Elizabeth McCormick: From Black Hawk Pilot to Purpose-Driven Leadership

Elizabeth McCormick’s journey is one of courage, reinvention, and purpose. A former U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot turned internationally renowned keynote speaker, Elizabeth has transformed the lessons of the cockpit into a mission to empower others. As the Founder of Soar 2 Success International, LLC, she brings a rare blend of military precision, real-world leadership, and heart-centered motivation to audiences across the globe. Honored among the Top 30 Motivational Speakers in the World for 2025 by Global Gurus and featured on major media outlets from CNN to the Wall Street Journal, Elizabeth’s story continues to inspire thousands to rise above turbulence and lead with clarity, courage, and conviction.

Your journey began in one of the most challenging environments imaginable. What led you from the military to your current leadership role?

My journey began in a place few expected, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. I had no aviation experience when I started, only determination and a desire to serve. Flying missions as the only woman in my unit taught me lessons no textbook could, how to lead under pressure, make clear decisions, and earn trust through competence.

When an injury unexpectedly ended my military career, I faced a crossroads: let the setback define me or rise with a new purpose. I chose to soar again. Today, as a keynote speaker and business leader, I empower others to navigate their own turbulence with confidence and clarity, showing them how to lead from their own pilot’s seat.

What motivated you to keep moving forward, and what values guide your leadership today?

Purpose has always been my compass. In the Army, my mission was to bring everyone home safely. Now, it’s being the catalyst to stimulate others to rise above challenges and lead themselves with strength and intention.

Even when my career as a pilot ended, I never lost faith that my circumstances didn’t define me, my choices did. The same values that guided me in the cockpit continue to guide me today: integrity, accountability, and courage. These principles remind me that leadership isn’t about rank or status, it’s about impact.

Can you share a defining moment that reshaped your career and leadership outlook?

The defining moment came when my flying career ended due to injury. Everything I thought I was, my mission, my identity, suddenly changed. I had to rebuild from the ground up. That experience taught me that leadership isn’t tied to a uniform or title; it’s who you choose to be and how you show up for others.

I applied what I learned as a pilot, adaptability, preparation, and teamwork, to rebuild my own career. What began as a setback became a launchpad. It set me on my new mission: rising stronger and leading with confidence through life’s turbulence.

Innovation and collaboration are essential for success. How do you encourage these within your work?

In aviation, innovation and collaboration aren’t optional, they’re survival skills. Every mission depended on trust and constant communication. I’ve carried that lesson into every organization I work with.

I create environments where ideas can take flight, where everyone feels safe to speak up and challenge assumptions. I also emphasize collaboration by recognizing that success depends on every role in the mission. When people feel heard, trusted, and connected to the bigger picture, innovation happens naturally.

What traits distinguish high-performing leaders from the rest?

The best leaders share one defining habit, they lead themselves first. In the cockpit, your mindset and focus set the tone for everyone else. It’s the same in leadership.

Top performers embody clarity, adaptability, humility, and consistency. They communicate their mission clearly, stay calm in turbulence, value their teams’ strengths, and show integrity even when no one is watching. Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence, purpose, and the ability to keep flying forward no matter what.

Mentorship has clearly shaped your journey. How do you approach it now as a leader?

Early in my military career, I didn’t have mentors who looked like me or shared my experiences. I learned to mentor myself, to observe, reflect, and grow through every challenge.

Now, I teach that mentorship isn’t always about finding a person; it’s about being intentional about your own growth. I encourage teams to ask better questions, seek different perspectives, and lead themselves with curiosity and accountability. When you learn to guide yourself with integrity, you’re always ready to lead others.

In a rapidly changing world, how do you keep your organization aligned and agile?

One truth from aviation stands out: no flight ever goes exactly as planned. Change is inevitable, but alignment and agility come from clarity of mission. Does everyone in your organization understands your purpose and how their role contributes to it?  Having that clarity can be the difference in a mission accomplished with excellence (or not).

Change is part of progress, not disruption. Regular debriefs help us learn, adjust, and stay responsive. When people share a clear mission, it’s easier to adjust without losing direction or momentum.

What advice would you give to emerging leaders who want to create real impact?

Lead yourself first. Don’t wait for a title or perfect timing, lead where you are. Define your mission early and let it guide your choices. The most impactful leaders don’t chase recognition; empower others to elevate others.

Take action, reflect often, and stay consistent. When you lead with integrity, service, and courage, you don’t just make an impact, you build a legacy.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of leadership?

What excites me most is the shift I see from hierarchy to humanity. The future of leadership is rooted in trust, empathy, and authenticity. We’re moving from information to inspiration, and that’s where real impact begins.

At Soar 2 Success International, I’m thrilled to influence people to step into their own leadership. The sky is wide open for those ready to fly with purpose and resilience, and I’m honored to get to do this work.

A Legacy of Purpose and Empowerment

Elizabeth McCormick’s life reflects the belief that true leadership begins with self-leadership. From her days piloting Black Hawks to commanding stages worldwide, she continues to show others that strength comes from service, clarity, and courage. Her message is simple yet powerful: turbulence will always come, and with vision, discipline, and heart, anyone can rise above it and soar to success.