How Jenn Donahue Built Empathy Driven Leadership in a Male-Dominated Military-47
Ever wondered what it takes for a "quiet, bookish" girl to command thousands across combat zones? In this inspiring episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Dr. Jenn Donahue—retired Navy captain, civil engineer, and self-described Texas wild thing—breaks the mold. Jenn shares powerful stories about being "the only woman in the room," her unexpected journey into military leadership, and how embracing authenticity reshaped her idea of true leadership.
From building bridges in Iraq to tackling impostor syndrome on center stage, Jenn offers rare insights into navigating male-dominated spaces, finding mentorship, leading with empathy, and balancing career ambition with family and self-care. Ready to discover why real greatness is about lifting others up, not proving your worth? Tune in and hear how one woman rewrote the rules of military success, resilience, and personal growth.
Jenn Donahue, PhD is a retired US Navy Captain and former Commodore for an 1,800 personnel Regiment. She is also a civil engineer who works on large scale, high profile geotechnical projects. Over her 27-year military career, Jenn has built a bridge across the Euphrates River in the midst of the Iraq war, commanded an 800-personnel Battalion in Afghanistan, and constructed combat outposts in the middle of deserts filled with insurgents.
Jenn passionately helps others overcome the obstacles that prevent them from achieving their grandest dreams and most ambitious goals. She is an international keynote speaker with speeches including leadership and mindset.
Today, Jenn is the Founder of JL Donahue Engineering, Inc. and Dare to Rise. She also lectures at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and CalPoly.
🔗 Connect with Jenn Donahue:
🌐 Website: jenndonahue.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenndonahue-phd-pe
📘 Stay tuned for her upcoming book, launching late 2025!
Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!
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