Today, we have the honor of speaking with Colonel Bree Fram, a trailblazing astronautical engineer, active-duty officer, and the highest ranking trans member in the United States Space Force. Not only is she a decorated leader in her field, but she's also a co-host of the groundbreaking podcast 'Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership,' where she and her colleague explore the transformative power of adversity in shaping exceptional leaders. Together with Liz Cavallaro, Bree co-authored 'Forging Queer Leaders,' (which just came out!) a compelling exploration into the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and leadership development, showcasing how embracing diversity drives remarkable outcomes. From her pivotal role in space acquisition policy to her advocacy for LGBTQ+ military service, Bree's journey is one of courage, resilience, and unyielding determination.
During our discussion, she discusses her experiences breaking down barriers and stereotypes as one of the first openly transgender service members. Bree also explores the unique leadership skills developed through experiences in the LGBTQ community, such as authenticity, self-awareness and creating supportive environments. Listeners gain insights into her pivotal role in space acquisition policy and advocacy for LGBTQ military service. Bree also reflects on the opportunities and challenges of building the new Space Force, including managing change while protecting core missions. Throughout the discussion, Bree emphasizes the importance of inclusion, community and paying experiences forward to pave the path for future generations. Her story is one of inspiration that shows the power of overcoming adversity through grit and representation.
Get her book on Amazon here:
https://a.co/d/ePKGLyI
Check out her Podcast here:https://www.breefram.com/forged-in-fire-podcast.html
Talking Points:
0:00 - Introduction
5:00 - Importance of inclusion and retention in the military15:00 - LGBTQ leadership experiences and personal growth25:00 - Space Force importance and opportunities
30:00 - Transgender stereotypes and coming out experiences
35:00 - Resilience through adversity and community
45:00 - Being a trailblazer and overcoming challenges
