Send us a textIn this episode, host Joe sits down with Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author of Managing Up: How To Get What you Need From the People In Charge   to explore the dynamics of power, status, and influence in the workplace. Melody shares practical strategies for managing up effectively, not by being a sycophant, but by building stronger relationships, communicating with confidence, and navigating workplace dynamics with integrity. Together they discussWhat it really means to “manage up” (Hint: it’s not about being a suck-up)Why proximity to power can distort your focus—and how to avoid the status trapThe importance of upward empathy and understanding your boss’s pressuresHow to adapt to different leadership styles to build stronger relationshipsThe power of the “ME Manual” and why self-awareness is key to successHow to set boundaries at work—without damaging your reputationThe concept of “Pushback Power” and how to know when (and how) to say noWhether you work in the military, corporate world, or any hierarchical environment, this conversation will help you become a more effective leader from wherever you stand.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!FightCamp is the largest boxing and kickboxing community in the world. Their innovative fitness system combines real-time tracking, professional coaching, and an extensive workout library of over 3,000 sessions. Family-Friendly Access: Supports multiple user profiles under one subscription.Flexible Membership: After the trial, members can continue on a month-to-month basis with no contract obligations.To get the exclusive FREE offer and an additional 15% off accessories, email Joe@fromthegreennotebook for a listeners-only discount code at checkout. Free FightCamp Package: Includes punch trackers, quick wraps, and a 45-day membership trial to the FightCamp app. We will cover the shipping and taxes too (a $278 value per redemption). 

Send us a textIn this episode, Joe welcomes Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor, author, and expert on military culture, to explore the shifting landscape of service, leadership, and the personal challenges faced by military members and their families. Corie shares insights from her latest book, Military Culture Shift, offering her thoughts on the past 20 years of war and what it means for the future of the force.Together, they discuss the key moments and lessons that shape military service, leadership, and personal well-being, including:How the Global War on Terror shaped an entire generation of military leaders—and what comes next.The psychological toll of service, from combat stress to the unseen burdens of leadership.Generational shifts in the military—why Gen Z’s approach to work, leadership, and life is different from previous generations.The evolution of military family dynamics and the changing role of spouse support networks.Why taking time to reflect, heal, and process experiences is critical for long-term well-being.The importance of mental wellness and how leaders can foster a culture that encourages self-care.Tune in to hear Corie’s insights and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s military leaders.Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor (LPC), is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and award-winning author. Corie has focused her career for the last 20 years as a clinician specializing in marriage, special forces, the service culture, and its impact on families. She has traveled internationally to visit troops and report on deployment conditions and has taught service families across the globe. Corie consults on military culture, produces content through interviews and videos, and facilitates meaningful and productive sessions and retreats on how to live, lead multi-generational teams, find purpose, and build relationships using their natural talents.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe welcomes David Baker, former President & Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to explore leadership, legacy, and the values that shape extraordinary careers. David shares lessons from his time working with NFL legends, his deep respect for the military, and his latest mission to impact youth sports.Together, they discuss the key moments and insights that shaped his career, offering valuable takeaways for leaders in sports, business, and the military. David and Joe dive into:Why success isn’t about a single job or title but about embracing the journey.Lessons in leadership from mentors like Jerry Jones, Roger Goodell, and Wellington Mara.The emotional power of "The Knock"—telling players they’ve been inducted into the Hall of Fame.How sports and the military share fundamental values like resilience, teamwork, and sacrifice.The importance of legacy—whether as a player, a leader, a parent, or a soldier.How his new initiative, World Youth Sports, aims to instill character and leadership in young athletes.Why every day matters, and how to make each one your masterpiece.Tune in to hear David’s incredible stories and gain timeless leadership lessons that can help you build your own Hall of Fame-worthy legacy.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows.

In this enlightening discussion, Sam Walker, author of 'The Captain Class,' reveals his decade-long research on team dynamics. He uncovers seven key traits that define elite leaders, emphasizing that effective leadership hinges on behaviors, not charisma. Discover the concept of 'carrying the water'—the quiet work great leaders do behind the scenes. Sam also highlights the pivotal role of strong team cultures and emotional regulation in guiding teams. His insights challenge traditional notions of leadership and offer practical lessons for thriving in high-stakes environments.

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe welcomes Harvard professor and author Alison Wood Brooks to discuss her groundbreaking book, Talk: The Science and Art of Being Ourselves. Together, they explore the science behind conversations and how they shape our personal and professional lives.Alison introduces her TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness—providing actionable strategies to improve communication. She shares why talking can feel so cognitively demanding, the myth of natural charisma, and how intentional choices can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections.Joe and Alison discuss practical tools like navigating the "topic pyramid," creating psychological safety in group settings, and the surprising power of levity. They also highlight the art of mastering conversations in both everyday life and professional environments.Whether you’re a leader, a friend, or simply someone wanting to communicate better, this episode offers invaluable insights for connecting with others and being authentically yourself.Dr. Alison Wood Brooks is the O’Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration and Hellman Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School, where she created and teaches a course called TALK. As a behavioral scientist, she is a leading expert on the science of conversation. Her award-winning research has been published in top academic journals and is regularly cited in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and NPR. Her research was referenced in two of the top ten most-viewed TED talks of all time and depicted in Pixar’s Inside Out 2. In 2021, she was named a Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professor by Poets & Quants. "TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves" is her first book.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!The 25th Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth joins Joe for a candid conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the evolving challenges of guiding the largest branch of the U.S. military. With over three decades of experience in national security, she shares her expectations for Army leaders, the importance of self-development, and why critical thinking and communication skills are essential for success at the highest levels.Secretary Wormuth also highlights her strong support for the Army’s Command Assessment Program (CAP), emphasizing early self-development, the power of feedback, and the role of humility and reflection in building resilient leadership teams. She also stresses the importance of maintaining the Army's apolitical stance, fostering public trust, and ensuring continuity through times of change.Topics Covered:The key attributes of effective Army leadersThe role of the Command Assessment Program in shaping leadershipWhy feedback and reflection are crucial for personal growthBalancing professional and personal priorities over a long careerWhy military leaders need to remain apolitical and be non-combatants in the culture warsHonorable Christine Wormuth was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and appointed as the 25th Secretary of the U.S. Army May 28, 2021. The Secretary of the Army is the senior civilian official within the Department of Defense responsible for all matters relating to the U.S. Army.Prior to confirmation, she was the Director of the International Defense and Security Center at the RAND Corporation where she was a frequent writer and speaker on foreign policy, national security and homeland security issues.Prior to RAND, she served in several roles during the Obama Administration. From December 2010 until August 2012 she was a special assistant to the president and senior director for Defense at the National Security Council. Wormuth then served as deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces, and led the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review. From 2014-2016 she served in DOD as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, where she advised the Secretary of Defense on the full range of regional and functional national security issues.Wormuth entered the government as a Presidential Management Intern and began her public service career in the Policy Office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1996 through 2002. After leaving government, she worked in the private sector on defense issues, and then was a Senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies for five years. A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.Onebrief, the transformative software platform redefining operational planning and military staff workflows

Rich McGuinness, founder of the U.S. Army Bowl, shares his journey of transforming a bold idea into a national high school football legacy. He emphasizes that football is a powerful tool for instilling values like teamwork and resilience in young athletes. Rich discusses the importance of daily rituals, hard work, and the mindset of ‘500 balls a day’ as vital life lessons. He highlights the role of parents in supporting their children’s athletic journeys and reflects on the impact of mentorship and legacy in shaping lives beyond the field.

J. Furman Daniel III, an associate professor at Concordia University and author of Blood, Mud, and Oil Paint, delves into Winston Churchill's transformative year during 1915. He shares how this challenging time fueled Churchill's resilience and adaptability, shaping his iconic leadership. They discuss the value of failure as a stepping stone, the restorative power of creativity, and the importance of genuine friendships. Furman emphasizes that lifelong learning and perseverance are key for leaders, offering timeless insights for navigating adversity.

Dr. Galena Rhoades, a research professor and director at the Institute for Relationship Science, dives into the art of maintaining strong marriages. She tackles the misconception that attraction alone guarantees success, emphasizing the need for intentional communication and conflict resolution skills. Explore unique challenges military couples face, learn the impactful 'Speaker-Listener Technique,' and discover how to cultivate fun and meaningful connections. Rhoades equips listeners with practical tools to navigate relationship hurdles, regardless of marital stage.

Command Sergeant Major Walter J. Zajkowski, a distinguished Senior Enlisted Leader with over 30 years in the Army, shares invaluable insights from his military journey. He discusses the transformative power of embracing tough assignments and the role of ego in leadership. Zajkowski emphasizes the importance of identifying one's purpose and the benefits of mentorship. He also highlights how a commitment to reading can enhance leadership skills. This conversation is a treasure trove of actionable advice for every leader.