# Episode 173 | "When the Door Opens" (Feat. April Beldo-Lilley, FLTCM  Ret.)

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/permission-to-speak-freely-1367995/episode-173-when-the-door-opens-feat-april-beldo-lilley-fltcm-ret.md
Podcast: [Permission To Speak Freely](https://stenobird.com/podcast/permission-to-speak-freely-1367995)
Published: 2026-01-05T04:40:00+00:00
Episode link: https://ptsfpodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-173-when-the-door-opens-feat-april-beldo-lilley-fltcm-ret/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xzsmcgv5c4viv8m6/Episode_173_Podbean_96985.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/permission-to-speak-freely-1367995/episodes/episode-173-when-the-door-opens-feat-april-beldo-lilley-fltcm-ret
Duration seconds: 10432

## Resource

Happy New Year to all of our viewers, listeners, and supporters. The guys start the year off joined by April Beldo-Lilley, retired Fleet Master Chief of the U.S. Navy. April discusses her transition from uniformed service, her early upbringing, and the influence of her father. She discusses her decision to join the Navy, her early years in uniform, and key moments that shaped her career, including becoming Chief and realizing that the Navy would become a long-term profession. She reflects on serving as a Command Master Chief, including challenging moments, and offers the guys perspective on managing time and controlling their narratives. April also discusses reporting to an aircraft carrier during RCOH and her experiences leading in that environment. The conversation covers her time as Fleet Master Chief, including initiatives such as the eTablet and Sailor 2025, as well as discussions around multicultural committees, DACOWITS, and Chief Petty Officer board feedback. April shares her perspective on observing leaders she previously worked with later face public scrutiny, speaking from the standpoint of experience and proximity rather than speculation. The episode closes with a discussion of legacy, continued work beyond the Navy, and life after retirement, including marriage. April’s Pick of the Week: The Let Them Theory (Mel Robbins) - https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/ Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0

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## Transcript

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