#175: Brian Cunningham, Former Commander of SEAL team ONE, on leadership, elite mindset, and artificial intelligence

Brian’s career, both in the military and as a civilian, reflects a legacy of strategic leadership and a commitment to innovation. As a 25+ year Navy SEAL and senior Special Operations Officer, Brian led hundreds of critical operations, organizations from 7 to 12,000 people, and US strategies across challenging environments, demonstrating unparalleled leadership, strategic fluency, and tactical acumen.

His military service, highlighted by leadership in multiple combat deployments, showcases his ability to navigate complex situations with precision and integrity. Transitioning into the corporate world, Brian has continued to make significant impacts as the Chief Strategy Officer at an advanced technology company where his expertise in leading-edge computing and AI/ML has propelled the company into a new era of tech innovation.

His journey from the rigorous demands of Special Operations to the dynamic challenges of the tech industry exemplifies a dedication to excellence and a continuous pursuit of impactful solutions to improve humankind. 

We had an incredible conversation about his career and his integration back into civilian life as a leader, speaker, and consultant. He shared stories of his combat deployments and we talked about what it means to have grit, to build resiliency, and to develop an elite mindset. He also shared the moment when he became captivated by the potential of artificial intelligence on the battlefield.

I learned so much from this conversation and walked away with tactical ways to apply it to my everyday life, so I hope you do too. Without further ado, please welcome Brian Cunningham.