Authenticity & Identity After the Army: Debs’ Story - Episode 28

Описание: What does it take to reclaim your identity after serving during one of the most difficult eras in military history?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Debs — a security professional turned creative, published author, spoken word artist and Armed Forces veteran who served during the LGBT ban. Her story is courageous, raw and deeply human, offering an unfiltered look at what it means to navigate identity, belonging and authenticity in environments built to suppress them.

Debs opens up about what it was like serving while unable to openly express her sexuality and the long-lasting personal impact of the ban. She reflects on finding her voice through writing and spoken word, discovering community after isolation and redefining success beyond climbing the corporate ladder.

We also explore her major career change and the emotional work behind stepping away from an identity so tied to achievement. Debs shares how she rebuilt purpose through creativity, truth-telling and empowering others — especially women and fellow veterans — to live authentically in professional spaces.

This conversation is about visibility, courage and transition — from the military to civilian life, from silence to expression, from performing a role to fully becoming yourself.

This is her story, what's yours?

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
04:11 Debs Mills-Burns: A Journey of Transformation
10:40 Navigating Identity and Authenticity
17:38 Finding Voice and Community
20:05 Navigating Career Transitions and Support Needs
23:07 The Impact of Parenthood on Career Choices
26:12 Finding Meaning Beyond Corporate Success
30:08 Authenticity in Professional Spaces
32:00 Mental Toughness and Personal Growth
38:01 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity
42:22 Embracing Authenticity
45:41 Navigating Life's Challenges
49:21 Empowering Women and Veterans
54:43 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
58:59 The Power of Spoken Word
01:03:00 Finding Your Theme Song


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