#93 - Kim "KC" Campbell - Fighter Pilot's Courage, Lessons, and Growth Stories

Kim “KC” Campbell is a retired Colonel who served in the Air Force for over 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. She has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2003, Kim was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission.

As a senior military leader, Kim has led hundreds of Airmen both at home and abroad in deployed locations and enabled them to succeed in their missions. She has experience leading complex organizations and driving cultural change. Kim knows what it takes to be a successful leader, to inspire and empower high performance teams to achieve success. Kim is passionate about leadership and feels strongly that leaders earn trust by leading with courage and connecting with their team.

Quick Episode Summary:

Kim "KC" Campbell shares lessons on courage, mistakes, leadership, and resilience.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways:

• Courage is about action, not the absence of fear
• Learning from mistakes—and moving forward—is essential
• Positive self-talk can help conquer nerves and self-doubt
• Trust, authenticity, and connection are at the heart of leadership
• Gratitude for the team makes the mission possible

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Kim's Resources: 

Website: https://kim-kc-campbell.com/

Her Book FLYING IN THE FACE OF FEAR: https://kim-kc-campbell.com/book/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kc-campbell/ 

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Episode Mentions:

Ryan Hawk

Chief Master Sergeant Lisa Robinson

Ian Morace

Randy Andrus

Jerry Rice

Joe Montana

Brock Purdy

Carol Tevegaugh

Donna Schutzius 

Mike “Spanky” O’Dowd

Nancy Kennett

Jeannie M. Leavitt

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Quotes:

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

- Nelson Mandela

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford

Page 116 when referencing General Mattis from his book: “We learn most about ourselves when things go wrong.”

“Aviate, navigate, and communicate.”

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Chapters:

00:00 Podcast Guest Pursuit Journey

04:15 Pilot's Challenges and Lessons

09:03 Reflecting on the Challenger Experience

10:51 Enjoy the Journey

12:50 Chief Robinson's Inspiring Leadership Mentorship

16:59 Airplane Incident and Aftermath

20:38 Courage in Fearful Moments

24:01 Redefining Leadership Expectations

28:46 "Write Your Own Success Story"

32:30 "Flying with Reassuring Leader Spanky"

33:01 Gas Mask Drill Recollection

39:27 "Book's Message"

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Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch – Episode: Kim Campbell

In this inspiring episode of "Passing The Torch," the host sits down with retired Air Force Colonel and A-10 fighter pilot Kim "KC" Campbell. With over 24 years in service, 1800+ flying hours, and 100+ combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Kim shares powerful stories and hard-won wisdom from both her personal and professional journey.

The conversation weaves through Kim’s experiences as a trailblazing female fighter pilot, her struggles with self-doubt and mistakes, and the vital importance of learning from both failures and success. She talks openly about overcoming air sickness early in her career, the critical role of self-talk, and how reflecting on her past—especially while writing her book—helped her distill key life lessons.

A pivotal moment discussed is her harrowing 2003 mission over Baghdad, where she safely landed her severely damaged A-10—a feat that earned her the Distinguished Flying Cross. Kim emphasizes the importance of teamwork and gives heartfelt credit to her crew chiefs and those working behind the scenes.

Kim also touches on balancing her career and family life, and the evolving challenges and rewards of leadership—especially as a woman in command. She reflects on influential mentors and the power of vulnerability and authenticity in building trust with her team.

The episode closes with lighter, personal insights—including Kim’s love for jalapeño popcorn, her 49ers fandom, and lessons learned from parenting teenagers. She leaves listeners with advice on giving oneself grace, enjoying the journey, and leading with courage.