In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Mike Sarraille, retired U.S. Navy SEAL, three-time best-selling author, and one of the world’s top keynote speakers on leadership and performance.

Drawing on two decades of experience leading elite teams in combat and in business, Mike shares powerful lessons on how readiness, resilience, and trust are built, both on the battlefield and in the boardroom. He and Marc explore what it takes to create high-performing teams, why shared adversity fosters emotional intimacy, and how true leadership starts with humility and a relentless commitment to training.

Mike also discusses his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, the principles behind his book The Talent War, and how organizations can develop their own “internal universities” to build cultures of continuous improvement. He offers practical insights for leaders seeking to prepare their teams for uncertainty while staying grounded in purpose and integrity.

Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways:

Build individual readiness through relentless preparation and mindset.
Foster collective trust through shared experiences and authentic connection.
Never stop training: readiness is a lifelong pursuit.

Join us for this powerful conversation on leadership, growth, and the human spirit that drives elite performance.

Connect with Mike Sarraille:

LinkedIn
Website
Overwatch

U.S. defense policy and strategy in the Middle East | feat. Dana Stroul