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

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!Joe sits down with Rich McGuinness, the visionary founder of the U.S Army Bowl, to discuss how football is more than just a game—it’s a catalyst for building character, shaping lives, and creating lasting impact.Rich shares the inspiring journey of how he turned a bold idea into one of the nation’s most iconic high school football events, showcasing All-Americans from around the country and touching the lives of countless young athletes and their families.This conversation examines the power of team sports, highlighting how football provides opportunities for young athletes to learn values like teamwork, resilience, and hard work. Rich’s story is a testament to the power of vision, grit, and creating something that transcends the game itself. Some highlights from this episode include:The “500 balls a day” mindset and how it translates to life and leadershipThe origin story of the U.S Army Bowl and its impact on high school athletesHow hard work and focus can change the trajectory of your lifeLessons on building a legacy and embracing the unexpected challenges along the wayHow parents can best support their young athletesTune in for an inspiring conversation about how sports can shape lives and leave a legacy that goes far beyond the field.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 unitsMy 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

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.

Stephen Riggio, the former CEO of Barnes & Noble, shares his inspiring journey of translating the epic Sicilian novel 'Sicilian Avengers.' Motivated by personal loss and a quest for connection with his Sicilian roots, he brings the story of the Beati Paoli—a secret society fighting injustice in 18th-century Sicily—to English-speaking audiences. Riggio discusses the healing power of storytelling, the challenges of translation, and his reflections on a successful retail career that began with a single bookstore.

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!The 41st Chief of Staff of the Army invites Joe to the Pentagon for a discussion on innovation, leadership, and the continuous transformation needed to keep the Army at the forefront of modern warfare. General George shares insights from his recent experiences leading the Army through complex changes, touching on battlefield innovation, training at combat training centers, and how leaders at every level must embrace risk to drive progress. In this episode, we discuss:What it means to “transform in contact”  How empowering soldiers and junior leaders to innovate is crucial for adapting to ever-changing battlefield conditions.The role of leadership in fostering a culture of growth, The importance of sharing lessons learnedHow personal and professional development go hand-in-hand with leading change.General Randy A. George assumed duties as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army on September 21, 2023.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 unitsMy 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

Joseph McCormack, founder of The BRIEF Lab and author of multiple books on communication, dives into the transformative power of quiet in the workplace. He shares insights on how intentional silence enhances clarity and focus for leaders and teams. Topics include the dangers of scattered leadership, strategies for overcoming workplace distractions, and the importance of brief moments of reflection. Joe advocates for managing noise through practices like journaling and establishing quiet times, fostering a culture that thrives on clarity.

Send us a textThe FTGN Merch Store is Live!! Help Support the site with official FTGN Gear!In this episode, Joe welcomes Chase Jarvis, a creative powerhouse, entrepreneur, and author of Never Play It Safe. Chase shares how his own journey, from professional soccer aspirations to becoming a world-renowned photographer, taught him that real growth happens on the other side of fear. Together, they dive into actionable strategies for reclaiming creativity, focusing your attention, and leveraging failure as a tool for success. Joe and Chase also discuss:Stepping out of your comfort zone for better opportunities and connections.The seven key levers for success that everyone can use.Using leverage to get maximum results with smart effort.The importance of focus, attention, and finding flow.Learning from failure and adapting quickly to succeed.Chase Jarvis is an award-winning photographer, entrepreneur, and the founder of CreativeLive, an online learning platform with over 10 million students. His work spans global campaigns for brands like Nike and Apple, and he's been named one of the most influential photographers of the last decade. Beyond photography, Chase is a best-selling author, podcast host, and a thought leader in creativity, innovation, and personal growth. His latest book, Never Play It Safe, explores the power of stepping outside your comfort zone to unlock true potential. Through his podcast and platform, Chase empowers people to pursue their passions and build meaningful careers.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 unitsMy 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. 4o

Jack Carr, a former Navy SEAL turned bestselling author, returns to share insights from his nonfiction work, Targeted Beirut. He discusses the tragic 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and its lasting impact on U.S. military strategy in the War on Terror. Carr emphasizes the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating mistakes, the emotional toll on service members, and the complexities of military decisions influenced by leadership. His reflections on resilience and camaraderie among troops highlight the human side of warfare amidst strategic missteps.