What Amelia Earhart Teaches Us About Bold Decisions with Rachel Hartigan

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with journalist and author Rachel Hartigan to explore the remarkable life and enduring mystery of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. A former writer and editor for National Geographic and The Washington Post, Rachel brings years of research and storytelling expertise to the conversation as she discusses her new book, Lost: Amelia Earhart’s Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life. Together, Marc and Rachel unpack what Earhart’s life reveals about leadership, courage, and the pursuit of purpose in uncertain environments.

Rachel shares her journey from Nevada to a career in journalism and eventually to writing a book that examines Earhart’s life through four interconnected narratives: her biography and the three leading theories surrounding her disappearance. Along the way, the conversation dives into the challenges of historical investigation, the role of evidence versus assumption, and why certainty can sometimes be the enemy of truth. Rachel also recounts her own experiences traveling on expeditions to remote Pacific islands in search of clues about Earhart’s fate.

Beyond the mystery, the episode highlights the leadership qualities that made Earhart a global icon. From her determination to carve out a path for women in aviation to her ability to lead by example rather than rhetoric, Earhart’s story offers lessons for leaders navigating today’s complex and disruptive environments. Marc and Rachel also explore the power of storytelling in leadership, why data alone rarely moves people, and how great leaders use narrative to connect, inspire, and create meaning.

Listeners will walk away with powerful insights on leadership and personal growth, including:

• Why leaders must often act without having all the answers.
• The importance of resilience when navigating uncertainty.
• How authentic storytelling can inspire action and build connection.

Join us for a fascinating conversation that blends history, mystery, and leadership lessons drawn from one of the most intriguing figures of the twentieth century.

Connect with Rachel Hartigan:
Website: https://rachelhartiganauthor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljhartigan/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rachelhartiganauthor.com