In this powerful episode of Built for This: Stories of a Maverick Podcast, host Jenna Bayuk speaks with Patti Stewart, Founder of Defense in Heels, a nonprofit that provides community, mentorship, and career support to women in the defense and national security industries. She is also IDP Diamond Director at Damsel in Defense. With over two decades of experience in military, intelligence, and cybersecurity leadership, Patti shares her remarkable journey of breaking barriers, building community, and reshaping what leadership looks like in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Patti opens up about her time in Afghanistan, the challenges she faced navigating motherhood in national security, and how she turned her lived experience into a movement that supports thousands of women. Through candid stories and deep reflections, Patti shares what it truly means to lead with empathy, serve with purpose, and create systems that empower others. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to build inclusive leadership and impact-driven businesses.

Key Takeaways:

Service is Strength: Leadership is about helping others grow, even when you’re under pressure yourself.

Representation Matters: Patti’s journey highlights the importance of showing up fully and authentically in spaces where few women are present.

Motherhood and Mission: You don’t have to choose between career and family. Patti’s story proves you can lead with both.

Build What You Need: Defense in Heels was born from a real gap in support. Instead of waiting for change, Patti created it.

Redefining Leadership: Empathy, collaboration, and community-building are strategic strengths, not soft skills.

Noteworthy Quotes:

“Sometimes your biggest breakthroughs come from the moments that break you.” – Patti Stewart

“I didn't see people who looked like me in the room—so I decided to stay in the room and hold the door open for others.” – Patti Stewart

“You can be a great mom and a great leader. They’re not mutually exclusive.” – Patti Stewart

“Don’t wait for a seat at the table. Build your own and invite others to join.” – Patti Stewart

“We need to start seeing empathy as a competitive advantage in leadership.” – Patti Stewart

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Trailer and introduction of guest Patti Stewart

03:44 - Patti’s military journey and the Afghanistan experience

07:22 - Building confidence and credibility in male-dominated fields

11:35 - Transition to entrepreneurship and founding Defense in Heels

14:50 - Balancing motherhood with a high-intensity national security career

18:30 - Finding purpose and fulfillment through service

23:45 - The power of community and mentorship for women in defense

28:00 - Practical lessons on building scalable impact

32:15 - Changing the definition of leadership through empathy and service

36:40 - Advice for women stepping into leadership roles

49:13 - Final thoughts and Patti’s mission to expand Defense in Heels

FOLLOW OUR GUEST PATTI STEWART ON:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/defenseinheels/

Website: https://www.defenseinheels.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defenseinheels/

FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/

Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/

Email: [email protected]

FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON:

Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/

X: https://x.com/JBayuk

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult