Podcast Summary: "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger
• Host/Author: Audacy
• Description: Host Jill Schlesinger, CFP®, discusses challenging and controversial financial and investing topics in an accessible manner. Each week, Jill engages with listeners through phone calls and interviews with insightful guests to provide actionable financial advice.
• Episode: Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life
• Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction

In this special Memorial Day episode, Jill Schlesinger honors the sacrifices of those serving in the armed forces by featuring a poignant interview with Admiral William H. McRaven. Known for his influential commencement speech and bestselling book, McRaven shares invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the importance of small actions in shaping a successful life.

The Bin Laden Raid: Leadership Under Pressure

The conversation delves into McRaven's pivotal role in planning and executing the mission to capture or kill Osama bin Laden. McRaven recounts the rigorous process of presenting mission options to President Obama.

Mark: "President Obama asked a lot of good questions, hard questions. What are the risks involved? What are our chances of success?" ([03:05])

McRaven emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and confidence in his highly trained SEAL team.

Mark: "I was very confident that we could carry out any one of those if we needed to. So, no, I wasn't...always worried about the safety of your troops." ([05:00])

Origin of "Make Your Bed"

McRaven explains how a simple task from SEAL training formed the foundation of his renowned commencement speech and subsequent book.

Mark: "If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day." ([09:27])

He highlights how this habit instills a sense of pride and discipline, leading to the completion of more significant tasks throughout the day.

The Power of Teamwork

A recurring theme in the interview is the critical role of teamwork in achieving success, both in the military and in civilian life. McRaven shares a personal story about overcoming a parachute accident, underscoring the importance of relying on others during challenging times.

Mark: "I would never be where I am today were it not for the fact that everybody came together to help me through that tough event in my life." ([17:41])

Handling Failure and Resilience

McRaven addresses the inevitability of failure and the necessity of moving forward. Drawing from his combat experience, he discusses how leaders must learn from mistakes to make better decisions in the future.

Mark: "You have to learn from your mistakes...you have to be prepared to make the next tough decision." ([21:30])

He also touches on the emotional aspect of dealing with setbacks, acknowledging the human need to momentarily grieve before progressing.

Attributes of Great Leadership

The interview highlights the qualities that define effective leaders. McRaven emphasizes servant leadership, team-building, and leading by example as essential traits.

Mark: "Great leaders are servant leaders. They have to be out with the troops...setting the example and doing the difficult things." ([27:02])

He contrasts these attributes with self-centered leadership, which often hinders organizational success.

Military Life: Sacrifice and Service

McRaven provides insights into the life of military personnel, focusing on the theme of sacrifice. He discusses the personal and familial sacrifices made by service members, highlighting their dedication and resilience.

Mark: "The military life is a life of sacrifice...these are the men and women that I think are truly inspiring." ([25:38])

Transition to Academia: Leading the University of Texas System

In his current role as Chancellor of the University of Texas System, McRaven reflects on the transformative power of education. He speaks passionately about supporting first-generation college students and the broader societal benefits of higher education.

Mark: "If you go to college, chances are very high your kids are going to go to college and their kids are going to go to college." ([30:00])

Conclusion

Admiral William H. McRaven's interview on "Jill on Money" offers profound lessons on the significance of small, consistent actions in achieving larger goals. His experiences in the military and academia underscore the values of leadership, teamwork, resilience, and the enduring impact of education. By making one's bed each morning, McRaven suggests, individuals can set a positive tone for the day, fostering discipline and creating a foundation for success in all areas of life.

Notable Quotes

• On Making Your Bed:

  "If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day." ([09:27])

• On Teamwork:

  "If you're going to get the boat from point A to point B, everybody has to work together as a team." ([15:45])

• On Failure:

  "Life's not fair. You can't spend your time blaming your parents or blaming your circumstances or blaming your bosses." ([19:10])

• On Leadership:

  "Great leaders are servant leaders. They have to be out with the troops...setting the example and doing the difficult things." ([27:02])

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that the little things—like making your bed—can have a profound impact on your life. Admiral McRaven's insights offer actionable advice for listeners seeking to enhance their personal and professional lives through discipline, teamwork, and resilient leadership.