The Jordan Harbinger Show 276: Admiral James Stavridis | The Voyage of Character
Nov 12, 2019
Admiral James Stavridis, a retired U.S. Navy admiral and author of "Sailing True North," discusses the vital role character plays in leadership. He emphasizes creativity and innovation for effective decision-making, sharing insights on military dynamics, especially regarding U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria. Stavridis humorously touches on the Navy's alcohol ban at sea and reflects on the personal growth that enables true leadership. His anecdotes about historical figures highlight the importance of humility and capability in navigating high-stakes environments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tricked into NATO
- Admiral Stavridis was tricked into accepting the NATO Supreme Allied Commander role.
- Secretary of Defense Gates made him tell President Obama he wasn't interested, where Obama congratulated him on the role.
Leading NATO
- Leading NATO requires persuading diverse nations with differing priorities and historical contexts, not simply commanding.
- Stavridis emphasizes the importance of understanding each nation's perspective when seeking their cooperation, especially in challenging operations like Afghanistan.
Return to Turkey
- Stavridis's grandfather fled Turkey during a pogrom against Greeks.
- Nearly 100 years later, Stavridis returned to the same city commanding a warship, highlighting a personal connection to refugee experiences.
