Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Morgenthaler.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1980, Colonel Jill Morgenthaler saved an American engineer from being kidnapped by the Soviets.
In 2004, she squared her shoulders and stared down Saddam Hussein, even as he ordered his guards, “kill her.”
Retired Colonel Jill Morgenthaler is a woman of many firsts. She was one of the first women cadets in ROTC to train with men. At 22 years old, she was the first woman military intelligence company commander along the DMZ in South Korea. She was the first woman Battalion commander in the 88th Division. She was the first woman Brigade commander in the 84th Division.
In 2004, the Colonel led all public affairs efforts for the multinational forces in Iraq. It was there that she stood up to the shackled Saddam Hussein, denying him the pleasure of intimidating an American Military Officer and a woman who dared to look him in the eye. Colonel Jill received a Bronze Star in Iraq and upon her retirement from the military in 2006, Colonel Jill received the Legion of Merit for her leadership.
In Illinois, Colonel Morgenthaler was the first woman to run homeland security for the office of the Governor. And today, Colonel Jill is a professional speaker who shares strategies in leading to change and crisis, and how to stay resilient in a topsy-turvey world.
McGraw-Hill published her book: The Courage to Take Command – Leadership Lessons from a Military Trailblazer, which has received accolades from men and women around the world. Today, she speaks to men and women globally on leadership and empowerment.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Never. Men at all levels trying to prevent me from doing my job in the military. Sexual harassment a constant – before it was a term. People determined to keep me in my place or get me to fail.
Colonel Jill – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a global speaker, I share leadership, empowerment and resilient lessons to audiences of all genders, nationalities, and ages. I’m funny. People do not expect a funny Colonel on stage. However, when people laugh, they learn.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Saving an American engineer from being kidnapped by the Soviets – a story I couldn’t tell for 30 years.
Contact Info:
- Address: 403 North Wille Street
- Website: www.coloneljill.com
- Phone: 847-275-8162
- Email: jill@cjmi.us
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coloneljill
- Twitter: @coloneljill
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/coloneljill/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
