Ex-Navy SEAL Commander: THIS Is Who You Are When Sh*t Hits The Fan

Nov 11, 2025

54:45

forum

Ask episode

view_agenda

Chapters

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

In this episode of the Influence Anyone Podcast, host Howie Chan sits down with former Navy SEAL and best-selling author Rich Diviney, a leader in human performance and elite team development. Known for his expertise in decoding human truth, Rich shares powerful insights on how attributes, not just skills, determine our success in high-stress, uncertain situations.

Rich explains how mastering your internal world unlocks your ability to influence others, and most of all, yourself. He dives deep into the neuroscience of fear, the myth of "reaching your potential," and the everyday tactics that high performers use to thrive amid chaos.

You’ll learn how elite SEAL teams select candidates based on qualities, not capabilities, why humor is a survival mechanism, and how you can train yourself to manage anxiety and fear like a combat veteran.

Want to influence behavior and lead in uncertain times? This conversation will reshape how you view performance, growth, and the core attributes that matter most.

Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans? Sign up for the Behavioring Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.

Episode Breakdown:

01:47 The real reason behind the Navy SEAL 300lb telephone pole training

03:39 The unconventional swim test that revealed true SEAL potential

04:50 How attributes differ from skills and why they matter

06:59 Why the Attributes Assessment wins where personality tests fail

10:37 Neuroplasticity and what it takes to change your attributes

15:57 Mastering uncertainty: one of the most important human skills

18:20 How Navy SEALs navigate real-life chaos

21:06 The neuroscience of fear and anxiety, and how to stop them from taking over

28:12 The Navy SEAL secret to make fear go away (or take a back seat)

33:14 "Chocolate-glazed donuts" and the power of humor in stressful situations