From The Green Notebook

Send us a textU.S. Army Special Operations Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann returns to the podcast—this time from the range at Fort Bragg—for a conversation on leadership, transformation, and enabling the next generation of special operations forces.With nearly three decades in uniform and two years as the senior enlisted leader of USASOC, CSM Naumann shares the mindset shifts, hard-won lessons, and bottom-up insights that have shaped her time in the seat. She opens up about the transition from doer to enabler, why modeling honest feedback is non-negotiable for leaders, and how she's staying grounded while helping shape the future of Army Special Operations.In this episode, they explore:Why she believes she has the best job in the Army—and how she stays energized by the Soldiers around herWhat it means to lead across 80+ countries, and how she stays connected to the ground truthHow USASOC is driving transformation in structure, tech, and human performance—and why speed and soldier feedback are essentialThe challenge (and opportunity) of going from “operator” to enabler—and how shifting mindset scales impact across 36,000 teammatesWhy NCOs must be willing to say “that's a dumb idea”—and the importance of modeling that kind of candor for the forceThe value of reading, curiosity, and lifelong learning in sustaining leadership at the highest levelsHow she adapts her approach to different commanders—and what it really takes to make that relationship workWhether you're an NCO navigating your first staff job, a commander looking to build trust across the chain, or a lifelong learner looking for leadership insights forged under pressure, this episode delivers a front-row seat to how transformation happens—one question, one conversation, one Soldier at a time.Command Sergeant Major JoAnn Naumann currently serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), where she advises on matters affecting over 36,000 Soldiers across the special operations enterprise.Born and raised in New Jersey, CSM Naumann graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in American Studies and Government before enlisting in the Army in 1996 as a 35P Voice Language Analyst. She completed the Arabic Basic Course at the Defense Language Institute and Advanced Individual Training at Goodfellow Air Force Base.Over nearly three decades of service, CSM Naumann has held a range of leadership positions, including assignments with the 311th MI Battalion, the 344th MI Battalion, and Special Mission Units. She has deployed 14 times across CENTCOM and AFRICOM, and previously served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Special Operations Command–Korea (SOCKOR), and as the Command Sergeant Major for the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Intelligence Brigade.She is a graduate of the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy and has completed numerous military schools, including the Military Freefall Course, Airborne and Air Assault Schools, and the SOF Intel Leaders Course.CSM Naumann's awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and the Order of Saint Michael. She is married to SGM (Ret.) Thomas Baird, who most recently served as the TRADOC G3 Sergeant Major.

Send us a textIn this special Army Birthday Week episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson joins Joe to explore the deep roots of the U.S. Army and what its 250-year journey can teach today's leaders. Known for his Liberation Trilogy and now two volumes into his Revolution Trilogy, Atkinson brings the American Revolution to life—warts, wonder, and all—and makes a compelling case for why understanding our founding story is essential for anyone in uniform.In this episode, they explore:What it was like growing up as an Army brat—and how Atkinson's father's 30-year career shaped his lifelong fascination with military historyThe surprising parallels between Washington's army and today's force, from self-study and logistics to leadership under pressureHow George Washington's instinct for civilian control—and his rapid growth as a commander—still echoes in the Army's DNAWhy the American Revolution was, in Atkinson's words, “our first civil war,” and how its complexity is far more compelling than its mythologyLafayette, logistics, and the brutal truth of 18th-century expeditionary warfare (including the grim sound of horse carcasses hitting the sea)The power of books, curiosity, and informal learning among Washington's officers—and why that tradition matters more than ever for leaders todayWhat Atkinson hopes readers, soldiers, and citizens will carry forward from the Founding Generation—and why we must not lose sight of what they gave usWhether you're a company commander, a military history buff, or someone simply trying to understand where the Army came from and where it's headed, this episode is a timely reminder: the past isn't just prologue—it's instruction.Rick Atkinson is the bestselling author of eight works of narrative military history, including The Fate of the Day, The Guns at Last Light, The Day of Battle, An Army at Dawn, The Long Gray Line, In the Company of Soldiers, and Crusade. He also was the lead essayist in Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery, published by National Geographic. He was a reporter, foreign correspondent, war correspondent, and senior editor at The Washington Post for more than twenty years. His many awards include Pulitzer Prizes for history and journalism, the George Polk Award, the George Washington Prize, and the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing. He lives in Washington, D.C.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us a textIn this candid conversation, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll joins Joe to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to modernize a military while staying grounded in soldier-level feedback. From wrestling with “irrationality and stupidity at scale” in the Pentagon to launching the Army Transformation Initiative, Driscoll shares why he's flipping tables—sometimes almost literally—to give soldiers the tools and trust they need to win the next fight. In this episode, they explore:How a 15-year “gap decade” in law, finance, and private equity enriched Driscoll's return to uniform and deepened his respect for everyday soldiersThe Army Transformation Initiative—delivering critical warfighting capabilities, optimizing force structure, and eliminating waste and obsolete programsA Fort Jackson drone drill where recruits with just five weeks in the Army changed training doctrine—proof that innovation starts at E-1Seasons vs. “work-life balance”: why high-tempo service demands conscious trade-offs at home, and how Driscoll keeps perspective as a husband and dad of twoThe IED-factory raid where rules forbade cutting a $2 padlock, and what it taught him about broken feedback loops in combatConcrete ways leaders at every level can accelerate change: send honest ground-truth up the chain, embrace small-unit credit-card innovation, and demand that processes serve soldiers firstWhether you're a private, a Pentagon staffer, or a curious civilian, this episode offers a front-row seat to the Army's most ambitious overhaul in decades—and a master class in leading large-scale change without losing sight of character, family, and the people who do the fighting.Daniel P. Driscoll is the 26th Secretary of the Army, sworn in on February 25, 2025. He leads the Army's efforts in operations, modernization, and resource management for nearly one million Soldiers and more than 265,000 Army Civilians.A former Army officer and business executive, Driscoll brings a diverse background in military service, law, and the private sector. Commissioned as an Armor Officer in 2007, he served with the 10th Mountain Division and deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military honors include the Army Commendation Medal, Ranger Tab, and Combat Action Badge.Following his service, he earned a J.D. from Yale Law School and held leadership roles in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital, including serving as COO of a $200 million fund. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.He is married to his high-school sweetheart, and they have two children.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us a textIn this powerful conversation, award-winning journalist turned Army officer Sarah Blake Morgan joins Joe for a raw and reflective discussion on identity, purpose, and what happens when we step away from the life we always thought we wanted.From chasing stories as a national correspondent for the Associated Press to standing in formation at Army basic training at age 31, Sarah opens up about what led her to leave a successful journalism career behind—and what she's discovered about herself in the process.In this episode, they explore:The slow erosion of purpose that pushed her out of journalismWhy sitting still has been more terrifying than the hardest assignmentThe painful process of letting go of titles, identities, and egoWhat she's learning about storytelling in uniformHow walking into the metaphorical (and literal) woods helped her find her next chapterWhether you're navigating a major transition or simply questioning what's next, Sarah's story will remind you that growth often begins where the path ends—and that it's okay to not know exactly where you're going.Sarah Blake Morgan is a storyteller and U.S. Army Reserve officer whose unconventional path took her from a successful career in television news to military service. After nearly a decade reporting for stations in Texas, North Carolina, and The Associated Press, Morgan felt stuck in a life of routine. That changed in 2020 when, inspired by a reporting trip with the 82nd Airborne Division, she decided to enlist in the Army.At 31, she completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and earned her commission through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, beginning her journey as a military intelligence officer. Today, she balances her work serving in the special operations community with her ongoing mission to give voice to the unheard — and to discover her own evolving sense of purpose along the way.In addition to her military and journalism careers, Morgan is the creator and host of The Forgotten: After Helene, a powerful podcast uncovering the overlooked stories of those affected by Hurricane Helene.Follow her journey at @StorytellerSBM.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us a textIn this powerful conversation, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal joins Joe to discuss his new book, On Character: Choices That Define a Life. Drawing from decades of military leadership and personal reflection, General McChrystal breaks down why character is more than just a word—it's a daily practice rooted in conviction and discipline.In this episode, they explore:Why journaling would have made him a better leaderA practical method he used to align his time with his priorities in AfghanistanHow reading shaped his thinking both in and out of uniformThe subtle but dangerous effects of power on rising leadersWhy leaders must continuously test their convictions under pressureWhether you're in uniform or leading in another capacity, this episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, courage, and character.Stan McChrystal retired in July 2010 as a four-star general after over 34 years of service in the U.S. Army. His final assignment was as the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and all US forces in Afghanistan. He had previously served as the director of the Joint Staff and almost five years in command of the Joint Special Operations Command.General McChrystal's memoir, My Share of the Task, was a New York Times bestseller in 2013. He is also the author of New York Times bestseller Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World and wrote the forward for the sequel, One Mission:How Leaders Build a Team of Teams. He is a senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and a partner at McChrystal Group, where he transforms organizations into adaptable teams. He and his wife, Annie, live in Virginia.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us a textIn this episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Mary Izaguirre, the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commanding General of Army Medical Command, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, vulnerability, culture, and purpose. Drawing on over three decades of service, LTG Izaguirre shares hard-earned lessons on how to lead authentically and navigate professional complexity.Together, they discuss the evolving role of Army Medicine, the power of modeling vulnerability, and how intentionality—not balance—is the key to managing life's trade-offs. Joe and LTG Izaguirre cover:Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weaknessHow leaders can model safety, trust, and curiosity within their teamsThe importance of asking the right questions—and being okay not knowing the answersHow trade-offs, not balance, define sustainable leadershipThe impact of journaling and reflection in high-responsibility rolesBreaking down the “us vs. them” mentality in large organizationsWhat Army Medicine's true mission is—and why it matters more than everWhether you're a leader in uniform, a parent navigating a demanding career, or someone wrestling with how to show up fully for both your mission and your people, this episode is packed with wisdom, candor, and practical insights.Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre is the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and the Commanding General of Army Medical Command. A board-certified family physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, she brings over three decades of military and medical leadership to her role. LTG Izaguirre has held key command and senior staff positions across the Army and deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Master of Public Health, and Master in National Security and Resource Strategy. She and her husband, Joseph, are the proud parents of five children.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Send us a textIn this Notebook Notes episode of From the Green Notebook, we sit down with Bob O'Brien, the Army's lead for the Command Assessment Program (CAP), to take a deep dive into how CAP is transforming how the Army selects and develops its future leaders. Bob explains how this multi-day assessment process captures over 1,800 data points per candidate to provide a more complete picture of leadership potential—beyond what a single OER can show. Together, Bob and Joe Discuss:How the Command Assessment Program WorksThe Importance of Self-AwarenessMyths About CAP DebunkedCommunicating Under PressureThe Redemptive Power of “Not Yet Certified”Executive Coaching and Developmental ToolsData-Driven Command Team BuildingPreparing Early for CAP SuccessThe Role of Reflection and JournalingHow My Green Notebook: "Know Thyself" Before Changing Jobs helps leaders prepare for CAPWhether you're preparing for CAP, coaching someone who is, or just interested in how organizations can better assess and grow talent, this episode offers both insight and practical advice. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

Send us a textIn this Mother's Day episode, Joe sits down with Danny Ricker, Emmy-nominated comedy writer, producer, and author of Wow, You Look Terrible!: How to Parent Less and Live More, for a laugh-out-loud conversation on the highs and lows of parenting young kids. Drawing from both personal experience and sharp comedic insight, Danny unpacks the pressure modern parents face to do it all—and why doing less might actually be the key to doing it better.Together, they explore:Why parenting today often feels like a full-time personal assistant gig for unpredictable tiny humansThe trap of performative parenting and how social media fuels unrealistic expectationsThe genius of the “17-Minute Birthday Party” and why kids don't need extravagance to have funHow the “Purgatory Cabinet” can save your sanity (and your child's lucky nickel)Parenting as exercise: from claw-machine wakeups to carrying kids like a living weighted vestThe power of “garbage time” and why the little moments matter more than the big eventsLessons Danny learned writing for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and how to deal with rejection, failure, and ego in high-pressure creative environments (Read the blog post!!) Whether you're a parent knee-deep in toys and tantrums or just trying to hold on to a sense of humor amidst the chaos, this conversation offers a much-needed reminder that the most meaningful moments are often the messiest ones.Danny Ricker is a TV writer, producer, author, and nine-time Emmy nominee who currently serves as a Head Writer and Co-Executive Producer at “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”His other notable writing credits include The Oscars (2017, 2018, 2023, & 2024), The Primetime Emmys (2012, 2016, & 2020), the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and his debut book Wow, You Look Terrible!A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

Send us a textIn this special edition of From the Green Notebook, Joe sits down with Command Sergeant Major Christopher Mullinax from the Army's Training Directorate to break down the most recent changes to the Army's fitness assessment—the newly updated Army Fitness Test (AFT).After years of collecting data from the field and listening to feedback from soldiers and leaders at all levels, the Army is rolling out a revised approach to physical fitness. CSM Mullinax explains the changes.Joe and CSM Mullinax discusses how the Army continues to evolve fitness standards to build a more combat-ready force. They also tackle common misconceptions, the logic behind removing overly technical events, and how leaders can implement the new test without disrupting unit readiness.Whether you're a first sergeant trying to understand the rollout timeline or a squad leader wondering how this affects your soldiers' promotion packets, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change in today's Army.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

Send us a textIn this episode, Joe sits down with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading neuroscientist and author of How Emotions Are Made, to explore groundbreaking insights on how emotions are formed and how we can better understand and regulate them. Together, they dive deep into the science behind emotions, how the brain predicts our feelings, and how we can gain more emotional agency in our personal and professional lives. Joe and Dr. Barrett cover:The theory of constructed emotions and how emotions are predictions, not reactionsThe role of the brain in regulating the body and how it shapes emotional experiencesWhy uncertainty feels like anxiety—and how to reframe itHow emotional granularity can help us build better emotional vocabulary and controlPractical steps to improve emotional regulation and decision-makingThe impact of body budgeting on mood, stress, and overall healthWhether you're leading a team, navigating personal relationships, or simply trying to better understand your emotional life, this conversation will give you powerful tools to enhance your emotional intelligence and well-being.Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, is among the top 0.1% most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior.In addition to the books Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 275 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes published by Guilford Press. She writes regularly about science in the popular press, including The New York Times, The Guardian, Scientific American, BBC Science Focus, Popular Science, Nautilus, BigThink, Cosmopolitan,  Time magazine, MIT Technology Review, and more (see full list). Her popular TED talk has been viewed over 7 million times.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit

Send us a textIn this special episode, Joe sits down with Lieutenant General Greg Anderson, Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, to discuss one of the most significant structural changes to the airborne community in decades. With 22,000 paid parachutist positions on the table for reclassification, LTG Anderson explains the data-driven process behind the decision, what it means for readiness, and how the Army is adapting to modern operational demands.They explore how emotional reactions to change can cloud understanding, why building consensus through transparency and method matters, and what this transformation says about leadership in complex organizations. Whether you're a paratrooper, a leader managing change, or someone passionate about the future of the force, this episode offers a rare inside look at how the Army balances tradition with transformation.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! 

Send us a textIn this episode, Joe sits down with Victoria Trammel from the Arbinger Institute to explore the life-changing insights from the newly revised edition of Leadership and Self-Deception. Together, they dig into the patterns of self-justification, the emotional energy we waste on false narratives, and the practical tools leaders can use to shift from an inward to an outward mindset. Joe and Victoria cover: The concept of self-deception and how it shows up in leadership and relationshipsHow “collusions” form between individuals and groups, sabotaging collaborationThe difference between being helpful and looking helpfulReal-world stories of self-betrayal at work and at homeHow to identify and interrupt the inward mindset in yourself and your teamThe power of journaling and reflection in shifting perspectiveSteps for becoming more outward-focused without sacrificing accountabilityWhether you're a leader in the military, the corporate world, or at home, this conversation offers powerful reminders and tools for transforming how we relate to others—and ourselves.With almost 3 million copies sold worldwide, this new edition of an enduring classic is the definitive guide to dramatically improve leadership effectiveness, transform personal and professional relationships, and unleash organizational results.Significantly revised throughout, this edition includes updated stories, brand new content, and a practical group discussion guide.Over two decades since first being published, Leadership and Self-Deception continues to help readers discover and overcome the persistent lies that are at the heart of the people-related dysfunction that plagues relationships and hinders organizational results. Told through an engaging story, this book reveals the ways we blind ourselves to our true motivations and unwittingly sabotage our efforts to achieve success and rebuild broken relationships.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Visit ROGER today! Cairn Leadership helps teams build trust, clarity, and accountability—without the buzzwords. Their approach blends coaching with real outdoor adventures, like climbing in Joshua Tree. Visit cairnleadership.com/ftgn for 10% off your team's program.

Send us a textIn this episode of From the Green Notebook, General Randy George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, returns to discuss the habits, practices, and mindset that have shaped his leadership journey. From the pocket-sized notebook he started as a field grade officer to the lessons he's learning from visiting troops and reading deeply, General George offers a candid reflection on growth, command, and staying grounded in your values.In this conversation, they discuss:The leadership lessons General George captured in his personal notebook and how reflection has guided him through multiple levels of commandThe role reading plays in staying intellectually curious and professionally sharp, including the books that have shaped his thinkingHow bottom-up innovation is driving the Army's "Transforming in Contact" initiative and what he's learning from frontline unitsThe importance of consistency in communication and why leaders must seek out and act on honest feedbackHow personal values—and regular conversations with his spouse—help him stay aligned with what matters most, both in and out of uniformThis episode is brought to you by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). We know the U.S. Army protects our freedoms every day—but have you ever thought about who's protecting the U.S. Army? Meet AUSA—the Army's premier professional association, dedicated to supporting every aspect of the Army journey.This year marks an incredible milestone: 250 years of the U.S. Army defending our nation. To celebrate, AUSA is offering exclusive Premium membership discounts for a limited time:2 years for just $30 (normally $40)5 years for $50 (normally $75)Lifetime membership for only $250 (normally $400)Premium members receive top-tier benefits, including a subscription to ARMY magazine and access to over $300,000 in scholarships.Join now and stand with those who serve. Sign up today at ausa.org/membership/premium—no code necessary. AUSA—Supporting Soldiers. Strengthening America.And don't forget to check out AUSA's official podcast, Army Matters. Hosted by LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey, Army Matters brings you in-depth conversations with Army leaders past, present, and future—from the battlefields to the boardrooms and beyond. New episodes drop every other Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.

Send us a textIn this episode, host Joe sits down with Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author of Managing Up: How To Get What you Need From the People In Charge   to explore the dynamics of power, status, and influence in the workplace. Melody shares practical strategies for managing up effectively, not by being a sycophant, but by building stronger relationships, communicating with confidence, and navigating workplace dynamics with integrity. Together they discussWhat it really means to “manage up” (Hint: it's not about being a suck-up)Why proximity to power can distort your focus—and how to avoid the status trapThe importance of upward empathy and understanding your boss's pressuresHow to adapt to different leadership styles to build stronger relationshipsThe power of the “ME Manual” and why self-awareness is key to successHow to set boundaries at work—without damaging your reputationThe concept of “Pushback Power” and how to know when (and how) to say noWhether you work in the military, corporate world, or any hierarchical environment, this conversation will help you become a more effective leader from wherever you stand.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!FightCamp is the largest boxing and kickboxing community in the world. Their innovative fitness system combines real-time tracking, professional coaching, and an extensive workout library of over 3,000 sessions. Family-Friendly Access: Supports multiple user profiles under one subscription.Flexible Membership: After the trial, members can continue on a month-to-month basis with no contract obligations.To get the exclusive FREE offer and an additional 15% off accessories, email Joe@fromthegreennotebook for a listeners-only discount code at checkout. Free FightCamp Package: Includes punch trackers, quick wraps, and a 45-day membership trial to the FightCamp app. We will cover the shipping and taxes too (a $278 value per redemption). 

Send us a textIn this episode, Joe welcomes Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor, author, and expert on military culture, to explore the shifting landscape of service, leadership, and the personal challenges faced by military members and their families. Corie shares insights from her latest book, Military Culture Shift, offering her thoughts on the past 20 years of war and what it means for the future of the force.Together, they discuss the key moments and lessons that shape military service, leadership, and personal well-being, including:How the Global War on Terror shaped an entire generation of military leaders—and what comes next.The psychological toll of service, from combat stress to the unseen burdens of leadership.Generational shifts in the military—why Gen Z's approach to work, leadership, and life is different from previous generations.The evolution of military family dynamics and the changing role of spouse support networks.Why taking time to reflect, heal, and process experiences is critical for long-term well-being.The importance of mental wellness and how leaders can foster a culture that encourages self-care.Tune in to hear Corie's insights and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today's military leaders.Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor (LPC), is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and award-winning author. Corie has focused her career for the last 20 years as a clinician specializing in marriage, special forces, the service culture, and its impact on families. She has traveled internationally to visit troops and report on deployment conditions and has taught service families across the globe. Corie consults on military culture, produces content through interviews and videos, and facilitates meaningful and productive sessions and retreats on how to live, lead multi-generational teams, find purpose, and build relationships using their natural talents.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe welcomes David Baker, former President & Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to explore leadership, legacy, and the values that shape extraordinary careers. David shares lessons from his time working with NFL legends, his deep respect for the military, and his latest mission to impact youth sports.Together, they discuss the key moments and insights that shaped his career, offering valuable takeaways for leaders in sports, business, and the military. David and Joe dive into:Why success isn't about a single job or title but about embracing the journey.Lessons in leadership from mentors like Jerry Jones, Roger Goodell, and Wellington Mara.The emotional power of "The Knock"—telling players they've been inducted into the Hall of Fame.How sports and the military share fundamental values like resilience, teamwork, and sacrifice.The importance of legacy—whether as a player, a leader, a parent, or a soldier.How his new initiative, World Youth Sports, aims to instill character and leadership in young athletes.Why every day matters, and how to make each one your masterpiece.Tune in to hear David's incredible stories and gain timeless leadership lessons that can help you build your own Hall of Fame-worthy legacy.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows.

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe welcomes Sam Walker, author of The Captain Class: A New Theory of Leadership, to dive into the world of leadership and team dynamics. Sam shares the surprising insights from his 11 years of research, studying over 25,000 teams since the 1880s, to uncover what truly makes teams great and sustains their success.Together, they explore the counterintuitive behaviors and traits that separate extraordinary leaders from the rest, challenging many traditional notions of leadership. Whether you're leading in sports, business, or the military, this episode is packed with practical lessons for creating and sustaining high-performing teams. Sam and Joe discuss:The seven key traits that define elite captains and sustain team success.Why leadership isn't about talent, charisma, or speeches, but about behaviors.The concept of “carrying the water” and why great leaders often work in the background.How to regulate emotions and use them effectively to inspire and guide your team.Why strong team cultures are essential, and how to ensure people thrive within them.The importance of being “relentlessly boring” to conserve energy for what matters most.How these principles apply to military, business, and other high-stakes environments.Tune in to hear how you can redefine leadership, uncover your team's hidden potential, and apply Sam's “cheat codes” to create lasting success in your own organization.Sam Walker is an author, keynote speaker, and strategist who helps organizations strengthen their leadership selection and development practices, build stronger cultures, and create more cohesive and enduringly successful teams.He has worked with a Super Bowl-winning NFL franchise, several high-achieving national, Olympic and NCAA-champion sports teams, a national law enforcement agency, elite U.S. military special forces units, one of the world's largest money managers, one of the world's leading surgical hospitals, one of the world's largest media companies and the commanding officers of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. His most recent book, The Captain Class, is a meticulous analysis of effective leadership based on the traits of the captains who led the 17 most dominant teams in sports history. The book has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women worldwide who apply its principles to leading and building teams. A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational plan

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe welcomes Harvard professor and author Alison Wood Brooks to discuss her groundbreaking book, Talk: The Science and Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they explore the science behind conversations and how they shape our personal and professional lives.Alison introduces her TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness—providing actionable strategies to improve communication. She shares why talking can feel so cognitively demanding, the myth of natural charisma, and how intentional choices can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.Joe and Alison discuss practical tools like navigating the "topic pyramid," creating psychological safety in group settings, and the surprising power of levity. They also highlight the art of mastering conversations in both everyday life and professional environments.Whether you're a leader, a friend, or simply someone wanting to communicate better, this episode offers invaluable insights for connecting with others and being authentically yourself.Dr. Alison Wood Brooks is the O'Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration and Hellman Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School, where she created and teaches a course called TALK. As a behavioral scientist, she is a leading expert on the science of conversation. Her award-winning research has been published in top academic journals and is regularly cited in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and NPR. Her research was referenced in two of the top ten most-viewed TED talks of all time and depicted in Pixar's Inside Out 2. In 2021, she was named a Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professor by Poets & Quants. "TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves" is her first book.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!The 25th Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth joins Joe for a candid conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the evolving challenges of guiding the largest branch of the U.S. military. With over three decades of experience in national security, she shares her expectations for Army leaders, the importance of self-development, and why critical thinking and communication skills are essential for success at the highest levels.Secretary Wormuth also highlights her strong support for the Army's Command Assessment Program (CAP), emphasizing early self-development, the power of feedback, and the role of humility and reflection in building resilient leadership teams. She also stresses the importance of maintaining the Army's apolitical stance, fostering public trust, and ensuring continuity through times of change.Topics Covered:The key attributes of effective Army leadersThe role of the Command Assessment Program in shaping leadershipWhy feedback and reflection are crucial for personal growthBalancing professional and personal priorities over a long careerWhy military leaders need to remain apolitical and be non-combatants in the culture warsHonorable Christine Wormuth was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and appointed as the 25th Secretary of the U.S. Army May 28, 2021. The Secretary of the Army is the senior civilian official within the Department of Defense responsible for all matters relating to the U.S. Army.Prior to confirmation, she was the Director of the International Defense and Security Center at the RAND Corporation where she was a frequent writer and speaker on foreign policy, national security and homeland security issues.Prior to RAND, she served in several roles during the Obama Administration. From December 2010 until August 2012 she was a special assistant to the president and senior director for Defense at the National Security Council. Wormuth then served as deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces, and led the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review. From 2014-2016 she served in DOD as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, where she advised the Secretary of Defense on the full range of regional and functional national security issues.Wormuth entered the government as a Presidential Management Intern and began her public service career in the Policy Office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1996 through 2002. After leaving government, she worked in the private sector on defense issues, and then was a Senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies for five years. A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!Joe sits down with Rich McGuinness, the visionary founder of the U.S Army Bowl, to discuss how football is more than just a game—it's a catalyst for building character, shaping lives, and creating lasting impact.Rich shares the inspiring journey of how he turned a bold idea into one of the nation's most iconic high school football events, showcasing All-Americans from around the country and touching the lives of countless young athletes and their families.This conversation examines the power of team sports, highlighting how football provides opportunities for young athletes to learn values like teamwork, resilience, and hard work. Rich's story is a testament to the power of vision, grit, and creating something that transcends the game itself. Some highlights from this episode include:The “500 balls a day” mindset and how it translates to life and leadershipThe origin story of the U.S Army Bowl and its impact on high school athletesHow hard work and focus can change the trajectory of your lifeLessons on building a legacy and embracing the unexpected challenges along the wayHow parents can best support their young athletesTune in for an inspiring conversation about how sports can shape lives and leave a legacy that goes far beyond the field.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!Joe Byerly sits down with Furman Daniel, author of Blood, Mud, and Oil Paint: The Remarkable Year That Made Winston Churchill. Together, they explore a transformative year in Churchill's life—a time of political humiliation, personal reinvention, and the development of five life-changing gifts, including painting, friendship, and a modern perspective on warfare. Furman shares how Churchill's resilience and adaptability during his darkest days laid the foundation for his iconic leadership during World War II.This conversation is packed with timeless insights on failure, perseverance, and finding restoration through personal passions, offering applicable lessons for leaders at all levels:Failure is a springboard for future success.Creative outlets restore energy and focus.Genuine friendships are invaluable during tough times.Presence builds trust and respect as a leader.Confidence balanced with humility fosters growth.Perseverance leads to breakthroughs over time.Stepping back provides clarity and perspective.Lifelong learning is essential for great leadership.And more!Join Joe and Furman for an inspiring discussion on turning setbacks into triumphs and what it means to stay in the fight when the odds are against you.Dr. John Furman Daniel III is an associate professor of political science at Concordia University. He has authored numerous publications on international relations theory, the influence of fiction on foreign policy decision-making, Edmund Burke, Carl von Clausewitz, George Patton, technology diffusion, space colonization and home-field advantage in Major League Baseball. His four books are 21st Century Patton: Strategic Insights for the Modern Era (2016), The First Space War: How Patterns of History and Principles of STEM Will Shape Its Form (2019), Patton: Battling with History (2020) and Blood, Mud and Oil Paint: The Remarkable Year that Made Winston Churchill (2024).A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe Byerly sits down with Dr. Galena Rhoades, co-author of Fighting for Your Marriage, to explore the essential skills needed for strong, lasting relationships. Drawing from her extensive research, Dr. Rhoades shares practical insights on improving communication, navigating conflict, and rekindling connection. They discuss the unique challenges faced by military couples, the importance of being intentional in marriage, and how to address hidden issues beneath everyday disagreements. Dr. Rhoades also provides actionable tools like the "Speaker-Listener Technique" and the value of making time for fun together. Whether you're newly married or decades into your relationship, this conversation offers valuable advice to help you and your partner thrive.Resources Mentioned:Fighting for Your Marriage by Dr. Galena Rhoades and colleaguesAgape App for daily relationship-building questionsGalena K. Rhoades, Ph.D., is a research professor and the director of the Institute for Relationship Science in the Department of Psychology at the University of Denver. Her research focuses on romantic relationship formation processes, such as dating and living together, and predictors of relationship success. She also conducts studies on the effectiveness of relationship interventions offered by community organizations across the United States. She has more than 140 publications in these areas. Dr. Rhoades founded a nonprofit in Denver called Thriving Families. This organization offers MotherWise, a relationship education program for women during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as mental health services for families. Dr. Rhoades is also a practicing clinical psychologist. In her private practice, she primarily sees couples and families.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe Byerly talks with CSM Walter J. Zajkowski, Senior Enlisted Leader of Special Operations Command Pacific. With 30 years of service, CSM Zajkowski reflects on his journey from young Ranger to senior leader, sharing lessons on leadership growth, feedback, and learning from both great and challenging leaders.Key topics include:The role of ego in leadership and how embracing tough assignments can lead to transformation.The importance of supplementing formal education with reading and self-reflection.How to give people what they need, not just what they want, to develop strong, capable teams.The power of identifying and living your "why" to stay aligned with purpose.This conversation is packed with actionable advice and reflections for leaders at every level. Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader,Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC), headquartered at Camp H.M.Smith, Hawaii.Prior to his assignment at SOCPAC, he served as the Command Sergeant Majorof 3rd Operational Support Group (2021-2022). Previous positions of responsibilityinclude Battalion CSM, Force Generation Directorate SGM, Selection and TrainingSGM, Company SGM, Operations SGM, Training Instructor/Writer, TeamSergeant, and Team Member. CSM Zajkowski began his Army career in 2ndBattalion 75th Ranger Regiment (1994-1999) where he served as a Rifleman,Team Leader, and Squad Leader.He enlisted in the Army in 1994 and served in multiple leadership positions withinthe joint special operations community. Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski deployed in support of multiple combat operations to include Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/C device, Bronze Star w/Valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Valor device,Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Combat Diver Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe sits down with Stephen Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, to uncover the personal journey that led him to translate Sicilian Avengers, an epic historical novel set in 18th-century Sicily. But this is more than a conversation about a book—it's a story of deep roots, personal loss, and a quest to rediscover purpose.Stephen opens up about reconnecting with his Sicilian heritage alongside his wife, Laura, after the tragic loss of their daughter. What began as a healing journey to learn Italian grew into a remarkable project: translating Sicilian Avengers, a story that hadn't been told to English-speaking readers.  Emerging from the dark streets and subterranean caves of Palermo, the Beati Paoli—a shadowy, masked society of vigilantes—mete out their own brand of justice, countering the unchecked power of the aristocracy. For the oppressed and voiceless, they are defenders and heroes.Through Stephen's translation, this forgotten tale of justice and intrigue, reminiscent of a Dumas novel, has been brought back to life. As he shares his experience, Stephen reveals the challenges, the rewards, and the sense of purpose this work gave him in a new chapter of life. He also reflects on his tenure at Barnes & Noble, where he and his late brother, Len, transformed a single Manhattan bookstore into the largest bookstore chain in the United States. For anyone curious about the enduring impact of stories, this episode is an invitation to listen in and perhaps be inspired to seek out the narratives that connect us across time, place, and family.Stephen Riggio is the former chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble (2002-2012). For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce and book publishing. Riggio has served on the boards of the National Book Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Society, and is a founding member of the AHRC New York City Foundation Board. He and his wife live in New York.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!The 41st Chief of Staff of the Army invites Joe to the Pentagon for a discussion on innovation, leadership, and the continuous transformation needed to keep the Army at the forefront of modern warfare. General George shares insights from his recent experiences leading the Army through complex changes, touching on battlefield innovation, training at combat training centers, and how leaders at every level must embrace risk to drive progress. In this episode, we discuss:What it means to “transform in contact”  How empowering soldiers and junior leaders to innovate is crucial for adapting to ever-changing battlefield conditions.The role of leadership in fostering a culture of growth, The importance of sharing lessons learnedHow personal and professional development go hand-in-hand with leading change.General Randy A. George assumed duties as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army on September 21, 2023.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!Joe McCormack returns to the show to discuss his newest book: Quiet Works: Making Silence the Secret Ingredient of the Workday . Together, Joe and Joe explore how quiet time enhances leadership, reduces distractions, and improves communication. They share insights on managing workplace noise, the balance between collaboration and focus, and practical strategies to help leaders and teams achieve clarity and purpose through intentional quiet moments. They also discuss:The curse of the scattered leaderThe problems of Too Much Information (TMI) and Too Much Collaboration (TMC)Why leaders need to take short intentional breaks during the workdayPractical steps leaders can take to reduce noise and improve decision-making, including the importance of quiet reflection.Tools like journaling, scheduling quiet moments, and establishing boundaries to protect time for deep thinking.Whether you're looking to boost productivity or improve decision-making, this conversation offers actionable tools to help you thrive in today's noisy world.Joe McCormack is the founder and president of The BRIEF Lab, and he's passionate about helping professionals gain focus and clarity in a world of too much information, too much collaboration, and too much noise.As an entrepreneur, marketing executive, and author, he is recognized for his work in concise, strategic communication and leadership development.Joe has written three books—a trilogy—that outline and promote the personal and professional benefits of clear thinking and concise communication.His podcast, “Just Saying,” helps professionals become effective and efficient communicators in an age of information overload.Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Joe served as Senior Vice President at Ketchum, a top-five marketing agency in Chicago. He received a BA in English Literature from Loyola University of Chicago where he graduated with honors. He is fluent in Spanish and has broad international experience. Joe and his wife Julie split their time between Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Chicago, Illinois.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe welcomes Chase Jarvis, a creative powerhouse, entrepreneur, and author of Never Play It Safe. Chase shares how his own journey, from professional soccer aspirations to becoming a world-renowned photographer, taught him that real growth happens on the other side of fear. Together, they dive into actionable strategies for reclaiming creativity, focusing your attention, and leveraging failure as a tool for success. Joe and Chase also discuss:Stepping out of your comfort zone for better opportunities and connections.The seven key levers for success that everyone can use.Using leverage to get maximum results with smart effort.The importance of focus, attention, and finding flow.Learning from failure and adapting quickly to succeed.Chase Jarvis is an award-winning photographer, entrepreneur, and the founder of CreativeLive, an online learning platform with over 10 million students. His work spans global campaigns for brands like Nike and Apple, and he's been named one of the most influential photographers of the last decade. Beyond photography, Chase is a best-selling author, podcast host, and a thought leader in creativity, innovation, and personal growth. His latest book, Never Play It Safe, explores the power of stepping outside your comfort zone to unlock true potential. Through his podcast and platform, Chase empowers people to pursue their passions and build meaningful careers.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here. 4o

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!Joe Byerly welcomes back Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL and bestselling author to discuss his first nonfiction work, Targeted Beirut, which explores the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, a pivotal moment in U.S. military history and the War on Terror. Together, they discuss the strategic missteps, the human toll of national security decisions, and the lessons that remain relevant for military leaders today. Jack and Joe also cover:Why leaders should study the pastThe lessons of the 1983 Marine Barracks BombingHow the U.S. involvement in Beirut shaped the War on TerrorThe human toll of conflictResilience in warand much more!From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, The Terminal List.Since then, he has captivated readers worldwide with the gripping tales of James Reece in his New York Times bestselling novels True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil's Hand, In the Blood, and Only the Dead.The Terminal List was adapted into a thrilling #1 Amazon Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt and has been greenlit for a second season based on Jack's second novel True Believer (release date TBA).In addition, a prequel origin story series based on the character Ben Edwards titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf starring Taylor Kitsch is currently in production.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here. 

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!Erin Wade, founder and former CEO of Homeroom, a mac-and-cheese restaurant in Oakland, to discuss her latest book: The Mac and Cheese Millionaire: Building a Better Business by Thinking Outside the Box and her journey from being an unfulfilled attorney to a successful entrepreneur. Erin opens up about the lessons learned while building a company culture that balances freedom with structure, and how she turned her passion into a thriving business. Joe and Erin dive into the power of titles, leadership, and the importance of creating a workplace that people genuinely want to be a part of. Episode Topics:Erin's transition from law to the restaurant industry.The balance between freedom and structure in leadership.How facing struggles shaped Erin's entrepreneurial journey.The role of intentional culture-building in business success.Leadership beyond titles and the power of influence.Watch the interview here.Erin Wade is a best-selling author, chef, and entrepreneur. Erin opened a cultishly popular restaurant, Homeroom, which has been covered everywhere from Cooking Channel to The Wall Street Journal. She authored The Mac & Cheese Millionaire, the best-selling The Mac and Cheese Cookbook, and a viral op-ed in the Washington Post about her restaurant's solution to sexual harassment that was named one of the publication's best of the year.Erin's work on business culture has been covered in Forbes and The New York Times, and she was named one of thirty-five “World-Changing Women” by Conscious Company magazine. Erin has a public policy degree from Princeton and a law degree from UC Berkeley. She lives in the Bay Area with her family and an array of surfboards.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here. 

Send us a textOn June 17, 2020, while deployed to Afghanistan, Jacob Cool was woken at 2 a.m. with the devastating news of his 16-year-old son's sudden death due to an undiagnosed heart condition. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Jacob grappled with the overwhelming pain and questioned his own will to live, reflecting on how he avoided becoming another military suicide statistic. Through deep reflection, he uncovered the strength of his family's resilience, built long before the tragedy struck. Now, Jacob is on a mission to share his hard-earned wisdom on resilience and preparedness.In this powerful episode, Joe and Jacob discuss:The habits and foundational practices to cultivate before life's challenges arise.Steps to take immediately when faced with a personal tragedy.The importance of building a support system and accessing the right professional help.Life maintenance strategies to bolster physical, emotional, and spiritual health.Jacob's journey offers proven lessons on resilience, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to prepare themselves for life's unexpected challenges.A special thanks to this week's sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here. 

Send us a Text Message.The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!Join Joe as he sits down with Silicon Valley legend Guy Kawasaki, author of Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference. In this episode, they dive into what it truly means to “Do Good Shit” and how to make a lasting impact on the world. Guy shares insights from his remarkable career and discusses key themes including:Embracing vulnerability and the power it brings to personal growthBattling impostor syndrome and the importance of pushing past self-doubtLearning from failure and using it as a stepping stone to successConnecting the dots in your life and understanding how past experiences shape your futureFinding and nurturing your passions by pursuing interests that resonate with youTune in to discover how you can lead with authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva and the creator of Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People podcast. He is an executive fellow of the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley), and adjunct professor of the University of New South Wales. He was the chief evangelist of Apple and a trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation. He has written Wise Guy, The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and eleven other books. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA, and an honorary doctorate from Babson College.Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

The FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear! General Scott Miller, U.S. Army Retired, returns to the show to reflect on a storied career spanning nearly four decades, offering candid insights on the key moments that shaped his leadership. In this episode, Joe and General Miller dive deep into foundational experiences that forged Miller's approach to command, sharing valuable lessons that apply whether you're leading in the military or the corporate world. Miller also shares poignant reflections on his transition to civilian life, highlighting the challenges and offering a stark warning to military leaders about the dangers they may face in the process. General Austin "Scott" Miller, assuming the role of Executive Chairman for Prairie Fire Nevada in January 2023, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 38 years in uniform. Graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983, he retired from active duty in 2021, leaving an indelible mark on some of the world's most complex geopolitical landscapes.Throughout his tenure, General Miller, an Airborne-Ranger and Infantry officer, commanded at various levels, from leading a company in Korea to spearheading the TF Ranger assault force in Mogadishu during the infamous "Blackhawk Down" incident. His leadership extended to commanding the Joint Special Operations Command and culminated in serving as the final commander of NATO's Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces Afghanistan.A stalwart figure in the Global War on Terror, General Miller distinguished himself as one of the earliest Americans to engage in the pursuit of Usama Bin Laden and other high-value targets. His extensive combat experience includes commanding multiple Special Operation Task Forces across the Middle East and South Asia.Notably, as commanding general of the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning in 2014, General Miller led efforts to integrate women into the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger School, a pivotal step forward in gender equality within the military.General Miller's accolades include two Combat Infantryman Badges, two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and a remarkable 20 Overseas Service Bars, underscoring his unparalleled dedication with over a decade spent in combat zones. (Bio Courtesy of PrarieFire Nevada)Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for unitsMy favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Jeff Wetzler, author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life joins Joe to dive into the transformative power of asking quality questions and how this simple yet powerful practice can unlock hidden wisdom within any organization. In this episode, Joe and Jeff discuss:The reasons why people don't share what's really on their mindsBarriers to communication in organizationsJeff introduces the ASK approach and shares how to make it a part of your organization's cultureWhy asking bad questions can backfire and how to ask good ones....and much more! Join us for a conversation that will change how you approach leadership and communication. Learn how to harness the superpower of asking questions and unlock the collective genius within your team.Jeff Wetzler has been on a quarter-century quest to transform learning opportunities and unlock human potential. Blending a unique set of leadership experiences in the fields of business and education, he's pursued this quest as an international management consultant to executives in Fortune 500 corporations, as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America, and currently, as co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized education innovation organization. Jeff earned a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Brown University. He is an Aspen Global Leadership Fellow and an Edmund Hillary Fellow. Jeff lives in New York with his wife, two children, and their puppy.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Laird Hamilton, a legend in the world of surfing joins Joe to provide a unique perspective on how to push boundaries, overcome fears, and find joy in the challenges life throws our way. In this episode, Joe and Laird discuss:Growth Through Adversity: Laird discusses how facing and overcoming challenges has shaped his life and career.Mental and Physical Preparation: The importance of rigorous training and mental fortitude in tackling big waves and life's obstacles.Leadership and Resilience: Parallels between Laird's experiences in the ocean and the principles of leadership and resilience applicable to all areas of life.Balancing Passion and Family: Insights on maintaining a harmonious personal life while pursuing one's passions.Overcoming Fear: Strategies for confronting and managing fear to achieve greatness.Keeping Passion in the Marriage: Laird shares how he and Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player and model, keep their passion going after decades of marriage and raising their three daughters.Laird Hamilton is a renowned big wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and a pioneer in the development of hydrofoil boarding. Known for his fearless approach to riding some of the world's most dangerous waves, Laird has redefined what is possible in the sport of surfing. Beyond his surfing achievements, he is an accomplished author, fitness expert, and motivational speaker. Laird's innovations in surf technology and his dedication to fitness have made him a global icon and a source of inspiration for athletes and adventurers alike. He lives in Hawaii with his wife, Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player and model, and their three daughters.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Will Bowen, author of A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted joins Joe to discuss the negative impact of complaining on our perception of the world. They also explore how making a conscious effort to quit complaining can significantly improve our lives. In this episode, Joe and Will dive into the following topics:How the 21-Day Complaint Free challenge worksThe social reasons why people actually complainThe difference between processing and venting and why it mattersUsing negative feelings as a catalyst for self-reflectionThe myth of blowing off steamDeveloping a mindset for embracing challengesAfter decades of unprecedented sales success in insurance, broadcasting, and advertising, on July 23, 2006 Will Bowen's life changed forever…and so did the lives of tens of millions of people (so far).On that day, Will invited 250 people to try and break the negative habit of complaining by going 21 consecutive days without uttering a single gripe.Will gave each person a purple bracelet to be used as a mindfulness tool.His idea: switch the bracelet from wrist-to-wrist with each spoken complaint and keep switching until you go 21 consecutive days without complaining.Will's idea EXPLODED around the world until now, some 15 years later, the worldwide Complaint Free bracelet total is over 15 million and climbing.Will Bowen's 21-Day Complaint Free challenge has been recommended by Oprah, Maya Angelou, Tim Ferris, Joe Vitale, Gary Zukov, The Wall Street Journal, NBC's Today Show, the ABC Evening News, NPR, and too many additional celebrities and media outlets to include here.Will has written 5 International Bestselling books that have sold more than 4 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 35 languages.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Former Navy SEAL and New York Times bestselling author, Jack Carr, joins Joe for a powerful discussion ahead of the release of his 7th book in The Terminal List series, Red Sky Mourning. They explore the following:Why leaders need to be readers The perfect way to gift a bookTransitioning from the militaryThe importance of values in decision-makingFinding your purposeHow Jack became a writerand much more!!From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, The Terminal List.Since then, he has captivated readers worldwide with the gripping tales of James Reece in his New York Times bestselling novels True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil's Hand, In the Blood, and Only the Dead.The Terminal List was adapted into a thrilling #1 Amazon Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt and has been greenlit for a second season based on Jack's second novel True Believer (release date TBA).In addition, a prequel origin story series based on the character Ben Edwards titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf starring Taylor Kitsch is currently in production.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Former World Series of Poker Champion and best-selling author, Annie Duke, returns to the show to discuss the  concepts from her book, Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away. Annie shares insights on how grit, often celebrated as a virtue, can also lead to sticking with paths that no longer serve us. Joe and Annie  draw parallels to other high-profile figures like Jerry Seinfeld and Will Smith, who chose to step down from projects at the pinnacle of their careers. They also dive into Joe's decision to retire from the Army. During the episode Joe and Annie discuss the following topics:The double-edged nature of grit and its impact on decision-making.Joe's personal experience of deciding to retire from the military and the concept of quitting at a high point in one's career.The concept of 'jumping the shark' and the challenges in identifying the right time to quit.How to separate your identity from your careerThe importance of setting 'kill criteria' to effectively determine when to quit under uncertainty.The role of intuition, sunk costs, and fear of the unknown in decision-making processes.Using the monkeys and pedestals mental model before starting a major projectAnnie is an author, speaker, and consultant in the decision-making space, as well as Special Partner focused on Decision Science at First Round Capital Partners, a seed stage venture fund. Annie's latest book, Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, was released in 2022 from Portfolio, a Penguin Random House imprint. Her previous book, Thinking in Bets, is a national bestseller. As a former professional poker player, she has won more than $4 million in tournament poker. During her career, Annie won a World Series of Poker bracelet and is the only woman to have won the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions and the NBC National Poker Heads-Up Championship. She retired from the game in 2012. Prior to becoming a professional poker player, Annie was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to study Cognitive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2023 Annie completed her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at UPenn.Annie is the co-founder of The Alliance for Decision Education, a non-profit whose mission is to improve lives by empowering students through decision skills education. She is a member of the National Board of After-School All-Stars and the Board of Directors of the Franklin Institute.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Former World Series of Poker Champion and best-selling author, Annie Duke, joins Joe to share her journey from studying cognitive science to becoming a poker legend, and how this experience led her to explore the cognitive underpinnings of decision-making in everyday life.Joe and Annie explore the fundamental concepts from her book, Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts, and discuss how treating life's decisions as bets can significantly improve how we navigate uncertainty. Some of the topics they discuss include:The two factors that determine the quality of your lifeUsing poker strategies for making decisionsSeparating outcome quality from decision qualityHow our self-narrative affects reflection and learningThe benefits of mental time travel...and much moreAnnie is an author, speaker, and consultant in the decision-making space, as well as Special Partner focused on Decision Science at First Round Capital Partners, a seed stage venture fund. Annie's latest book, Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, was released in 2022 from Portfolio, a Penguin Random House imprint. Her previous book, Thinking in Bets, is a national bestseller. As a former professional poker player, she has won more than $4 million in tournament poker. During her career, Annie won a World Series of Poker bracelet and is the only woman to have won the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions and the NBC National Poker Heads-Up Championship. She retired from the game in 2012. Prior to becoming a professional poker player, Annie was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to study Cognitive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2023 Annie completed her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at UPenn.Annie is the co-founder of The Alliance for Decision Education, a non-profit whose mission is to improve lives by empowering students through decision skills education. She is a member of the National Board of After-School All-Stars and the Board of Directors of the Franklin Institute.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Colin Stevens, author of  Make Your Mark: Lessons from Legends for a Life of Fulfillment and Impact,  joins the show to share his inspiring story of chasing a dream that didn't pan out the way he thought it would and the lessons he's learned along the way.  Joe and Colin talk about the following topics:The importance of self-belief for achieving success Why we should study  the  "full game" over the "highlight reel". Leadership through transparency and owning mistakes.The impact of social media on young athletes' mental health.How to develop resilient kidsThe role of fear and failure in pursuing passions.The power of being true to oneself.Colin Stevens is a former Division 1 basketball player and senior year team captain at Coastal Carolina University. After working in the banking industry for years, he left the 9-5 to embark on an entrepreneurial journey and start his own business. He has since created two successful brands in the basketball development industry.For the past five years, Colin has worked as a life strategist and performance coach. He has been hired by professional athletes, business executives, and entrepreneurs to help them maximize their potential. With a unique approach that combines his sports background and personal development expertise, Colin enhances decision-making, personal growth, and emotional intelligence.Colin is the published author of two books, COACHABLE, and his most recent book with raving reviews, Make Your Mark.  He is a sought-after speaker and trainer for various companies, motivating and empowering others to reach their full potential. Learn more about Colin at www.thecolinstevens.comSpecial thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Dr. Amishi Jha joins Joe to discuss her book, Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, Invest 12 Minutes a Day . Amishi sheds light on the complexities of the brain's attention system to help us understand how we can navigate and enhance our focus in stressful and demanding jobs. In this episode Joe and Amishi discuss: How our attention shapes everything from emotions to relationships Challenges in maintaining attention in an information-saturated ageHow the attention system works The vulnerability of attention to stress and its impact on performanceInsights into memory and emotional regulation How mindfulness training helps strengthens our attention system A practical approach to mindfulness training for enhancing attention Whether you're struggling to stay present, looking to enhance your memory, or seeking solace in the whirlwind of the digital age, this episode promises to turn the light of your attention onto pathways that could lead to a calmer, more focused state of being. Learn more about Amishi's research in military cohorts here.Dr. Amishi Jha, PhD is Director of Contemplative Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. Prior to her current post, she was an Assistant Professor at the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania.She received her B.S in Biological Psychology from the Universityof Michigan, her Ph.D in Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) from the University of California–Davis, and her post-doctoral training at the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center at Duke University in functional neuroimaging.Learn more about her work here.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Dr. Michael Norton joins Joe to discuss his new book, The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions.  In this episode, Joe and Dr. Norton explore the hidden power of rituals in our daily lives. Highlights from this episode include:Understanding the powerful impact of rituals The difference between a habit and a ritualHow to find and examine our own personal rituals The role of rituals in transitions (becoming a leader, returning from combat, retiring from the military)How rituals can improve our performance and help us better navigate lifeRituals and family lifeHow to create family traditions when you move all the time....and much more!  Michael Norton is the Harold M. Brierley Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. He has studied human behavior as it relates to love and inequality, time and money, and happiness and grief. He is the author of The Ritual Effect and the coauthor—with Elizabeth Dunn—of Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending. In 2012, he was selected by Wired magazine as one of “50 People Who Will Change the World.” His TEDx talk, How to Buy Happiness, has been viewed nearly 4.5 million times. He is a frequent contributor to such publications as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Scientific American, and has made numerous television, radio, and podcast appearances.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Lieutenant General Christopher Donahue returns to the show to continue his previous conversation with Joe on culture and leadership. In this episode, they discuss:What LTG Donahue has learned since his last appearance on the podcastHow the culture of the 82nd Airborne Division held up during the evacuation of AfghanistanFour reasons leaders need to focus on physical fitnessThe importance of innovation in today's ArmyWhat LTG Donahue is reading right nowTips for successful communicationLieutenant General Christopher Donahue currently serves as the 39th Commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, and Ft. Liberty, NC. Prior to assuming command of the corps, LTG Donahue served as the Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division.LTG Donahue's other assignments include Commander, NATO Special Operations Component and US Joint Special Operations in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, J-3, for the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., Commandant, US Army Infantry School and Director of the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, and Deputy Commanding General (Maneuver) of the 4th Infantry Division.LTG Donahue has led Soldiers at all levels in Airborne, Ranger, Light and Mechanized units, to include service with 3 divisions, the 75th Ranger Regiment and USASOC. He has deployed 20 times in support of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, to include; Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Atlantic Resolve, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce, and in support of the Sudan crisis.His formative and key, Army and special operations, assignments include Director of Operations, Joint Special Operations Command, and 16 years in various USASOC organizations, first as a platoon leader, then as a troop commander, squadron commander, and finally as a brigade commander.LTG Donahue is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and was commissioned in 1992. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Naval War College, and the US Army War College Fellowship at Harvard University.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

The 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy A. George makes his first appearance on the podcast for a great discussion about leadership, his vision, and the lessons he's learned over the course of his four-decade career. General George and Joe cover a lot of ground in this episode, discussing topics including:Encouraging professional discourseWhy leaders need to ask questionsThe training management program that's in the Chief's crosshairsWhy great leaders are great editorsWhat transforming in contact looks likeHow General George recharges his batteries after a long dayThe importance of professional boundariesWhat topics General George wants leaders to write about....and more!General Randy A. George assumed duties as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army on September 21, 2023.George commissioned from the U.S. Military Academy in 1988 as an infantry officer. He served as a lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division and deployed in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. George received his Master of Science in Economics in 1999 from Colorado School of Mines and then served at the National Simulation Center in Fort Leavenworth before attending the Command and General Staff College.In 2001 George went to Italy and served as the executive officer of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was later executive officer and then deputy commander of the brigade, during which time he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Returning to the 101st Airborne Division in 2004, George commanded 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment and deployed a second time to Iraq. He then went to United States Naval War College as an instructor and then student. He deployed again as part of the initiatives group for the commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq in 2007.In 2008 George returned to the 4th Infantry Division, where he commanded 4th Brigade Combat Team and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following command, he was a fellow on the Council of Foreign Relations, chief of the strategic policy division for the Pakistan-Afghanistan coordination cell on the Joint Staff, executive officer to the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. He later returned to Fort Carson as the deputy commanding general (maneuver) of 4th Infantry Division.George took command of the 4th Infantry Division in June 2017. In this role he deployed again to Afghanistan. His most recent command was of I Corps at Joint Base Lewis McChord, after which he served as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense.He is married to his West Point classmate, Patty. They have two children, Grant and Andrea.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Matt Higgins,  author the Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential  joins Joe and shares his amazing story of escaping poverty and how his "Burn the Boats!" philosophy has guided his life. Joe and Matt also discuss:Changing our relationship with imposter syndromeAdopting a "burn the boats" mindset in various contexts, including the military, entrepreneurship, and personal challenges.Role of authenticity in leadership positionsDealing with anxiety and the pressure of high-stakes environmentsWhy a growth mindset is uncomfortableSelf-Awareness and leadership...and much more! Matt Higgins is a noted serial entrepreneur, growth equity investor as Co-founder and CEO of private investment firm, RSE Ventures, and Wall Street Journal  best-selling author of Burn The Boats.Mr. Higgins began his career in public service as a journalist before becoming the youngest mayoral press secretary in New York City at 26, where he managed the global media response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He became one of the first employees – and ultimately Chief Operating Officer – of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the federally funded government agency created to plan the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site. Mr. Higgins helped organize the largest international design competition in history culminating in Reflecting Absence, the September 11th National Memorial, and the development of the 1,776-feet-tall One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the northern hemisphere.After transitioning to the private sector, Mr. Higgins spent 15 years in senior leadership positions with National Football League teams. He made his mark with two NFL franchises, overseeing the revenue functions of the New York Jets as Executive Vice President of Business Operations, and after leaving the Jets, serving as Vice Chairman of the Miami Dolphins from 2012 – 2021. Higgins co-founded New York City-based RSE Ventures in 2012, amassing a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio of leading brands across sports and entertainment, media and marketing, consumer and technology industries – including several of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. Higgins is also co-owner of VaynerMedia, the largest social-media first agency in the world founded by Gary Vaynerchuk. Mr. Higgins has also been a guest shark on Emmy award-winning TV show “Shark Tank” during seasons 10-11. Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Author Steven Pressfield returns for his 3rd appearance on the show to discuss his latest book The Daily Pressfield . In this episode, Joe and Steve talk about:How small, daily passages can change our livesThe power of answering your calling and the potential consequences of ignoring this internal pullHow to face and overcome Resistance, the force that inevitably shows up whenever we try to improve our livesWhat happens when our inner and outer worlds come into alignmentStrategies to combat self-doubtWhat Steve learned from Field Marshall Viscount Slim about thriving in chaosSteven Pressfield is the author of The War of Art  which has sold over a millions copies globally and been translated into multiple languages. He is a master of historical fiction with Gates of Fire being on the required reading list at West Point and the the recommended reading list of the Joint Chiefs. His other books include A Man at Arms, Turning Pro, Do the Work, The Artist's Journey, Tides of War, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Last of the Amazons, Virtues of War, The Afghan Campaign, Killing Rommel, The Profession, The Lion's Gate, The Warrior Ethos, The Authentic Swing, An American Jew, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, and The Knowledge.Steve lives and writes in California. You can following him on IG @steven_pressfield. Sign up for his weekly writing newsletter at stevenpressfield.com"It is one thing to study war, and another to live the warrior's life."Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

Army Colonel Dave Butler joins Joe to discuss communication for leaders in today's information environment. This episode is a must-listen for leaders at all levels because Dave and Joe tackle the delicate dance military leaders must perform on social media, navigating the fine line between engagement and overexposure. Dave and Joe also discuss:The pitfalls of social media engagementWhy senior military leaders have glass jawsWhat to do if internal memos and emails spill into the public domainThe power of relationshipsWhy leaders need to keep repeating themselvesTips for being an effective staff officerA lot of great book recommendations on communication to include Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less...and much more! Dave Butler has been a close advisor to Joint Force leaders for several years. Much of his early career as a communicator was with special operations, where he served as a comms guy for an Army Special Mission unit and the Joint Special Operations Command. He came out of the shadows in 2018 when he became the chief communicator and spokesperson for US and NATO Forces in Afghanistan. After that, he served as an advisor and spokesperson for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and now serves as an Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army. Before switching to communications, he was an Infantryman, with his time culminating as a company commander in Iraq. He has received numerous awards and graduated from several military schools. He earned a graduate degree from North Carolina State University and attended a fellowship at Duke.He's a proud Long Islander, married with two kids (14 and 17) and a German Shepherd.Special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here.   

International Bestselling author Terry Hayes joins Joe to discuss his remarkable career(s) and how they prepared him to write  I Am Pilgrim and The Year of the Locust. Terry and Joe also talk about:Terry's decision to leave Hollywood to write novelsFighting through self-doubt Being ready for the difficulties when pursuing your callingHow Terry leveraged his subconscious when stuck while working on a scene with Mel GibsonFocusing on the task at hand instead of getting overwhelmed by the big pictureFinding courage in novels and real life...and Joe and Terry provide teasers on the plot for The Year of the LocustTerry Hayes is a former journalist and screen-writer. Born in Sussex, England, he migrated to Australia as a child and trained as a journalist at the country's leading broadsheet. At twenty-one he was appointed North American correspondent, based in New York, and after two years returned to Sydney to become an investigative reporter, political correspondent and columnist. He resigned to produce a prominent current affairs radio program and a short time later, with George Miller, wrote the screenplay for Road Warrior/Mad Max 2. He also co-produced and wrote Dead Calm, the film which launched Nicole Kidman's international movie career, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and a large number of TV movies and mini-series – including Bodyline and Bangkok Hilton – two of which received international Emmy nominations. In all, he has won over twenty film or television awards. After moving to Los Angeles he worked as a screen-writer on major studio productions. His credits include Payback with Mel Gibson, From Hell, starring Johnny Depp, and Vertical Limit with Chris O'Donnell. He has also done un-credited writing on a host of other movies including Reign of Fire, Cliffhanger and Flightplan, starring Jodie Foster. The Year of the Locust is Terry Hayes' second novel. His first, I Am Pilgrim was an international bestseller. Special Thanks to Adyton for sponsoring this episode! Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! 

Anna Papalia, author of Interviewology: The New Science of Interviewing,  joins Joe to discuss her new book and help leaders get better at interviews. Joe and Anna  talk about:The Four Interview Styles: Charmers, Challengers, Harmonizers, and ExaminersTop interview mythsWhy we need self-awarenessLeveraging your interview style and how to avoid the pitfalls that comes with it The importance of using the STAR method when answering questions...and much more! Anna Papalia is the CEO of Interviewology, a keynote speaker, and a career influencer with over 1.9 million followers across social media platforms.  She has worked with large companies, such as Cigna and Lincoln Financial, and taught at Temple University's Fox School of Business for 12 years, where she collected research and discovered the four interview styles. As a former Director of Talent Acquisition turned career coach, she has vast experience on both sides of the interview table and knows what it takes to interview better. She has advised more than 10,000 clients, helping students, entrepreneurs, senior executives, and job seekers in all industries, and taught hundreds of corporate training sessions dedicated to training hiring managers how to interview. Today's Sponsors:Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by Adyton. Mustr is your digital knife-hand for daily and rapid personnel accountability, real time response data visibility, and automated reporting. Learn more about what Mustr can do for your formation here! Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

Sergeant Major of the Army, Sergeant Major Michael Weimer joins the show to discuss what he's learned from his decades of experience in the Army and how family, mentors, and self-reflection have helped him grow into the leader he is today. Joe and Weimer also talk about:Why the military can be "the family business"Weimer's biggest obstacle in his careerThe importance of being present at work and at homeManaging the tension between family and professional obligationsBalancing accountability with empathyWhy tough conversations lead to growthThe power of self-reflectionand much more!Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer was sworn in as the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army on Aug. 4, 2023. Weimer's most recent assignment was serving as the Command Sergeant Major for U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Throughout his career he has served in a variety of positions from team member to Command Sergeant Major of Special Operations Joint Task Force Afghanistan, to Command Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Special Operations Command Central.As the Sergeant Major of the Army, Weimer is the Army chief of staff's personal adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force. He devotes the majority of his time traveling throughout the Army to observe training and interact with Soldiers and their Families. Weimer is the public face of the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps, representing the NCO Corps to the American people in the media and through business and community engagements. He enlisted in the Army in 1993 and successfully completed Special Forces Assessment and Selection in 1994. He graduated the Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Course and earned his Green Beret in 1996. His previous assignments include tours with 7th Special Forces Group, and nearly 20 years in Special Mission Units.Weimer's military education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, Sergeants Major Course, Executive Leader Course, Summit Course, Military Free-Fall Jumpmaster Course, Static Line Jumpmaster Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (HIGH RISK), and Air Assault School. Weimer is a graduate of Norwich University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis.His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (2nd award) with Combat device (1st award), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor (2nd award), Bronze Star Medal (5th award), Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal with "C" device, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3rd award), Iraq Campaign Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5th award), NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge, and Air Assault Badge.Weimer is married and has two children.Today's Sponsors:Veteran-founded Adyton. Connect Leadership With Action Across Distributed Formations With Mustr by AdytonExray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units

Juliet Funt, author of A Minute to Think, returns to the podcast to discuss tactics for leaders to integrate healthy work behaviors into their organizations and the surprising benefits of setting boundaries on our digital availability. Joe and Juliet also talk about:Disconnecting during vacations to be presentNegative impacts of reading and responding to work emails after hoursThe power of "wedges" in our daily livesLeadership and the power dynamic with weekend emails and after-hour textsThe importance of taking breaks from workHow to avoid the "Email Shadow" on weekends and vacationsThe role of organizational culture in preventing burnout...and much more!!!Juliet Funt is the author of A Minute to Think, nominated for the Next Big Idea Club curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Dan Pink, Susan Cain and Adam Grant. She is an evangelist for freeing the potential of companies by unburdening their talent from busywork, and she has brought her powerful concepts to Spotify, National Geographic, Anthem, Vans, Abbott, Costco, Pepsi, Nike, Wells Fargo, Sephora, Sysco, and ESPN. She's also been featured in top media outlets such as Forbes, CNBC, and Fast Company, Juliet Funt is a globally renowned keynote speaker, tough-love advisor to the Fortune 500, and founder and CEO of the efficiency training firm, Juliet Funt Group.

New York Times Bestselling biographer Brian Jay Jones joins Joe to discuss George Lucas: A Life, Becoming Dr. Seuss, and  Jim Henson: The Biography. Brian and Joe talk about the lessons we can learn from Lucas, Dr. Seuss, and Henson:Overcoming self-doubt and leveraging the power of frustrationPaying attention to our life's purposeThe power of doing the work even the when the results aren't immediateAppreciating the creative journey, not just the end productInnovation and flexibility of thought can lead to major breakthroughsRecognizing the role of important relationships in our lives....and much more!!Brian Jay Jones is known for covering iconic creative geniuses who have made indelible contributions to pop culture. He has explored the lives and legacies of Jim Henson, George Lucas, Washington Irving, and Dr. Seuss for serious fans and newcomers alike. His most recent book, Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination (Dutton, 2019), has been celebrated as “nuanced, profoundly human” (NPR), “compelling [and] sweeping in scope” (The New Yorker), and “a rich, anecdotal biography” (Kirkus). His previous book, George Lucas: A Life (Little, Brown, 2016) was named one of Kirkus‘s Best Books of 2016. The first comprehensive biography of the influential creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones in nearly two decades, George Lucas: A Life was praised as “definitive” (New York Times),  “whiz-bang” (People), “must-read” (Parade) and deemed by Rolling Stone as “the one biography for casual and die-hard [Star Wars] fans alike. Brian lives in New Mexico where he is presently working on a history of the U.S. Capitol. You can find him running his mouth on Twitter at @brianjayjones, and @OfficialBrianJayJones on FacebookLearn more about Brian at www.brianjayjones.com