

The Jedburgh Podcast
Fran Racioppi
The Jedburgh Podcast empowers leaders to achieve success on their journey to transform themselves and their organizations. Creator, Host and Special Forces Green Beret Fran Racioppi interviews the world’s most prominent visionaries, drivers of change, and those dedicated to winning.Each episode is an in-depth discussion with trailblazers who’ve earned success through a dedication to talent development, preparation, introspection, and the drive to get things done. Our conversation will empower listeners to define success and operate at an elite level, regardless of the task at hand. In May 1943 the Allied Forces determined a new type of leader was required to win World War II. Operation Jedburgh parachuted three-man teams deep behind enemy lines to win no matter the challenge. Jedburghs lived by the mantra “how you prepare today, determines success tomorrow.” Today's leaders are no different. Fran speaks with leaders in business, athletics, academics, and public service about their personal leadership stories of success, failure, and the road to continuous improvement. Our discussions focus on the character traits of elite performance used by Special Operations Forces to recruit, assess, select and retain elite performers. Through this lens, we show listeners that success in any field must be earned every day.We strive for each listener to take valuable lessons learned and concrete action steps to improve themselves, their teams, and their organizations. Although developed and used by US Special Operations Forces, these characteristics are inherently applicable to building resilient and successful organizations in any sector or industry, as well as in the betterment of our personal and professional lives. The Nine Characteristics of Elite Performance:-Drive: Growth mindset, be better than yesterday, continuous self-improvement-Resiliency: Perseverance in the face of challenges-Adaptability: Adjust one’s behavior to the situation-Humility: Recognize that you do not have all the answers; a willing learner maintains accurate self-awareness-Integrity: Understand what is legal and correct and align actions and words to both-Effective Intelligence: apply one’s experience and knowledge to the situation-Team Ability: Prioritize organizational needs ahead of oneself, work as a cohesive unit-Curiosity: Exploring the unknown, questioning the status quo in pursuit of better-Emotional Strength: Emotional control in stressful situations brings calm to chaos Fran Racioppi is the Founder & CEO of FRsix where he leads operations in critical infrastructure projects. He served 13 years in the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. Fran is passionate about building the world's best leaders and the impact our special operators have in service and beyond. He holds a BA from Boston University in Broadcast Journalism and an MBA from NYU Stern, as well as the security industry's highest accreditation as a Certified Protection Professional. The Jedburgh Podcast is an Official Program of The Green Beret Foundation. The Green Beret Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting America's U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and their families. They provide emergency, immediate, and ongoing support to Special Forces Soldiers and their families. The foundation is committed to growing and sustaining the needs of the Special Forces regiment for decades to come. Since its inception, the foundation has invested over $15 million in support of the Special Forces community, providing aid to more than 13,000 families with 87% of every dollar going directly into their programs and services.Join our Jedburgh Team to reach your dreams!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 17, 2022 • 1h 6min
#051: FitFighter - Founder & CEO Sarah Apgar
General George Patton famously said "you fight as you train." On The Jedburgh Podcast we say "how you prepare today determines success tomorrow." Sarah Apgar found the gap between the way firefighters trained and the way they fought fires. To fill this gap she created the FitFighter Steel Hose. An All-American Rugby Player turned Iraq War Veteran turned firefighter, Sarah took her idea to Shark Tank where she landed a partnership with Daniel Lubetzsky, the founder of Kind. Sarah invited host Fran Racioppi to her Long Island studio for a conversation on entrepreneurism, the fitness industry, her two minute uninterrupted pitch to the Sharks, how leadership in the Army set her up for the highs and lows of building her own business and the importance of partnering with Tunnel to Towers to give back to first responders. Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.Highlights:-Sarah shares the founding of FitFighter, which started as an idea to address differences between training and real world fitness requirements.-The FitFighter Steel Hose is built from recycled firehouse and steel shot. Sarah explains the importance of sustainability in the production model and the various iterations the product has gone through; including partnership with Sorinex Fitness Equipment.-Shark Tank provided Sarah the opportunity to scale the business while bringing awareness through additional distribution channels.-Sarah shares the top mentorship lessons on business and entrepreneurship she has received from Shark Investor & Founder of Kind Snacks Daniel Lubetzsky.-Fran and Sarah discuss the importance of collegiate athletics in forming the foundation of work ethic, team ability and skill building as they prepared for their military careers.-Fran challenges Sarah to explain the perspective gained from leading soldiers in combat, the loss of camaraderie upon leaving the Army and her difficult decision to leave Warby Parker.Quotes:-”I noticed there was this big chasm between the training that we were doing in the gym and the truck bays and what was really happening out there in the fire ground.”-”I joined the volunteer firehouse to get back some of the camaraderie that I missed from military days.”-“I’m an inventor. I’m stubbornly curious. I’m someone who, if there is something that seems good we need to make it 15 times better.”-”Weightlifting in general is the single most important practice for our long term health. Period. Hands down. Every single day of the week and twice on Sunday.”-”I had decided that if offered the opportunity for a partner from any one of the Sharks that I would walk out of there with it.”-”I wholeheartedly reject the idea that early on in a company that the only way is to pick that one path and trajectory.”-“I was getting less and less exceptional at the job I was doing…that was pretty scary.” Sarah’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Create moments of Curiosity-Integrate movement into everything we do-Speak to at least one family member and one friend in your villageThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.

Mar 10, 2022 • 1h 3min
#050: The Jedburgh Podcast One Year Anniversary Special With Cleo Stiller & Fran Racioppi
In this one-year anniversary special, Fran Racioppi takes the hot seat as guest host Cleo Stiller, author of Modern Manhood, takes over the mic. Cleo turns the table, pushing Fran to finally tell his story from his days growing up in New England and Florida, to Boston University and the Army. They cover what drove him to study journalism, why rowing was so impactful and what he actually did in the Special Forces. They also talk about his difficult post-Army career. The highs of business school and the lows of hard lessons learned in corporate America; plus his path to finding maturity to become the person he always wanted to be.Thank you to all of our listeners, our guests, our sponsors and The Jedburgh Podcast Team for joining us on this journey. We are one year old with this episode. Let's celebrate then get back to work on the next 50! Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.Highlights:-Fran explains why he was drawn to journalism, what he learned watching some of the greatest journalists of all time and how Geraldo Rivera showed him he needed to join the Army instead of becoming a reporter.-Cleo asks Fran to talk about how his career in the Army first as an infantry officer and later a Special Forces Green Beret was the result of the discipline and teamwork he learned rowing at Boston University.-Fran describes what he learned working in Africa, the importance of perspective and how his experiences shaped his view of himself and the world.-Fran’s transition from the military was not the easiest road as he struggled to find himself professionally and personally through a variety of different roles; including Merrill Lynch, Snapchat and a foray into cannabis. -Fran honestly addresses past questionable behavior, the drivers behind his decisions and what he has learned about himself through his commitment to change.-The Jedburgh Podcast was born out of Fran’s desire to create impact in people’s daily life. He describes the process of launching the show, the impact it has had on his life and listeners, and a preview of what's to come through the rest of 2022 including the GoRuck Sandlot Jax Fitness Festival and Podfest. Quotes:-”I want to be one of those people. I can make an impact there now and later on if I want to be a journalist I can be a journalist.”-”There were some terrible days in selection…even in the most darkest moments when I was like I don’t know if I am going to be able to do this I would say to myself ‘at least I am not on the erg rowing.”-”We are really fortunate here in America to say and do all the things we get to say and do. Other countries don’t operate like that.”-”I applied to a lot of jobs and had a lot of rejection.”-”I cried when I was in the car. I looked in the rear view mirror and I realized everything I know in life is behind me. Your identity in so many ways is lost.”-”What highly successful people tend to do is develop an alter-ego.”-“We’ve taken the long-game approach on this podcast.”Fran’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Make an action oriented list every day-Communicate effectively across the sender, receiver and the message itself-Act deliberately and with intentionThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.

Mar 9, 2022 • 17min
Jumping In with CIA Operations Director Jack Devine on Ukraine, Russia, Putin & war in Europe in 2022 (The Jedburgh Podcast Short-Form Series)
The Russian invasion into Ukraine is unprecedented in modern times and something Europe has not seen since World War II. Tensions between the United States, NATO and Russia are at the highest levels in decades. Host Fran Racioppi and legendary Cold Warrior, Former CIA Operations Director and Author Jack Devine "Jump In" to a conversation on Russia, Ukraine, Putin and land war in Europe in 2022. Fran and Jack cover: -Why Vladimir Putin and Russia want Ukraine back-Putin's mental state and psychology-The threat of nuclear war and the American red line-What it will take to end this conflict-How NATO and the United States are respondingLearn more about Jack and his career on Episode 13.Check out Jack's newest book Spymaster's Prism about Russian aggression, Putin and information warfare.About Jack Devine:Jack Devine spent 32 years in the Central Intelligence Agency serving as both the Acting Director and Associate Director of the CIA's global operations. Devine joined the agency in 1967, after his wife gave him a book about the CIA and its role in U.S. national security. During his tenure, Jack led the Afghan Task Force where he covertly supported the Afghan mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet Union tipping the balance of power during the Cold War in favor of the United States. Jack also led the CIA's Counter Narcotics Center and the Latin America Division where he led the effort in the war against international drug kingpins like Pablo Escobar. Jack has made and changed history in every corner of the world. He is currently the President of The Arkin Group, where he provides boutique consulting on international intelligence and investigative services. He is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and is seen regularly on all major new networks and publications. Jack recently released his second book, Spymaster's Prism, where he provides his in-depth analysis of intelligence, counter-intelligence and covert action activities between Russia and the United States.

Mar 3, 2022 • 1h 28min
#049: The Establishment - Founder & CEO Anita Bitton
Anita Bitton is one of the fashion industry's most iconic and leading drivers of talent. Anita is the Founder and CEO of The Establishment, the go-to casting director for brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, and Balenciaga. She was instrumental in the rise of Alexander Wang.Anita was born in South London. She was raised by foster parents. She modeled as a kid to find a way out of London and a better option than her job at TGI Friday's. For this episode Anita invited host Fran Racioppi to her Brownstone on Manhattan's Upper West Side for a chat in her parlor about defining trends, being bold and disruptive, evaluating talent, resiliency in life and business, raising kids in New York City and her dedicated Spotify channel.Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.Highlights:-Anita defines the fashion industry, it’s meaning in society and how designers are artists whose style represents their current attitudes and feelings about society.-Fashion is a subjective industry. As the coordinator and facilitator Anita must define what is actually fashionable while bringing out the best in people.-Anita describes the importance of being bold and creative; driving clients to explore new and different ways to represent their visions, but without being pushy.-Fran challenges Anita to describe disruption, fighting the mundane and how growing up in South London with foster parents and adversity shaped her drive and accountability as she consistently looked for ways to move to New York City.-Anita explains the good and bad of social media, how luxury brands use the platforms, the ease of access and the hard work required to make a name for yourself. -Resilience is a key component of success. Anita shows us the importance of rejection in our growth and evolution; which allows for our longevity. Quotes:-”When I think about fashion…it dictates the era that we have been through. It predicts the future that we are going into.” -”Fashion leans into politics. It leans into identity. It leans into rebellion…It all starts with where we are in the world.”-“Fashion is a reaction to what’s going on in the world.”-“There is no right or wrong answer in what we do, there’s just ideas.”-”My job here is to help you be the best version of yourself.”-”I try to meet the talent where they are…one size does not fit all.”-”My biggest fear in life is working in an arena that is irrelevant and mundane.”-”I’m not into the idea of generic. It’s not interesting to me…if they think it’s too bold, that’s exciting to me.”-”I wasn’t good at not being good.”-“There is always a part of society that just wants to put people down.”-“I don’t want to live in the past. That’s done. I did that. I still remember the headache.”-“There is no fast track.”-“Resilience isn’t about taking a job for no money. It’s about knowing your next five moves.”-“There is a solution to every problem. It’s just how you choose to get there.”Anita’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Create a gratitude list at the start and end of the day (because it changes)-Meditate to find space-Walk my son to schoolThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.

Feb 24, 2022 • 1h 12min
#048: Cast Inc: Founder & CEO Julia Samersova
Talent evaluation is difficult in any industry. We make decisions every day on performance that not only affect people's lives, but also affect their emotions and often their physical and emotional well-being. Effectively operating in the world of talent management requires both empathy and a high level of emotional strength. For this episode, host Fran Racioppi traveled to the heart of Brooklyn to spend the day with Julia Samersova; Founder and CEO of Cast Inc. - the leading casting company for kids who have what it takes to star in commercials, advertisements and shows. Julia is trusted by the fashion industry's most iconic brands like Maybelline, Calvin Klein, Gap and Carter's.In definitely our most relaxed episode to date, Fran and Julia talk casting, entrepreneurism, talent management, helicopter parenting, the impact adults have on kids and how we can be the best parents we can be.Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.Highlights:-Julia and Fran discuss defining your self-worth as an entrepreneur, the loneliness of building something from nothing in your vision and how to deal with down times.-Julia defines “busy” and what it means to devote yourself to your passion and dreams. -Julia challenges us to think about parenting differently and incorporate the way kids are learning today through technology into how we parent. -Casting kids requires a mix of energy, uniqueness and empathy, as well as patience to manage their often overbearing parents known as “Mom-agers.” -In a heartfelt exchange Julia credits her high school guidance counselor with forcing her to believe in herself and pursue what she loved.-Julia explains her career in talent management and how the 2008 market crash showed her a gap in the fashion industry.-Parenting is the hardest job we have. Julia and Fran discuss the act of parenting, the importance of time and attention and the risk aversion between kids today vs yesterday. Quotes:-”If I changed even one kid’s life then it was all worth it.”-“My favorite thing to do was to cut up magazines and make collages out of supermodels.”-“I don’t know what would have happened to me had Mrs. Graham not sat me down and been like you’re a loser, what are you doing with your life, what’s your love, what’s your passion.”-”It’s the honesty in a kid that is mostly attractive to me.”-”The kids usually do better when the parents are in another room.”-”Nobody else is responsible for your success…If you didn’t get that job that you wanted, that’s on you. But also, if you did get the job, that’s on you.”-”Whatever you are busy with, did it produce some sort of satisfaction.”-“Busyness as a badge of honor…no…Rest is the badge of honor.”-”Kids are exactly what you put into them. You are going to get out what you put in.”-”We put iPads in their hands at two years old. What did we think was going to happen? We need to change the way we think about it vs changing the behavior.”Julia’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Wake up at the same time every day with gratitude-Never procrastinate; have a sense of urgency all the time-Schedule time to rest and recover-Plus Julia adds a fourth - fight for what you want!This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.

Feb 17, 2022 • 57min
#047: Baptist Parking Lot - Country Music Singer Songwriter Mary Heather Hickman
For this episode host Fran Racioppi leapt down to Music City to spend the day with up and coming recording artist Mary Heather Hickman at the famed RCA Studios.Mary Heather hit the iTunes Country Top 10 with her don't mess with Texas style. She has opened for Toby Keith, Eli Young and Hank Williams Jr. She has played at ATT Stadium so naturally Fran challenged her to describe her mentors and role models; and also explain what happened to the Cowboys this year!Mary Heather not only shared her story and her lessons on building a career in country music, but she gave our team a solo concert including a sneak peak of an upcoming yet-to-be released track and her newest hit Baptist Parking Lot, which hit radio on February 14. Take a listen to our conversation and stay tuned until the end to hear for yourself.Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.Highlights:-Mary Heather describes how she fell in love with Country music and how singing has come naturally, but she has had to work hard to learn the guitar and piano.-As a senior in high school Mary Heather competed on The Voice proving she could make music a career.-Mary Heather explains her songwriting process, how she chooses the topics for her songs, the importance of being meticulous in developing the storyline and how studying journalism shaped her communication style.-Fran challenges Mary Heather on her “sassy, irreverent, don’t mess with Texas” style, why Country music remains optimistic & hopeful as compared to her peers in pop music and which established artists have influenced her. -Mary Heather was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age four. She shares with Fran her battle with diabetes, how she pretended she didn’t have it, and how she finally accepted it as a fact of her life and advocates for others who suffer from the disease.-Fran and Mary Heather talk Dallas Cowboys football and what it will take to win a Super Bowl in Dallas.-Mary Heather ends the episode with a live performance of her unreleased song Late Night Lonely. Quotes:-”What initially drew me to country music actually was listening to The Dixie Chicks Wide Open Spaces Album.”-”I see that these people are doing it. I’ve always wanted to do it. Why can’t I take that leap and give it a shot.”-”If you want something you have to put in the work.”-”I’m very meticulous about everything adding up.”-”When it comes to music, fans can tell when you are being true to yourself.”-”Knowing what I am not good at has been more helpful to my career than anything else.”-”I wanted to be known as cool or popular. Not the girl with diabetes.”-”I work at a restaurant so I can write during the day…you gotta do what you gotta do.”-”I think everyone should find what gets them excited every day and chase that.”-”I would love to be able to see the Cowboys win a Super Bowl sometime that I actually remember.”Mary-Heather’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Start every day with a list-Write everyday to get the creativity going-Find a few moments of “me time”This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.

Feb 10, 2022 • 39min
#046: Beijing 2022: US Snowboarding - Lucas Foster
The halfpipe is the marquis event in snowboarding; launching riders 20 feet into the air while rotating up to four and half times. Or as the newest member of the US Olympic Snowboarding team explained - nailing a 1620.In our second episode of our coverage of the 2022 winter olympics, Lucas Foster joined host Fran Racioppi just before hopping his plane to Beijing. Lucas has his eyes set on making an impact at the games and in the sport - a sport in which America has dominated since its Olympic debut in 1998. We cover the halfpipe and how to combine amplitude, variety and execution to convince the judges of your performance. Lucas shares what it's like to stand beside snowboarding legends like Shaun White and how growing up without a halfpipe taught him to be creative, resilient and adaptable. Lucas also shares how organically growing in the sport has kept him grounded, humble and gracious to be considered one of the sport’s best. Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.Highlights:-Lucas talks about making the US Olympic Snowboard Team and what it means to represent the United States in Beijing. -The United States has dominated Olympic snowboarding since it became a sport in 1998. Beijing 2022 will feature both the next generation of American snowboarding in Lucas, Taylor Gold & Chase Josey and legends like Shaun White.-Fran asks Lucas to discuss the dynamics between competing with your teammates but also driving each other to perform at their best. -Snowboarding is a judged sport. Lucas breaks down the criteria for evaluation and what tricks gain the most attention from the judges. -Lucas talks about the importance of mind and body synergy while showing us the importance of flow state once standing atop the halfpipe.-Growing up in the skier dominated town of Telluride, CO forced Lucas to approach training and competition for snowboarding with a sense of grit and determination. -Lucas explains his thoughts on making an impact and how becoming too elite will prevent him from becoming a role model for kids and helping others grow to achieve their goals. Quotes:-”I always knew in the back of my mind that I would be able to do it.”-”You can pull value from everyone’s career.”-“That’s the ultimate dream. Make it to the Olympics and have the best run of your life.”-“The criteria for judging is amplitude, variety, execution and overall impression.”-“There is no difference between the body and the mind. The body is the mind.”-”Your physical is always going to be feeding your mental game.”-“The cool thing about snowboarding is that you have to be fully present. Every hit requires full stillness, full presence and full attention.”-”You gotta have people from different walks of life to make this sport unique and to make it more of a culture rather than just some cookie cutter sport.”-“Snowboarding has helped me really discover who I am and discover my path in life.” Lucas’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Meditate to find space and remain grounded-Movement to train the body-Develop meaningful connections with othersThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.

Feb 3, 2022 • 1h 5min
#045: US Skiing - Alpine Ski Racer & World Cup Champion Steven Nyman
World Cups and Olympic medals are won and lost by hundredths of a second by skiers hurling themselves down ice covered mountains with only a thin metal edge to control decent.These feats of speed, athleticism and precision breed competition, a healthy dose of fear, and awe for all of us who watch and have dreamt of standing atop the winner's podium. Beijing 2022 is here...and it's time to kick off The Jedburgh Podcast tribute to the Winter Olympics.Steven Nyman, is an American legend in downhill Olympic and World Cup skiing. He has reached 11 podiums, earned three World Cup titles, and did something no other American downhiller has ever done—reaching the podium four times in a row in the run up to the 2018 Olympics. He has been on the US Ski Team for over two decades.Steven joined host Fran Racioppi from the World Cup circuit in Switzerland to discuss the importance of preparation, the fear of failure, the courage to act, the grit needed to recover from devastating injuries and the drive to win after 20 years of competition.Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.Highlights:-Steven talks about his longevity in the sport, the perspective he has gained as he has matured on the circuit, and what it would take to continue competing at the Olympic level as he turns 40.-Fran breaks skiing down into three component parts: physical, technical, and mental capability. -Steven explains how training under fatigue sets him apart from the competition, as pushing the body for peak performance in the last 30 seconds is essential to winning. -The technology in skiing has rapidly advanced over the last 20 years; Steven talks about his battles with skiing equipment and how he has had to adapt equipment made for smaller athletes to work at his size.-A skier’s mental preparation must be constant throughout the year; something Steven explains takes discipline and a focused approach to each movement and each run. -Steven talks about early days in skiing, how his brothers pushed him to compete and how chasing the BYU ski team growing up instilled in him a sense of grit and fierce determination.Quotes:-”I’ve shown a lot of speed, but I have made a lot of mistakes. If I can refine some of those mistakes I can be right in there with the big boys.” -”If you can focus when you are pushed against a wall, that’s when you are going to set yourself apart.”-“Crashes are brutal. If you can take a hit and get back up, that is going to allow you to race more and more.”-”There’s not a lot of controllable things outside of your equipment.”-”There is not a lot of thought. There’s a feeling and there’s a drive.”-”It was just step by step goals…and I reached for it and pushed for it every single year.”-”That grit. That desire to compete. That desire to win is what drives me.”-"If I commit to that and hammer through it with intention and drive, instead of a little hesitation, I'm going to come out way faster."-“Active and drive. Those are my two words.” Steven’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Set deliberate goals-Step away, honestly critique and assess yourself-Ask myself if I still love what I am doing - then go do it!This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.

Jan 27, 2022 • 1h 3min
#044: Taking The Hill - The Honorable Patrick Murphy - Congressman, Secretary Of The Army, Vetrepreneur
The word service is defined as the action of helping or doing work for someone. The Honorable Patrick Murphy has served...and led...in many arenas. He was America's first Iraq War Veteran elected to Congress. He was later appointed by President Obama to serve as the Undersecretary of the Army and the acting Secretary of the Army. He was the youngest professor to ever teach at West Point. Today, Patrick is a Vetrepreneur, where he serves as an angel investor for Veteran-owned businesses, advocates for mental health programs, and mentors the next generation of our nation's leaders. Patrick joins this episode to discuss his journey from Soldier to Congressman to leading the Army's over one million people. We cover his thoughts on leading in combat, why he felt compelled to enter politics and run for Congress, and how service to others is the greatest role a leader can play in any organization. Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.Highlights:-Growing up as a blue-collar kid in Pennsylvania showed Patrick the importance of service and the need for structure; driving him to join the Army.-Patrick was the youngest professor ever to teach at West Point.-Patrick talks about the difference between the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and how they shaped his perspective on elected leaders. -Fran challenges Patrick to show us how to work across the aisle, enhance collaboration and bridge the divide between our views and those who disagree with us.-Patrick defines leadership in America, what we need moving forward and how leaders of character lead no matter what. -Patrick was known as the Soldiers’ Secretary and describes his “leader first” concept.-Patrick championed ground-breaking legislation such as the 21st Century GI Bill, the Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and Hire Our Heroes.-Patrick describes the importance of investing in Veterans and Veteran-owned businesses.Quotes:-”West Point is the Athens and Sparta of America…you cannot leave West Point without love of country.”-“I knew I had to get involved in political public service to be a voice of reason and to fight for my brothers and sisters…to fight to do what’s right.-”I love the quote hire for talent, train for skill.”-”We can disagree on things but you never become disagreeable.”-“I do think that we need more veterans in office; because they work as teams. They tend to put the country first. They tend to not answer to political bosses or parties.”-”We are not perfect. We are never going to be perfect. But we are a good country. Partially because we are always trying to make it better…that’s our solemn duty.”-“What leadership is…you inspire others to do things they wouldn’t otherwise do.”-“We develop leaders of character for a lifetime of service. Character is how you are when no one is looking.”-”I don’t just talk about it. I am the embodiment of it.”Patrick’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Be a curious and voracious reader-Stay physically fit-Know and commit to what is most importantThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.

Jan 20, 2022 • 1h 2min
#043: Hollman Lockers - CEO Travis Hollman
Grit is defined as courage, resolve, or the strength of our character. We develop grit through the difficult times in our lives. The times we got knocked down, passed over or left behind. Host Fran Racioppi visited Travis Hollman, President & CEO of Hollman Lockers; the world's largest manufacturer of locker rooms, including those of the Dallas Cowboys, Equinox, The New York Times, J.P. Morgan and Alabama Football.Hollman is a family business that Travis has grown 8x since he took it over in 2011. Growing up, Travis suffered from severe dyslexia and a rare bone disease that bound him to a wheelchair. He was bullied, rejected and called the dumbest kid his teachers ever taught. Today, he is one of the most successful and influential CEOs in business.In an on-location episode inside the Hollman manufacturing plant, Travis and Fran discuss locker rooms, scaling businesses, entrepreneurship, the importance of family, his dedication to giving back, and how Grit has been the key to overcoming adversity and finding success. Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.Highlights:-Travis discusses the history of Hollman, his relationship with his father and how he immediately implemented a turnaround culture of growth based on doing the right thing; something that proved itself during the COVID-19 downturn.-Travis discusses the various roles at Hollman and how he evaluates talent based on what people want to do vs what he thinks they should be doing. -Travis credits a childhood physical disability that left him in a wheelchair, combating severe dyslexia and being shunned by others as pivotal in developing toughness and grit.-Travis talks about the details of manufacturing, the fundamentals of volume, the importance of technology and how Hollman wins on quality. -Travis provides his advice to young entrepreneurs who struggle to choose a clear direction.-Fran and Travis open up about parenting, raising kids, the differences between when they grew up and the importance of balance.-The Hollman Family Foundation provides locker rooms and funds school improvements to impact local communities. Quotes:-“There was no one in charge. Whoever put their hand up that day was in charge.”-”My thought process is that everyone wants to be worth $100M one day. That’s not true.”-“We are all wired differently. We are all wired for exactly what we want to do.”-“He’s the dumbest kid I ever taught. He can’t come back to this school next year.”-”You’re the best person, that’s who we hire. When you do that, that's how you develop the right culture.”-”It doesn’t matter what you do, but find that idea you really love.”-”We used to get hurt by rocks and pavement…how they are hurting kids now is through social media and making them feel bad.”-”We are going to give free college tuition to everyone that works here and their spouses and their kids.” -“When I make money, the people around me should all make money. Let’s keep the money moving through society.”Travis’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:-Show up-Never walk alone-Focus on the good, learn from the badThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.