Brett Crozier, a retired United States Navy captain, candidly shares his harrowing experience aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt during a COVID-19 outbreak. He discusses his courageous decision to prioritize crew safety, the tension between military protocol and moral obligations, and the significance of lifelong learning. Brett emphasizes the importance of kindness, clear communication, and creating an environment that encourages innovation. His insights into leadership highlight the necessity of risk-taking and personal fulfillment, blending professional lessons with the joys of surfing.
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insights INSIGHT
Paradox of Conformity
Systems train individuals to conform, hindering moral leadership and innovation.
We expect people to buck the system in crises, despite conditioning them otherwise.
insights INSIGHT
Interconnectedness and Conformity
Modern interconnectedness reduces autonomy, favoring conformity over maverick leadership.
Constant supervision and information access compound this challenge.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Avoid Analysis Paralysis
Step away from constant information flow to analyze and prioritize.
Make decisions based on values, not just data, avoiding analysis paralysis.
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Lessons in life, loyalty, and leadership from a maverick Navy captain
Michael Vlessides
Brett Crozier
In 'Surf When You Can', Captain Brett Crozier shares inspiring stories from his 30-year naval career, emphasizing the importance of kindness, teamwork, and standing up for what you believe in. The book reflects on his experiences as a fighter pilot, commanding officer, and his controversial decision during the COVID-19 outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. It provides actionable leadership lessons applicable beyond the military.
Old in Art School
A Memoir of Starting Over
Nell Irvin Painter
Following her retirement from Princeton University, Nell Irvin Painter surprised everyone by returning to school in her sixties to earn a BFA and MFA in painting. In 'Old in Art School', she recounts her journey from Newark to the Rhode Island School of Design, finding meaning in the artists she loves and struggling with the balance between artistic pursuit and the demands of life. The book delves into how women and artists are judged by their age, looks, and race, and how these factors influence our conceptions of beauty, value, and difference.
A night to remember
Walter Lord
A Night to Remember is a classic non-fiction book by Walter Lord that recounts the tragic story of the Titanic's sinking in 1912. The book is based on interviews with 63 survivors and provides a detailed, moment-by-moment account of the disaster. It explores the experiences of passengers and crew from different social classes, highlighting the human side of the tragedy.
Brett Crozier is a retired captain in the United States Navy. In spring 2020, he was commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt when COVID-19 broke out among the crew. He was relieved of command after sending a letter to Navy leaders asking that most of the crew be taken ashore which was subsequently leaked to the press. Brett retired from the Navy in March 2022. Brett can be followed on Instagram @becrozier.
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