Teach Me to Fish "Helping Leaders better understand what drives People"

Matt Leclair

Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.    Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits.   Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off,  learning something new, being positive and surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.     Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.    I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teach_me_to_fish_podcast/

  1. #75 You Can’t do it Alone, Clarity is King, and Execution is the Key. A throwback episode of an archived conversation between two leaders doing their best.

    13H AGO

    #75 You Can’t do it Alone, Clarity is King, and Execution is the Key. A throwback episode of an archived conversation between two leaders doing their best.

    Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. Eavesdrop on one of the most fulfilling and conversational relationships between Trivius Caldwell and Matt Leclair. They served together as Squadron Commander and Operations officer during a challenging leadership time we remember as "COVID". “Matt Leclair trusted me to implement my creative approach toward leadership, and this conversation unlocks the secrets to interpersonal and authentic organizational leadership.” Experience the NoDaysOff philosophy and Small Victories approach of these two leaders, doing their best to get a little bit better every day.  This episode was recorded in June 2023 and originally produced for the Live Everything Podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-everything/id1683646195.   Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.  Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.    Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.  I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

    1h 22m
  2. #74 Built on Culture: What My First Two Years with West Point Volleyball Taught Me About Teamwork, Respect, and Leadership.

    APR 6

    #74 Built on Culture: What My First Two Years with West Point Volleyball Taught Me About Teamwork, Respect, and Leadership.

    Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. This episode of the Teach Me to Fish podcast features Matthew Leclair in conversation with members of the West Point Volleyball team. The discussion centers on the parallels between building culture in collegiate sports and leading teams within the U.S. Army. ### Key Themes and Insights: •Transitioning to Leadership: The cadets discuss the evolution from being a plebe (freshman), who is mostly responsible for themselves, to assuming leadership roles as they advance (7:40 - 8:14). They emphasize that even at the squad level, having purpose and accountability for others is a crucial developmental step. •Teamwork and Culture: The players describe the importance of being "all in" for the team, balancing the serious nature of military training with the fun of competitive sports (0:05 - 0:45). They highlight the value of mutual respect, honesty, and accountability (0:31 - 0:45). •Mentorship and Role Models: The guests identify mentors like Colonel Schnack and former teammates like Mac Lynch as instrumental in their growth (2:28 - 3:00, 35:00 - 36:00). These figures serve as examples of how to be steady, grounding leaders who can solve problems effectively without being overly negative. •Operational Mentality: The team discusses the adjustment to high-intensity training schedules, noting that the ability to be "ready to go" at a moment's notice—regardless of fatigue—is a trait that bridges the gap between the volleyball court and the battlefield (31:53 - 33:28). ### Advice for Future Cadets: •Embrace the Learning Curve: The cadets advise incoming students not to be stressed about not knowing everything when they arrive at Beast (basic training). They suggest viewing it as a fresh start where everyone is learning new things together (2:03 - 2:28). •Take it One Step at a Time: A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the importance of focus. Whether in the army or in sports, they recommend focusing on the immediate goal—one meal, one day, or one practice at a time—to manage long-term stress (3:02 - 3:09, 110:52 - 111:28). The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of stacking positive habits and small victories to build a foundation for long-term success, both as individuals and as leaders (112:43 - 113:01). Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.  Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.    Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.  I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

    1h 15m
  3. #73 Culture IS Combat Power, The Quiet Strength of Leaders who build Trust in the ranks. A conversation w/ Mike Kim @the_michaelkim

    MAR 23

    #73 Culture IS Combat Power, The Quiet Strength of Leaders who build Trust in the ranks. A conversation w/ Mike Kim @the_michaelkim

    Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. This episode of Teach Me to Fish features Major Michael Kim, a U.S. Army Foreign Area Officer, discussing how culture and trust serve as the foundation of combat power. Through his experiences as an Infantry Officer and later in specialized roles, Major Kim shares insights on leadership, teamwork, and the importance of servant leadership. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation: •⁠  ⁠The Power of Informal Leadership: (1:52) Major Kim emphasizes how infectious a leader's attitude can be within a formation and the necessity of wielding that influence carefully to build trust and loyalty to commanders. •⁠  ⁠Teamwork as a Force Multiplier: (2:52) High-performing teams are built when individuals prioritize the success of the group over personal achievements. Major Kim shares anecdotes about peers who went above and beyond for their teammates. •⁠  ⁠Vulnerability in Leadership: (10:18) The discussion highlights that authentic leadership involves opening up about struggles, failures, and difficult transitions (such as moving from the infantry to a new role) to foster genuine connections. •⁠  ⁠Building a Winning Culture: (1:02:57) Major Kim describes his time commanding Tiger Company, emphasizing the need to channel existing positive energy into a focused, high-performing unit. •⁠  ⁠Empowering Lower Echelons: (1:16:11) To build genuine readiness, leaders must empower squad leaders and team leaders to take ownership of training, rather than running everything from a higher level. MAJ Kim is a U.S. Army Foreign Area Officer serving at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan. MAJ Kim is conducting In-Region Training where he is building regional expertise in military, political, economic, and cultural dynamics throughout the United States Central Command area of responsibility. He supports CENTCOM operational objectives by participating in joint and international military exercises, coordinating senior leader visits, assisting DAO activities as required, and representing DoD equities in a U.S. Embassy environment. Michael was born and raised in Katy, Texas. He joined the Army in May 2014 after graduating from the United States Military Academy as an Infantry Officer, where he received degrees in both Economics and Operations Research. His first assignment was 4th Brigade 25th Infantry Division (Airborne), where he held a variety of positions: Dismounted PL, Heavy Weapons PL, Reconnaissance PL, HHC XO, and Assistant S3. During this time, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.  Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.    Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.  I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

    1h 58m
  4. #72 What are we gonna do when we grow up? Until then, always be surrounding ourselves with phenomenal People. A conversation with Donnie Castelow @RipWheeler and John Howell @ServantofLeaders

    FEB 3

    #72 What are we gonna do when we grow up? Until then, always be surrounding ourselves with phenomenal People. A conversation with Donnie Castelow @RipWheeler and John Howell @ServantofLeaders

    Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. This conversation is with MSG Don Castelow from Jackson State University ROTC and MAJ John Howell from Cadet Command & ROTC.  If you have not already, check out  #40 Be a collector of good People & find your tribe. w/ Don Castelow https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-me-to-fish-helping-leaders-better-understand/id1718637439?i=1000673761269 #54 Always be selling. w/ Jophn Howell https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teach-me-to-fish-helping-leaders-better-understand/id1718637439?i=1000709150323 Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.  Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.    Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.  I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

    1h 13m
  5. #71 You know what right and wrong looks like. Social media’s place in helping leaders better understand what’s driving People. A conversation with @Dankmemesfordragonteens

    JAN 27

    #71 You know what right and wrong looks like. Social media’s place in helping leaders better understand what’s driving People. A conversation with @Dankmemesfordragonteens

    Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. Key discussion points include: •Multifaceted Communication Approach (0:08): The speaker emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to communication within the military, including an online presence to be more reachable and approachable. •Trusting Soldiers' Discretion (0:34): Q highlights that soldiers are smart enough to discern good and bad actors, and that bad actors will expose themselves while good ones will shine. •Social Media as a Data Point (1:33): Social media and meme pages can provide valuable insights into a unit's culture and climate, serving as a more honest gauge of morale than formal surveys. •Purpose of Dank Memes (6:55): Q explains that the Dank Memes page aims to raise morale, highlight both positive and negative aspects within the military, and act as a sounding board for the general consensus of the rank and file. •Addressing Military Influencers (11:50): Q expresses disagreement with military personnel monetizing their uniform or service to build a personal brand. •Motivation for Joining the Army (13:42): Q shares that the 9/11 attacks significantly influenced his decision to join the army, wanting to serve his country from a young age. •Impact of Early Army Experience (17:46): His early years in the 82nd Airborne Division, despite being rough at times, molded him and taught him about both good and bad leadership. •Social Media for Problem Solving (32:50): Q discusses how the Dank Memes page has directly led to positive outcomes, such as addressing toxic leadership and resolving administrative issues for soldiers, often by cutting through bureaucracy. •Accountability and Social Media (36:46): The discussion touches upon whether social media deters leaders from holding subordinates accountable due to fear of negative exposure, and how genuine good leadership tends to be defended by the community.  Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.  Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.    Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.  I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

    1h 9m
  6. #70 Pull as you climb. Great leaders know their purpose in life and help others find theirs.  A conversation w/ Ron Clark.

    JAN 16

    #70 Pull as you climb. Great leaders know their purpose in life and help others find theirs. A conversation w/ Ron Clark.

    Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. What is your purpose in life? When you know what it is, your life and profession can go to new levels of fulfillment. If you have not found it yet, imagine if you did know, and how good your life could be. Today’s episode is with General Ron Clark. He is currently the commander of United States Army Pacific, but forever a proud son, husband, dad, grandfather, longtime friend, and mentor to many of us.  We hope you enjoy today’s conversation with Ron Clark.  Key takeaways from the conversation include: •Pillars of Leader Development: General Clark outlines three pillars: education, training, and experience, all built on a bedrock of character (0:20-0:38). Training prepares for known problems, education for unknown or unknowable ones, and experience is gained along the way. •Priorities in Leadership: He emphasizes people, partnerships, and prevailing (0:55-0:57). The Army is a people-centric service, valuing human interaction and building trust through relationships with partners and allies, especially in the Indo-Pacific region (1:03-2:05). •Finding Your Purpose: The discussion highlights the significance of knowing your purpose in life and how it can lead to fulfillment (3:49-4:17). General Clark shares that his purpose has always been to be of service to others, which led him to join and stay in the army (4:35-4:43). •Leading with Gratitude and Empathy: General Clark shares an impactful anecdote about always starting communications with "thanks" (5:26), which fosters a calm environment and encourages subordinates to report openly (6:55-7:27). He emphasizes that a leader's challenges are also his own, and his primary goal is to help solve problems rather than judge (7:55-8:37). •Paying it Forward: The video showcases how good leadership and investment in people create a ripple effect, with mentored officers continuing to invest in others and collaborate to solve problems (11:10-12:50). •Importance of Character: Character is defined as the decisions made when no one is watching, choosing the "harder right over the easier wrong" (29:17-29:29). It involves caring, empathy, and being true to your values, even in challenging situations (28:56-29:10, 31:19-31:24). •Learning from Failures: General Clark discusses how he learned from a boss who seemed uninvested, realizing he should have been a better subordinate by communicating directly and understanding the boss's intent (34:14-36:18). He stresses the importance of two-way communication and active listening for effective leadership (38:11-40:01). Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.  Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.    Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.  I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

    1h 32m
  7. Lead well today. Morning inspiration to lock in as a leader for your team. Your leader development model starts with developing yourself. Go First, Demonstrate it, Do it right. #NoDaysOff

    JAN 8

    Lead well today. Morning inspiration to lock in as a leader for your team. Your leader development model starts with developing yourself. Go First, Demonstrate it, Do it right. #NoDaysOff

    Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. This episode provides inspiration and guidance for leaders, emphasizing that leadership is a choice and a continuous process of development. Key takeaways from the video include: •Leadership is Chosen, Not Born (0:04-0:16): The video highlights that individuals choose to be leaders, and their leadership is recognized by those around them, not self-proclaimed. •The Michelangelo Effect (0:41-1:05): True leaders are like Michelangelo, who could see the potential within a block of marble. Similarly, leaders should be able to see and cultivate the "spark" and potential in the people they lead. •Paying it Forward (1:21-1:45): The speaker shares a personal story of being a college dropout who was given a chance to succeed. This underscores the importance of giving opportunities to others and "paying it forward" by talking to and helping those in your organization, even prioritizing their growth over personal promotions. •Importance of Culture (3:00-3:12, 6:08-6:21, 9:34-9:47): The most significant impact leaders have on an organization is establishing a positive culture. A strong culture can help overcome challenges like manning problems, equipment issues, and crammed schedules. •Leader Development is Crucial (4:29-4:32): Nations that invest heavily in leader development are the ones that perform best during inter-war periods and when new conflicts arise. •Transferable Skills (5:07-5:29, 5:44-6:02): The skills learned as a leader, particularly in an organization like the Army, are highly transferable and valuable not only for military success but also for future civilian careers and personal life. These skills include problem-solving, teamwork, and pitching ideas. •Focus on People and Fun (7:13-7:15, 8:56-9:01): Leaders should focus on taking care of their people and not get overwhelmed by numerous tasks. It's crucial to prioritize well-being and remember to have fun in the profession, as it's a gift. •Upholding History and Legacy (9:57-10:22): Leaders are encouraged to remember the history of those who came before them and to uphold the foundation and accomplishments laid by past warfighters. •Going to Bat for Your Guys (11:43-11:50): A key quality of a good leader is being willing to advocate for their team, as this builds loyalty and ensures mutual support. •Continuous Improvement through Habits (10:48-11:06): Progress comes from small victories and stacking positive habits, such as getting up early, working hard, learning new things, being positive, and surrounding oneself with phenomena Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.  Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.    Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.  I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

    13 min
  8. #68 Be Dependable – Do what you say you going to do. A conversation with Adisa "AK" King & Michael Olivas, about what makes their organization so special and how to inspire People to create this feeling for themselves and their teams..

    12/26/2025

    #68 Be Dependable – Do what you say you going to do. A conversation with Adisa "AK" King & Michael Olivas, about what makes their organization so special and how to inspire People to create this feeling for themselves and their teams..

    Let us know what you are think about this episode here. 💬 Text here. This conversation features Colonel Adisa "AK" King and Command Sergeant Major Michael Olivas of the Bronco Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, discussing the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) exercise 26-01 and their ongoing efforts in leader development and force validation. Key takeaways from the discussion include: Purpose of Forged in the Pacific and JPMRC The platform aims to inspire leaders and reinvigorate the warrior ethos by bringing together warfighting professionals to strengthen the Army's profession and partnerships (1:42-1:57). JPMRC, as the Army's newest regional combat training center in the Pacific, supports the theater campaign plan by building readiness, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing partner capacity (1:58-2:13). Its ultimate purpose is leader development and validating formations and new equipment (2:20-2:52).JPMRC 26-01 Exercise Overview The recent exercise involved over 8,200 participants (potentially up to 20,000) from eight different nations (4:40-5:05). It took place across three islands (Oahu, Hawaii, Wake Island) and involved validating various battalions, 64 different types of technology, and significant drone operations (4:00-4:39). Key game-changers identified from the exercise were mobility, the shortening of the kill chain, proven leadership, and maintaining tempo (5:18-5:39).Special Aspects of the Bronco Brigade Colonel King highlights the brigade's strong history of warfighters and the commitment to uphold that legacy, emphasizing the importance of remembering "who you are and whose you are" (6:20-6:59). Command Sergeant Major Olivas points to the sincerity and transparency with which leaders approach problems, fostering an environment where soldiers feel problems get solved (7:58-8:52). The brigade also has a strong following, with former members wanting to return and current members desiring to stay due to the positive culture established by its leaders (9:00-9:40).Preparation for JPMRC The brigade's preparation focused on a simple framework: can they deploy, do reconnaissance, fight, and sustain (13:04-13:31)? This framework is broken down into people, equipment, training, and sustaining (13:40-13:53). Sustainment specifically includes medical, maintenance, and money (14:47-14:56). Watch this full episode on Youtube at Forged in the Pacific -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuUw1nU6I30 Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.  Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People to serve. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit here is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits. Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off, learning something new, Being positive and Surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.    Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.  I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Instagram Link - https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ALde1yH5v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553842772462

    1h 18m
4.9
out of 5
58 Ratings

About

Why Teach Me to Fish?  Catch someone a fish, feed them for a day.  Teach them to fish, feed their family for life.    Our purpose is to help Leaders better understand what drives People. In any organization, the core of recruiting and retaining talent revolves around leadership. And not just average leadership, but motivated, values-based, inspirational leadership.     Our Pursuit is to get a little bit better every day.  Progress = Small Victories and stacking habits.   Habits like Getting up early, working your butt off,  learning something new, being positive and surrounding yourself with phenomenal People.     Thanks for investing some time for yourself and thinking about the kind of People and experiences in your life that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.    I hope these conversations spark some ideas on what you can do to inspire People too. Link to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teach_me_to_fish_podcast/

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