In this episode, Commander William C. Spears of the U.S. Navy joins the show to share leadership lessons forged under pressure, from commanding nuclear submarines to building resilient, high-performing teams.

He reflects on what it means to lead with trust, humility, and a mission-first mindset, offering tactical insights from over two decades in the Navy. Commander Spears unpacks the difference between compliance and commitment, the critical importance of psychological safety, and why character always outlasts charisma. He also explores how today’s leaders can foster accountability, push through chaos, and build cultures of excellence that outlast any one individual.

Key Takeaways:

Trust is the foundation of strong leadership.
Leaders should aim for commitment, not just compliance.
Psychological safety allows teams to think and speak freely.
Character is more lasting than charisma.
Clear plans help teams perform under pressure.

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Additional Resources:

CDR William C. Spears

Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy (book): https://a.co/d/1uxjZHa

Website: https://williamcspears.com

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/william-spears-89130443/

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

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