VMI Leader Journey Podcast

Portrait Image of Tracy Walder

"Solution-Focused Leadership" with former CIA & FBI Operations Agent Tracy Walder

Our interview covers Walder's experiences working in the male-dominated world of national security, her leadership competencies, and how she was able to take hold of her own destiny through perseverance, determination, and education. She now devotes her time to being an upstander for women.

Spellmeyer, Sapp speaker photos on tile

"Be Vigilant" with Scott Spellmeyer, '90, and Col. Justin Sapp, '94

After participating in the Feb. 18th Courageous Leadership panel discussion detailing the first U.S. mission behind enemy lines in Afghanistan, alumni Spellmeyer, '90, and Sapp, '94, sat down to share some gained insights they've acquired since graduating from VMI.

Lt. Col. Jamica Love, Chief Diversity Officer

Teaching Inclusivity Challenged Me to Live It with Lt. Col. Jamica Love

Dr. Love applied to VMI because she loves working at unique colleges. She was also inspired by the kind of character it takes for a student to volunteer to attend a military-style school. Said Love, “I didn’t just want to teach people about something that I wasn’t actually living out.”

Profile image of Gwen Bingham in civilian attire

Does Your Audio Match Your Video? with Lt. Gen. Bingham

As a leader, do you lead by example? Lt. Gen. Gwen Bingham, U.S. Army (Ret.) sure does! Learn more about her leadership principles and which leadership skill or competency does she value most? Listen in to find out!

Kasey Meredith in winter class dyke uniform

Leading and Learning with Kasey Meredith '22

We sat down with VMI's first female regimental commander, Kasey Meredith '22, to talk to her about leadership style. She stressed the importance of working as a team, delegation, her support team, and her rat-dyke relationship.

Allen Xu 2021 Graduation

Be Humble - There's More to Learn with Allen Xu '21

Chief EMT Allen Xu '21 came to VMI to 'do something more.' His plans are to commission and eventually become an Army doctor. Said Xu, '...Be humble is the most important thing. Because when you come at it from a more humble point of view, you'll realize how much there is left to learn.'

Image of Soccer Captain Whitney Edwards-Roberson '21 in uniform

Little Moments - Big Leadership Lessons with Whitney Edwards-Roberson '21

Whitney Roberson is a history major from Chesapeake, VA, captain of the women’s soccer team, president of the Promaji club, an investigator for the CEA (Cadet Equity Association), and the vice president of SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee). She learned leadership in 'little moments.'

Jordan Ward in VMI Football Uniform Profile Pic

All-In Commitment and Passion with Jordan Ward '21

Jordan Ward '21 says there's not much about leadership that he didn't learn from football. Said Ward, "Our Motto was '10 Toes Down' and if we can ensure that everyone is focused on the same goal, we'll be able to accomplish that as long as everyone's all-in trusting in one another." Listen here.

Profile picture of Kevin Black VMI Class of 1999

The Art & Science of Leadership with Kevin Black '99

Forbes coach, leadership consultant, author, and podcaster alumnus Kevin Black '99 gives an energetic and passionate interview with insights he's identified in leadership development.

LeAndrew Jefferson '21 as First-Class Chaplain

The Institute Relies on the Strength of the Corps with LeAndrew Jefferson '21

International Studies Major and Cadet Chaplain LeAndrew Jefferson is a First-Class Cadet from Southwest Detroit, MI. He discussed his introduction to VMI, the VMI network, VMI as a leadership laboratory, growing into his studies, and the difficulty of the new reality during COVID restrictions. 

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders