challenges.
- True fulfillment comes from relationships, not material success. Visualization is key to understanding identity and leadership.
- Leadership is about serving others, not just personal gain.
- True leadership involves modeling behavior for others.
- Identity is foundational for making sound decisions.
- Transitioning from structured environments can challenge one's identity.
- Don't compromise your values to fit in with a group.
- Creating community is essential for personal growth.
- Daily practices like devotionals can set the tone for leadership.
- A growth mindset is crucial for continuous improvement.
- Character and integrity are essential for effective leadership.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Commitment
02:02 Crossroads: Choosing Commitment Over Opportunity
05:58 Lessons from Athletics and Leadership
11:47 The Evolution of Identity and Purpose
16:07 Character Development Through Struggles
21:50 Kinetic Character: The Importance of Relationships
24:04 Visualizing Identity and Leadership
29:12 Navigating Transitions and Identity
32:07 Building Community and Legacy
38:09 Daily Practices for Effective Leadership
40:49 The Importance of Mindset in Leadership
42:08 Character and Integrity in Leadership
43:06 Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders
ABOUT CHAD
BIO
Chad learned the value of hard work, trust, and integrity growing up on his parent’s farm in Iowa. Those lessons became central to the life he’s lived since with unwavering character. From the fields of Iowa to the skies over Iraq, Chad’s journey took him from the U.S. Air Force Academy where he earned academic All-American honors and won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top lineman, to flying 45, A-10 combat and humanitarian missions in the first Gulf war. It was only after fulfilling his commitment to serve that Chad entered the NFL. He was 27 at the time and went on to win three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys. Today, Chad continues to lead from the front. He’s a speaker and he’s authored several books including It Takes Commitment, Rules of Engagement, and Forces of Character. He founded Wingmen Ministries and is a principal in Rubicon Representation, where he helps businesses grow through meaningful relationships and synergy. He’s also the host of his new podcast, Forces of Character, where he shares stories of moral courage and principled leadership, including two periods in his life as a developing and growing leader that ultimately became crucibles. One of those in the cockpit in combat and another transitioning from the military to the NFL.
FORCES OF CHARACTER PODCAST
Chad Hennings, renowned author and former professional NFL athlete, is excited to announce the upcoming launch of his new project, the Forces of Character Podcast, slated for release in early 2025. Based on the principles outlined in his bestselling book, Forces of Character, the podcast will feature insightful interviews with extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated unwavering character and a noble purpose in their personal and professional lives.
- Copy and image courtesy of Chad Hennings and Forces of Character
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TRANSCRIPT
SPEAKERS
Our guest: Chad Hennings ’82 | Our host: Lt. Col. Naviere Walkewicz ’99
KEYWORDS
Leadership, commitment, character, Air Force Academy, NFL, personal growth, identity, resilience, mentorship, purpose, leadership, identity, visualization, transitions, community, legacy, daily practices, mindset, character, integrity
The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
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