The Tactical Leader Zack A. Knight

How can stoicism and learning from adversity help first responders and law enforcement officers build resilience in their personal and professional lives?
In episode 446, host Zack Knight interviews Kristofor Healey, a former DHS special agent, speaker, author, and podcast host. Kristofor shares his journey from aspiring archaeologist to federal law enforcement officer in the wake of 9/11, and how his experiences on the Southwest border and in investigating large-scale fraud cases shaped his perspective on resilience and stoicism. In this conversation, Kristofor also shares his passion for teaching and mentoring others, as well as his new book, "In Valor: 365 Stoic Meditations for First Responders," which aims to provide a practical guide for law enforcement officers to develop a resilient mindset. 

[00:00 - 08:26] The Journey to Law Enforcement
Introduction to Kristofor Healey Kristofor's post-9/11 desire to serve drove his career changeWorked on complex federal investigations for 15 yearsSouthwest border experiences shaped his views on resilience and stoicism

[08:27 - 14:35] Life on the Southwest Border
Worked during Gulf cartel chaos and civil warInvestigated corrupt law enforcement officersHigh-stakes work required tactical awareness and skilled targets

[14:36 - 17:32] Balancing Work and Relationships
Experience in marriages while on duty Advice to find points in common with your significant other Success requires recognizing strengths, weaknesses, and following when necessary

[17:33 - 22:22] Developing a Stoic Mindset
Discovered stoic philosophers during challenging timesStoicism focuses on controlling attitude, effort, actions, and reactionsStoicism helped navigate the transition from law enforcement to entrepreneurship

[22:23 - 27:32] Daily Practices and Balancing Life with a Significant Other
Law enforcement authority can carry over into personal relationshipsHealthy relationships require recognizing limitations and following the partner's leadChecking authoritative communication patterns is an ongoing practice

[27:33 - 30:10] Public Speaking and Sharing Lessons Learned
Speaks about turning obstacles into opportunities and using adversity as a giftDraws on law enforcement and endurance racing stories to encourage resilienceBelieves sharing lessons from global conflict benefits law enforcement and the general population

[30:11 - 33:44] Legacy and Supporting the Next Generation
Law enforcement faces unique challenges: PTSD, staffing shortages, confidence crisisExperienced officers should share stories to help others navigate challengesLegacy means helping others climb up, not closing the door behind oneself

Key Quotes:

"What you control is your attitude, your effort, your actions and your reactions. If you can control those things and focus inward on those things, the outcomes take care of themselves." - Kristofor Healey

"You don't turn around and close the door behind you. You put a ladder behind you so that people can climb up behind you." - Kristofor Healey

Connect with Kristofor: 
Podcast: The Stoic Responder 
Website: https://www.kristoforhealey.com/

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What are the three key mistakes entrepreneurs make when it comes to their wealth, and how can they be avoided?
In episode 445, host Zack Knight interviews Cannon Carr, a wealth management strategist, CEO, and business owner of Corner Cap Wealth Advisors. Carr shares his expertise on building resilient teams, fostering a positive company culture, and the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when managing their wealth. The conversation dives into the importance of planning for the future, maintaining liquidity, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Carr also emphasizes the significance of small businesses in driving economic growth and innovation. Throughout the episode, Zack draws parallels between the experiences of veterans transitioning to civilian life and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
[00:00 - 09:57] Starting a Business and the Entrepreneur Journey 
Cannon Carr’s Introduction and early steps in the entrepreneurial world How does stability work in entrepreneurship?Cannon’s company nowadays

[09:58 - 15:04] Building Resilience in a Team
Focus on building a team that can make decisions independentlyHire people based on shared values and cultureEncourage honest communication and vulnerability within the team

[15:05 - 21:19] Ego and Loyalty in Business and The Military
Recognize that ego can create unnecessary conflict and distractionUnderstand that loyalty is a double-edged sword; sometimes, you need to let go of team members who have outgrown their rolesStrive for a balance between personal life and professional obligations

[21:20 - 35:27] The 3 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make with Their Wealth
Not planning for an exit strategyLack of liquidity to navigate through disruptionsFailing to maintain independence from the business

[35:28 - 41:39] The Importance of Giving Back and Building Trust
Inspire others by giving forward and sharing knowledgeAcknowledge that success is not achieved alone; be willing to help othersFoster trust within your team and in your relationships

Key quotes: 

 "Culture means you set the values about how your company or your business makes decisions." - Cannon Carr

"There's no way I would be where I am now without the help of others, right? So you have to share, and it's a joy to do that." - Cannon Carr

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The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn,a href="https://www.instagram.com/beatacticalleader/"...

How can the skills and leadership style developed in the military translate to success as an entrepreneur?
In episode 444, we had a speaker series with Dave Young, a retired National Guard officer turned entrepreneur. Dave shares his journey from a 20-year military career to starting his own wealth management firm, Command Wealth Management. He shares the challenges of transitioning from a structured military environment to the world of entrepreneurship and the importance of finding one's passion and applying the skills learned in the military to build a successful business. Dave emphasizes the value of being process-driven, managing expectations, and prioritizing tasks to achieve productivity. He also shares insights on the significance of community involvement and the power of persistence in acquiring clients. Throughout the conversation, Dave offers advice for those considering entrepreneurship, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

[00:00 - 06:27] From Infantry to Entrepreneur
Dave's 20-year career in the National Guard, serving in various roles including infantry, cavalry, and airborne unitsThe decision to retire and transition to entrepreneurshipThe importance of family support during the transition

[06:28 - 09:06] Translating Military Skills to Entrepreneurship
How the skills learned in the military, such as operations planning and team management, can be applied to entrepreneurshipThe significance of finding one's passion and applying military-acquired skills to build a businessThe value of being process-driven and managing expectations in entrepreneurship

[09:07 - 13:39] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Fear in Transitions
Dealing with the lack of confidence and fear when transitioning from a structured military environment to entrepreneurshipThe importance of persistence and not giving up in the face of challengesAdvice for managing expenses and focusing on one's strengths when starting a business

[13:40 - 19:07] Leadership Lessons: From the Military to Business Ownership
The differences in leadership style between the military and entrepreneurshipManaging a business with a spouse and the potential for scalingThe significance of community involvement in acquiring clients and growing a business

[19:08 - 31:25] Productivity Hacks: Time Blocking and Managing Expectations
The importance of time blocking and prioritizing tasks to achieve productivityManaging expectations, both up and down, in entrepreneurship and corporate settingsThe pitfalls of relying on to-do lists and the benefits of focusing on the most important tasks each day

Key quotes:

"Leadership is just inspiring someone to do something to complete a common goal." - Dave Young

"Persistence pays off." - Dave Young

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The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to a href="http://atlvets.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

How can fiction help us avoid catastrophic futures and shape a better world for generations to come?
In episode 443, Admiral James Stavridis shares insights from his latest novel, "2054," the second installment in a cautionary fiction trilogy. He shares the potential impact of artificial intelligence on society and the military, the need for sovereign states to control this powerful technology, and the importance of bridging political divides to address the challenges facing our nation. Through his writing, Admiral Stavridis aims to inspire readers to imagine dangerous futures and work towards reverse-engineering them to avoid potential catastrophes.

[00:00 - 12:30] The Power of Cautionary Fiction
Introduction of the Moderator Rickey BevingtonIntroduction of Admiral James StavridisAdmiral Stavridis explains his motivation for writing cautionary fiction novels

[12:31 - 23:21] The Purpose of the Trilogy
The trilogy explores the challenges of the 21st century, including war, AI, and climate changeDifference between predictive fiction and cautionary fictionWhy use fiction to deliver this message?

[23:22 - 27:58] The Singularity and the Future of AI
The concept of the singularity, where biology merges with technology, is introducedAI has the potential to be both enormously beneficial and malevolentThe novel explores the implications of AI and the race between nations to control it

[27:59 - 00:35:45] The Future of Geopolitical Power and AI Control
Non-state actors, such as big tech and criminal enterprises, are now in the sandbox with governmentsThe importance of controlling AI early The U.S. is in a foot race with China regarding AI

[35:46 - 42:12] The Need for a Cyber Force
The importance of creating a dedicated cyber force within the U.S. militaryThe military faces challenges in recruiting due to competition with the civilian economyDespite the difficulties, young men and women will continue to serve their country

[42:13 - 48:43] Finding Hope in a Divided Nation
The U.S. will find its way out of the current political divisionsHe emphasizes the importance of listening to the other side and engaging in civil conversationsThe path forward lies in finding candidates who are willing to reach across the aisle and generate compromiseThe third book in the trilogy, "2084," explores the effects of climate change on geopolitics
Key quotes: 

"Like all new technologies, AI can be of enormous benefit and it can be enormously malevolent." - Admiral James Stavridis

"The path is not in surrendering your positions on policies. It's about listening to the other side." - Admiral James Stavridis

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The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get...

How can we navigate the complex geopolitical challenges of our time, and what role do key players like Ukraine, China, and India play in shaping the future of global security and democracy?
In episode 442, Admiral James Stavridis shares his insights on the current state of global affairs and the critical challenges facing our world today. Drawing from his extensive military experience and strategic acumen, Admiral Stavridis dives into the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the rising tensions with China, and the tragic situation in the Middle East. He emphasizes the importance of supporting Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression, while also highlighting the need for a balanced approach in dealing with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Throughout this episode, Admiral Stavridis underscores the significance of alliances, diplomacy, and the role of emerging powers like India in shaping the future of global security and democracy.
[00:00 - 07:47] The Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Biography of Admiral Jim StavridisThe importance of supporting Ukraine The potential consequences of a Russian victory The cost-effectiveness of arming Ukraine compared to the U.S. defense budget

[07:48 - 08:50] Countering China's Growing Influence
The necessity of maintaining a robust U.S. defense budget to match China's increasing spendingThe idea for creating an alliance structure in Asia to stand against Chinese aggressionThe potential benefits of a new alliance system in the region

[08:51 - 16:20] The Middle East Crisis
The context of Israel's response to the October 7th terrorist attack by HamasThe situation of Gazan civilians and the need for humanitarian assistanceThe U.S. role in supporting Israel while encouraging them to care for the civilian population

[16:21 - 24:03] Turkey's Geopolitical Importance
Admiral Stavridis shares his family's history and connection to TurkeyThe critical role of Turkey in the NATO alliance despite current challengesThe importance of remembering the past but not being imprisoned by it

[24:04 - 28:21] India's Emergence as a Global Power 
India's growing influence and advantage due to its large population, innovation, and geographyThe challenges India faces, such as corruption, nationalism, and social issuesThe potential for India to emerge as a positive force in the global south and its importance for team democracy

Key Quotes:

"The degree to which team democracy pulls that global south here is the degree to which we can hope for the right outcomes." - Admiral James Stavridis


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LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at a href="http://zackaknight.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

How can we use the benefits of artificial intelligence while minimizing its dangers in a time of swift technological progress?
In episode 441, Admiral James Stavridis shares his books, "2034" and "2054," which explore the potential consequences of a war between the U.S. and China and the rise of artificial intelligence. Admiral Stavridis emphasizes the importance of examining these challenges while there is still time to address them. He explores the concept of singularity, the merger between human biology and technology, and its implications for the future. The discussion also covers the military applications of AI, the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-enabled operations, and the need for strategic planning in democracies. Admiral Stavridis remains optimistic about America's future but warns against the dangers of isolationism.

[00:00 - 06:24]  Exploring the Consequences of War and AI
Stavridis' books, "2034" and "2054," challenge readers to consider the consequences of U.S.-China war and pervasive AI.The books encourage addressing these challenges while there's still time to reverse engineer them.The singularity: the merger of human biology and technology.

[06:25 - 12:16] The Singularity and Remote Gene Editing
What is The Singularity about?How remote gene editing could allow nations to conduct targeted operations.Implications of having access to this technology.

[12:17 - 17:19] The Military Applications of Artificial Intelligence
AI can be used in the military for maintenance, logistics, tactical advice, and strategic advice.AI could provide valuable tactical advice to soldiers.AI could offer strategic advice to military leaders, synthesizing information about countries and their military capacities.

[17:20 - 24:58] The Ethical Dilemmas of AI-Enabled Operations
Is having a human in the loop always the best approach?How can AI help military operations?Where are we at in military operations?

[24:59 - 37:06] The Importance of Strategic Planning and American Engagement in the World
Why long-term strategic planning due to changing administrations and political preferences is important. Bipartisan efforts are needed to create national strategies for challenges.Stavridis is optimistic about America's future, citing its advantages and warning against isolationism.

Key Quotes:

"Don't ever bet against this country." - Admiral James Stavridis

"If the United States simply walks away from the world, the jungle will grow back." - Admiral James Stavridis

Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show?

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with...