We’ve all been given bad advice: the kind that makes you question everything, but later teaches you exactly who to listen to (and who not to). Kellie and Riley Tejcek open up about the worst “professional” advice they’ve ever received and how those moments shaped their confidence, their careers, and their ability to trust their instincts. From blunt warnings to stay off social media to being told what women “shouldn’t” do in uniform, they’re pulling back the curtain on the kind of guidance that could have derailed them, and how they learned to find their own voice instead.
Advice shapes you. Mentors shape you. But finding the right ones matters. Kellie and Riley talk about how to recognize good versus bad advice, why it’s important to seek multiple opinions, and how to use your spidey senses when something just feels off. This is a raw, transparent conversation about leadership, integrity, and trusting your inner compass, especially when the noise gets loud.Riley Tejcek is a Marine Corps Logistics Officer, former Division I softball player at George Washington University, and Team USA Bobsled athlete who was named Female Marine Corps Athlete of the Year in 2022. She’s also the current Ms. Military 2024 and author of the new children’s book If You Can Dream It, Be It — a heartfelt story about trailblazing, taking chances, and believing in the endless possibilities ahead.
Key takeaways:
Not all “professional” advice deserves to be followed
Trust your spidey senses — if it feels off, it probably is
Seek mentors who truly see your potential
Handling poor advice: take what serves you, leave the rest
Finding good advice: ask around, listen deeply, and follow your intuition
Disclaimer: Views and opinions are personal and do not reflect that of the DOD.
Show Notes~
Riley's book: https://a.co/d/7axUM2q
Connect with Riley: https://www.instagram.com/riley.tejcek/?hl=en
If you or someone you know in the military has experienced sexual assault or harassment, confidential 24/7 help is available through the DoD Safe Helpline (1-877-995-5247) or RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE). You can also reach out to your branch’s SAPR/SHARP office for immediate support, reporting options, and next steps.
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