The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk: Episode 606 Summary
Guest: Jack Carr
Title: Writing Thrillers (The Terminal List), Working with Chris Pratt, Fighting Wars as a Navy SEAL, Putting In The Work, & Never Missing an Opportunity To Make Someone's Day
Release Date: October 27, 2024
Introduction to Jack Carr
In Episode 606 of The Learning Leader Show, host Ryan Hawk engages in a profound conversation with Jack Carr, a former Navy SEAL who has successfully transitioned into a New York Times bestselling thriller author. With a distinguished military background spanning 20 years, Carr led special operations teams and authored eight novels, including the acclaimed The Terminal List, which was adapted into a top-ranking Amazon Prime series starring Chris Pratt.
The Foundation of Leadership and Storytelling
Jack Carr emphasizes the foundational role that reading played in both his military and writing careers. "I grew up surrounded by books and a love of reading that I got to read all these books just for the magic in those pages. No ulterior motive." (00:15). This early immersion in literature not only honed his storytelling skills but also instilled in him the discipline and strategic thinking essential for leadership.
Ryan Hawk appreciates this perspective, noting the difference between reading for pleasure and reading with an agenda. Carr concurs, explaining how his habit of reading purely for enjoyment allowed the insights to deeply embed themselves, benefiting his career without overt intent.
Qualities of a Navy SEAL and Effective Leader
When discussing the attributes essential for becoming a Navy SEAL and a leader among leaders, Carr highlights trust as paramount. "Trust up and down the chain of command. Never miss an opportunity to make somebody's day." (00:15). This trust is built on character and proven through consistent, selfless actions.
Carr outlines the four key attributes that make a great SEAL and leader:
- Physical Courage
- Mental Resilience
- Team Ability
- Creative Problem-Solving
He elaborates on how these traits are essential not just in military operations but also in leadership roles outside the battlefield. Trust is further reinforced by leaders who willingly engage in the same rigorous activities as their teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Building and Maintaining Trust
A significant portion of the conversation delves into the mechanics of building trust within a team. Carr explains, "The decisions you've made in the past are your currency." (18:19). This "currency" refers to the reputation and reliability a leader builds over time, which is crucial for effective leadership.
He shares insights from his military experience, illustrating how shared hardships and collaborative problem-solving during missions foster deep trust and unity among team members. This foundation of trust is equally vital in his writing career, where collaboration with editors and co-authors relies on mutual respect and reliability.
Transitioning from SEAL to Author
Carr's transition into writing was a natural progression fueled by his lifelong passion for storytelling and strategic thinking. He recounts, "When I got to writing, it wasn't a question of can I do this? I already knew I had that just in me with the books." (08:01). His background as a SEAL provided unique insights into warfare and leadership, which he seamlessly integrated into his novels.
Carr discusses his disciplined approach to writing, emphasizing the importance of continual improvement. "I want the next book to be better than this one. I was focused on being the best leader and the best operator that I could possibly be." (00:15). This mindset has been instrumental in his success as an author, ensuring that each new work surpasses the last in quality and depth.
Creating "Targeted Beirut" – An Untold Story
One of the highlights of the conversation is Carr's new non-fiction book, Targeted Beirut, which delves into the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Lebanon. He explains the significance of this event as a turning point in U.S. foreign policy and the war on terror.
Carr states, "This was a very small number of Marines and this wasn't raising the flag on Iwo Jima. So I would say I would like first people to remember and then for senior level leaders in the military and elected representatives to understand the repercussions of their decisions." (40:02). Through meticulous research and collaboration with Pulitzer Prize finalist James Scott, Carr aims to humanize the tragedy and highlight the multifaceted impacts of military decisions.
Addressing Lack of Accountability in Military Leadership
A poignant part of the discussion revolves around the persistent issue of accountability within military leadership. Carr traces its roots back to the post-World War II era, arguing that the evolution into a "military-industrial complex" has contributed to diminishing accountability.
He critiques how high-ranking officials often escape repercussions for strategic failures, contrasting this with the strict accountability officers like Colonel Garrity faced. "George Marshall held people accountable up to World War II...but something changes there in 1947...lack of accountability goes along with that." (38:33). This reflection serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of detached leadership decisions on the ground.
Advice for Aspiring Writers and Leaders
Concluding the episode, Carr offers invaluable advice to those aspiring to emulate his success:
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Put in the Work: "If you don't put in the work, it's not going to happen. That I can guarantee." (42:11). He emphasizes the importance of dedication and consistent effort over seeking shortcuts or "hacks."
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Never Miss an Opportunity to Make Someone's Day: Carr shares how small acts of kindness and support can lead to significant opportunities. His assistance to Chris Pratt is a testament to this principle, underscoring the ripple effect of altruistic actions.
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Focus on Excellence: Whether in leadership or writing, striving to be better each day is crucial. Carr believes that continual improvement is the key to long-term success.
Notable Quotes
- Jack Carr: "Trust up and down the chain of command. Never miss an opportunity to make somebody's day." (00:15)
- Jack Carr: "If you don't put in the work, it's not going to happen. That I can guarantee." (42:11)
- Jack Carr: "The decisions you've made in the past are your currency." (18:19)
- Jack Carr: "This isn't our story. This is their story." (30:22)
Conclusion
Episode 606 of The Learning Leader Show offers a deep dive into the life and philosophies of Jack Carr, blending his experiences as a Navy SEAL with his journey as a bestselling author. Through discussions on leadership, trust, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, Carr imparts lessons that are invaluable to both current leaders and aspiring individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact. His unwavering commitment to putting in the work and making others' days serves as an inspiring blueprint for personal and professional growth.
For more insights and inspiring conversations, subscribe to The Learning Leader Show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.