Make Life Less Difficult

Noel Bulger: From Survival and Loss to Building the Future

Feb 7, 2023

01:06:38

My guest today is Noel Bulger.

Before I tell you more about Noel, I want to take a moment to recognize this as the 100th episode of the Make Life Less Difficult podcast! This is an exciting and humbling milestone to reach. What started as an experiment has developed into an amazing journey of connection, growth, learning, and deep gratitude.

Occasionally someone will ask me what my favorite episode is so far. And I’m honestly at a loss… I cannot name a favorite or even 3 favorites, because every single conversation, every single guest is so beautiful and amazing to me. I feel a deep sense of honor to host these stories, quite a few of which haven’t been shared publicly before. I am energized and rejuvenated by the connection and conversations. Thank you to all who have been guests, to those who are upcoming, and to those who are yet to commit, but are considering!

I love that as I publish the 100th episode, my list of guests is growing longer, my energy and enthusiasm as the host is deepening, and my conviction in the power of stories, sharing our journeys, making a difference through this sharing just gets stronger and stronger and stronger.

Thank you for being part of this journey – whether you are listening for the first time, or you’ve listened 100 times – thank you! I’m very much looking forward to the next 100!!

And now, let me share a few things about Noel before we get into our conversation.

Noel grew up in Ireland and moved to the United States at age 18. He joined the Marine Corps as an officer and spent 9 years leading high performance teams globally in both combat and diplomatic roles.

Major life transitions, including the loss of his son, made him realize he was more interested in working to design a better future than defend an imperfect present. He left the Marines, went to business school, and transitioned into the startup world to work more directly in social innovation and creating the next generation of inclusive leaders.

Noel then found his way to leadership coaching and consulting and works with organization and leaders around the globe to develop the skills of leadership, communication, strategy creation, and culture transformation.

Noel has degrees from Georgetown and Stanford Universities, Thomas Aquinas College, and the Marine Corps University. He has been awarded medals of commendation and achievement from both the Navy and the Marine Corps.

Noel and I met through a work collaboration and I immediately knew he had some incredible stories to share. It’s an honor to share this conversation with you today.

Noel, thank you for sharing these glimpses into your journey. Thank you for your reflections, thoughtful questions, and wise insights from the experiences life has brought you.

Connect with Noel: