Most of us will never pilot a Black Hawk helicopter. But many of us know what it feels like to be the one everyone counts on—at work, at home, in the middle of the storm.
That’s why this episode of The SmarterWellth Podcast hits so hard.
Jill sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Sidney Roberts, a seasoned Army officer, Black Hawk pilot, wife, mom, and current commander of the ROTC program at the University of Arkansas. Together, they dive into the real story behind the uniform: the grit, the grace, and the intentional choices it takes to lead well and live well.
Sidney grew up in a military family, bouncing from duty station to duty station. That nomadic lifestyle shaped her early understanding of service, structure, and sacrifice. But even with that background, she didn’t originally picture herself flying helicopters.
After joining ROTC in college, Sidney commissioned as a second lieutenant and chose aviation. That decision launched a career that would include deployments, commanding roles, and—yes—flying Black Hawks.
She now leads the ROTC program that shaped her own journey, giving back to a system she believes deeply in.
When you hear the word “resilience,” what comes to mind?
For Sidney, resilience isn’t about powering through or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about knowing your limits, listening to your body, and being honest with yourself, especially when it’s hard.
“There’s a tendency to always ‘go, go, go’ in military life,” she says. “But I’ve learned that sustainable strength is knowing when to pause. That’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.”
She now teaches her cadets that leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about adaptability, awareness, and owning your own growth process.
Parenting in the military is a unique challenge, especially when it includes long separations and frequent moves. Sidney has experienced all of it: deployments, career changes, and the emotional logistics of being a mom in uniform.
“You feel pulled in so many directions,” she says. “And there’s a guilt that never really goes away. But I’ve learned to be more present in the moments I do have.”
Rather than striving for balance, she aims for intentionality. She also reminds other women that you don’t have to do everything perfectly to be doing it right.
While Sidney’s background is in uniform, her wisdom speaks far beyond it. One of her biggest takeaways? The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, at home and at work.
“You have to choose a partner who supports your mission,” she says. “Whether that’s military life or something else—having that foundation matters.”
She also encourages civilian employers to understand what veterans bring to the table: discipline, leadership, adaptability, and an early track record of decision-making in high-stakes environments.
“We lead people very early in our careers. That experience is worth something—don’t overlook it.”
What stood out most in this conversation wasn’t Sidney’s resume—it was her presence. Her self-awareness. Her willingness to talk about the hard stuff. From helicopter missions to hallway drop-offs, she shows up with both strength and softness—and she’s helping a new generation of leaders do the same.
“It’s okay to change. It’s okay to grow,” she says. “I’m still figuring it out, too.”
And aren’t we all?
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