What you walk away with

SGM Derek Kearns shares hard-won lessons from over two decades in the Army—covering attention to detail, adaptive leadership, and investing in people. From combat zones to Ranger School, this episode unpacks what it really means to lead with purpose under pressure.

What makes a truly exceptional leader?

Is it position, authority, or something deeper? In this profound conversation with Joseph Polanin, retired Navy Captain and award-winning CEO, we uncover leadership wisdom forged through 30 years of leading elite teams in high-risk environments across more than 1,000 combat missions.

Joe reframes leadership in a way that will transform how you view your role: "Leadership is not a position, rank, or title. It's a process of learning, growing, and caring about other people." This powerful perspective has guided his journey from Naval Academy graduate to commanding EOD units worldwide, where the ethos of "quiet professionalism" – doing what's right regardless of who gets credit – became his north star.

What does it take to reach the absolute pinnacle of military leadership? Command Sergeant Major (Retired) John Wayne Troxell brings wisdom forged through 38 years of service and five combat deployments to this riveting conversation on transformational leadership.

As the former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the highest position an enlisted service member can achieve—Troxell reveals his leadership framework built on the “three Ps”: presence, performance, and persistence. He explains why simply showing up isn’t enough. True leadership presence generates energy and inspiration. Performance means living out the standard, especially in adversity. Persistence is the grit to lead with both compassion and accountability.

From his humble beginnings to delivering a viral “surrender or die” message against ISIS, Troxell shares hard-earned lessons in resilience, authenticity, and leading under fire. Even under suspension, he stood firm in his convictions, later returning to his post with his values intact.

In this episode, you’ll hear how great leaders balance toughness with humanity, communicate the “why,” and evolve across increasing levels of responsibility. Now in civilian life, Troxell continues his mission through entrepreneurial leadership—proving service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off.

If you’re ready to lead with greater purpose, this episode delivers battle-tested wisdom that applies across every leadership arena.

When leadership fails, it's rarely about strategy – it's almost always about what lies beneath the surface. In this profound conversation with Dr. Ron Stotz, we explore the hidden dimensions of leadership that most development programs miss entirely.

Dr. Stotz brings a remarkable perspective forged through military service during Vietnam, a suicide attempt that became a spiritual awakening, and decades helping high-level leaders break through their limitations. His journey reveals how our early childhood experiences shape our leadership capacity in ways we rarely recognize until everything begins to crumble.

In this powerful episode of Tales of Leadership, I sit down with Jake Larson—affectionately known as “Papa Jake”—a 102-year-old World War II veteran and national treasure whose story has captivated millions across the world.

Born during the Great Depression and raised on a farm in rural Minnesota, Jake’s journey took him from poverty to the front lines of history. At just 15 years old, he joined the National Guard by lying about his age. That bold decision would place him on the path to help plan the D-Day invasion as part of G3 Operations. Armed with a skill most overlooked—typing—Jake was responsible for processing the very orders that sent thousands of men onto Omaha Beach, including himself.

Lon Stroschein is the founder of Normal 40 and best selling author of the book, “The Trade.” He has been privileged throughout his career to collaborate with outstanding leaders, contributing to the growth of those around them. His professional journey encompasses crafting international expansions, leading a $100 million division, orchestrating a significant $2.1 billion public-to-public transaction, founding a successful private wealth group, and dedicating five impactful years serving the United States Senate.

In today's episode, we shed light on the perils of transitional leadership and its detrimental impact on teams and organizations. We delve into how this leadership style often prioritizes profits over people, leading to toxic workplace cultures and high turnover rates. Our host, Joshua K. McMillion, draws on his extensive experience in military leadership to share key insights.

Brent Pohlman, executive leader at Midwest Laboratories, has driven positive impact for employees, clients, and communities for over seven years. A published author, his latest book Leaders Look Within (May 2023) shares insights on leading from the heart, coaching others, and fostering a culture of trust and excellence.

Leadership isn't just a title; it's a commitment to purpose and discipline. In this episode, I explore how aligning purpose with passion and maintaining a standard of shared accountability can transform organizations. Discover how embracing discomfort and pushing beyond perceived limits can foster personal and organizational success.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome Morgan Sullivan, a man whose journey from the rigors of Army life to nurturing young athletes is nothing short of inspiring. With over 20 years of military service under his belt, Morgan shares his evolution from a commanding figure to a compassionate guide, offering a fresh take on leadership that prioritizes service and community impact.

What drives you to get up and excel at work every day? Join us as Leanne Myers, a remarkable author and thought leader in women's executive leadership, shares her transformative journey. Leanne’s expertise in industrial psychology and her extensive experiences across different cultures provide a wealth of insights into creating environments where individuals can truly thrive.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to serve 17 years in the military, especially post-9/11? Join us as we sit down with Colin Boyle, an active duty infantry platoon sergeant, who opens up about his profound journey in the military.

Dr. Dave Braun is the co-founder of Oola. With a deep-rooted commitment to empowering individuals to find balance and transform their lives, He has spent over a decade guiding people towards holistic well-being. As President, he plays a pivotal role in shaping Oola’s strategic direction, leading the team in creating science-based products and transformative programs that promote life balance.

Vision is among the most overused words in leadership. Often, leaders create short-term concepts that only impact the organization when they are in leadership positions. However, a vision must outlive you and scare others due to its sheer scope. I've created a system called VISION to help you break through the mental fog and start building traction for your personal and professional life.

David Vardeman is a U.S. Patriot. Over the last ten years, David has developed a deep understanding of service, sacrifice, and selfless giving to both the US Military Active Duty and US Veteran Communities. His tireless work is for the benefit of those in need. He specializes in all military health issues, military occupational transition, and military historical preservation.

Stephen J. Morris is a passionate and experienced leader with over 21 years of combined service in the Military and Corporate sectors. As a United States Army veteran, Stephen has commanded and led combat and non-combat deployments across the globe, honing a deep understanding of leadership under pressure.

David Goode is a Operations Lead with Chick-fil-A Corporate in Atlanta, partnering with Operator Groups to execute their business strategy in order to achieve their vision and goals. He serves 30 Operators with 35 restaurants in Charleston SC, Newport News VA, and Virginia Beach VA. Prior to his current role, he served a 30-year career in the Air Force, retiring as a Colonel in 2022.

Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. By adopting the strategies discussed in this podcast episode, leaders can master their time, influence meaningfully, and shape a legacy that stands the test of time. Joshua K. McMillion's insights provide the tools needed for leaders to navigate the challenges of time management with purpose and accountability.

Retired Major General Keith Thurgood is a Clinical Professor of Healthcare Leadership and Management at the Jindal School of Management of the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) where he also leads the graduate program in Healthcare Leadership and Management.

Retired Lieutenant General L. Neil Thurgood is the special advisor to the UAH president for military affairs and technology.

After joining the US Army in 2005, Nate Boyer earned the Green Beret in 2006. He served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, completed missions in Israel, Bulgaria, and Greece, and played football for the Texas Longhorns as a standout long snapper. Nate's received awards like the Disney Spirit Award and the Legacy Award, showcasing his inspiring presence in college football.

Improving student outcomes is AJ Crabill's focus. He serves as Conservator at DeSoto, Texas ISD. During his guidance, DeSoto improved from F ratings in academics, finance, and governance to B ratings. He's also Faculty at the Leadership Institute of Nevada and Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools.

We have all heard the term work and family balance; however, I have learned a critical piece is missing from this equation: self. Achieving a sustainable balance takes the trinity of work, family, and self (WFS).

John Ballenger has spent over +20 years serving in the Marine Corps and was the pilot for Marine One serving directly for two presidents. John has led over 800 Marines including in combat, and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Today John is a highly successful consultant and coach for leaders wanting to grow in their business, lead effective teams, and faithfully love their families.

Clint Keeley is a retired command sergeant major with two decades of dedicated service in the Army, he is profoundly thankful for the invaluable skills and experiences he gained. Currently, Clint is an integral part of an exceptional company that places a high premium on embracing diversity and recognizing our shared humanity.