Significant Career Lesson From An Independent Strategy And Leadership Consultant

The one lesson, and it's hard to pick just one because there are many, is about vulnerability. Vulnerability is important because it allows things to happen; it creates empathy in others.

It's the doorway to trust with clients and peers. The story I told earlier in this interview about being in charge of 12 Marines is relevant here. I was a weapon specialist in ammunition and demolitions.

We had a huge assignment, the initial supply pull that would start the Iraqi War in 2003. We had one day to do it and finished in 12 hours. This was a leadership moment that changed who I was and why I fell in love with leadership.

We only had a 12-hour shift. I received this work plate in the middle of it, so only half was done by the time the shift ended. My Marines were exhausted and tired. The Iraqi desert is brutal and very hot, and living conditions were harsh with no air conditioning or electricity.

They had to take a bus to eat, shower, and have any semblance of real life. I was vulnerable with them and said, "I can't do this without you." Handing it over to someone else would only slow down what we'd accomplished.

I told them I would stay behind and see it through. I said, "If you choose to stay, it's up to you, but I can really use your help because they gave this to us because we're the best team out here." I gave a little speech.

And they all stayed. I didn't order them to stay. I knew they were missing sleep, meals, showers, and free time. They had already worked a 12-hour shift, but they stood to the end.

From that moment on, I started leading with more vulnerability, compassion, and empathy. Now I teach this in my practice to leaders, exploring what empathetic, vulnerable leadership looks like. That was a life-changing experience for me, not just career-changing, but truly life-changing.