In this episode, LTG (R) Nadja West ’82 reflects on the lessons learned from her time at West Point, including the challenges of overcoming self-doubt and the importance of leaning on others for support.
LTG (R) Nadja West is a trailblazing leader, West Point graduate from the Class of 1982, and recipient of the WPAOG Distinguished Graduate Award. We are honored to speak with LTG (R) West as she shares her journey from cadet to becoming the Army Surgeon General and the first black woman to achieve the rank of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army. Her experiences provide valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the importance of service to others.
LTG (R) West’s career is a remarkable story of firsts. As the Army Surgeon General, she led a vast organization with an $11 billion budget, overseeing 130,000 healthcare professionals who served more than 4 million beneficiaries. Her service included pivotal moments in military history, such as Desert Storm and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A dedicated mentor, she reflects on how her upbringing and West Point education shaped her approach to leadership and inspired others to achieve their potential.
This episode explores themes of perseverance, inclusion, and values-driven leadership. LTG (R) West discusses the importance of staying grounded, serving with integrity, and helping others succeed. Her reflections on her career and her continued commitment to mentorship offer inspiration to listeners of all backgrounds.
**This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.
Episode Timestamps
(01:49) Early Life and Family Influence
(06:15) Historic Moments at West Point
(18:53) The Inspiration Behind a Medical Career
(28:51) For the Next Generation of Female Leaders
(38:21) Reflecting on a Distinguished Military Career
(44:30) The Meaning of Selfless Service
Links
“I think the hardest lesson I learned is that I got in my own way more than anyone else could have. That self-talk, that negative voice, ‘Why am I here? I don’t belong here. I shouldn’t be here. This is too tough.’ As a leader, trying to recognize that in others, and bring them out of it, is important. You lead a whole diverse group of people, and some won’t share or talk because they’re probably thinking in their heads, ‘What am I doing here?’ You don’t call them out like that, of course, but you let them know, ‘Hey, you’re a valuable member of the team. You do belong here. You’re here for a reason. There’s a process that selected you to get here. Clearly, you met the standards of that process—someone felt you belonged.’ No one just said, ‘Oh, let’s let her in because it would be a nice thing to do.’ I had to pass the physical tests, perform well academically, and meet all the criteria. I had to convince myself that I belonged there, and that took a lot of effort, energy, and wasted time. I think that’s one of the hardest lessons I learned.”
— LTG (R) Nadja West ’82
