Leadership Artifacts
To lead with authenticity, empathy, and integrity, empowering others to grow, build trust, and reach their full potential through compassionate and ethical action.
Leadership Artifact #3
CNSGSW FEP Program - Education and Physical Readiness Program Design
Summer 2026
EXSC 9500 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio III
Abstract
This examines the leadership decisions behind developing a collaborative readiness initiative with Commander, Naval Surface Group Southwest's (CNSGSW) Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP). The original artifact was designed to support active-duty sailors by developing a progressive workout program, evidence-based educational sessions, and ongoing collaboration with military leadership to promote injury prevention, recovery, and long-term readiness. However, implementation was delayed due to evolving operational priorities and organizational constraints beyond control. Rather than focusing solely on artifact completion, this summary analyzes the leadership judgment demonstrated throughout the planning and implementation process. It examines the central leadership decision to maintain commitment to the military partnership despite uncertainty, the contextual pressures and competing stakeholder priorities that shaped this decision, the alternatives considered, and the trade-offs accepted. The discussion emphasizes how collaborative planning, relationship stewardship, adaptability, and systems-level thinking generated meaningful implementation evidence despite the absence of participant-level outcomes. Finally, the summary reflects on how this experience strengthened the doctoral judgment by reinforcing that effective leadership is demonstrated through evidence-informed decision-making, adaptability, and sustained professional relationships in complex operational environments.
Keywords: leadership decision-making, military readiness, collaboration, adaptability, stakeholder engagement
Leadership Artifact #2
Recharge to Lead: Sleep, Recovery, and Resilience in Leadership
Spring 2026
EXSC 9250 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio II
Abstract
Recharge to Lead: Sleep, Recovery, & Resilience in Leadership was an in-person leadership development session held at the Wounded Warrior Project 2026 Leadership Summit for 124 leaders across four sessions. The purpose of the session was to translate evidence-based strategies related to sleep, stress, and chronic pain into practical leadership applications that enhance resilience, decision-making, and performance in high-demand environments. As the event co-lead, co-organizer, and co-facilitator, I managed the entire session lifecycle, ensuring it aligned with my leadership framework and research priorities. The session employed experiential learning strategies, including interactive activities, group discussions, and participant-driven reflection, to promote engagement and application. Grounded in research on circadian health, stress physiology, and pain management, I made intentional leadership choices to focus on actionable strategies and to adapt delivery to time constraints and participant needs. Emotional intelligence and relationship-building were essential for establishing trust and maintaining engagement. Participant feedback showed high satisfaction and strong interest in expanded content, confirming the session’s relevance and impact. This artifact demonstrates how evidence-based practices are incorporated into leadership execution, strengthening my ability to translate research into practical strategies and guiding future improvements for scalability and depth.
Keywords: leadership development, sleep hygiene, stress management, chronic pain
Leadership Artifact #1
World Mental Health Day: Strong Minds, Strong Bodies
Fall 2025
EXSC 9150 - Evidence-Based Professional Portfolio I
Abstract
The World Mental Health Day: Strong Minds, Strong Bodies event, completed as part of Leadership Artifact #1 in EXSC 9150, was created to promote holistic well-being among active-duty service members and veterans through education and engagement. Held in partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) in San Diego, the event examined the mind-body connection through expert-led sessions on sleep, stress, nutrition, chronic pain, and resilience. Initially, a different fall event was scheduled with an active-duty command; however, when operational priorities called for postponement, the team adjusted the program to align with World Mental Health Day, maintaining mission relevance and continued impact. Guided by the Responsibilities Lens of the Ethical Lens Inventory and supported by CliftonStrengths themes like Achiever and Strategic, the multidisciplinary team collaborated to plan and execute a hybrid event that emphasized innovation, accessibility, and engagement. The project underscores the importance of ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, and adaptability in managing change. Through reflection and shared learning, this initiative shows how purposeful teamwork and values-based leadership can improve resilience, foster connections, and enhance readiness within the military community.
Keywords: sleep, stress, chronic pain, mind-body, military personnel, education, leadership