Win the Day 154. Prepare to Win with Andrew Sullivan (17-year Navy SEAL / DEVGRU) ⚔️
“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” — H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Today, we’re joined by one of the most well-trained individuals on the planet, Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator, Andrew Sullivan.
After watching the events of 11th September 2001 unfold, Andrew enlisted in the Navy, completed BUD/S training, and became a Navy SEAL. After six years at SEAL Team Two, he was selected to screen for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), also known as “DEVGRU,” where he spent the remainder of his time in service.
In an 11-year stint at NSWDG, Andrew served as Team Leader for a 24-man counter-terrorism unit that conducted numerous missions pursuing high-value targets and conducting hostage rescue operations worldwide. He medically retired from the US military in 2020 after nearly two decades of service in the Special Operations community.
Andrew has been awarded the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals with combat valor, the Purple Heart Medal, and numerous other joint and individual commendations.
In 2021, Andrew founded the Community First Project, a nonprofit organization designed to improve community safety by providing much-needed, no-cost training to police officers. The Community First Project delivers comprehensive, up-to-date tactical and operational training that allows officers to serve, protect, and survive – and keep our communities safe.
In this episode:
» Andrew’s career as a Special Forces operator and the work he’s doing today
» The importance of the right training – and the right team – in every mission you’re on
» What mindset you need to perform under pressure; and
» How to build resilience when you’re faced with pain and loss.
Let’s WIN THE DAY with Andrew Sullivan!
_
🎬 HD video version: https://youtu.be/OOtyqCHcU8I
📖 Blog version: https://jameswhitt.com/prepare-to-win-andrew-sullivan-navy-seal
_
Show links:
⚡ Support the Community First Project
📷 Community First Project Instagram
🎬 Subscribe to Win the Day YouTube channel
💚 Give Win the Day a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts
🙏 Give Win the Day a 5-star rating on Spotify
_
Timemarkers:
2:07 Interview starts
3:02 Growing up wanting to be a Navy SEAL
5:58 Attending Navy SEAL training (BUD/S)
7:55 What happens to people who fail Navy SEAL training
11:02 Who is first to quit Navy SEAL training (BUD/S)
13:29 First deployment and combat mission
15:05 Keeping in touch with loved ones while on deployment
16:13 Finding joy in war zones
17:17 Only complain if you’re ready to solve the problem
19:28 How to prepare your body, mind, and spirit for violence
22:12 Expose yourself to war before you go to war
23:28 The value of teamwork in the Navy SEALs
26:45 Why are Navy SEALs so good
27:47 Difference between SEAL teams and Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
29:47 Change before you fail (DEVGRU mentality)
31:18 Anxiety and fear
33:42 Do things that make you uncomfortable
36:39 Best phase of skill development
43:03 Transition to civilian life
45:31 Why Andrew Sullivan is training law enforcement
49:03 Create the stress of war in training
51:44 What to do in an active shooter situation
55:38 Boston marathon bombing
57:44 Suicide in the military and law enforcement
1:00:09 How to help a loved one with mental health
1:02:19 The benefits of proper law enforcement training
1:05:49 The danger of comfort in repetition
1:10:24 Work with Community First Project and Boston Police Department
1:12:24 The gift of vulnerability
1:14:34 How to support the Community First Project
1:15:15 Rocket Round
_
Want to support the show?
1. Hit 'Follow'.
2. Leave a 5-star rating.
3. Share this episode with a friend.
This will help the podcast get discovered by more people so they can Win the Day, too.
Thank you for your support! It truly means a lot 💕
Onward and upward always...
#WinTheDay
PS — In case you missed it: Soaring into Success with Norman Kent: Ep 152