Nick Hays, Former Navy SEAL

Episode 321

Nick Hays is not your typical Navy SEAL. After cutting weight as a wrestler, his growth was severely stunted. Standing just over 5 feet tall, he was often bullied as a kid and was laughed at when he told others of his dream to become a member of one of the world's most elite units.

Hays learned that what first seemed like a deficiency was indeed his greatest strength because it made him immune to adversity.  After leaving the SEAL teams following 10 years, he tried out for a para-military unit within the CIA. His operating days came to an end when he ruptured a disk while preparing for an operation in Afghanistan.

Disillusioned, broken and without means to provide for his family, Hays was left without a purpose in life. After recovery, his training kicked in, and he remembered the lessons learned from the SEAL teams and put them to the test with professional athletes. Word spread and before he knew it, he was training the Miami Heat and eventually worked with the Atlanta Falcons on their way to a Super Bowl.

Hays holds a BA from the University of Maryland, a Masters in Business from the University of San Diego, and a post-graduate degree from the Harvard Business School.

On this episode of the podcast, we hear Hays' journey of becoming a Navy SEAL, what it's like to train and live the SEAL life, how his faith in Christ keeps him grounded, how he came to help develop culture with NFL and NBA teams, and why he has the nickname Nick "The Heart."

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