Former US Navy SEAL Ryan Bates discusses his military career, business ventures, and the importance of seizing opportunities for success. He shares stories of challenges faced during training, innovative missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, transitioning into culinary arts and security work, and navigating the guns and ammo industry. The conversation also touches on family priorities, hunting adventures, leadership lessons, and the significance of compliance and mentorship in structured programs.
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Quick takeaways
Effective leadership is crucial for team success, impacting both in positive and negative ways.
Proactive and decisive leadership is essential in high-pressure environments, showcasing the importance of stepping up.
Resourcefulness and adaptability are key in executing successful missions, as demonstrated by unconventional approaches and improvisation.
Friendship dynamics can be strained by drastic behavioral changes, leading to conflicts and interventions.
Imposing discipline, even against resistance, can eventually lead individuals to recognize the benefits and empowerment it brings.
Deep dives
The Importance of Leadership in SEAL Teams
Leadership plays a critical role in the success of SEAL teams, with the idea that seals can either succeed because of leadership or in spite of it highlighted. The speaker, who has extensive experience from their Navy career, shares insights on how leadership impacts team performance. By the end of the speaker's career, it becomes clear that having a few good leaders in a platoon can make a significant difference, while a poor leader can have a detrimental impact on the team.
Embracing Challenges and Stepping Up
The episode delves into the concept of stepping up to challenges and taking initiative in demanding situations. The speaker recounts a specific scenario where the importance of someone stepping up as a leader is emphasized. They narrate a moment when a particular team member effectively took charge during a chaotic event, showcasing the significance of proactive and decisive leadership in high-pressure environments.
Innovative Approaches to Mission Execution
The deployment narrative includes unconventional approaches to mission execution, such as utilizing horses as pack animals for stealth operations. The team's adaptive strategies and utilization of local intel to pinpoint targets demonstrate their resourcefulness and ability to improvise in combat situations. The speaker's dynamic storytelling captures the intensity and ingenuity required in executing successful missions in challenging wartime conditions.
Relationship with Bar Business and USC Enter
He started a successful bar business grossing significant profits, but the demanding schedule conflicted with family life. Meanwhile, he trained with MMA fighter friends and crossed paths with War Machine, a former teammate. War Machine's erratic behavior raised concerns despite their friendship.
Friendship with War Machine and Social Media Post
They became friends from MMA training and roommates and maintained contact over the years. War Machine's legal name change reflected his demeanor. Despite partying together, a public social media post by War Machine led to conflict after a physical training session where he became the subject of negative comments.
MMA Fighter's Troubles and Nightclub Altercation
War Machine's escalating behavior led to issues, including expulsion from UFC, entering the porn industry, and confrontations at nightclubs. The altercation led to disturbances requiring intervention. This incident marked a turning point in their relationship due to War Machine's worsening behavior.
Troubles due to Violations of Probation
The individual faced jail time for violating probation by entering a bar while unauthorized, leading to a one-year imprisonment. Despite being incarcerated, he managed to marry a porn star, aiding her with legal troubles regarding illegal activities. An incident involving illegal alien smuggling further complicated his legal entanglements.
Friendship and Troubled Path to Redemption
Amidst legal struggles, enduring friendships remained robust as efforts were made to support the individual's wife financially during his incarceration periods. Despite turbulent choices, a shift towards making better decisions was indicated, illustrating the impact of peer circles and influences on life trajectories.
The Impact of Imposing Discipline
Imposing discipline on individuals who are initially resistant can lead to eventual acceptance and recognition of the benefits it brings. Sometimes, individuals need to comply against their will and go through a structured process to realize the positive outcomes and empowerment that discipline can offer. Breaking down resistance through consistent imposition of discipline can lead to individuals seeing the long-term advantages and embracing the program.
Benefits of Structured Programs
Structured programs, such as military training, can provide individuals with the necessary structure, discipline, and direction that they may require. These programs, despite being challenging initially, can empower individuals and offer them opportunities for personal growth and success. By providing a rigid framework and clear objectives, these programs can enable participants to see the value of discipline and structured approaches in achieving their goals
