Humble Ascent
The Power of Teamwork, Sacrifice, and Service
In the cockpit of a fighter jet or strapped into a rocket on the launchpad, one truth becomes crystal clear—no mission is ever a solo act.
In this keynote, Kidd Poteet, astronaut and combat fighter pilot, shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey from the skies of combat zones to the edge of space. With powerful storytelling and hard-won wisdom, Kidd reveals how teamwork has been the unwavering foundation of every accomplishment.
From trusting wingmen during high-stakes combat engagements to relying on a mission control for a successful spaceflight, Kidd shows that excellence is never the result of individual effort—it’s the outcome of shared purpose, relentless collaboration, and mutual respect.
But teamwork isn’t just about coordination. It demands something deeper: sacrifice and service.
True teams thrive when individuals are willing to put the mission above their ego, to give more than they take, and to lift others even when no one’s watching. These values—sacrifice and service—are not just ideals; they are daily decisions that fuel trust, build resilience, and create unstoppable teams.
This keynote is more than a reflection on elite performance—it’s a call to action for leaders, organizations, and individuals to redefine success not by what we achieve alone, but by what we accomplish together.
Whether you’re leading a team, part of one, or building one from scratch, this speech will leave you inspired to lead with humility, contribute with courage, and always put people before pride.