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Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour

America’s First Black Female Combat Pilot | Author | Business Consultant

Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour
Virtual: The New Conversation DEI and Social Justice
Acknowledge Obstacles—Don't Give Them Power
Who Needs a Runway?
Vernice
Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour
Virtual: The New Conversation DEI and Social Justice
Acknowledge Obstacles—Don't Give Them Power
Who Needs a Runway?

Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour is a gutsy trailblazer, whose resume is an impressive collection of firsts—including being the first Black woman combat pilot in the US Armed Forces. Prior to that she worked as a police officer, served two tours of duty in Iraq as a marine, and acted as a diversity liaison officer between the Pentagon and Headquarters Marine Corps. Following her military service, Armour revved up her career in the private sector as an entrepreneur, business consultant, and author of Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter.

As a speaker, Armour unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. She helps individuals and organizations “get gutsy,” and build a sustainable inner force and conviction that results in accomplishing significant goals.

In 2007, Armour launched VAI Consulting & Training. Through that work, she helps individuals and organizations make gutsy moves and create breakthrough results by applying her “Zero to Breakthrough” success model—a mindset that helped to propel her career and kept her safe in air combat. She regularly takes her message to premier meetings and conferences worldwide and is a mentor for elite senior executive women in tech.

As a Black gay woman and single mom, Armour brings vital experience to her role as a member of the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors and the COMCAST/NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council.

Armour’s story has been featured in the media including on CNN, MSNBC, The View, FOX News, Oprah Winfrey, and more. She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move.

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

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Client reviews

  • You are engaging, thoughtful, funny and genuine. Immediately following our virtual session focused on how to actively transform a company, culture and country; C-level executives were raving about how they felt engaged the entire time and felt like they walked away with specific actionable items. The level of passion and customization of your message targeting their specific challenges and leadership level, were a pleasant surprise for many.

  • I can’t thank you enough for joining our Senior Leadership Forum and sharing your incredible energy with us! When I reflect on your messages — and there were so many great ones — what really stood out for me — especially given the past year — is ‘Acknowledge the obstacles — do not give them power.’ Pause, be curious and have the courage to overcome those obstacles, without letting them overtake you. It’s a clear, simple and relevant call to action as we continue to live in uncertain times. I was also impressed by your authenticity; despite being online, you created an experience that connected us all — and left us inspired and motivated.

  • You have been beyond an inspiration! You are so engaging, motivational, unique, and powerful. We all felt your energy through the screen.

  • Your energy and message started the event off on such a high note, and we are so grateful for that! The attendees felt so empowered and motivated after listening to your story—they definitely feel gutsy now!

  • We have worked with many speakers over the years, and Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour is among the absolute best. She was more than efficient and capable, and truly exceeded our expectations, from the pre-event prep call, until she walked off the stage into an audience of freshly motivated and energized employees. She absorbed and addressed their challenges and concerns as if they were her own, and expertly incorporated an impressive command of our internal language, culture, and objectives. All while infusing bits of humor and contagious energy. She’s on top of her game and industry trends and understands our current corporate climate as it parallels with leadership strategies. Her step-by-step breakthrough mentality model is relatable, and what is more, executable. And we’re off to the races getting gutsy because of her. She gave my team permission to engage, and I’m excited and braced for a no limits 2018.

  • The audience was absorbed by your stories of grit, determination and your lessons learned; you clearly connected with every individual as I could see how engaged people were…thank you for demonstrating that we can make dreams happen and seize the joy that awaits us in this life adventure.

  • It was a pleasure working with you on this event. Your professionalism and desire to deliver an outstanding presentation made a tremendous difference in the overall quality of our event. I would highly recommend you as a speaker for other organizations, particularly those who want to provide a ‘real life’ example of leadership in action.

  • As the first African American female combat pilot in U.S. history, I am certain your journey has not been an easy one. I am also certain that your presentation will influence VA employees because it speaks to a commitment to succeed. Your focus, your passion, your purpose, and your positive attitude are the necessary tools to handle obstacles and help you overcome any barriers. Your message will inspire all to do his or her personal best.

  • Your comments and insights were integral in making the training program kickoff beneficial to all participants. Members of the training committee received many complimentary comments about the Kickoff. In particular, a few of the comments received are:

    • ‘Vernice was so inspiring and enthusiastic. She is awesome. She made us all want to follow our passion and break out of our box!’
    • ‘Vernice was absolutely wonderful! I would highly recommend people to listen to her. You can feel the passion!’

    Again, thank you for being a part of the CAASD Support Staff Training Program Kickoff and making it an enjoyable day for the participants.

  • Your encouragement and enthusiasm regarding leadership really has motivated the attendees and FEW to truly EXCEL. Although, your personal achievements and the powerful woman you are, are inspirational in its own right.

  • Captain Armour’s audience was truly inspired by her courage and tenacity. She is exciting to be around and really represents a woman that young women can aspire to be. Our law students were empowered by Captain Armour. She is a dynamic presence.

  • Your program on ‘EXCELeratedPassion’ was engaging, humorous and energetic and challenged us all to strive for success.

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