Calling All to Lead in Our VUCA World
In the wake of tragedy and uncertainty, one thing is clear: the world is calling for leaders willing to step into the breach. We live in a VUCA environment—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—where passivity is not an option. The time to cultivate the Sheepdog mentality is now: vigilant, compassionate, and always ready to serve when others freeze in fear.
Put Down That Rock
Over the years, I’ve witnessed thousands carry burdens heavier than any physical load—fear, resentment, shame—camouflaged as strength. During SEALFIT immersions, we ask our trainees to choose a rock that represents the weight of what they’ve been carrying inside. Then we ruck. No known destination. No timeline. Just grit and the present moment.
Embracing Fear: The Courageous Path of Leadership
Leadership, whether personal or communal, is inherently tied to courage—especially the courage to face fear. True warriors, both in life and leadership, don’t shy away from what they fear; they meet it head-on. Transparency with yourself is the first step in this process. Acknowledge your fears without judgment, and you begin to dismantle the false narratives that bind you. This self-awareness frees you from past mistakes, allowing you to move forward with wisdom and renewed trust in yourself.
Making an Impact
Making an impact starts with you. It’s not just a matter of what you do; it’s about how you show up—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. As leaders, we know it takes courage to face ourselves and make the tough decisions that either elevate or drain us.
Empowered Leadership
Empowerment isn’t about exerting power over others; it’s about harnessing your capacity to shape your own destiny. Empowered leadership involves taking full ownership of your choices and actions, regardless of external factors. An empowered leader means staying self-aware, resilient, and purposeful while cultivating environments where people trust themselves to tackle challenges and lead with integrity.
The Warrior Leader
We are composing the story of our lives from moment to moment. With this insight, you can either be writing a drama-filled novel about the losers and takers in your world: Mentally drubbing those who make you feel like the victim, or never being satisfied with your success or station in life, so you perpetually grasp for more. Or, you can be writing a powerful story of the noble warrior leader that you are, the one who is wise, calm, and optimistic; a giver, not a grasper; a winner and learner, not a victim. This warrior leader story supports and encourages others while putting their needs on equal footing with yours.
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.
