Moments in Leadership

David B. Armstrong
  • 5.0 (275)
  • PHILOSOPHY
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Moments in Leadership is a podcast where you will hear firsthand about the careers of senior military leaders as they share their own unique and individual experiences. Moments in Leadership will immerse you in real-life stories where you will learn about the challenging situations these accomplished leaders faced and discover the lessons they learned early in their careers that were the most influential to developing their overall leadership style.

  1. OCT 31

    CSM Joanne Naumann, U.S. Army - Leading at the Edge of Trust and Accountability

    Command Sergeant Major Joanne Naumann, Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. Army Special Operations Command, shares hard-earned lessons on humility, trust, and leadership in high-pressure environments. She joins Moments in Leadership for a powerful conversation about what it means to lead when the stakes are highest. Currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), CSM Naumann has spent nearly three decades guiding and mentoring soldiers in the Army’s most elite formations. From her beginnings as a Voice Language Analyst and Arabic linguist to multiple assignments in Special Mission Units, she brings hard-won insight from fourteen deployments across CENTCOM and AFRICOM. In this episode, she and host David B. Armstrong, retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, explore the mindset that sustains great leaders through long careers of pressure, sacrifice, and accountability. Topics include: Building authentic trust within high-performing teamsBalancing empathy with disciplineThe role of radical candor in developing future leadersHow great mentors challenge and shape your growthWhy humility remains the cornerstone of elite leadershipThis conversation offers a rare look inside the human side of senior military leadership — one defined not by bravado, but by the quiet strength of service and self-awareness. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, the lessons in this episode apply to anyone who believes that leadership is about people first. 📬 SUPPORT THE PROJECT & STAY CONNECTED Support Moments in Leadership on Supercast: https://bit.ly/3C8g7Ua Visit the Moments in Leadership website: https://bit.ly/3SA2XHe Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eO4kTi Email: themiloffice@gmail.com If you’ve been listening for a while and want to support the project, consider becoming a Supercast supporter. Your contributions help offset the real costs of production and keep the show ad-free for emerging leaders.

    45 min

  2. SEP 29

    MajGen Matt Smith, US Army (Ret), on Command, Crisis, and Character

    Retired Major General Matt Smith shares candid lessons on leading through combat, crisis response, civil unrest, and personal trials at the highest levels of Army command. In this episode of Moments in Leadership, I sit down with retired Major General Matt Smith, US Army, to reflect on the leadership lessons earned over a three-decade career in uniform. From commanding troops in Afghanistan to steering large organizations through hurricanes, civil unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic, General Smith’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and character. We discuss the weight of command at scale, the challenges of shifting from tactical to executive leadership, and the cultural differences between active duty and National Guard formations. General Smith also shares raw insights from the Pentagon during crises like Black Lives Matter protests, January 6th, and the early days of COVID, offering a rare look inside the Army’s decision-making under pressure. Later in the conversation, he opens up about the personal strain of being under investigation while still in command — and the moral courage it took to stay focused on his people, his duty, and the institution. His advice on composure, trust, and standards will resonate with leaders across every profession. Finally, we explore his new mission leading the Master in Business for Veterans program at Emory University, helping seasoned enlisted and officers translate their military leadership into business success. Support the Show & Stay Connected: Support this project on Supercast: Moments In Leadership Supercast Visit the Moments in Leadership website: https://bit.ly/3SA2XHe Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eO4kTi Email: themiloffice@gmail.com

    1h 55m

  3. AUG 18

    LtCol Cameron McCoy — Leadership, History, and Race in the Marine Corps and Beyond

    LtCol (Col Sel) Cameron McCoy, Marine veteran, historian, and author of Contested Valor, shares leadership lessons from his service, academic career, and research into race and representation in the Marine Corps. In this episode of Moments in Leadership, host David B. Armstrong sits down with LtCol Cameron McCoy, a Marine veteran, historian, and author of Contested Valor: African American Marines in the Age of Power, Protest, and Tokenism. LtCol McCoy’s journey spans combat deployments, leadership in academia, and a distinguished research career focused on the untold stories of African American Marines. Dave and Cameron first met during a Reserve ITX event and reconnected after Dave read Contested Valor. Their conversation blends personal experience with historical analysis, offering listeners a candid look at leadership in the face of complex issues—including race, representation, and institutional change. What you’ll hear in this episode: How military service shaped LtCol McCoy’s leadership philosophy Leadership lessons from addressing race and representation in the Marine Corps The challenges of researching and telling underrecognized histories The parallels between leading in combat and leading in academia Why adaptability, empathy, and historical perspective matter for leaders today Whether you’re a student of history, a leader in uniform, or someone committed to equity and inclusion, this episode offers practical wisdom and thought-provoking perspectives. Support the Show & Stay Connected:🎙 Support this project on Supercast: Moments In Leadership Supercast🌐 Visit the Moments in Leadership website: Website📷 Follow on Instagram: Instagram📩 Email the show: themiloffice@gmail.com

    1h 45m

  4. MAY 12

    Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer - There Are No Warm-Up Targets in Combat

    Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer shares how failure, realism in training, and ruthless self-assessment shaped his leadership journey and what the Army must do now to prepare for tomorrow. In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer joins Moments in Leadership to talk about what it truly takes to lead in today’s military—and why the journey never ends. From his early days as a driven, overconfident PFC to becoming the Army’s senior enlisted leader, SMA Weimer reflects candidly on his own formative moments, including failure during pre-scuba and the lessons that followed. He offers real talk on leadership, humility, building trust with junior leaders, and why “empathy isn’t soft—it’s tactical.” We dive deep into what makes leadership in special operations uniquely difficult, the myth of the “gold-plated lesson,” and the difference between mission command and micromanagement. You’ll hear his take on complacency, the pitfalls of artificial readiness, and what leaders can do—right now—to reclaim white space, raise standards, and forge the kind of disciplined, lethal teams the future demands. This is a must-listen episode for anyone serious about servant leadership, readiness, and building winning teams. Support the Show & Stay Connected: 🎙️ Support this project on Supercast: Moments In Leadership Supercast 🌐 Visit the Moments in Leadership website: https://bit.ly/3SA2XHe 📷 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eO4kTi 📩 Email the show: themiloffice@gmail.com Resources:"Combat Doesn’t Care: How Ready Are You?" By 17th Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer

    1h 16m

  5. MAR 28

    SgtMaj David Wilson, USMC - Combat, Character, and Calling Out "Gold-Plated Lessons"

    In this episode, SgtMaj David Wilson, Command Senior Enlisted Leader of II MEF, shares hard-earned leadership lessons from over 30 years in the Marine Corps. From being meritoriously promoted through the ranks to leading Marines in the Battle of Fallujah, SgtMaj Wilson reflects on mentorship, emotional intelligence, and why some combat lessons shouldn't be “gold-plated.” A must-listen for any emerging leader. Support this project on Supercast: Moments In Leadership Supercast Visit the Moments in Leadership website:  Follow on Instagram:  Email: themiloffice@gmail.com

    1h 45m

  6. FEB 6

    Major General Bill Bowers, USMC - Leadership, Accountability, and Recruiting the Future of the Marine Corps

    In this episode, Major General Bill Bowers, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, shares powerful leadership lessons from his time as a young lieutenant to a two-star general, reflecting on mentorship, peer accountability, recruiting challenges, and the evolving responsibilities of military leadership. Welcome to the first Moments in Leadership episode of 2025! This episode marks four years of the podcast, and we’re honored to feature Major General Bill Bowers, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. A longtime friend of host David B. Armstrong, General Bowers reflects on his leadership journey, the critical role of mentorship, and how peer accountability shaped his career from his early days as a young lieutenant to his current role leading Marine Corps recruiting. In this engaging and insightful conversation, General Bowers and Dave discuss: The power of peer accountability and why young leaders need idealismLessons from early leadership mistakes and the importance of learning from failureHow mentorship from senior enlisted leaders can shape careersThe challenges of recruiting and retaining the right Marines in today’s environmentThe role of awards and recognition in motivating MarinesHow young officers can prepare for command and build lasting relationshipsGeneral Bowers also shares incredible stories from his time in the field, including a mess night surprise that changed a Marine’s future and how recruiting is more than just numbers—it’s about changing lives. Whether you’re a junior officer, an aspiring leader, or someone interested in the inner workings of Marine Corps leadership, this episode delivers practical leadership lessons, personal anecdotes, and deep insights from one of the Marine Corps’ top generals. Support the Show & Stay Connected: Support the project on Supercast: Moments In Leadership SupercastVisit the Moments in Leadership website: WebsiteFollow on Instagram: InstagramEmail: themiloffice@gmail.comIf you found value in this episode, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it only takes a few seconds and helps more listeners discover these important leadership lessons!

    2h 5m

  7. 12/27/2024

    Fleet Master Chief David Isom, USN - “Humans Are More Important Than Hardware"

    Welcome to another powerful episode of Moments in Leadership. In this episode, host Dave Armstrong delves deep into the experiences and insights of our distinguished guest, Fleet Master Chief Dave Isom. Join us as we explore the changing dynamics of leadership in the military, the culture of questioning among junior personnel, and the integral role mentorship plays in shaping great leaders. Fleet Isom shares his journey through the ranks, from his initial service in the regular Navy to his esteemed position in the Navy SEALs, highlighting the unique leadership challenges within SEAL teams. He reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from mentors and discusses the balance between formal authority and personal connection in effective leadership. We also uncover the importance of the Chief's Mess, the impact of diverse career experiences, and practical advice for junior officers and enlisted leaders. Fleet Isom opens up about his career decisions, the significance of taking care of team members, and the essential nature of planning for retirement. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on building a leadership culture that thrives on trust, learning from failure, and fostering a supportive network. Whether you're in the military or seeking leadership insights, Fleet Isom's experiences and advice will leave you inspired and equipped for your own leadership journey. Tune in as we honor the journey of a remarkable leader and explore the defining moments that shaped his career. Welcome to “Humans Are More Important Than Hardware"– let's dive in.

    1h 32m

  8. 11/17/2024

    SgtMaj Jesabel D Cuadro, USMC: “Leadership Isn't About Giving People Too Many Chances”

    SgtMaj Cuadro is my first female enlisted leader and was a recommendation from several other SgtMajs, so I knew this would be a good one.  And it is.    Support this project on Supercast: Moments In Leadership SupercastVisit the Moments in Leadership website:Follow on Instagram:Email: themiloffice@gmail.com

    1h 20m
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About

Moments in Leadership is a podcast where you will hear firsthand about the careers of senior military leaders as they share their own unique and individual experiences. Moments in Leadership will immerse you in real-life stories where you will learn about the challenging situations these accomplished leaders faced and discover the lessons they learned early in their careers that were the most influential to developing their overall leadership style.

Information

  • Creator
    David B. Armstrong
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 David B. Armstrong
  • Show Website
    Moments in Leadership

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