Captain Marcus A. Canady joins Damon and Damo for a conversation about leadership, connection, trust, and what it means to truly know the people you lead. The conversation centers on Canady’s concept of “Intrusive Leadership,” a leadership style built around intentional engagement with people beyond their professional responsibilities. Canady explains why leaders should understand what is happening in the lives of their people, how trust has to be earned before those conversations can happen, and why being intrusive does not mean ignoring personal boundaries. As he explains during the conversation, leaders can put themselves “on the porch,” but the other person still has to invite them inside. The group discusses emotional intelligence, listening, accountability, mentorship, family, parenthood, diversity, mental health, suicide prevention, and the responsibility leaders have to understand perspectives different from their own. Canady shares stories from throughout his career, including leaders who intentionally invested in him, the impact his wife and family have had on his development, and a conversation with Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr. about a leader who considered Brown’s family while helping map out his career. Damo reflects on his own leadership experiences and how his approach has changed over time, including learning more about the interests of younger Sailors at his command and finding ways to meet them where they are. Canady also challenges military organizations to think more deliberately about how they develop leaders of people, not simply leaders capable of accomplishing the mission. About CAPT Marcus A. Canady: Marcus Canady is a U.S. Coast Guard captain, aviator, author, leadership educator, and founder and CEO of Canady Leadership Group. A 2000 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Canady completed Naval Aviation Flight Training and spent much of his career flying MH-65 helicopters. His operational experience includes search and rescue, hurricane response, and counter-narcotics missions. He later served as commanding officer of Coast Guard Air Station Houston and as the Coast Guard Chair and a military instructor at the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School. Canady holds graduate degrees from Duquesne University, Syracuse University, and the National War College. He is the author of Intrusive Leadership: How to Become THAT Leader. The second edition was released in 2025 and expands his examination of leadership built around trust, emotional intelligence, listening, intentional engagement, and making people feel seen and valued. Get the book: Intrusive Leadership, 2nd Edition — Curry Brothers Publishing Intrusive Leadership, Edition 2 — Apple Books Intrusive Leadership, 2nd Edition Military Version — Google Books Learn more about Marcus Canady: Canady Leadership Group Do you have “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptstpodcast@gmail.com Stay connected with us: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast PTSF Theme music: Produced by Lim0