Exchange Board of Directors Chair Shares Leadership Philosophy for Women’s Equality Day
Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, the Exchange’s Board of Directors Chair, has seen many changes since she was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1994.
“The Air Force that I joined almost 30 years ago was completely different than it is today. I went into a very male-dominated 600-member maintenance squadron. I only saw one female general officer in 12 years,” she said during an Aug. 24 Lunch and Learn, presented by the POWER Special Emphasis Group for Women’s Equality Day.
“Now I sit at a table where there are five three-star women all around me. We are making progress but there are still challenges.”
Elevated to her current grade in May 2022, Miller serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, and is one of only three active-duty women in the Air Force to wear three stars.
“I joined when I was 26. I had finished high school and gone to college, and I thought I was going to do it for four years, then go off and figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” she said. “But I was traveling the world and having fun understanding what it means to be an Airman.”
Almost three decades later, Miller has seen the Air Force’s transition through a sustained focus on diversity and inclusion.
“The culture has completely changed. When I first joined there were positions that were restricted to men only and that has completely changed,” Miller said. “We now have women in every single Air Force specialty. We’ve learned that when men and women serve together, we perform better.”
Miller’s distinguished career has taken her across nearly two dozen duty assignments, including five command tours, most recently for the 502nd Air Base Wing at Joint Base San Antonio. She shared what she called her five tenets for successful leadership.
“Know your job better than anybody else, communicate down with those who you’re leading, communicate up with your leaders, be willing to make a decision, and know that it’s OK to have fun at work,” Miller said.
“Knowing your job means focusing on the here and now. If you do your job well in the present, you will be recognized. Don’t miss out on the journey.”
Miller also stressed the importance of making tough decisions.
“I’ve seen so many leaders stifle an organization because they are unwilling to make a decision,” she said. “Be willing to make, live and learn from a decision, even if it turns out to be wrong.”
Lastly, she noted the importance of being able to have fun and enjoy your work.
“We’re in this for a long time,” Miller said. “It’s OK to laugh and have fun. If you have a workplace where people are comfortable relaxing as well as working hard, it makes for a much better environment.”
When it comes to attracting more young women to the military, Miller noted that there are still challenges to overcome in recruitment and retention.
“The Services are pushing hard to ensure there is gender equality among everybody, but there are still challenges out in communities where young women have no prior connection or relationship to the military,” Miller said.
“Young women need to go into the Services with open eyes,” she added. “You will become so confident in yourself and your leadership capabilities. It’s so amazing to watch brand-new Airmen come in who may lack confidence, and then learn what they’re capable of.”
Director/CEO Tom Shull, who serves on the Board of Directors Executive Committee with Miller, noted the significant number of women in the Exchange workforce.
“The Exchange is making headway, with 62% of the Exchange workforce composed of women, including two executive vice presidents and three senior vice presidents,” Shull said. “We’re honored to have them in our ranks, especially in senior leadership positions, making sure that we are giving equal opportunity to women all over the organization.”
“People see that and can then see themselves in those positions,” Miller said. “That wasn’t always the case, and now younger people see women in those leadership positions and know that that’s achievable. The impact that has on people’s lives is phenomenal.”
If you missed the Lunch-and-Learn from Aug. 24, you can view it here
POWER’s Executive Champions are Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Karen Cardin and Western Region Senior Vice President Ronny Rexrode. Sedric Thomas, financial operations manager, is Program Manager, and Jeannie Hall, senior corporate policy specialist, is Assistant Program Manager.
To learn more about POWER and other Exchange Special Emphasis Programs, visit the Exchange HUB here. If you’d like to join a Special Emphasis Program, click here to join.
To learn more about Women’s Equality Day, click here.
