Tales of Leadership

Joshua K. McMillion

Tales of Leadership is a veteran-owned podcast built to help you learn, grow, and tell your story—so you can lead with purpose, integrity, and inspired action. If you’re ready to expand your influence, sharpen your character, and become a more Purposeful Accountable Leader (PAL), you’re in the right place. This is your tribe—real conversations, real lessons, and practical tools to become the leader your family, your team, and your future deserve.   

  1. #118: Joe Byerly - From Green Notebooks to Lasting Leadership Lessons

    8H AGO

    #118: Joe Byerly - From Green Notebooks to Lasting Leadership Lessons

    Joe Byerly is a combat arms officer with over 20 years of experience in both combat and training environments, serving at levels ranging from the tactical to the strategic. Passionate about leader development, he created this platform to help leaders share lessons learned from their own experiences, captured in their "green notebooks." Throughout his career, he has been fortunate to have mentors who encouraged him to read, write, and publish. Joe has contributed articles to notable publications such as ARMY Magazine, Military Review, Strategy Bridge, Small Wars Journal, Task and Purpose, and Foreign Policy. Featured on Forbes and a frequent guest on leadership podcasts, Joe has also spoken at prominent events, including the Annual AUSA Conference, the Future of War Conference, and the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum Annual Conference. Connect with Joe Byerly: -Website: https://fromthegreennotebook.com/    -LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-byerly-bb67a377  🫡Tales of Leadership is a podcast and leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical leadership insight. Each episode explores the decisions, failures, mindsets, and defining moments that shape leadership. These conversations are rooted in lived experience and honest reflection, offering lessons learned in real time by leaders who have spent time in the arena. Tales of Leadership exists for individuals who want to grow personally and professionally, think more intentionally about how they lead, and elevate the standard of leadership in their teams, families, and communities. Because leadership isn’t about rank or recognition—it’s about responsibility. And the leaders who make the greatest impact are the ones who live by a simple principle: deeds, not words. 👉🏽Leadership Resources: https://linktr.ee/talesofleadership 👉🏽10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits:  https://10thwhiskey.com 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code pandocommando ✅ SHARE THIS PODCAST ✅ GIVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ SUPPORT Every day is a gift, don't waste yours! - Joshua K. McMillion Send a text Support the show

    1h 4m
  2. #117: Brad Smith - How Purpose, Grit, and AI Are Rebuilding West Virginia

    FEB 15

    #117: Brad Smith - How Purpose, Grit, and AI Are Rebuilding West Virginia

    Brad D. Smith became president of Marshall University in January 2022 after a globally recognized career in leadership and philanthropy. Formerly CEO and executive chairman of Intuit, Brad co-founded the Wing 2 Wing Foundation with his wife, Alys, to support education and entrepreneurship in Appalachia. The foundation's Ascend WV program recruits remote workers to West Virginia. A Marshall alumnus with a bachelor’s in business administration, Brad is committed to empowering future leaders. A proud “boy from Kenova,” Brad champions opportunities for his home state and its people. Connect with Brad Smith: -Website: https://www.marshall.edu/president/brad-d-smith/  -LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-d-smith/ 🫡 My Why: I’ve seen the cost of poor leadership — how it can destroy morale, break trust, and in the worst cases, lead to lives lost, including through suicide. That’s why I’ve committed my life to helping others lead with purpose. Through Tales of Leadership, I share real stories and actionable insights on how to overcome adversity and become the kind of leader people remember for the right reasons. 👉🏽Leadership Resources: https://linktr.ee/talesofleadership 👉🏽10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits:  https://10thwhiskey.com 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code pandocommando ✅ SHARE THIS PODCAST ✅ GIVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ SUPPORT Together, we will impact 1 MILLION lives!!! Every day is a gift, don't waste yours! - Joshua K. McMillion Send a text Support the show

    1h 9m
  3. #116: Mike Durnin - How Servant Leadership Turns Tragedy Into Purpose

    JAN 15

    #116: Mike Durnin - How Servant Leadership Turns Tragedy Into Purpose

    Mike has dedicated his career to higher education, serving as a football coach, instructor, and administrator at multiple colleges and universities. Throughout his tenure, he contributed to several conference championships, coached numerous All-Conference and All-American athletes, and mentored countless current teachers and coaches across the Midwest and beyond. As the President and Founder of Via Crucis Leadership, LLC, Mike is a dynamic speaker who brings passion, humor, and heartfelt stories to audiences. He emphasizes essential leadership skills based upon his “Handful of L’s” as a foundation for those striving to navigate and lead in today’s complex, “Chaordic” world (forces of chaos & order colliding). Guided by his mission of “1-0 Every Day in Every Way: Living life creating a transformation of self and others.” Mike inspires individuals to unlock their potential, embrace resilience, and foster meaningful change in themselves and others. Mike also serves as the President of the Chris Norton Foundation and was featured in the acclaimed documentary “7 Yards.” He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree and continues to lead with purpose and impact. Connect with Mike Durnin: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-durnin-dmin-49903017/   🫡 My Why: I’ve seen the cost of poor leadership — how it can destroy morale, break trust, and in the worst cases, lead to lives lost, including through suicide. That’s why I’ve committed my life to helping others lead with purpose. Through Tales of Leadership, I share real stories and actionable insights on how to overcome adversity and become the kind of leader people remember for the right reasons. 👉🏽Leadership Resources: https://linktr.ee/talesofleadership 👉🏽10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits:  https://10thwhiskey.com 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code pandocommando ✅ SHARE THIS PODCAST ✅ GIVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ SUPPORT Together, we will impact 1 MILLION lives!!! Every day is a gift, don't waste yours! - Joshua K. McMillion Send a text Support the show

    1h 11m
  4. #115: Ben Eden - From HR Executive to Purpose-Driven Coach

    12/15/2025

    #115: Ben Eden - From HR Executive to Purpose-Driven Coach

    Ben Eden is a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the creator of the Eden Model, a transformative framework designed to help high-achieving leaders evolve from the inside out. With a background as an HR executive and as the author of How We See Ourselves, Ben has developed a unique ability to guide successful business owners and corporate leaders who, despite their outward achievements, seek greater clarity, balance, and fulfillment. Ben specializes in helping those who carry the weight of performance realign with their true selves, enabling them to lead with increased confidence, deeper connections, and greater time freedom. His work combines practical leadership wisdom with profound insights into personal identity, making him a sought-after guide for leaders looking to make meaningful transformations. Connect with Ben Eden: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedenspeaks/ - Instagram: www.instagram.com/benedenspeaks - Book: https://howweseeourselves.com/  🫡 My Why: I’ve seen the cost of poor leadership — how it can destroy morale, break trust, and in the worst cases, lead to lives lost, including through suicide. That’s why I’ve committed my life to helping others lead with purpose. Through Tales of Leadership, I share real stories and actionable insights on how to overcome adversity and become the kind of leader people remember for the right reasons. 👉🏽Leadership Resources: https://linktr.ee/talesofleadership 👉🏽10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits:  https://10thwhiskey.com 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code pandocommando ✅ SHARE THIS PODCAST ✅ GIVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ SUPPORT Together, we will impact 1 MILLION lives!!! Every day is a gift, don't waste yours! - Joshua K. McMillion Send a text Support the show

    1h 16m
  5. #114 Robert Yarnall - From Battlefield Lessons to Everyday Leadership

    11/15/2025

    #114 Robert Yarnall - From Battlefield Lessons to Everyday Leadership

    Robert Yarnall is the VP of Development & Impact at the Robert Irvine Foundation. A retired Master Gunnery Sergeant with 25 years of service in the USMC, Robert also spent 20 years as a civics teacher and coach. In addition to his military and teaching career, he is a community leader, involved in local government and charitable organizations, and a small business owner. Connect with Robert Yarnall: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-yarnall-the-mission-makers/ -Website: https://robertirvinefoundation.org/ -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobertIrvineFoundation 🫡 My Why: I’ve seen the cost of poor leadership — how it can destroy morale, break trust, and in the worst cases, lead to lives lost, including through suicide. That’s why I’ve committed my life to helping others lead with purpose. Through Tales of Leadership, I share real stories and actionable insights on how to overcome adversity and become the kind of leader people remember for the right reasons. 👉🏽Leadership Resources: https://linktr.ee/talesofleadership 👉🏽10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits:  https://10thwhiskey.com 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code pandocommando ✅ SHARE THIS PODCAST ✅ GIVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ SUPPORT Together, we will impact 1 MILLION lives!!! Every day is a gift, don't waste yours! - Joshua K. McMillion Send a text Support the show

    1h 22m
  6. #113 Isaac Lee - From Cockpit to Corporate: A Marine's Leadership Journey

    10/13/2025

    #113 Isaac Lee - From Cockpit to Corporate: A Marine's Leadership Journey

    Isaac G. Lee, a native of Lubbock, Texas, is a graduate of Texas Tech University and a retired Marine Corps officer and aviator. Over his two decades of service, Isaac completed seven overseas deployments, including four combat tours in the Middle East. He served as the Commanding Officer of an operational CH-53E squadron before retiring in 2017. Now residing in San Diego, California, Isaac works as an operations executive and dedicates his free time to volunteering for fellow veterans and enjoying time with his family. A fan of baseball and football, Isaac is also the author of HANGAR 4, his first book. Connect with Isaac Lee: - Website: isaacglee.com - IG: @isaacgleewriter - Facebook: Isaac G Lee 🫡 My Why: I’ve seen the cost of poor leadership — how it can destroy morale, break trust, and in the worst cases, lead to lives lost, including through suicide. That’s why I’ve committed my life to helping others lead with purpose. Through Tales of Leadership, I share real stories and actionable insights on how to overcome adversity and become the kind of leader people remember for the right reasons. 👉🏽Leadership Resources: https://linktr.ee/talesofleadership 👉🏽10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits:  https://10thwhiskey.com 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code pandocommando ✅ SHARE THIS PODCAST ✅ GIVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ SUPPORT Together, we will impact 1 MILLION lives!!! Every day is a gift, don't waste yours! - Joshua K. McMillion Send a text Support the show

    1h 18m
  7. #112 Dave Rosenberg - How Leaders Remove Obstacles and Create Success

    09/29/2025

    #112 Dave Rosenberg - How Leaders Remove Obstacles and Create Success

    Dave Rosenberg, a former F-14 naval officer and founder of Locked on Leadership, is a top authority on radical accountability. As the premier expert in this field, he equips military-minded leaders with tactical strategies to build high-performance teams that exceed expectations. His approach goes beyond transforming individuals into self-directed achievers; it fosters a culture of excellence that remains mission-ready long after motivation fades. Connect with Dave Rosenberg: -LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daverosenbergspeaks/ -Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/david.rosenberg.54584 -Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lockedonleaders/ 🫡What is Tales of Leadership: Tales of Leadership is a podcast and leadership platform focused on developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode and article explores leadership at a deeper level — the decisions, failures, mindsets, and defining moments that shape who we become. These conversations are rooted in lived experience, honest reflection, and lessons earned in real time. Tales of Leadership exists for those who want to grow personally and professionally, think more intentionally about how they lead, and elevate the standard in every area of life. Because leadership isn’t about rank or recognition — it’s about responsibility and the daily choice to live out deeds, not words. 👉🏽Leadership Resources: https://linktr.ee/talesofleadership 👉🏽10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits:  https://10thwhiskey.com 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code pandocommando ✅ SHARE THIS PODCAST ✅ GIVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ SUPPORT Every day is a gift, don't waste yours! - Joshua K. McMillion Send a text Support the show

    1h 43m
  8. #111 Christina Bates - Unlocking Human Potential Through Authentic Leadership

    09/15/2025

    #111 Christina Bates - Unlocking Human Potential Through Authentic Leadership

    Dr. Christina Bates is a mom to two sweet girls, an entrepreneur, a leader, and an animal lover with three dogs, two cats, one bunny, and one guinea pig. Passionate about all things military, especially weapons systems, she is dedicated to helping leaders and organizations excel and realize their full potential. She believes that God has a purpose for each of us, and in small but impactful ways, she supports leaders and members of organizations in living out that purpose. Connect with Dr. Christina Bates: - IG - @cmbatesconsulting  - Linkedin – linkedin.com/in/dr-christina-bates 🫡 My Why: I’ve seen the cost of poor leadership — how it can destroy morale, break trust, and in the worst cases, lead to lives lost, including through suicide. That’s why I’ve committed my life to helping others lead with purpose. Through Tales of Leadership, I share real stories and actionable insights on how to overcome adversity and become the kind of leader people remember for the right reasons. 👉🏽Leadership Resources: https://linktr.ee/talesofleadership 👉🏽10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits:  https://10thwhiskey.com 🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code pandocommando ✅ SHARE THIS PODCAST ✅ GIVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ SUPPORT Together, we will impact 1 MILLION lives!!! Every day is a gift, don't waste yours! - Joshua K. McMillion Send a text Support the show

    1h 51m
5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Tales of Leadership is a veteran-owned podcast built to help you learn, grow, and tell your story—so you can lead with purpose, integrity, and inspired action. If you’re ready to expand your influence, sharpen your character, and become a more Purposeful Accountable Leader (PAL), you’re in the right place. This is your tribe—real conversations, real lessons, and practical tools to become the leader your family, your team, and your future deserve.