As a member of the Ottawa Tribe and someone who's worked with over five hundred tribal nations, my guest has long been inspired by his Native American culture and heritage, particularly the tradition of native warriors. And he thinks those warriors have much to teach all modern people about work, life, and leadership.

His name is D.J. Vanas and he's the author of The Warrior Within: Own Your Power to Serve, Fight, Protect, and Heal. Today on the show, D.J. explains what the warrior spirit is, and how important it is for everyone to cultivate, especially those who want to lead, serve, and live with a purpose bigger than the self. He takes principles of Native American tradition and philosophy, including living off the land, taking a vision quest, counting coup, being a firekeeper, and developing toughness, and shows how they apply to anyone who's looking to develop resilience, achieve their goals, and make a positive impact on the world.

Resources Related to the Podcast

• Ottawa Tribe
• AoM series: Lessons from the Sioux in how to develop situational awareness, mental and physical toughness, and spirituality, as well as how to turn a boy into a man
• AoM Podcast #526: The Rise and Fall of the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History
• Podcast #633: The World and Vision of Lakota Medicine Man Black Elk
• AoM Article: You May Be Strong, But Are You Tough?
• AoM article on creating a personal mission statement
• AoM Article: 20 Battle Cries Through the Ages

Connect With D.J. Vanas

• D.J.'s Website