Who Are You Without the Rank? A Conversation on Leader Identity with Laura Weimer

Aug 8, 2025

Laura Weimer, an Army officer and Harvard-trained scholar with a PhD in organizational behavior, discusses the intricate nature of leader identity. She unpacks how ego can cloud purpose in career choices and emphasizes the power of reflection. Laura introduces the 'swim lane' concept for enhancing fit without leaving the military and shares practical exercises for uncovering personal values. Their conversation underscores the importance of mentorship in helping others find fulfillment, ensuring that leader identity transcends rank and title.

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INSIGHT

Army Shapes Early Identity

Laura Weimer warns the Army gives junior members a strong scaffolding identity.
That identity can become all‑consuming unless you intentionally diversify influences.

ANECDOTE

Officer Chases Rank, Loses Joy, Finds Fit

Joe described a peer who was devastated after missing the evaluation reports for the next rank.
That officer moved one lane over and later found genuine happiness and fit.

ADVICE

Separate Ego From The Work

Laura Weimer urges distinguishing wanting a title from wanting the work itself.
Ask whether you crave selection or the daily tasks before chasing rank.

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Army officer and Harvard-trained scholar Laura Weimer joins Joe to unpack leader identity—how it’s formed, why it matters, and what happens when we never stop to question it.

From leading Soldiers in the field to earning a PhD in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, Laura has navigated both the operational Army and academia. Along the way, she’s learned that one of the most important questions a leader can ask is: Do I want to do this job—or do I just want to be selected for it?

In this candid conversation, Laura and Joe explore how ego, purpose, and values shape career decisions. They share how small changes—like moving one swim lane over—can dramatically improve fit and fulfillment, and why leaders must help their subordinates figure this out before life forces the question.

In this episode, we explore:

Why separating ego from purpose is critical in career decision-making
The “swim lane” approach to finding a better fit without leaving the Army
How coaching and reflection can clarify your leader identity
Practical exercises for uncovering your values and reframing your work
Why helping others find the right role strengthens the whole organization

Whether you’re a junior leader at a crossroads or a senior officer mentoring the next generation, this episode offers tools and hard-earned wisdom for building a leader identity that lasts beyond any rank or title.

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