Episode 49: How Vision, Values, and Courage Create Real Leadership with Amy Courter

In this episode of The Freedom Experience, I sit down with Amy Courter—former national commander and CEO of the Civil Air Patrol, where she led 61,000 volunteers as a two-star Major General. Amy's leadership journey is nothing short of extraordinary, from the Pentagon to tech startups, from taking a company public to coaching leadership teams as an EOS Implementer.

We explore why vision is a leader’s most important compass, the power of vulnerability-based trust, and how healthy conflict builds strong, resilient teams. Amy shares how her parents shaped her entrepreneurial spirit, what it means to lead with values, and why your front-line employees' micro-decisions reveal the real culture of your business.

If you’re leading a team, navigating a career transition, or building a values-driven business—this episode is packed with lessons you won’t want to miss.

🎥 Watch this conversation on YouTube. And don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE!

Key Themes

🔹 Leading with Vision & Values
Amy reveals why vision isn’t optional—it’s essential. If leaders can’t clearly define and live the vision, neither will their teams.

🔹 Vulnerability-Based Trust & Healthy Conflict
Learn how high-performing teams create space for tough conversations and why trust is the foundation for real accountability.

🔹 From Corporate to Entrepreneurial Leadership
Amy shares how growing up with entrepreneurial parents influenced her career—from massive corporations to agile coaching today.

🔹 Micro-Decisions & Organizational Culture
The decisions made by frontliners—often unconsciously—reflect whether your company truly lives its core values.

🔹 Intentionality & Saying “No”
In a world of endless opportunity, Amy explains why “No” is a whole sentence—and a critical one for staying focused and free.

Quotes from the Episode

💬 "Vision is important—and if I don't believe in it, I walk away."
💬 "We need to have healthy conflict."
💬 "Team health really is an important part of leadership."
💬 "Freedom for me is that ability to make choices."
💬 "Storytelling is how we bring the vision to life."
💬 "No is a whole sentence."

Links & Resources Mentioned

🔗 Connect with Amy Courter on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amycourter
📘 Book Mentioned: Shine by Gino Wickman & Rob Dube
📘 Book Mentioned: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
📘 Book Mentioned: The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni

Actionable Takeaways

✅ Lead with Vision – Set and share a compelling direction for your team.
✅ Build Vulnerability-Based Trust – Foster open, honest conversations without fear.
✅ Pressure Test Your Core Values – Do your decisions match your words?
✅ Watch the Micro-Decisions – Culture is shaped by how everyday choices get made.
✅ Say “No” More Often – Protect your time, energy, and freedom by staying focused.
✅ Keep Climbing – Success isn’t the end—there’s always another mountain ahead.

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For more resources and expert interviews, visit www.jeanmoncrieff.com.