Mission Forward with Carrie Fox

The role of Army Pathfinders originated with the U.S. military during World War II. These specialized soldiers were parachuted into Europe ahead of the D-Day invasion. Their mission: establish and operate drop zones, pickup zones, and landing sites for airborne troops and air supply operations in support of ground unit commanders. They were the first soldiers deployed into enemy territory and the last to leave.

Our guest today is one of the first female Army Pathfinders.

Master Sergeant (Ret.) Erinn Watkins served in the U.S. Army for 29 years. She's an accomplished pilot, having flown and tested some of the most advanced Army helicopters in operation. She's also an esteemed administrator, having helped to build, develop, and implement the Human Resources Management System used to track Soldier and civilian data for the National Guard Bureau.

Working across such a diverse functional spectrum requires an incredible set of skills. She joins Carrie Fox to lay out just a bit of the history that has led her to writing her new book, "PathfYnder: How I Use Emotional Control to Build Success and Get What I Want.”

Learn more about the book and pre-order today, and connect with Erinn on LinkedIn right here. Our great thanks to Erinn for joining us this week on the show!
  • (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward
  • (00:42) - Introducing Master Sgt Erinn Watkins
  • (12:00) - Emotional Control
  • (16:49) - Body Language
  • (23:05) - About the Book

What is Mission Forward with Carrie Fox?

Mission Forward: An award-winning podcast for communicators on a mission.

Hosted by social impact expert and B Corp leader Carrie Fox, each episode of Mission Forward explores the power of communications. With just the right mix of practical and thought-provoking content, we take on the issues that matter to you, and that support your work as a communicator for change.

Together, we talk through topics that you’re likely experiencing right now: from how to tackle tough conversations; to how to best challenge stereotypes; to how we can build bridges across the issues that divide us. If you’re working to become a more inclusive and thoughtful communicator, there’s nothing holding you back—except you.

About Season 11

What does it mean to stand at the threshold of change? To face a door that is both closing and opening at the same time? In Season 11 of Mission Forward, Carrie Fox invites us into that liminal space—the sacred and often unsettling pause between hello and goodbye. It is here, in the transitions, where the most important work of leadership—and of life—often takes place.

This season, you’ll meet people who have walked away from stability in pursuit of something more true. You’ll hear from those who said yes before they were ready, and in doing so, discovered new strength. And you’ll learn from leaders who chose to stay rooted, practicing presence and commitment in a culture that prizes constant movement.

These are stories not just about change, but about how we communicate through it—about the clarity, courage, and care required when our words and actions mark turning points. Because goodbyes are never just endings. Hellos are never just beginnings. And the space between them? That’s where possibility lives.

Hello. Goodbye. And the Space Between.

* About the Host (https://www.missionforward.us/about-carrie)
* Listen to Past Episodes (https://www.missionforward.us/episodes)