SEAL Vet Andrew Paul and Fallen Hero Mikey Monsoor discuss leadership, life, loss, and lessons learned. Topics include BUDS training, new guys in a platoon, desire for combat, overcoming fear, transitioning to civilian life, the importance of humility, and remembering Mikey Monsoor as more than just a hero.
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Quick takeaways
Leadership development was crucial for the platoon's success during deployment.
Rigorous training and high-stress scenarios prepared the platoon for combat challenges.
Strong bond and camaraderie within the platoon resulted in effective coordination and quick decision-making.
Maintaining an aggressive mindset was important for achieving objectives and staying alive during combat situations.
Deep dives
The Importance of Mentoring and Developing Leaders
During the workup for their deployment, the platoon leaders focused on training and mentoring the new guys in the platoon. They emphasized the importance of being a good leader and preparing the new guys to step up and take charge if needed. This leadership development was a key component of their success during deployment.
The Value of Stress and Pressure Training
The rigorous training and high-stress scenarios during the workup prepared the platoon for the challenges they would face on deployment. By simulating combat situations and testing their ability to make decisions under pressure, the training helped the team develop the necessary skills and mindset to handle real-world combat situations.
The Impact of Strong Team Dynamics
The strong bond and camaraderie within the platoon played a crucial role in their success on deployment. The trust, support, and open communication among the team members allowed for effective coordination, adaptability, and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations.
The Importance of Maintaining an Aggressive Mindset
During combat situations, it was essential to maintain an aggressive mindset in order to effectively achieve objectives and stay alive. The platoon leaders emphasized the importance of staying proactive, taking calculated risks, and remaining focused on the mission despite the dangers and uncertainties of the battlefield.
The Power of Overcoming Fear
Fear can be useful in certain situations, such as in the fight or flight response. However, fear can also hinder decision-making and lead to poor outcomes. Remaining calm and making rational decisions is key to success and victory. Fear can also drive motivation and the desire to excel in one's responsibilities. In a leadership position, the fear of making mistakes and letting down the team can push individuals to strive for excellence and make informed decisions. Overcoming fear allows for clear observation, orientation, decision-making, and action.
Gaining Perspective in Stressful Situations
In intense and stressful deployments, leaders often face unexpected challenges and must make difficult decisions. Over time, experience and maturity allow leaders to gain valuable perspective. This perspective enables leaders to have a better understanding of the situation and make more informed judgments. This perspective can come from detachment and observation, as well as building strong relationships with team members to facilitate effective communication. Leadership in high-performing organizations necessitates the ability to navigate differing opinions while keeping the team focused on the mission and maintaining unity. Gaining perspective can happen through time, experience, detachment, and knowledge.
The Importance of Supporting Fellow Military Veterans
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, both financially and emotionally. It is crucial to find a new purpose and passion in the civilian world. Supporting fellow military veterans and helping them through their own struggles can be incredibly rewarding. By sharing experiences, connecting with other veterans, and offering assistance, individuals can find solace in solidarity and contribute to the betterment of their fellow veterans' lives. The bond between military veterans is unique and provides a source of comfort and understanding that few others can provide.
Finding Purpose and Making a Difference
Finding purpose in one's post-military life is essential for fulfillment and success. Whether it is through a new career, mentoring others, or being a positive role model, individuals can make a difference and leave a lasting impact. By focusing on helping others and contributing to causes that matter, one can find purpose and meaning beyond their military service. Making a positive impact in the lives of the next generation and instilling values of courage, strength, and resilience ensures a legacy that honors the sacrifices made by those in the military.
0:00:00 - Opening 0:11:54 - Andrew Paul 0:16:36 - BUDS with Leif 0:19:52 - Detailed to Boat Unit 0:22:54 - Delta Platoon, Task Unit Bruiser 0:27:30 - Work-Up, Mikey Monsoor Stories, Learning about Leadership, Rough Tactics 0:52:17 - Deployment. Challenges, Stories, and Leadership 1:16:25 - Homecoming / Mikey KIA 1:29:13 - Rough Transitions to Civilian Life 1:43:24 - The Unassuming Badass in the Mortgage Business 1:49:14 - Internet / Amazon / Onnit Stuff, JockoStore and Jocko White Tea 1:53:39 - Closing / Mikey Monsoor
