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Intentional Leadership, Podcasting, and Leaving a Legacy | Cal Walters

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May 20, 2025

Guest

Cal Walters

Cal Walters, an Army Ranger, JAG officer, and professor of leadership, shares his transformation from long commutes to hosting a vibrant podcast. He discusses the importance of self-leadership as a foundation for guiding others and how to conquer the fear of starting something meaningful. Walters highlights insights gained from interviewing military leaders like General McChrystal, differentiating kindness from niceness in leadership, and managing tension versus solving problems. His thoughts on legacy in podcasting provide a profound look at impactful leadership.

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ANECDOTE

Podcast Began On Long Commutes

Cal started the Intentional Leader while commuting 1.5 hours daily and sharing learnings with his wife.
His wife's suggestion pushed him to start solo podcast episodes despite fear and self-doubt.

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ADVICE

Start Small And Ship Often

If an idea keeps nagging you, start small instead of waiting for perfection.
Begin with manageable steps to reduce fear and build competence over time.

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INSIGHT

Intentionality Beats Automatic Progression

Growth doesn't happen automatically; people who live meaningfully align schedule with values.
Intentional leadership means designing life around deepest desires, not strongest impulses.

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From Commute to Creative Leadership

03:28 • 22min

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Navigating Leadership Challenges

25:26 • 5min

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Navigating Leadership: Curiosity, Humility, and Managing Tension

30:56 • 2min

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Legacy and Leadership in Podcasting

33:24 • 6min

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The Power of Connection in Leadership

39:38 • 4min

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In this episode of The Military Leader Podcast, I sit down with Cal Walters—Army Ranger, JAG officer, professor of leadership, and host of The Intentional Leader Podcast, ranked in the top 1.5% of shows worldwide.

We dive into Cal's journey from long commutes and solo reflection to launching a global leadership platform. You'll hear how a desire to grow (and a nudge from his wife) led to a podcast that’s now shaped over 125 conversations with leaders across the military, business, and academic worlds.

We cover:

✅ Why self-leadership is the foundation of leading others

✅ How to start something meaningful—even if fear is holding you back

✅ Building a leadership brand without letting ego get in the way

✅ What Cal learned from interviewing General McChrystal, General Petraeus, and Patrick Lencioni

✅ The role of military prosecutors and the emotional weight of justice

✅ The difference between being nice and being kind in leadership

✅ Practical insights on how to manage tension instead of trying to solve it

If you're a leader looking to live and lead with more intention, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

🔗 Explore Cal's work: https://www.calwalters.me

🎧 Subscribe to The Military Leader Podcast for more candid, practical leadership conversations. If you don’t have a leadership development program—start here.

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