Two days ago, at 5:00 AM on a Saturday morning, I found myself already deep into preparation for my 8:00 AM CNN appearance. I was about to discuss the Department of Defense’s recent decision to disband the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS)—a topic that’s both timely and divisive. 

While I speak regularly, there’s something uniquely challenging about a live television interview on a global network. It had been seven to eight years since my last national TV interview, which made that morning’s preparation even more critical.

Starting with Intention

That morning, my preparation began with a fundamental question: How did I want to come across? Aggressive? Authentic? Conversational? Relatable? Calm but passionate? For this appearance, I chose authentic and conversational—qualities that would help me connect with viewers while maintaining credibility on a complex issue.

Next, I developed my central theme: “A more diverse, supported organization supports mission readiness and combat effectiveness.” This became my North Star, guiding every talking point and response.

Crafting the Message

I distilled my perspective into three key talking points—six sentences total that I could repeat and refine until they became second nature. These weren’t just facts; they were carefully crafted messages designed to stick with the audience.

Then came the research phase. I studied how the story was being reported, what voices were already in the conversation, and where gaps existed in the narrative.

As I was learning, I refined my talking points, further making sure I was saying something that sounded informed, timely, and new – I wanted to add to the conversation on the topic, not repeat what’s already been said.

Seeking Diverse Perspectives

Perhaps most importantly, I reached out to my network for varied viewpoints. I called a few friends who I knew would likely support disbanding DACOWITS. I even contacted my ex-husband—our views are aligned on this topic, and he’s a gifted communicator with valuable insights. I spoke with additional experts to understand different angles of the story.

This wasn’t about finding people who would simply validate my position. It was about stress-testing my arguments and understanding potential counterpoints.

The Power of Story

Data and facts are crucial, but stories captivate audiences. I then collected personal experiences that would illustrate my points while weaving in supporting statistics to strengthen my argument.

Attention to Details

Since I was traveling, I had to dress up my space—ensuring proper lighting and background. I chose a bright, solid color to stand out on camera. These details matter more than people realize.

Managing the Nerves

Finally, I prepared for potential questions and rehearsed my responses. The best antidote to nervousness is thorough preparation.  I practiced saying out loud what I intended to say on camera over, and over, and over again.  

The Leadership Lesson

All this work for what turned out to be a brief but impactful segment. But when you’re a leader, every word and detail matters. Each moment is an opportunity to build or diminish credibility.

I tell my kids constantly: no one ever regrets being over-prepared when something important is on the line. Whether it’s a CNN appearance or your next big presentation, preparation isn’t just about avoiding mistakes—it’s about maximizing your impact when it counts most.

Enjoy the finished product – click here