Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel like stepping into a different universe. For many veterans, the shift is not just about finding a job—it’s about rediscovering purpose, redefining leadership, and reclaiming identity. Shannon Huffman Polson’s journey illustrates exactly that. As one of the first female Apache helicopter pilots in the U.S. Army, Polson broke gender barriers and led elite units in high-stakes environments. But it’s what she did after the military that truly underscores her commitment to veteran leadership development. Through writing, teaching, and founding The GRIT Institute, Polson has created a blueprint for post-service leadership grounded in resilience, values, and purpose.
Leading from the Cockpit
Shannon Huffman PolsonShannon Huffman Polson’s military career was anything but ordinary. As a trailblazer in Army aviation, she learned early on that leadership under pressure requires more than just rank—it demands grit. Her experience commanding Apache units around the globe provided the raw material for what would later become her leadership framework. But when it came time to transition out of the military, even she wasn’t fully prepared.
“I think I was fortunate,” she says, reflecting on her transition. Polson enrolled in a two-year MBA program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, which allowed her the time and space to recalibrate. “Being at school let me ease into that change… to manage it in a different way while focusing on learning something else.”
This thoughtful transition was the first step in what would evolve into a lifelong commitment to veteran leadership development—not just for herself, but for thousands of others.
Redefining Purpose Through Education and Creativity
After completing her MBA, Polson added an MFA to her credentials and leaned into her passion for writing. She describes writing as an act of creation—one that inherently carries the qualities of entrepreneurship. “Authors don’t always realize that writing a book is like starting a business,” she explains. “You create a product, and then you have to think about how it reaches people and impacts their lives.”
Her first major book, The GRIT Factor, combines her own leadership experiences with lessons drawn from other military leaders and business thinkers. The book became a catalyst for keynote speaking, workshops, and eventually, the creation of The GRIT Institute.
What started as a simple website thrown together before a media appearance quickly grew into a powerhouse platform for veteran leadership development. The GRIT Institute now offers online leadership training, resilience courses, and programs for high school students, college students, and professional teams.
Building The GRIT Institute
At its core, The GRIT Institute is about developing the whole leader. “Leadership isn’t just about strategy and performance,” Polson emphasizes. “It’s also about purpose, courage, and resilience.”
The flagship programs—“Leading with Purpose” and “GRIT and Resilience”—are based on a model called the GRIT Triad, which Polson developed while researching The GRIT Factor. These programs are taught at Dartmouth’s executive education program and are also available online as asynchronous six-week courses.
To make these resources accessible to the veteran community, Polson provides a 50% discount for veterans using a dedicated VET S.O.S. code. “I want this to reach vets. I really, really do,” she says.
She also developed a version of the curriculum tailored for high school students, complete with a facilitator’s guide that can be used even by non-experts. This approach underscores her belief that veteran leadership development is not just for seasoned professionals—it’s a lifelong journey that can begin early and evolve across career stages.
The Challenges of Veteran Entrepreneurship
Polson is candid about the challenges of entrepreneurship. “The best part is feeling like what I create makes a difference in people’s lives,” she explains. But uncertainty is a constant companion. “You don’t always know what the next six months will look like. There’s no built-in security, no benefits. You have to create that for yourself.”
Her advice to fellow veterans? Plan carefully, save wisely during good seasons, and stay focused on purpose. “If you have a phenomenal year, don’t go all out in your lifestyle. Stay tight. Stay focused on the mission.”
That mission is clear for Polson: veteran leadership development through storytelling, training, and values-based coaching.
A Veteran Leader’s Evolving Toolkit
Polson’s journey also highlights the importance of continual learning. While her military and corporate backgrounds laid a solid foundation, she recently joined the Brand Builders Group to refine her business and brand strategy.
“It’s important to reach out to others and seek guidance,” she advises. “Do your homework first, and come with specific questions. You’ll find people are incredibly generous when you’re prepared.”
This mindset—lifelong learning, paired with humility and preparation—is central to effective veteran leadership development. It models how veterans can move from command structures to collaborative ecosystems without losing their edge.
A Legacy of Impact
Shannon Huffman Polson is more than a thought leader—she’s a practitioner of purpose. Her life’s work reflects a deep respect for those who serve and a commitment to helping them thrive long after they hang up the uniform.
Through The GRIT Institute, her books, and her speaking engagements, she is helping shape the next generation of veteran leaders—leaders who understand that resilience is learned, that purpose is non-negotiable, and that leadership is as much about character as it is about competence.
For veterans navigating the uncertainty of transition or aspiring entrepreneurs wondering where to begin, Polson’s journey offers both a beacon and a blueprint. Her story is proof that the skills honed in uniform—discipline, adaptability, courage—are not just transferable; they are invaluable.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Lead
The military teaches service before self. Shannon Huffman Polson teaches how to lead the self in service to others—how to rebuild a leadership identity that resonates far beyond the battlefield.
If you’re seeking direction in your post-service life or simply want to become a more intentional leader, her message is simple: Find your values. Follow your purpose. And don’t be afraid to create something new.
That’s what veteran leadership development looks like in action.
