Lieutenant Colonel Michael Brabner’s journey from infantry combat leader to military robotics innovator shows how leadership can transform even the largest organizations. In this episode, he shares raw lessons from combat, where the absence of simple tools like soldier-borne sensors cost lives, and how those experiences fueled his drive to reshape the military’s approach to unmanned systems. Brabner reveals how visionary leadership—rooted in Boy Scout values, hardened in Ranger School, and tested in combat—has turned fragile, expensive assets into modular, mission-ready tools that give soldiers a decisive edge. His story is a powerful reminder that disruptive change requires both innovation and leaders willing to challenge the status quo.

To overcome failure, you must first change how you see it. In this powerful entry of the Anti-Fragile series, we explore how the Power of Perspective (POP) transforms failure from a stopping point into a starting line. Drawing from military leadership, personal stories, and timeless wisdom, this article reveals eight practical truths that help leaders build unshakable mental resilience. You'll learn how to train with intensity, embrace failure as a cycle of growth, remove excuses, and develop a battle plan grounded in purpose and persistence. Whether you’re in the fog of uncertainty or facing your next big decision, this is your call to shift perspective, take action, and become the leader your team needs.

Failure isn’t what you think it is. Before you can lead through it, you have to redefine it. In this article, I break down the seven myths of failure using the acronym FAILING—from believing it's avoidable to thinking it's gone forever. Whether you're leading yourself, your family, or a team, this is the mindset shift you need to turn setbacks into momentum.

Leadership in life is all about action! Being committed to moving the needle forward and understanding the work or sacrifice required to actually achieve results. That is also the burden of leadership; it takes an engaged, purpose-filled leader to create traction. I find myself falling back to a verse, Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." These words are true, but one critical piece is missing that I've learned: If it's to be, it's up to me. No one will do the work for you. You may be in the right place at the right time and have the right job or influence—but do you have the intestinal fortitude to put in the work and achieve results?

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.

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.

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.

Episode 45 with Jeff Hubler

Episode 37 with Brandon Burns

Episode 35 with Dr. Gene Coughlin

Episode 31 with Jerry St. Pierre

Episode 28 with Brandon Jenkins