Meet Mo
Where did it all start?Tool Department Romance
Sears Has Everything—Even Love:
In a twist that validated Sears' slogan, "Sears has everything you need," my dad, Walter Barrett, met my mom, May, in the tool department. This unlikely love story became the catalyst for my storytelling journey. While Dad’s version was filled with music, drama and vivid details, Mom’s version... well, she could barely stay awake. This early lesson showed me that every interaction has at least two perspectives, and it embedded in me the power of storytelling to make moments memorable.
Surprising the Doctors
Despite doctors promising my parents a healthy baby boy, the Barretts welcomed a healthy baby girl into the world—me. It was the first of many times I would surprise the world (and, let’s face it, shock my parents) by defying expectations. This moment set the stage for a lifetime of surprising twists and turns.
Born into a Bunch
In a house already bustling with five half-brothers and sisters, I was born as the sixth (and my mom’s only) child. It wasn’t until I was twelve that I even realized they were my “half” siblings because, well, we were just one big family. This early lesson in blending differences without even noticing them laid the groundwork for my ability to connect with diverse groups and find common ground in any situation—something I now use to connect with audiences across the globe.
The Call to the Skies
From an early age, I knew I was going to follow my dad’s and brother’s footsteps into the U.S. Air Force. I had no idea how, I just knew it was my path. This early decision shaped the rest of my journey, teaching me the value of persistence and setting big goals— even when the "how" isn’t clear yet.
Weekends in the History Books
Every weekend, like clockwork, my parents took us on excursions around Washington, DC. From the Smithsonian museums to Mount Vernon, Monticello and Gettysburg, we visited it all. Dad always warned me that I’d meet people who lived near these amazing sites and never visited them. Little did I know, those endless weekends fed an insatiable hunger for knowledge and history.
Eventually, I put all those tours to use...
and became a licensed DC tour guide, dragging visitors—willing and unwilling—through our country’s rich history.
Academy, Take Two!
Like any great journey, mine had a detour. My first application to the Air Force Academy was met with a polite ‘no.’ I wasn’t about to let that stop me. I reapplied, earned a spot and learned early on that perseverance pays off. This experience taught me that sometimes the most important stories aren’t about the first success, they’re about the courage to try again—a message I carry into my speaking engagements.
First of My Kind
Becoming the first (and only) female C-27A pilot wasn’t just about breaking into new territory—it was about embracing the unknown and thriving in it. In a role that had no blueprint, I learned to create my own path, a theme that resonates deeply with the idea of finding meaning in the unexpected twists life throws at us. This ability to adapt and lead in uncharted waters is a cornerstone of the stories I share with my audiences.
Flying with the Big Birds
Commanding the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, the third-largest aircraft in the world, gave me a literal bird’s-eye view of the world and taught me about the power of perspective. From the cockpit of this massive plane, I saw the importance of looking at the big picture—a lesson I pass on in my keynotes, helping people see beyond the immediate and consider the broader impact of their actions and decisions.
Navigating the Rules of Engagement
from Silence to Celebration
When I first joined the military, being openly gay was not allowed, and we served under the shadow of silence. I witnessed the implementation of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, navigated the complexities of serving under it and celebrated its repeal. By the time I retired, I was not only a colonel, I was also a colonel’s wife, married to another female Air Force Colonel who now proudly carries my last name. This journey through a profound shift in military culture taught me about resilience, authenticity and the ability to embrace multiple roles—a theme that resonates in my talks as I help audiences navigate their own complex, evolving roles in life.
Full Circle
from Sears to the Spotlight
Now, I take stages as a speaker, emcee and entertainer, bringing my journey full circle - from my Dad’s story in the Sears tool department to leading in the Air Force, to being led and realizing along the way that I have a "refined" sense of humor funny (that makes people genuinely laugh, and not just because I outranked them).
My gift is taking challenging, complex situations and distilling them down into what people need, delivering it in a way they can absorb and remember.
Whether I’m speaking on resilience, perspective or leadership,
I combine lessons learned in life and the military with humor that disarms and connects, making sure the message sticks.
Wanna know what you're getting yourself into?
I mean, I sure would. I want you to check out my process and see if it resonates. I think it's gonna.
Come peep my processThere are methods in the madness
I'm an interactive speaker. Let's start interacting...
Answers to questions you never knew you had
“Mo, if I never grow up, I wanna be just like you.”
- 10-year old summer camp camper
My Values
Connection
no one should ever feel alone
Gratitude
see the goodness around you
Curiosity
never stop asking "why"
Laughter
the best workout
Humor
the joy of making smiles
Friendship
camaraderie in caring
Persistence
preparation creates luck
Positivity
no one likes a gloomy Gus
Kindness
helping others benefits us
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like
work.
Thomas A. Edison
Candy, newspaper and vegetable salesman.
Also, America's greatest inventor.
