Growth, Presence and Leadership from a Military Leader and Author of Five Million Steps, Jason France

Jason France

Jason France is a retired Chief Master Sergeant from the US Air Force, an avid outdoorsman, author of Five Million Steps, and the owner of Elevate Leadership Solutions. Having spent 31 years in the US Air Force, Jason experienced invaluable lessons in leadership, team-building, and strategic alignment. Since launching Elevate Leadership Solutions, Jason has partnered with business leaders to help them navigate complex challenges and foster high-performing cultures in their respective organizations.

In this episode, Jason shares personal and professional experiences that resulted in the most transformative and valuable realizations.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[4:48] Jason France reflects on rediscovering his identity after retiring from the military
[6:46] Why Jason considers three life events pivotal to his personal growth
[10:24] Lessons in self-reliance and emotional resilience from a difficult childhood
[16:58] What led Jason to ask for mental health support after years of silence?
[24:13] Advice for supporting loved ones who may be afraid to ask for help
[27:32] Why being present is the most overlooked skill in leadership and life
[42:53] How Elevate Leadership Solutions uses storytelling and coaching to help others grow

In this episode…

Is the strength you’ve built through years of leadership quietly holding you back? Many high performers push forward, driven by success, structure, and service, but rarely pause to unpack the pain they carry. How can slowing down lead to breakthroughs, deeper clarity, higher growth, and deeper successes?

According to Jason France, a decorated military leader, author, and leadership coach, transformation begins when we allow ourselves to be fully present even in our most difficult moments. Compartmentalizing trauma during military service disconnected Jason from his real life and his family, but eventually asking for help marked the start of personal healing and greater growth. That moment of vulnerability became a gateway to becoming a stronger father, husband, and leader. Upon retiring, Jason solo hiked the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail that led to his memoir titled Five Million Steps, where he shares meaningful moments of reflection, discoveries, and gratitude that inspired him and many of his readers.

In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar and Tove Hansen sit down with Jason France, Owner of Elevate Leadership Solutions, to talk about how presence and pain shape more powerful leaders. Jason shares why asking for help is a sign of strength, how his long-distance hike rewired his perspective, and why being in the moment matters more than chasing what's next. Jason also shares how leaders can support others through quiet, empathetic connection.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

“The moment I said out loud that I need help, things started to get much better.”
“Sometimes the best thing we can do is just be quiet, talk less, listen better.”
“You might be surprised at what can come out of something like this — something amazing.”
“I knew that feeling sorry for myself would do absolutely no good and would just worsen everything.”
“We are often rewarded for action, but sometimes people just need someone willing to sit and listen.”

Action Steps:

Practice being fully present in conversations: Deep, intentional listening fosters stronger relationships and more authentic, impactful leadership.
Normalize asking for help: Encouraging vulnerability reduces stigma around mental health and creates a culture of resilience and support.
Reflect on your pivotal life moments: Gaining clarity from past experiences can unlock personal growth and more intentional leadership.
Focus on the people right in front of you: Valuing the present over future achievements deepens connection, trust, and long-term influence.
Share your story with honesty and purpose: Authentic storytelling can inspire others, build empathy, and create powerful ripple effects in teams and communities.

Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by Pillar6. Pillar6 is a wealth advisory firm for successful individuals and families with active lifestyles.

Our clients appreciate having clarity and control over their finances and the peace of mind in knowing that their financial decisions are aligned with their core values, goals, and priorities. We provide financial planning services and wealth management services.

Schedule your complimentary discovery call to talk to us.

To learn more, go to www.pillar6.com or you can email us at hello@pillar6.com.