The Tactical Leader Zack A. Knight

How can we use the benefits of artificial intelligence while minimizing its dangers in a time of swift technological progress?
In episode 441, Admiral James Stavridis shares his books, "2034" and "2054," which explore the potential consequences of a war between the U.S. and China and the rise of artificial intelligence. Admiral Stavridis emphasizes the importance of examining these challenges while there is still time to address them. He explores the concept of singularity, the merger between human biology and technology, and its implications for the future. The discussion also covers the military applications of AI, the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-enabled operations, and the need for strategic planning in democracies. Admiral Stavridis remains optimistic about America's future but warns against the dangers of isolationism.

[00:00 - 06:24]  Exploring the Consequences of War and AI
Stavridis' books, "2034" and "2054," challenge readers to consider the consequences of U.S.-China war and pervasive AI.The books encourage addressing these challenges while there's still time to reverse engineer them.The singularity: the merger of human biology and technology.

[06:25 - 12:16] The Singularity and Remote Gene Editing
What is The Singularity about?How remote gene editing could allow nations to conduct targeted operations.Implications of having access to this technology.

[12:17 - 17:19] The Military Applications of Artificial Intelligence
AI can be used in the military for maintenance, logistics, tactical advice, and strategic advice.AI could provide valuable tactical advice to soldiers.AI could offer strategic advice to military leaders, synthesizing information about countries and their military capacities.

[17:20 - 24:58] The Ethical Dilemmas of AI-Enabled Operations
Is having a human in the loop always the best approach?How can AI help military operations?Where are we at in military operations?

[24:59 - 37:06] The Importance of Strategic Planning and American Engagement in the World
Why long-term strategic planning due to changing administrations and political preferences is important. Bipartisan efforts are needed to create national strategies for challenges.Stavridis is optimistic about America's future, citing its advantages and warning against isolationism.

Key Quotes:

"Don't ever bet against this country." - Admiral James Stavridis

"If the United States simply walks away from the world, the jungle will grow back." - Admiral James Stavridis

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The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with...

How can prioritizing self-worth and mastering your mindset lead to success in both your personal and professional relationships?
In episode 439, host Zack Knight introduces Tommy Breedlove, the founder of Legendary Life, a company for entrepreneurs and executives seeking personal and professional development. Tommy shares the importance of self-awareness, self-worth, and mastering one's mindset to achieve success in relationships, leadership, and business. He emphasizes the need to prioritize oneself physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally to lead, love, and respect others effectively. The conversation also touches on the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life and maintaining relationships, as well as the value of continuous personal and professional development.

[00:00 - 02:45] Introducing Tommy Breedlove and Legendary Life
Tommy Breedlove's book "Legendary" became a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller in 2020Legendary Life focuses on helping entrepreneurs and executives achieve success in their careers, relationships, and personal livesAchieve success without sacrificing your relationships and well-being

[02:46 - 03:58] Prioritizing Relationships as Veterans
Maintaining relationships after transitioning to civilian lifeWhy do relationships in the military struggle?Why is prioritizing your relationships important?

[03:59 - 08:12] Advice for Improving Relationships
Self-awareness is the key to success in relationships, leadership, and businessTo love and respect others, one must first prioritize their own self-worthMastering one's mindset is the key to happiness and success in life

[08:13 - 10:33] The Event: Your Life, Your Legend
Legendary Life hosts retreats and events focused on personal and professional developmentThe event emphasizes the importance of being a better human, leader, and overall personLegendary Life's three pillars: prioritizing oneself, building a community of wisdom-sharing, and continuous growth

Key Quotes:

"In order to truly love and respect someone else, whether it's in a business setting, a life setting, or a relationship setting, you've got to prioritize your self-worth." - Tommy Breedlove 

"If you really want to know the key to happiness in life, it's mastering your mindset." - Tommy Breedlove 

"If you're not growing, you're dying." - Tommy Breedlove 


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The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn,a href="https://www.instagram.com/beatacticalleader/"...

How can you progress in your career from any role?
In this Tactical Friday, Debbie Collard joins host Zack Knight to discuss tactics for leading from the middle ranks of an organization. She shares that no matter what position you hold, you can demonstrate leadership and intentionally progress in your career. Debbie outlines her 3-step process for taking control over your professional growth through earning your role, owning your work, and pursuing knowledge and skills to grow.

[00:00-06:11] Leading from a middle rank
Understanding that everybody is a leader to somebody.Earn, own, and grow in your current role.

[06:12-08:47] Changing the entitlement mindset
Treat your role as if you own that part of the business end-to-end.Recognizing that learning is a never-ending process. 

[08:48-13:10] Invest in your professional development 
Why is it necessary to invest in growing?The role of coaches in the development journey. 

Key Quotes:

"Everybody is a leader to somebody. You may not even know it, but if people are watching what you're doing and trying to follow in your footsteps, You're a leader." - Debbie Collard

"Only you can earn the position, own the position, and you can control your growth in it." - Debbie Collard

"Coaches exist in different niches to help you get better at something than you are today." - Debbie Collard

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LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

What leadership lessons from the military can be applied to corporate life?
In episode 437, host Zack Knight sits down with Debbie Collard, a seasoned leader whose journey from the military to the boardroom offers insights into leadership, culture building, and self-development. Debbie shares her transformative leadership roles, the significance of self-mastery for effective leadership, and how her military experiences have shaped her approach in the corporate environment. Listen in as we explore Debbie's philosophy on leadership, her strategies for personal and professional growth, and her mission to elevate leadership standards globally.

[00:00:00 - 00:08:14] Enlisting for Opportunity 
How Debbie joined the Air Force. Adapting your role. Transitioning out of the military.

[00:08:15 - 00:15:43] Advancing at Boeing
Experience at Boeing and McDonnell Douglas.Operational excellence and quality improvement.Learning how to take the best of each experience. 

[00:15:44 - 00:21:40] Founding Seasons Leadership
Creating a leadership program. Understanding holistic leadership.Sharing leadership lessons. 
[00:21:41 - 00:27:06] Generational Gaps
Being open to feedback. Adaptability as a tool for leadership.Learning how to ask for help. 

[00:27:07 - 00:31:36] Striving for Excellence
Legacy is to make leadership excellence a worldwide standardThe importance of taking initiative. 

Key Quotes:
"Being leader is about being open to feedback.." - Debbie Collard
"Anything that we learn or experience in our lives goes with us from there on. And no one can take that away from us." - Debbie Collard

Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show?
LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

What does it take to bring an American war hero's story to the big screen?
In this episode, host Zack Knight interviews film producer and director Michael Barder about his upcoming biopic on Sgt. Rafael Peralta, a Marine who was killed in action during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 after jumping on a grenade to save his fellow Marines. They talked about Peralta's inspirational story of courage and sacrifice, the controversy around his Medal of Honor nomination, and Michael’s mission to accurately capture his story on film.
This episode is a deeper look at bravery, the complexities of military recognition, and the impact of Peralta's actions on his fellow Marines and the nation.
[00:00:00 - 00:09:07] The Making of a Hero
Michael Barder's journey into filmmakingIntroduction to Sgt. Rafael Peralta's storyThe significance of the Battle of Fallujah

[00:09:08 - 00:13:24] Behind the Scenes 
Challenges in bringing Peralta's story to the screenWorking with the military and Peralta's familyThe role of authenticity in military biopics

[00:13:25 - 00:16:41] The Battle for Recognition 
The controversy surrounding Peralta's Medal of Honor nominationPolitics in military awardsNaming a ship after Peralta

[00:16:42 - 00:19:32] Legacy and Impact 
The broader implications of Peralta's story on military and civilian perceptionsThe power of a story to inspire and provoke changeWhen the project is airing?How can you support this film?

[00:19:33 - 00:33:54] Q&A Section  
The process of film production and challenges facedCommunity and veteran support for the projectThe possible impact of the biopic on audiences

Key quotes:

“There was something about the story that grabbed me as I kind dug into it, and found more about it. Rafael Peralta is really a quintessential American story.” - Michael Barder

“As a filmmaker, I love true stories.”- Michael Barder


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LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

Zack Knight interviews entrepreneur and author Steve Sims about his new book "Go For Stupid" on achieving ridiculous goals. They discuss Steve's mindset of seeing opportunity during COVID, not seeking approval from others, the power of connections, upleveling your standards and environment, demanding more from relationships, and overcoming adversity.
[00:00 - 09:16] Seizing Connections and Chances in the Pandemic
Used downtime to deeply connect with more peopleAddressed core need for relationships and communityHundreds of new pandemic millionaires spotted opportunities

[09:17 - 21:28] Elevating Standards and Environments
Don't lower standards based on groups' expectationsSeek out challenging environments for growthChange peer groups by raising personal standard

[21:29 - 34:15] Positioning Yourself and Demanding the Best
Create desire and momentum to receive chancesPrepare to accept the opportunities that ariseTreat loved ones with your same high standardsWork through discomfort to improve relationships

[34:16 - 47:25] Pursuing Huge Goals
Dream stupidly big goals that make people laughIdolized figures failed toward grand ambitionsFailure leaves you vastly ahead in long run


Key Quote:
"We're paralyzed when people have the potential to laugh at us." - Steve Sims

Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue on putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veterans with workforce development and entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join BATL or ATLVets and become part of the community.