From Army Ranger to chaplain, Dr. Anthony Randall shares powerful lessons on character-based leadership, coaching culture, and embracing work-life rhythm over balance. This episode explores the soul of transformational leadership—and why prudent risk is essential for growth in any arena.

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.

John Teichert is a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and former Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force, International Affairs and brings a wealth of leadership and strategic expertise. His extensive career spans roles as a combat and test pilot, base commander, and senior defense official in challenging environments like Iraq.

Michael G. Frino and Katie P. Desiderio are Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of The Beekeeper: Pollinating Your Organization for Transformative Growth. If you are ready to grow your leadership ensure you listen to this episode and check out their book!

Episode 52 with Brianna Greenspan