Episode 15: Why The Navy Seals Prioritise Trust & Truth Over Talent with Captain Bradley Geary (US Navy Seals)

Today, I have the honour of speaking with Captain Bradley Geary.

Brad most recently served as the commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Centre, located on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. The organisation responsible for the outreach, assessment and selection of Navy SEAL and SWCC candidates and the subsequent advanced training to the Navy’s SEAL and Special Boat communities. Brad oversaw the rigorous selection and training programs that identify and prepare Navy SEAL candidates for the demands of special operations.

His leadership at the Naval Special Warfare Centre was pivotal in shaping the next generation of SEALs, ensuring they possess the physical, mental, and tactical skills required to excel in the most challenging environments.

In this episode, you can expect to understand;

- How leadership can cause ‘brain damage’

- How to build resilient, high trust organisations

- How to use vulnerability as a leadership superpower

- The necessity of non-conformists and mavericks

- How a US Navy Seal commander would hire in the corporate world

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Most importantly, thank you for watching and listening. This podcast was created for you, and I hope you enjoy the episode.

 

(00:00) Episode Intro

(00:48) Introduction and Background

(02:29) Building Trust: Empowering Team Members

(07:52) The Importance of Proportionate Accountability

(15:52) Identifying High-Potential Talent: A Multi-Day Selection Process

(27:06) Transparency and Vulnerability: Keys to Building Trust

(37:10) Leadership as Leading, Coaching, and Mentoring

(39:50) Countering Hubris Syndrome in Leadership

(43:47) Fostering Non-Conformity and Diverse Thought in Culture

(48:02) The Role of Conflict in Innovation and Problem-Solving

(53:42) Recruiting for Diversity and Welcoming Diverse Perspectives

(01:02:41) Empowering the Next Generation to Challenge and Provide New Perspectives

(01:14:20) Embracing Pre-Existing Scar Tissue and Self-Confidence

(01:18:59) Overcoming Fear and Finding Opportunity in Suffering

(01:24:45) The Role of Trust and Vulnerability in Team Dynamics

(01:29:29) The Power of Collective Suffering in Building High-Performing Teams

(01:36:44) Word Association

(01:39:28) Summary & Takeaways