Sheepdog Strength
Being Sheepdog strong is about leading with intention, awareness, and empathy. It’s not just about being in charge; it’s about understanding and connecting with everyone around you, whether it’s your team, strangers, or those closest to you. A Sheepdog stands firm in adversity, but does so with compassion and care for others.
Owning the Shift: Confronting Paradoxes for Mental Toughness
Leadership often demands that we confront paradoxes—competing beliefs and emotions that challenge how we think and act. One of the most powerful paradoxes is the tension between embracing change and maintaining stability. As a leader, I’ve felt the struggle between driving innovation and keeping what’s working intact. The fear of disruption is real, yet it’s through embracing change that true growth happens.
Being Present to What Is
Following a recent unexpected injury, I’m taking time to pause and heal. I see this healing pause as a fantastic opportunity to really connect with what’s unfolding right in front of me, moment by moment. I have been able to stick with my daily box breathing and meditation practices, which have proven foundational for remaining grounded and present. This only highlights the power of these tools in my mind and why they are so important for us to do daily as leaders.
Lock Arms to Keep from Drowning
In BUDS and SEALFIT, there’s a brutal evolution called “surf torture,” where the instructors march the class into the cold, 60-degree surf. With our backs turned to the waves, we link arms and sit down. Then, the ocean does its work—pounding us with cold, relentless waves.
Find Your Route – Obstacles Are Not Always the Way
In leadership, there are moments when pushing through an obstacle isn’t the only solution. Take the BUDS obstacle course, for example. During one run, I found myself stuck behind a fellow student struggling. The clock was ticking, and frustration was rising.
Don’t Stop Now: How to Push Through Life’s Illusions of Success
In SEAL training, we faced a brutal 12-mile soft sand run after Hell Week. When the finish line seemed in sight, exhaustion hit hard, and many believed they were done. As the instructor pushed the pace, we sprinted the last 100 yards—only to realize the finish line was a false peak. The instructor kept running, and some fell to the ground, unable to push forward.
The Leadership Lesson from Mogadishu
In the chaos of the 1993 Mogadishu conflict, an unexpected event changed the course of the battle. While Pakistani quick reaction forces hesitated to head out of their protective compound to support US Army Rangers in a life-and-death firefight, fearing the dangers of the mission, four special operators led by Navy SEAL Captain Olsen made a daring decision to walk directly into the fight. Their bold and risky move shocked the Pakistani commanders, who, in turn, were compelled to act. The SEALs’ courage eliminated doubt by demonstrating the power of decisive action.
The Power of Silence in Leadership
During my career, I once worked with a leader who struggled with one major weakness: the inability to embrace the beauty of silence. Despite his good intentions, he constantly discussed plans and challenges, talked over people, and jumped in when there was a pause, never allowing others to contribute.
Letting Go to Lead
One of the most powerful things we can do as a leader is to release what no longer serves us. This process of letting go is about discarding the old to make space for growth and new possibilities.
Success Is a Team Sport
As we embark on 2025, many of us are setting ambitious goals. However, it’s crucial to recognize that success is rarely achieved in isolation. The most significant accomplishments often result from the support and collaboration of others. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or an accountability partner, the power of shared effort becomes essential, especially when facing challenges.
