Can't Stop the Growth CSTG 238: Lead Like a SEAL | Lessons in Grit and Growth with Dan Newell
Nov 11, 2025
Dan Newell, a former Navy SEAL and family business owner, shares impactful leadership lessons rooted in his military experiences. He discusses how failures can build resilience and the importance of prioritizing team welfare to overcome obstacles. Newell emphasizes the significance of a strong mindset, accountability, and a bottom-up leadership approach, urging leaders to empower their teams. He also reflects on transitioning from military to civilian life and innovating his family’s cabinet business through automation, all while inspiring the next generation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Quitting Then Coming Back Strong
- Dan Newell quit SEAL Hell Week the first time and later returned to graduate #1 in his class.
- That failure drove him to improve and made his eventual success more meaningful.
Focus On Others To Survive Stress
- Shift focus off yourself and focus on helping others when under extreme stress.
- Use serving teammates to distract from doubt and push through hardship.
Team-First Hierarchy Breeds Accountability
- Team-first hierarchy—team, teammate, then self—creates resilient accountability.
- When everyone holds each other to standards, the whole group improves.
