Lyndsey Akers - How to Build an Identity That’s Actually Yours - Ep. 148

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Lyndsey Akers is a highly regarded communications strategist most known for the platforms she curates for impact-focused brands and the authentic relationships she cultivates with a wide range of stakeholders. She is the CEO of Akers&Co, a boutique communications consultancy, and a passionate advocate for military families. With more than 15 years of experience in high-profile communications roles spanning professional sports organizations, Capitol Hill, and national nonprofits, Lyndsey helps leaders and organizations reach new levels of influence through strategic guidance, thoughtful brand amplification, and respected media placements.

After a decade in the industry, Lyndsey stepped away from the traditional corporate communications track to build a business rooted in purpose and impact. She founded Akers & Co in 2020 to partner with mission-driven organizations and visionary leaders whose work aligns with her values. Today, the firm works with some of the most influential impact-focused military and veteran-connected brands, helping them expand their reach, elevate their leadership voices, and strengthen the communities they serve. Akers&Co has grown into a sought-after boutique PR powerhouse known for thoughtful strategy, high-touch advisory, and meaningful results.

A trusted advisor and strategic thought partner, Lyndsey is known by clients for her ability to see the bigger picture while helping leaders clearly articulate their voice, story, and influence. She helps founders, executives, and changemakers identify opportunities they may not see for themselves and equips them with the strategy, confidence, and positioning for meaningful growth. Through carefully aligned media, partnerships, and visibility opportunities, she ensures public relations efforts support broader business goals while building long-term credibility and reputation.

An Air Force spouse, Lyndsey is widely respected in both the military and business communities as a passionate champion for military-connected missions and families. She works closely with the Air & Space Forces Association and currently serves as Senior Consultant of its United Forces & Families program, helping elevate the voices and leadership of military families across the force. In recognition of her leadership and advocacy, Lyndsey was named the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Air Force Spouse of the Year, a distinction honoring her impact in strengthening the military family community.

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Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:21 Armed Forces Insurance Air Force Spouse of The Year Award

2:42 What Left Lyndsey Speechless

4:33 The Military Spouse “Change Makers”

7:16 What People Don't See Behind the Recognition

10:13 Building an Identity Beyond “Military Spouse”

16:21 Where Does the Military Spouse Identity End?

20:15 Gift / Birthday Surprise

20:55 Why Passing The Torch Exists

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Episode Quotes:

True Motivation Behind Military Advocacy: "We're not doing it because there's this shiny thing at the end. We're doing it because we want to help. We want to make things better and like leave an improved military family for those who come behind us." (03:50)

Building Community Among Military Spouses: "it's not even one story that ever sticks out to me, but the culmination and the combination of all those stories where you leave with a sense of just awe, you leave with a sense of unity. And those are the people that I think you and I would continue giving a voice to." (05:30)

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People and Names mentioned in the episode:

Jay-Z

Tom Brady

Mark Wahlberg

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Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndseyakers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndseyakers/

Website: https://www.akers.co/founder

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Podcast Summary:

The discussion centers around Lyndsey Akers's achievements, identity, and her evolving role within the military spouse community, highlighting themes of leadership, identity, advocacy, and the often unseen challenges behind public recognition.

Key Topics & Highlights

⬛ Achievements and Recognition

• Martin Foster celebrates Lyndsey Akers's honor as Armed Forces Insurance Air Force Spouse of the Year, acknowledging her multifaceted contributions beyond the title of "military spouse" (01:21).
• Lyndsey Akers describes the challenges of receiving public accolades, admitting it feels unnatural for someone accustomed to working behind the scenes and championing others (02:03).

⬛ Military Spouse Life & Identity

• Both speakers discuss the unique intersection of being recognized for supporting others, and finding fulfillment in building community and championing causes (00:49).
• Lyndsey Akers emphasizes the importance of developing a personal identity beyond the military spouse role, rooting oneself in values and passions that outlast service life (11:17).
• She shares her own journey, notably how becoming a mother brought new challenges and a deeper connection to typical military spouse experiences (16:50).

⬛ The Unseen Work Behind Success

• The conversation explores the effort, late nights, and emotional labor behind visible achievements, debunking the myth that awards tell the whole story (08:11).
• Both discuss the importance of "reps, reputation, and trust” in building credibility in the community, highlighting the need for consistency and support networks (09:17).

⬛ Advocacy & Leadership at Every Level

• Lyndsey Akers delivers an encouraging message to enlisted spouses, stressing that leadership and impact aren’t tied to rank but to initiative and passion (06:51).
• She notes the significance of giving voice to diverse changemakers within the spouse community, and the power of collective advocacy (05:47).

⬛ Personal Connections & Mutual Support

• The importance of partnership—both in marriage and community—is a central theme. Martin Foster and Lyndsey Akers agree: “We are better together,” a mantra extending to all layers of support in military and family life (15:53).
• They share personal anecdotes, including the significance of Martin Foster's wife joining his 100th episode and the shared challenges of post-service identity for veterans and spouses alike (14:15).

⬛ Podcasting as Purpose

• Martin Foster clarifies that his podcast is a "labor of love,” intended as a grassroots movement to add value through amplifying meaningful stories and creating an outlet for leadership and connection (22:03).
• Lyndsey Akers acknowledges the work behind sustaining such a project and voices her gratitude for being part of the conversation (23:27).

⬛ Conclusion

The episode is a dialogue on advocacy, identity, and the unseen dedication of military spouses. It offers validation to those serving behind the scenes, encourages personal growth beyond official roles, and highlights the power of community and storytelling in effecting positive change.

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