Anyone who has had the privilege of working with the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, as I did for many years while the USCG was still part of the Department of Transportation, knows what an extraordinary service it is. Its mission runs the gamut: search-and-rescue at sea, border management, drug interdiction, environmental protection, maritime law enforcements, and of course military defense in times of war.
The Coast Guard’s culture is special; it informed the culture of the entire Transportation Department until the service was transferred to the newly created Department of Homeland Security in 2003. It wouldn’t be too much to say that my DOT colleagues and I grieved their loss, even though we fully understood the rationale behind the transition.
I met then Lieutenant Sandra Stozs when she became the personal aide to my boss at the time, Secretary of Transportation Samuel K. Skinner. I was immediately impressed by her all-business demeanor, nicely leavened by her consistently open and approachable manner. I wasn’t surprised to watch over the years as she moved from success to success. She was the first woman to be given command of a Coast Guard vessel, and eventually became the first woman to serve as superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy – or, for that matter, of any U.S. military academy. She retired as a Vice Admiral.
Viewed from the outside, Stosz’s career seemed to be characterized by assured confidence and acknowledged competence. Thanks to her just-published memoir-cum-leadership primer, I now know it was far from that easy or simple. It was a journey beset with obstacles, from her admitted struggles as a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy to the conspicuous skepticism she encountered among some of her bosses and the non-commissioned officers she supervised. (“I’ve got more years at sea than you have on this planet,” one wizened non-com informed her upon their first encounter.)
She learned from every experience and she obviously took notes. Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass is her story, an engaging narrative replete with colorful episodes – some harrowing -- from her 40-year Coast Guard career. She has also included some inspiring profiles of great leaders she served and from whom she learned. From this rich well of material Stosz has fashioned a set of principles for becoming what she calls “a leader of character.” Given the impact that managers at all levels have on the quality of their subordinates’ lives, one hopes the abundant wisdom in this book will find its way to a large audience.
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Outstanding book!
Thoroughly enjoyed. Admiral Stosz's innovative leadership is so inspiring.
Top reviews from other countries
Jaio
Great read for leaders and any who wish to improve themselves
Reviewed in Canada on July 13, 2022