#95 - Angelina 'Strike' Stephens - Leading beyond comfort zones, purpose, and post-military transformation

Callsign: Strike. Calling: Transformation.

Angelina “Strike” Stephens has spent her life beyond the comfort zone on flightlines, in boardrooms, and in life’s most demanding moments. Forged in high-stakes leadership and proven in the moments that test character and conviction, she brings courage, candor, and clarity to every stage.

With more than two decades of global military leadership, she has led organizations of thousands, advised senior executives, and delivered outcomes in environments where failure wasn’t an option. Known for driving innovation and cross-functional integration in the toughest arenas, she blends authenticity with hard-won insight to inspire audiences to rethink limits, build trust, and drive meaningful change.

What set her apart wasn’t titles or promotions, it was the moment she stripped away the armor and spoke the truth out loud. Her story is proof that the edge of the comfort zone isn’t where you break; it’s where transformation begins.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Angelina 'Strike' Stevens shares leadership lessons, purpose, and post-military transformation.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways:

• “Every action is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
• Reset at the end of each day. Find joy in small moments.
• Speak your truth—even (especially) when it’s hard. That’s where impact lies.
• Purpose is the foundation of happiness—but it has to be your purpose, not someone else’s expectations.

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Strike's Resources:

➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinastephens/ 

➡︎ Website: https://strikestephens.com/ 

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Episode Mentions:

Yolanda Griffith

General Minihan

Katherine Torres-Pummill

Kim “KC” Campbell

Magic Johnson

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Quotes to open episode:

“It’s never too late to make a shift, to step into every moment as the best of versions of ourselves.”

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." 

- Mahatma Gandhi

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Chapters:

00:00 "Embracing Life's Transitions"

06:16 Balancing Tough Arenas with Leadership

09:23 General's Dual Perspectives Shared

10:16 Understanding Frustration and Positivity

13:21 Staying Connected Beats Burnout

16:43 Energy Reset Through Music

22:15 Podcast Reflections on Leadership Growth

24:51 "Embrace Exploration Over Set Paths"

27:02 Identity Crisis After Military Service

30:18 "Marvel Tattoos and Ethical Choices"

34:50 Building Trust Beyond Ranks

39:00 "Beyond Comfort Zones"

42:39 Veteran Support and Cultural Shifts

44:36 "Passing the Torch Podcast Wrap-Up"

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Full Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch — "Strike Stephens"

In this episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster welcomes Angelina 'Strike' Stephens, a dynamic leader known for her authenticity, courage, and transformative impact in both military and civilian spaces. The conversation opens with reflections on personal growth, music that sets the tone for transformation (notably "The Sound of Silence" by Disturbed), and the deep value of everyday moments, like playing catch with children. 

Angelina candidly shares her experience transitioning out of a military career, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in family life and self-care. She discusses the challenges and rewards of finding new purpose beyond her service, including her involvement in leadership coaching, veteran mental health advocacy, and participation in the Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. Her story highlights the struggle many face when moving between life chapters—navigating identity, expectations, and the search for significance outside of pre-defined roles. 

Martin references an impactful testimonial from General Minihan, which underscores Angelina's unique ability to connect, drive culture change, and create safe spaces for truth and vulnerability. The discussion turns introspective as Angelina reveals the emotional toll and fulfillment in being recognized for not just her achievements but her character and honest leadership. 

The episode also brims with lighter moments—discussing favorite playlists and songs that energize or ground them (with Angelina admitting to having 18 personalized playlists!), the power of quotes, and nostalgic stories from her early jobs in Home Depot and Sizzler Steakhouse. Basketball and superhero metaphors run throughout, with both host and guest bonding over sports memories and the deep lessons embedded in Marvel comics about leadership and growth. 

Angelina's advice for others, especially those transitioning from the military, is powerful: treat transition as a research project, experiment, and resist the urge to fulfill others’ expectations rather than your own desires. She highlights the value of purpose over prescribed happiness and encourages listeners to embrace discomfort as the birthplace of real transformation. 

The episode wraps with rapid-fire, personal questions (her ideal three-on-three basketball team, favorite leadership quotes, and thoughts on what she’d put on a billboard for the world to see). Through it all, Angelina stresses the importance of advocating for yourself, seeking connection, and never underestimating the power of vulnerability and honest dialogue. 

Key Themes: 

• Moving beyond comfort zones to find transformation 
• Meticulous self-care during life transitions 
• The importance of intentionality in family and leadership 
• Redefining purpose and resisting societal expectations 
• The role of music, quotes, and team support in resilience 
• Embracing vulnerability as a source of true leadership 

Who Should Listen: Anyone interested in personal development, military transition, leadership, or stories of resilience will find meaning and practical wisdom in this heartfelt and inspiring episode.

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I appreciate all of you. -MF