MG Mike Milano: From the Battlefield to the Boardroom In the Arena of Success!

Summary:

In this episode, Henry Biemann interviews retired Major General Mike Milano, exploring his dynamic career from commanding troops in combat to senior leadership roles at Target Corporation and beyond. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership, the role of non-commissioned officers, and lessons learned from the military applicable to civilian careers. Milano shares personal stories and insights on leadership, adaptability, and the power of feedback.

Keywords:

Leadership

Military Transition

Vulnerability

Feedback

Culture

Career

Adaptability

Non-Commissioned Officers



Corporate Leadership

Personal Growth

Mentorship

Resilience



Takeaways:

Vulnerability as a Strength: Embrace vulnerability as a core leadership trait, enabling authenticity and growth.

Feedback Culture: Foster a culture of continuous feedback to improve both personal and organizational performance.

Adaptability: Learn to thrive in unfamiliar situations by relying on your team's expertise and being open to learning.

Mentorship and Sponsorship: The importance of mentors and sponsors who believe in you and guide your career trajectory.

Leadership by Example: Lead by example in all tasks, no matter how small, to set a positive tone for your team.

Mission-First Mentality: Prioritize mission accomplishment while caring for your team's well-being.

Soundbites:

"Vulnerability is the basis of nearly every positive leadership skill we can think about."

"In the military, it's always the mission that comes first. Your job as a leader is to accomplish the mission while doing everything you can to prevent loss of life or limb."

"Surround yourself with people who have superior skills, knowledge, and abilities. That's how you grow as a leader."

"A leader's job is to set the tone. If you're positive and proactive, your team will follow suit."

Chapters:

Introduction (00:00-00:34)

Lightning Round Questions (00:35-05:32)

Discussion on Vulnerable Leadership (05:33-08:39)

Inspirational Figures (08:40-12:25)

Best Advice Received (12:26-14:25)

Early Career and Mentorship (14:26-19:24)

Challenges and Adaptability (19:25-22:15)

Army to Corporate Transition (22:16-28:40)

Leadership Philosophy (28:41-33:57)

Developing People Skills (33:58-39:59)

Building Positive Culture (40:00-42:26)

Advice for Future Leaders (42:27-51:50)

Final Thoughts and Farewell (51:51-53:48)



Links:

Mike Milano's Book: https://a.co/d/gd66jgNMilano Leadership Services: MilanoLeadershipServices.com

Henry's website: henrybiemann.com