Not to brag, but I’ve got some powerhouse collaborators. Stephanie Cox, former SLB president and CEO of Wood Group Americas, is one of them. Together we created a mastermind for energy, infrastructure, and industrial executives, and it’s one of the most successful and fulfilling ventures I’ve been part of. When high-performing senior leaders gain the … Learn More
“If your bayonet breaks, strike with the stock; if the stock gives way, hit with your fists; if your fists are hurt, bite with your teeth.”— General Dragomirov I came across this quote while touring the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Officer Candidate School’s Family Day – the moment I finally got to … Learn More
Go to any military base and outside its gates you’ll find three things: strip bars, pawn shops, and tattoo parlors. I want to talk about that last one. The Loyalty Test Inside, artists know exactly what’s coming as soon as liberty hits: a wave of eager, excited, and sometimes slightly drunk servicemembers ready to prove … Learn More
There’s a sadistic little saying in the Marine Corps: “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, because my son Judge is in his fifth week of Officer Candidate School. But before I get to that, let me take you back a few years. When Judge was a freshman … Learn More
Dear Judge, Remember running the 400m? Rounding that last corner and feeling like your chest is about to explode, and your legs are weighted down by cinder blocks? You’ve lost the adrenaline you had at the starting line as you were sizing up the other runners – who’s got it in them, who you’re going … Learn More
When my son called me from Officer Candidate School to report that he’d made it to Quantico, I told him I loved him — and then I said something that surprised me: “Keep your honor clean.” It’s a line from The Marines’ Hymn. I knew he’d be singing it every night before lights out with … Learn More
My heart is heavy today. Yesterday morning, I woke up at 4 a.m., made my son a skinny latte and an asiago bagel sandwich, and drove him to the airport. I hugged him goodbye — and not just him. I said goodbye to a version of him I’ll never see again. Judge is headed to … Learn More
Reality hits this time of year. Goals are finalized, execution begins, and the pushback starts. Your team insists the targets are too high. Rumbles ripple through the organization—leadership is crazy, the market can’t support it, competitors are too strong, technology can’t move fast enough. As a leader, you must listen. But you cannot cave, apologize, … Learn More
“The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!” – Eleanor Roosevelt Today—November 10th—the United States Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday. Two hundred and fifty … Learn More
