The School of Greatness: Navy Seal's 3 Rules for Leadership, Overcoming Near Death Experiences & Breaking The Victim Mentality
Host: Lewis Howes
Guest: Lt. Jason Redmond, Retired U.S. Navy SEAL, Leadership Coach, Bestselling Author
1. Introduction
In this powerful episode of The School of Greatness, host Lewis Howes welcomes Lt. Jason Redmond, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, leadership coach, and bestselling author. Jason shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey of resilience, leadership, and overcoming profound adversity after being severely wounded in Iraq.
2. Jason Redmond's Heroic Story
Jason Redmond recounts his intense deployment in Iraq during 2007, a period marked by heavy combat in areas like Baghdad, Fallujah, and Ramadi. Highlighting his mission to capture a high-profile Al Qaeda leader responsible for multiple casualties, Jason describes the night his life changed forever.
Notable Quote:
"We knew the stakes were high... I just didn't think it was going to happen."
— Jason Redmond [17:05]
On September 12th, while conducting a mission in Karma Iraq, Jason's team encountered an ambush set by the enemy's security detail. Despite initial successes, the situation escalated rapidly, leading to Jason sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, including severe facial injuries that nearly took his life.
Notable Quote:
"I was hit by a bullet that traveled through my face, exiting my nose and shattering my jaw... and it knocked me out."
— Jason Redmond [31:43]
3. Overcoming the Victim Mentality
Post-injury, Jason delves into the psychological battle he faced. Initially overwhelmed with anger and despair, he experienced a pivotal moment of clarity and chose to reject the victim mentality.
Notable Quote:
"The greatest gift you have as a human is choice. You have a choice to get up and drive forward or not."
— Jason Redmond [54:16]
Jason emphasizes the importance of self-leadership and maintaining a positive mindset, even in the darkest times. This shift not only aided his personal recovery but also inspired countless others facing their own struggles.
4. Three Rules of Leadership
Drawing from his SEAL training and personal experiences, Jason outlines three fundamental rules of leadership that are applicable in all facets of life:
a. Lead Yourself (70%)
Leadership begins with self-discipline, structure, and setting personal goals. Jason stresses that 70% of leadership effectiveness stems from how well one manages themselves.
Notable Quote:
"70% of leadership is how you lead yourself. Structure, discipline, goal setting, and maintaining positivity are key."
— Jason Redmond [08:05]
b. Lead Others
True leadership goes beyond management. It involves inspiring and motivating your team, providing the necessary resources, and holding team members accountable.
Notable Quote:
"Good leadership is about motivating and inspiring your team, not just telling them what to do."
— Jason Redmond [09:18]
c. Lead Always
Leadership is most crucial during times of crisis. Jason highlights the need to step up and lead when others might retreat, ensuring stability and direction amidst chaos.
Notable Quote:
"In the hardest moments, it's when you have to step up and lead the most."
— Jason Redmond [12:33]
5. Lessons Learned as a Navy SEAL
Jason shares profound lessons from his time as a SEAL, particularly the concept of "getting off the X." The "X" symbolizes any point of crisis or attack, and the principle emphasizes the importance of swiftly navigating away from high-stress situations to maintain control and effectiveness.
Notable Quote:
"In life, we all hit ambushes. The key is to recognize when you're on the X and get off as quickly as possible."
— Jason Redmond [59:33]
6. Strategies for Personal Growth and Resilience
Transitioning from military to civilian life posed significant challenges for Jason. He discusses the importance of maintaining structure and discipline, even outside the rigid environment of the military. Utilizing tools like the Point Man Planner, Jason advocates for setting clear goals and consistently working towards them through small, manageable steps.
Notable Quote:
"Start very small. Structure and progress are essential. Even making your bed every morning can set a positive tone for the day."
— Jason Redmond [96:34]
7. Point Man Principles
Jason introduces the "Point Man Principles," a framework designed to help individuals navigate life's challenges with the same strategic mindset used in special operations.
Key Components:
-
Relentless Belief in Your Mission: Define your mission based on core values to provide direction and motivation.
-
Clearly Defined Destination and Course: Set specific, measurable goals and establish a clear path to achieve them.
-
Risk Assessment and Situational Awareness: Continuously evaluate potential risks and stay aware of your environment to anticipate challenges.
-
Overcome Mindset: Develop resilience and the ability to quickly recover from setbacks by maintaining a proactive and positive outlook.
Notable Quote:
"Having a clearly defined destination and a set course is crucial. Without both, you can't effectively reach your goals."
— Jason Redmond [87:31]
8. Conclusion
Jason Redmond’s journey from a severely injured Navy SEAL to a motivational leader underscores the essence of resilience, leadership, and the power of choice. By embracing positivity, maintaining self-discipline, and leading others through example, Jason exemplifies how one can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Notable Quote:
"Greatness is the legacy you leave behind and the positive impact you have on those around you."
— Jason Redmond [104:50]
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Jason Redmond's experiences and insights provide listeners with actionable strategies to navigate their own adversities, reinforcing that with the right mindset and leadership principles, overcoming life's most significant challenges is achievable.
Resources Mentioned:
-
Books by Jason Redmond:
- The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader
- Overcome the Crush: Adversity with the Leadership Techniques of America's Toughest Warriors
- Point Man Planner
-
Website: jasonredmond.com
-
Social Media:
- Instagram & Facebook: @jasonredmond
- YouTube: Jason Redmond
Inspirational Message:
"I want to remind you that you are loved, you are worthy, and you matter." — Lewis Howes [105:59]
End of Summary