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In this powerful episode of Not Special, Herb and Corrie Thompson sit down with Shawn Dawley — former Air Force pilot, Harvard National Security Fellow, and professional keynote speaker — to talk about leadership, fear, failure, and finding purpose.

Shawn shares his raw and inspiring journey: from enlisting in the Air Force at 17 and failing speech class… to flying C-130s, leading through 9/11, and ultimately becoming a sought-after leadership and neuroscience-based speaker.

He opens up about what it really means to lead with empathy, how to overcome self-doubt, and why emotional awareness is essential for every leader. Shawn’s message: you are enough — capable, ready, and worthy.

Whether you’re a veteran transitioning to business, an aspiring speaker, or someone striving to grow as a leader, this conversation delivers hard-earned wisdom you’ll want to revisit.

00:00 – What Makes Shawn Dawley “Not Special”
Finding purpose, faith, and self-worth in an ordinary life.
01:30 – From Enlisting at 17 to Air Force Pilot
How failure and mentorship turned a struggling student into a leader in the sky.
05:30 – Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit
Military discipline, pressure, and the universal truths of leadership.
08:30 – From Fear of Speaking to Keynote Stages
How Shawn failed speech class — and learned to inspire thousands.
13:00 – Neuroscience of Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
Understanding how the brain and emotions shape every decision.
17:30 – Ambition, Growth & Enjoying the Moment
Why true leadership means being present where you are.
21:00 – “You Are Enough” — A Leader’s Most Powerful Lesson
Overcoming self-doubt and comparison in a world of constant competition.
24:00 – Love, Family & What Really Matters
Why success means nothing without connection, gratitude, and humility.
27:00 – Final Reflections: Leading with Heart and Purpose
Shawn’s timeless message on leadership, life, and legacy.

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