Last year, I almost got myself fired — but the lesson ended up shaping how I approach my new role as a Market Director.
While deployed down South from 2024–2025, I took on an extra duty as the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Officer. I loved creating opportunities to get Soldiers out of their rooms and into the community—hikes, movie nights, even a mystery dinner with a local Iron Chef.
Then I discovered a Basic GORUCK Challenge happening in Tombstone, AZ. The website made it sound like a six-mile team building ruck. Our Battalion Chaplain warned me it might be… more intense. I ignored him and recruited 20+ Soldiers.
He was right.
Over six hours we crawled through thorns, scaled cactus covered hills, and hauled sandbags weighing 50–120 pounds—on top of 40 lb rucks. A few Soldiers tapped out early, and I felt the pit in my stomach grow.
But then something incredible happened.
People started leaning into the chaos. They found grit they hadn’t tapped into in years. They pushed themselves, supported each other, and finished as a stronger team than when we started.
Crossing that finish line, I realized: this is exactly what leadership looks like.
Now, as a Market Director with Thrivent, my job is to help new Financial Advisors build resilience through their own version of thorns, hills, and heavy weight. No one succeeds alone. Our Northland region is filled with teammates who show up, lift each other up, and help carry the load.
If you’re considering a career change—or just curious where you might fit in—reach out! I won't even make you crawl over any cactus!
