Ep 173 - Know Your True North - Chris Schmitt

Know Your True North

In the latest episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we had the pleasure of hosting Chris Schmitt, a distinguished high-performance coach with Azimuth Consulting Group. Chris brings a unique perspective to leadership, drawing from his extensive experience as a United States Army Special Forces Green Beret and his work with top-tier companies like Starbucks, Google, Meta, and Uber. His approach to leadership is rooted in self-awareness, empowerment, and the ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Chris Schmitt served 30 years in the military, during which he commanded, planned, and executed special operations missions worldwide. His military career equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership in high-stakes environments, a perspective he now applies to coaching corporate leaders. Chris emphasizes the importance of "knowing your azimuth"—a concept that represents one's true path or purpose in life.

The Importance of Knowing Your Azimuth

One of the key concepts Chris discussed is the idea of knowing your "azimuth." This term, which originally refers to a navigational compass direction, is used metaphorically by Chris to represent one's true path or purpose in life. He emphasizes the significance of understanding and staying true to this personal direction as a cornerstone of effective leadership.

"I truly believe that knowing your azimuth, knowing yourself, knowing your best self, and being able to stay true to that, to find that true North, and be unapologetic about it, is a key piece of being successful," Chris shared. This powerful idea resonates deeply in both personal and professional contexts, encouraging individuals to align their actions with their core values and long-term vision.

Empowering Others to Be Their Best

Another important theme Chris touched on is the empowerment of others. He shared a touching story about involving his daughter in creating the compass rose for his logo, highlighting the importance of recognizing and nurturing the talents of those around us. "Empowering her to be her best, and all of us looking at where we fall on the map and figuring out from that position how we contribute the most by being our best and not trying to be somebody we're not," Chris explained.

This approach underscores a fundamental aspect of leadership: the ability to see and cultivate potential in others, allowing them to thrive and contribute meaningfully. It is a reminder that leadership is not just about guiding others but also about fostering an environment where everyone can excel.

Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence

In today's volatile and uncertain world, leaders often face ambiguous situations that require quick thinking and adaptability. Chris drew parallels between the challenges encountered in military operations and those in the corporate world, illustrating how lessons learned in high-stakes environments can be applied to business leadership.

"The same uncertain and ambiguous environment experienced in combat has been an essential parallel experience to coach high-performance behaviors for leaders," Chris noted. This insight highlights the value of resilience and strategic thinking, skills that are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern leadership.

Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth

Chris's commitment to continuous learning and personal growth is evident in his extensive educational background and certifications. He holds an Executive Certification for Coaching from Columbia University, a Master’s in Organizational Development from Central Washington University, and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the United States Military Academy at West Point. His dedication to professional development serves as an inspiration for leaders striving to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Building a Legacy of Leadership

Throughout our conversation, Chris