He Was in the Pentagon on 9/11 | The Truth About Real Leadership Feat. Vice Admiral James Crawford

You were in the building in the Pentagon You were in the building in the Pentagon when it got hit. when it got hit. when it got hit. >> Yes, sir. I'm in the office and I'm >> Yes, sir. I'm in the office and I'm >> Yes, sir. I'm in the office and I'm looking at the television where the looking at the television where the looking at the television where the planes have just hit the towers. Turned planes have just hit the towers. Turned planes have just hit the towers. Turned it off and I started looking at thing it off and I started looking at thing it off and I started looking at thing the books on my shelf. I said, "This is the books on my shelf. I said, "This is the books on my shelf. I said, "This is going to get hot fast. What do I need?" going to get hot fast. What do I need?" going to get hot fast. What do I need?" And the army sergeant came and said, And the army sergeant came and said, And the army sergeant came and said, "Did you feel that? What are you talking "Did you feel that? What are you talking "Did you feel that? What are you talking about?" I said, "Something just about?" I said, "Something just about?" I said, "Something just happened. I'm going to go and see." And happened. I'm going to go and see." And happened. I'm going to go and see." And so, as soon as he opened the door, all so, as soon as he opened the door, all so, as soon as he opened the door, all the alarms in the building went off. The the alarms in the building went off. The the alarms in the building went off. The plane had hit the building. What I saw plane had hit the building. What I saw plane had hit the building. What I saw that day that day that day was remarkable. was remarkable. was remarkable. I saw people in times of challenge you I saw people in times of challenge you I saw people in times of challenge you become who you are truly become who you are truly become who you are truly >> revert to your training. >> revert to your training. >> revert to your training. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And those women and men were remarkable. >> And those women and men were remarkable. >> And those women and men were remarkable. Being in the Pentagon that day is the Being in the Pentagon that day is the Being in the Pentagon that day is the thing that I am so thankful that I was thing that I am so thankful that I was thing that I am so thankful that I was able to be there because I was where my able to be there because I was where my able to be there because I was where my country needed me to be to serve at that country needed me to be to serve at that country needed me to be to serve at that moment moment moment >> with those incredible incredible women >> with those incredible incredible women >> with those incredible incredible women and men that I was in there with. So, hey guys, I got something I'm really So, hey guys, I got something I'm really excited about I want to share with you excited about I want to share with you excited about I want to share with you and it involves my birthday. So, here's and it involves my birthday. So, here's and it involves my birthday. So, here's the deal. Every year, I do a one-day the deal. Every year, I do a one-day the deal. Every year, I do a one-day event in my home. Only do it once a event in my home. Only do it once a event in my home. Only do it once a year. And it's an event where I teach year. And it's an event where I teach year. And it's an event where I teach all of my visualization techniques, my all of my visualization techniques, my all of my visualization techniques, my cognitive rehearsals that I teach my cognitive rehearsals that I teach my cognitive rehearsals that I teach my one-on-one clients that pay me six and one-on-one clients that pay me six and one-on-one clients that pay me six and seven figures. I do in my living room seven figures. I do in my living room seven figures. I do in my living room with you. And it's a very small group. with you. And it's a very small group. with you. And it's a very small group. You get a chance to go through how I do You get a chance to go through how I do You get a chance to go through how I do all my planning, my strategy, my all my planning, my strategy, my all my planning, my strategy, my rehearsals, all my techniques, plus rehearsals, all my techniques, plus rehearsals, all my techniques, plus spend the day with me and ask me spend the day with me and ask me spend the day with me and ask me questions and meet a bunch of other questions and meet a bunch of other questions and meet a bunch of other great people as well. I did it and it great people as well. I did it and it great people as well. I did it and it sold out. Then we offered a second day, sold out. Then we offered a second day, sold out. Then we offered a second day, it sold out. Third day, it sold out. it sold out. Third day, it sold out. it sold out. Third day, it sold out. Fourth day, it sold out. then I couldn't Fourth day, it sold out. then I couldn't Fourth day, it sold out. then I couldn't do anymore. And so there's been a lot of do anymore. And so there's been a lot of do anymore. And so there's been a lot of demand to do it. And so I've got one day demand to do it. And so I've got one day demand to do it. And so I've got one day free in the next four months, which is free in the next four months, which is free in the next four months, which is my birthday. And so I'm going to host my birthday. And so I'm going to host my birthday. And so I'm going to host that event in my house. So if you want that event in my house. So if you want that event in my house. So if you want to join me, 15 to 18 people in my living to join me, 15 to 18 people in my living to join me, 15 to 18 people in my living room for an entire day. It's not cheap. room for an entire day. It's not cheap. room for an entire day. It's not cheap. That's why I have free content here. But That's why I have free content here. But That's why I have free content here. But if you've got the means to do it, I'd if you've got the means to do it, I'd if you've got the means to do it, I'd love to spend the day with you. Go to love to spend the day with you. Go to love to spend the day with you. Go to max out2026.com max out2026.com max out2026.com to get all the info. All right. Welcome to get all the info. All right. Welcome to get all the info. All right. Welcome back to the show, everybody. So you back to the show, everybody. So you back to the show, everybody. So you know, this year you're going to see some know, this year you're going to see some know, this year you're going to see some enhancements to the show that I'm really enhancements to the show that I'm really enhancements to the show that I'm really excited about. One of those things excited about. One of those things excited about. One of those things you're going to see is we're going to you're going to see is we're going to you're going to see is we're going to add additional content to the channel, add additional content to the channel, add additional content to the channel, meaning you're going to see a few other meaning you're going to see a few other meaning you're going to see a few other hosts on the show that have been friends hosts on the show that have been friends hosts on the show that have been friends of mine for a long time and that I think of mine for a long time and that I think of mine for a long time and that I think will bring things to the table will bring things to the table will bring things to the table potentially that I can't. And so, you're potentially that I can't. And so, you're potentially that I can't. And so, you're going to get extra stuff this year on going to get extra stuff this year on going to get extra stuff this year on the show. And I know a lot of you have the show. And I know a lot of you have the show. And I know a lot of you have been excited about that. And so, I'm been excited about that. And so, I'm been excited about that. And so, I'm officially announcing that today. And officially announcing that today. And officially announcing that today. And for one of the shows that he did this for one of the shows that he did this for one of the shows that he did this year, I wanted to do something where we year, I wanted to do something where we year, I wanted to do something where we talked about leadership, but that's sort talked about leadership, but that's sort talked about leadership, but that's sort of a topic that gets beaten up an awful of a topic that gets beaten up an awful of a topic that gets beaten up an awful lot, particularly in the social media lot, particularly in the social media lot, particularly in the social media age. So today's not about the type of age. So today's not about the type of age. So today's not about the type of leadership you see on Instagram where it leadership you see on Instagram where it leadership you see on Instagram where it leads to a Lamborghini or a Ferrari or leads to a Lamborghini or a Ferrari or leads to a Lamborghini or a Ferrari or some you know big house you own but the some you know big house you own but the some you know big house you own but the type of leadership that really matters type of leadership that really matters type of leadership that really matters which is servant leadership. And I want which is servant leadership. And I want which is servant leadership. And I want to talk about leadership in the context to talk about leadership in the context to talk about leadership in the context of valor and service dedication to a of valor and service dedication to a of valor and service dedication to a mission greater than yourself. And so I mission greater than yourself. And so I mission greater than yourself. And so I asked a good friend of mine Michael asked a good friend of mine Michael asked a good friend of mine Michael Savage who's to my left. And I know a Savage who's to my left. And I know a Savage who's to my left. And I know a lot of you when you hear that name lot of you when you hear that name lot of you when you hear that name you're thinking of some political host you're thinking of some political host you're thinking of some political host on the radio. This is not that Michael on the radio. This is not that Michael on the radio. This is not that Michael Savage. This is a different Michael Savage. This is a different Michael Savage. This is a different Michael Savage. This Michael Savage has been Savage. This Michael Savage has been Savage. This Michael Savage has been involved with Tony Robbins for the last involved with Tony Robbins for the last involved with Tony Robbins for the last 20 years. Yes. Working side by side with 20 years. Yes. Working side by side with 20 years. Yes. Working side by side with Tony. He's one of the great minds in Tony. He's one of the great minds in Tony. He's one of the great minds in personal development and leadership. And personal development and leadership. And personal development and leadership. And when I told Michael, I want to do an when I told Michael, I want to do an when I told Michael, I want to do an early show this year on leadership, early show this year on leadership, early show this year on leadership, valor, dedication to serving other valor, dedication to serving other valor, dedication to serving other people. He said, "I have the gentleman people. He said, "I have the gentleman people. He said, "I have the gentleman for that." So, Michael, I wanted to for that." So, Michael, I wanted to for that." So, Michael, I wanted to introduce you first and let you introduce you first and let you introduce you first and let you introduce your good friend here today introduce your good friend here today introduce your good friend here today who we're going to visit with for the who we're going to visit with for the who we're going to visit with for the next hour or so. next hour or so. next hour or so. >> Yeah. Thanks, Ed. You know, um, >> Yeah. Thanks, Ed. You know, um, >> Yeah. Thanks, Ed. You know, um, leadership, valor, like you said, it leadership, valor, like you said, it leadership, valor, like you said, it doesn't come with, uh, flashiness all doesn't come with, uh, flashiness all doesn't come with, uh, flashiness all the time. Instagram gives us that. But the time. Instagram gives us that. But the time. Instagram gives us that. But real leadership is about servant real leadership is about servant real leadership is about servant leadership. And I'm uh extremely honored leadership. And I'm uh extremely honored leadership. And I'm uh extremely honored to have Vice Admiral James Crawford, to have Vice Admiral James Crawford, to have Vice Admiral James Crawford, who's now the president of Texas who's now the president of Texas who's now the president of Texas Southern University to join us. I had Southern University to join us. I had Southern University to join us. I had the privilege uh of meeting the Vice the privilege uh of meeting the Vice the privilege uh of meeting the Vice Admiral uh a little over a year ago uh Admiral uh a little over a year ago uh Admiral uh a little over a year ago uh when I was visiting Texas Southern and when I was visiting Texas Southern and when I was visiting Texas Southern and uh spent some time with the border uh spent some time with the border uh spent some time with the border regents there. Got to go to the Battle regents there. Got to go to the Battle regents there. Got to go to the Battle of the Bands, which was of the Bands, which was of the Bands, which was >> an amazing experience to to to be guided >> an amazing experience to to to be guided >> an amazing experience to to to be guided with the the president of the college with the the president of the college with the the president of the college through. It was awesome. And um you know through. It was awesome. And um you know through. It was awesome. And um you know I asked some friends about uh Crawford I asked some friends about uh Crawford I asked some friends about uh Crawford and I have some friends that uh we've and I have some friends that uh we've and I have some friends that uh we've discussed that are uh years and years of discussed that are uh years and years of discussed that are uh years and years of decorated service in the Navy. Uh and decorated service in the Navy. Uh and decorated service in the Navy. Uh and everyone said he exemplified leadership everyone said he exemplified leadership everyone said he exemplified leadership at its core, servant leadership. at its core, servant leadership. at its core, servant leadership. >> And uh I think what we're going to >> And uh I think what we're going to >> And uh I think what we're going to uncover today in our conversation is an uncover today in our conversation is an uncover today in our conversation is an interesting um grouping of choices that interesting um grouping of choices that interesting um grouping of choices that someone's made to continue to serve. someone's made to continue to serve. someone's made to continue to serve. >> Yeah, I agree. And uh I I think there's >> Yeah, I agree. And uh I I think there's >> Yeah, I agree. And uh I I think there's going to be a lot of value and I'm very going to be a lot of value and I'm very going to be a lot of value and I'm very honored that you've joined us today. honored that you've joined us today. honored that you've joined us today. >> It's a great pleasure. Thank you so much >> It's a great pleasure. Thank you so much >> It's a great pleasure. Thank you so much for having me here. It's an honor to be for having me here. It's an honor to be for having me here. It's an honor to be with you. with you. with you. >> Told you I feel pretty underdressed. If >> Told you I feel pretty underdressed. If >> Told you I feel pretty underdressed. If you guys are watching this on YouTube, you guys are watching this on YouTube, you guys are watching this on YouTube, he showed up perfect and Michael and I he showed up perfect and Michael and I he showed up perfect and Michael and I are in jeans and old t-shirts. So are in jeans and old t-shirts. So are in jeans and old t-shirts. So anyway, I'll let you ask the first anyway, I'll let you ask the first anyway, I'll let you ask the first question of the admiral. question of the admiral. question of the admiral. >> So um and do you prefer to be called >> So um and do you prefer to be called >> So um and do you prefer to be called James? James? James? >> Well, thank you for that. >> Well, thank you for that. >> Well, thank you for that. You know, admiral, president, those are You know, admiral, president, those are You know, admiral, president, those are things I do or did. Uh, that's not who I things I do or did. Uh, that's not who I things I do or did. Uh, that's not who I am. am. am. >> My name is either please refer to me as >> My name is either please refer to me as >> My name is either please refer to me as Jim or James. If you use James though, I Jim or James. If you use James though, I Jim or James. If you use James though, I may hesitate may hesitate may hesitate >> because that's the name that my mother >> because that's the name that my mother >> because that's the name that my mother would use when would use when would use when >> I might not have been in the right >> I might not have been in the right >> I might not have been in the right place. That's the wrong connotation. We place. That's the wrong connotation. We place. That's the wrong connotation. We can go with Jim if you like. I just want can go with Jim if you like. I just want can go with Jim if you like. I just want to say one of It's hard for me to do to say one of It's hard for me to do to say one of It's hard for me to do that because most of you might not know that because most of you might not know that because most of you might not know what all this terminology means, but in what all this terminology means, but in what all this terminology means, but in the military and Navy, you understand the military and Navy, you understand the military and Navy, you understand something. This is the highest ranking something. This is the highest ranking something. This is the highest ranking attorney in the entire military that he attorney in the entire military that he attorney in the entire military that he was in. number, you know, highest was in. number, you know, highest was in. number, you know, highest ranking man. So to call him Jim ranking man. So to call him Jim ranking man. So to call him Jim >> is a little bit awkward and thank you >> is a little bit awkward and thank you >> is a little bit awkward and thank you for your service in advance, for your service in advance, for your service in advance, >> but thank you. >> but thank you. >> but thank you. >> But I know we got so many things that >> But I know we got so many things that >> But I know we got so many things that the audience wants to know about real the audience wants to know about real the audience wants to know about real leadership, authentic leadership, and leadership, authentic leadership, and leadership, authentic leadership, and your life story embodies that. So I your life story embodies that. So I your life story embodies that. So I can't wait to get into this stuff. can't wait to get into this stuff. can't wait to get into this stuff. >> Yeah. I I think my first question leans >> Yeah. I I think my first question leans >> Yeah. I I think my first question leans into um the values that you've chosen into um the values that you've chosen into um the values that you've chosen through leadership in your career. through leadership in your career. through leadership in your career. >> Uh you know, as as Ed mentioned, >> Uh you know, as as Ed mentioned, >> Uh you know, as as Ed mentioned, >> JAG in the Navy. >> JAG in the Navy. >> JAG in the Navy. >> Yes. uh you know you served for years uh >> Yes. uh you know you served for years uh >> Yes. uh you know you served for years uh through some difficult times in the through some difficult times in the through some difficult times in the country but then you've also chosen to country but then you've also chosen to country but then you've also chosen to lead in education and most people make lead in education and most people make lead in education and most people make those decisions based on a core set of those decisions based on a core set of those decisions based on a core set of values and I'm curious what are the the values and I'm curious what are the the values and I'm curious what are the the values that drive the decision- making values that drive the decision- making values that drive the decision- making in your service that are still in your service that are still in your service that are still continuing to drive the decisions you continuing to drive the decisions you continuing to drive the decisions you make today. Well, I was I've been make today. Well, I was I've been make today. Well, I was I've been blessed from birth, frankly. Uh, and blessed from birth, frankly. Uh, and blessed from birth, frankly. Uh, and that first blessing was uh the family I that first blessing was uh the family I that first blessing was uh the family I was born into, was born into, was born into, >> born into a family of believers. And um >> born into a family of believers. And um >> born into a family of believers. And um and I learned early on uh the three and I learned early on uh the three and I learned early on uh the three pillars that should guide my life of pillars that should guide my life of pillars that should guide my life of faith, family, and service. faith, family, and service. faith, family, and service. >> And so I've tried to uh live up to those >> And so I've tried to uh live up to those >> And so I've tried to uh live up to those standards that my mother and my father standards that my mother and my father standards that my mother and my father set. Uh we weren't didn't have a lot of set. Uh we weren't didn't have a lot of set. Uh we weren't didn't have a lot of resources. Uh but what they delivered resources. Uh but what they delivered resources. Uh but what they delivered was a uh a sense of being recognizing was a uh a sense of being recognizing was a uh a sense of being recognizing what's important in life. What's what's important in life. What's what's important in life. What's important is your fellow man. What's important is your fellow man. What's important is your fellow man. What's important is how you carry yourself. important is how you carry yourself. important is how you carry yourself. What's important what you leave behind What's important what you leave behind What's important what you leave behind uh others when you depart? Did you do uh others when you depart? Did you do uh others when you depart? Did you do something that made that place better something that made that place better something that made that place better >> than when you arrived? >> than when you arrived? >> than when you arrived? >> Right. Jim, I want to ask you about a >> Right. Jim, I want to ask you about a >> Right. Jim, I want to ask you about a specific time uh in your career where specific time uh in your career where specific time uh in your career where your leadership was likely tested. you your leadership was likely tested. you your leadership was likely tested. you were at the Pentagon uh at a time where were at the Pentagon uh at a time where were at the Pentagon uh at a time where our nation fell under attack in 9/11 and our nation fell under attack in 9/11 and our nation fell under attack in 9/11 and that obviously shaped a good portion of that obviously shaped a good portion of that obviously shaped a good portion of how your career looked moving forward. how your career looked moving forward. how your career looked moving forward. Can you speak to that? Can you speak to that? Can you speak to that? >> Sure. So, um >> Sure. So, um >> Sure. So, um before 911, I had been uh the before 911, I had been uh the before 911, I had been uh the judge fleet judge advocate for the US judge fleet judge advocate for the US judge fleet judge advocate for the US 7th Fleet out in the Pacific in Japan. 7th Fleet out in the Pacific in Japan. 7th Fleet out in the Pacific in Japan. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. and I was transferred to uh the joint and I was transferred to uh the joint and I was transferred to uh the joint staff to be a deputy legal adviser to staff to be a deputy legal adviser to staff to be a deputy legal adviser to the chairman of the joint staff. There's the chairman of the joint staff. There's the chairman of the joint staff. There's only one legal advisor and that's the only one legal advisor and that's the only one legal advisor and that's the the captain, the principal, now flag the captain, the principal, now flag the captain, the principal, now flag officer position and uh I had been at officer position and uh I had been at officer position and uh I had been at the Pentagon three weeks the Pentagon three weeks the Pentagon three weeks >> and uh >> and uh >> and uh I was sitting in my office. I was uh I I was sitting in my office. I was uh I I was sitting in my office. I was uh I was the lead um operational lawyer. I was the lead um operational lawyer. I was the lead um operational lawyer. I had a partner with me. Uh my partner was had a partner with me. Uh my partner was had a partner with me. Uh my partner was off in Europe with the uh oper the head off in Europe with the uh oper the head off in Europe with the uh oper the head of operations the J3 the J3 was a Marine of operations the J3 the J3 was a Marine of operations the J3 the J3 was a Marine threear at the time and they were in threear at the time and they were in threear at the time and they were in London. Uh and so I'm in the office and London. Uh and so I'm in the office and London. Uh and so I'm in the office and I'm looking at the television where the I'm looking at the television where the I'm looking at the television where the planes have just hit the towers in New planes have just hit the towers in New planes have just hit the towers in New York. And so I turned it off and I York. And so I turned it off and I York. And so I turned it off and I started looking at thing the books on my started looking at thing the books on my started looking at thing the books on my shelf. I said to myself, "This is going shelf. I said to myself, "This is going shelf. I said to myself, "This is going to get hot fast. what do I need? Uh, and to get hot fast. what do I need? Uh, and to get hot fast. what do I need? Uh, and so I was looking at that and then the so I was looking at that and then the so I was looking at that and then the sergeant came in, the army sergeant came sergeant came in, the army sergeant came sergeant came in, the army sergeant came in. He said, "Did you feel that?" Said, in. He said, "Did you feel that?" Said, in. He said, "Did you feel that?" Said, "What are you talking about?" I said, "What are you talking about?" I said, "What are you talking about?" I said, "Something just happened. I'm going to "Something just happened. I'm going to "Something just happened. I'm going to go and see." And so as soon as he opened go and see." And so as soon as he opened go and see." And so as soon as he opened the door, all the alarms in the building the door, all the alarms in the building the door, all the alarms in the building went off. The plane had hit the went off. The plane had hit the went off. The plane had hit the building. Um, building. Um, building. Um, >> you were in the building in the Pentagon >> you were in the building in the Pentagon >> you were in the building in the Pentagon when it got hit. when it got hit. when it got hit. >> Yes, sir. And plane hit the building and >> Yes, sir. And plane hit the building and >> Yes, sir. And plane hit the building and they um called for the evacuation of the they um called for the evacuation of the they um called for the evacuation of the building. building. building. >> Right. But some of us were asked to stay >> Right. But some of us were asked to stay >> Right. But some of us were asked to stay and go in go to the National Military and go in go to the National Military and go in go to the National Military Command Center uh to augment the watch. Command Center uh to augment the watch. Command Center uh to augment the watch. The watch is constant. Uh but an event The watch is constant. Uh but an event The watch is constant. Uh but an event like that required we were you augment like that required we were you augment like that required we were you augment that watch section. So I was one of the that watch section. So I was one of the that watch section. So I was one of the folks that was asked to go and I took up folks that was asked to go and I took up folks that was asked to go and I took up the the legal station uh in the in the the the legal station uh in the in the the the legal station uh in the in the NMCC NMCC NMCC and uh we and uh we and uh we we've got the firemen in the building. we've got the firemen in the building. we've got the firemen in the building. They're trying to they're trying to They're trying to they're trying to They're trying to they're trying to contain the fire on the the building the contain the fire on the the building the contain the fire on the the building the construct but the construction of the construct but the construction of the construct but the construction of the building is you know it's the difference building is you know it's the difference building is you know it's the difference you know that was a 50s era construction you know that was a 50s era construction you know that was a 50s era construction sturdy uh but it had wood on the top of sturdy uh but it had wood on the top of sturdy uh but it had wood on the top of the building and so that was their the building and so that was their the building and so that was their challenge dealing with that aspect of challenge dealing with that aspect of challenge dealing with that aspect of it. Um it. Um it. Um >> they they had they had carbon monoxide >> they they had they had carbon monoxide >> they they had they had carbon monoxide monitors inside the NMCC which was monitors inside the NMCC which was monitors inside the NMCC which was self-contained but they had to monitor self-contained but they had to monitor self-contained but they had to monitor that to make sure and the question was that to make sure and the question was that to make sure and the question was would we be able to would we be able to would we be able to sustain, maintain operations there at sustain, maintain operations there at sustain, maintain operations there at the Pentagon. That was obviously an the Pentagon. That was obviously an the Pentagon. That was obviously an important thing that really wanted to be important thing that really wanted to be important thing that really wanted to be done. Leaders really felt that that was done. Leaders really felt that that was done. Leaders really felt that that was critical critical critical >> that the Pentagon stay in operation. >> that the Pentagon stay in operation. >> that the Pentagon stay in operation. >> Uh there were there was a team that was >> Uh there were there was a team that was >> Uh there were there was a team that was sent off to the alternate location uh sent off to the alternate location uh sent off to the alternate location uh immediately uh just in case. And um what immediately uh just in case. And um what immediately uh just in case. And um what I saw that day I saw that day I saw that day was remarkable. was remarkable. was remarkable. I saw people just as I said in times of I saw people just as I said in times of I saw people just as I said in times of challenge you become who you are truly challenge you become who you are truly challenge you become who you are truly >> your ver to your training. >> your ver to your training. >> your ver to your training. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And those women and men were remarkable. >> And those women and men were remarkable. >> And those women and men were remarkable. the NMCC has led the DDO, the one star the NMCC has led the DDO, the one star the NMCC has led the DDO, the one star uh is the leader of that watch section uh is the leader of that watch section uh is the leader of that watch section and everyone fell in on that uh the and everyone fell in on that uh the and everyone fell in on that uh the standing watch and it was just it just standing watch and it was just it just standing watch and it was just it just I've always been asked from time to I've always been asked from time to I've always been asked from time to time, what's your favorite duty station? time, what's your favorite duty station? time, what's your favorite duty station? Where have you been? And people think Where have you been? And people think Where have you been? And people think I'm going to say like Singapore or I'm going to say like Singapore or I'm going to say like Singapore or Hawaii or this or that. And being in the Hawaii or this or that. And being in the Hawaii or this or that. And being in the Pentagon that day is the thing that I am Pentagon that day is the thing that I am Pentagon that day is the thing that I am so so so thankful that I was able to be there thankful that I was able to be there thankful that I was able to be there because I was where my country needed me because I was where my country needed me because I was where my country needed me to be to serve at that moment. to be to serve at that moment. to be to serve at that moment. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> With those incredible, incredible >> With those incredible, incredible >> With those incredible, incredible >> women and men that I was in there with. >> women and men that I was in there with. >> women and men that I was in there with. And um it was just a blessing to have And um it was just a blessing to have And um it was just a blessing to have that opportunity and to that opportunity and to that opportunity and to >> to provide the information that needed >> to provide the information that needed >> to provide the information that needed to be provided to offer uh the advice to be provided to offer uh the advice to be provided to offer uh the advice that needed to be offered for our senior that needed to be offered for our senior that needed to be offered for our senior leaders to make decisions on something leaders to make decisions on something leaders to make decisions on something that was really very critical. And that that was really very critical. And that that was really very critical. And that just changed the entire next trajectory just changed the entire next trajectory just changed the entire next trajectory of my the rest of my career in the on of my the rest of my career in the on of my the rest of my career in the on active duty active duty active duty >> because we remained we were in conflict >> because we remained we were in conflict >> because we remained we were in conflict and so attacked by that and then ended and so attacked by that and then ended and so attacked by that and then ended up later in my career as on the ground up later in my career as on the ground up later in my career as on the ground in Afghanistan in command. Uh it all in Afghanistan in command. Uh it all in Afghanistan in command. Uh it all started with that day and then so many started with that day and then so many started with that day and then so many many years later there. So that uh was a many years later there. So that uh was a many years later there. So that uh was a turning point uh for me. turning point uh for me. turning point uh for me. >> Wow. You can see it on your face even >> Wow. You can see it on your face even >> Wow. You can see it on your face even right now. My gosh. So in addition to right now. My gosh. So in addition to right now. My gosh. So in addition to the moment of being in the Pentagon when the moment of being in the Pentagon when the moment of being in the Pentagon when the plane hit, you were also in the the plane hit, you were also in the the plane hit, you were also in the White House situation room. I know you White House situation room. I know you White House situation room. I know you can't talk in detail about this when can't talk in detail about this when can't talk in detail about this when they finally got Osama bin Laden. they finally got Osama bin Laden. they finally got Osama bin Laden. >> So let's get this. I was in the the >> So let's get this. I was in the the >> So let's get this. I was in the the Pentagon Pentagon Pentagon >> Mhm. room where we were monitoring those >> Mhm. room where we were monitoring those >> Mhm. room where we were monitoring those operations with myself, the general operations with myself, the general operations with myself, the general counsel, uh the secretar's uh chief of counsel, uh the secretar's uh chief of counsel, uh the secretar's uh chief of staff and the variety of folks uh in staff and the variety of folks uh in staff and the variety of folks uh in there and we were monitoring operations there and we were monitoring operations there and we were monitoring operations cuz I was one of four uh executive level cuz I was one of four uh executive level cuz I was one of four uh executive level council that were read into the planning council that were read into the planning council that were read into the planning that were involved in the planning the that were involved in the planning the that were involved in the planning the preparation for that and they only preparation for that and they only preparation for that and they only unformed confirmed member of that group. unformed confirmed member of that group. unformed confirmed member of that group. The other three were um civilian The other three were um civilian The other three were um civilian lawyers, two political appointees and uh lawyers, two political appointees and uh lawyers, two political appointees and uh so it's not a lot I can say about that so it's not a lot I can say about that so it's not a lot I can say about that >> but the privilege of being trusted with >> but the privilege of being trusted with >> but the privilege of being trusted with that mission with those three brilliant that mission with those three brilliant that mission with those three brilliant legal minds. Uh, another one of those legal minds. Uh, another one of those legal minds. Uh, another one of those points where you felt like you were points where you felt like you were points where you felt like you were where where where >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> your nation needed you to help hard >> your nation needed you to help hard >> your nation needed you to help hard decisions to be made decisions to be made decisions to be made >> um in providing input that went directly >> um in providing input that went directly >> um in providing input that went directly to the the president for decisions. to the the president for decisions. to the the president for decisions. >> You did that for a long time though and >> You did that for a long time though and >> You did that for a long time though and so I just wonder there's had to be a so I just wonder there's had to be a so I just wonder there's had to be a temptation you're going to now leave the temptation you're going to now leave the temptation you're going to now leave the military. You got a lot of choices. So military. You got a lot of choices. So military. You got a lot of choices. So this is really important because I think this is really important because I think this is really important because I think type of people that listen to the show, type of people that listen to the show, type of people that listen to the show, you know, they're looking at you know, they're looking at you know, they're looking at entrepreneurship, obviously their entrepreneurship, obviously their entrepreneurship, obviously their financial status and life matters to financial status and life matters to financial status and life matters to them. them. them. >> I also think sometimes people in this >> I also think sometimes people in this >> I also think sometimes people in this world today, ironically, are like world today, ironically, are like world today, ironically, are like guilted into not pursuing wealth, guilted into not pursuing wealth, guilted into not pursuing wealth, >> not pursuing affluence, right? And so >> not pursuing affluence, right? And so >> not pursuing affluence, right? And so you you've left the military. You could you you've left the military. You could you you've left the military. You could have gone on to choose a career after have gone on to choose a career after have gone on to choose a career after that post the military doing all kinds that post the military doing all kinds that post the military doing all kinds of things that made you seven figures. of things that made you seven figures. of things that made you seven figures. You could have sat on a bunch of boards. You could have sat on a bunch of boards. You could have sat on a bunch of boards. you could have, but you then chose to you could have, but you then chose to you could have, but you then chose to eventually become the president of an eventually become the president of an eventually become the president of an H.B.CU H.B.CU H.B.CU >> and be in service still. >> and be in service still. >> and be in service still. >> Did it factor in your mind at that time >> Did it factor in your mind at that time >> Did it factor in your mind at that time these different lanes and why did you these different lanes and why did you these different lanes and why did you make the choice you made? make the choice you made? make the choice you made? >> You know, I >> You know, I >> You know, I I felt that uh when I was when I was I felt that uh when I was when I was I felt that uh when I was when I was about to retire, when I was thinking about to retire, when I was thinking about to retire, when I was thinking about retiring, I thought about I about retiring, I thought about I about retiring, I thought about I started with not where I wanted to go, started with not where I wanted to go, started with not where I wanted to go, but with what brought me to where I was. but with what brought me to where I was. but with what brought me to where I was. >> Why did I join the military? Why did I >> Why did I join the military? Why did I >> Why did I join the military? Why did I wear that uniform? You know, I every day wear that uniform? You know, I every day wear that uniform? You know, I every day that I got up to put that uniform on was that I got up to put that uniform on was that I got up to put that uniform on was a good day. It didn't matter what was a good day. It didn't matter what was a good day. It didn't matter what was going to happen. going to happen. going to happen. >> Just putting that uniform on, wearing >> Just putting that uniform on, wearing >> Just putting that uniform on, wearing the colors of our nation, being the colors of our nation, being the colors of our nation, being entrusted uh with the responsibility entrusted uh with the responsibility entrusted uh with the responsibility uh to offer input for important uh to offer input for important uh to offer input for important decisions, to be entrusted with the decisions, to be entrusted with the decisions, to be entrusted with the welfare of our wonderful women and men. welfare of our wonderful women and men. welfare of our wonderful women and men. And and so I wanted to as I looked to And and so I wanted to as I looked to And and so I wanted to as I looked to the next step in life, I wanted the next step in life, I wanted the next step in life, I wanted something like that to motiv continue to something like that to motiv continue to something like that to motiv continue to motivate me because my dad always said motivate me because my dad always said motivate me because my dad always said to me um you know fathers think their to me um you know fathers think their to me um you know fathers think their sons are the most talented people in the sons are the most talented people in the sons are the most talented people in the universe, right? And so he says to me, universe, right? And so he says to me, universe, right? And so he says to me, "Son, you you've got the talent to have "Son, you you've got the talent to have "Son, you you've got the talent to have the sort of rich and vibrant life that the sort of rich and vibrant life that the sort of rich and vibrant life that you may want to have, you may want to have, you may want to have, >> but I will offer you I would ask you to >> but I will offer you I would ask you to >> but I will offer you I would ask you to think about this. think about this. think about this. >> That's great, but think about how do you >> That's great, but think about how do you >> That's great, but think about how do you enable others to have the same rich and enable others to have the same rich and enable others to have the same rich and vibrant life that you want to have. vibrant life that you want to have. vibrant life that you want to have. >> And if you're doing that, then you're >> And if you're doing that, then you're >> And if you're doing that, then you're doing something of value, something that doing something of value, something that doing something of value, something that lasts, something that matters. lasts, something that matters. lasts, something that matters. >> And and I had been able to have been >> And and I had been able to have been >> And and I had been able to have been blessed and allowed to serve uh this blessed and allowed to serve uh this blessed and allowed to serve uh this country for a long time. So I wanted to country for a long time. So I wanted to country for a long time. So I wanted to continue that, do something that continue that, do something that continue that, do something that mattered. Uh and so higher education uh mattered. Uh and so higher education uh mattered. Uh and so higher education uh felt like the right space. Yeah. Because felt like the right space. Yeah. Because felt like the right space. Yeah. Because one of the things, one of the most one of the things, one of the most one of the things, one of the most significant things a senior officer does significant things a senior officer does significant things a senior officer does >> is educate and train those to come >> is educate and train those to come >> is educate and train those to come behind him or her and do it better than behind him or her and do it better than behind him or her and do it better than they did. they did. they did. >> Not do it like them, but do it better >> Not do it like them, but do it better >> Not do it like them, but do it better than they did. than they did. than they did. >> Where else can you go to have that sort >> Where else can you go to have that sort >> Where else can you go to have that sort of influence than an education at some of influence than an education at some of influence than an education at some level? And I selected higher education. level? And I selected higher education. level? And I selected higher education. And I wanted to start with a faith-based And I wanted to start with a faith-based And I wanted to start with a faith-based institution because that's so important institution because that's so important institution because that's so important has been an important component of my has been an important component of my has been an important component of my life. When it's difficult, I know where life. When it's difficult, I know where life. When it's difficult, I know where I can turn. Wow. and and so the uh I can turn. Wow. and and so the uh I can turn. Wow. and and so the uh Felician University those sisters uh Felician University those sisters uh Felician University those sisters uh gave me an opportunity and I will gave me an opportunity and I will gave me an opportunity and I will forever grateful for that opportunity to forever grateful for that opportunity to forever grateful for that opportunity to step into something that I I'm not a step into something that I I'm not a step into something that I I'm not a lifelong academic uh and they gave me lifelong academic uh and they gave me lifelong academic uh and they gave me that opportunity and a lot of lessons that opportunity and a lot of lessons that opportunity and a lot of lessons that I learned there I've carried with that I learned there I've carried with that I learned there I've carried with me to um Texas Southern University. me to um Texas Southern University. me to um Texas Southern University. >> That's wonderful. >> That's wonderful. >> That's wonderful. >> And I'm I'm really curious about that. >> And I'm I'm really curious about that. >> And I'm I'm really curious about that. So you were the first male president of So you were the first male president of So you were the first male president of a female Catholic medical school a female Catholic medical school a female Catholic medical school >> with nursing nursing school. >> with nursing nursing school. >> with nursing nursing school. >> Um what were some of your takeaways from >> Um what were some of your takeaways from >> Um what were some of your takeaways from your experience at the school? I want to your experience at the school? I want to your experience at the school? I want to leave this pretty open because you leave this pretty open because you leave this pretty open because you mentioned that there are some things mentioned that there are some things mentioned that there are some things that you took from there that you're now that you took from there that you're now that you took from there that you're now obviously still uh moving forward with obviously still uh moving forward with obviously still uh moving forward with at Texas Southern. What were the at Texas Southern. What were the at Texas Southern. What were the takeaways from working with that that takeaways from working with that that takeaways from working with that that fine group of young ladies? So every fine group of young ladies? So every fine group of young ladies? So every organization you know it is shaped by organization you know it is shaped by organization you know it is shaped by the ethos of the founders right. So the the ethos of the founders right. So the the ethos of the founders right. So the foundress of Felician University are the foundress of Felician University are the foundress of Felician University are the Felician sisters. uh they are Franciscan Felician sisters. uh they are Franciscan Felician sisters. uh they are Franciscan third order and um they're obviously third order and um they're obviously third order and um they're obviously committed to Christ, committed to God committed to Christ, committed to God committed to Christ, committed to God and they are committed to and the school and they are committed to and the school and they are committed to and the school was started as a place to educate um was started as a place to educate um was started as a place to educate um young women and that were going to go young women and that were going to go young women and that were going to go into that life and it evolved into a into that life and it evolved into a into that life and it evolved into a university over time. M university over time. M university over time. M >> uh and so what I took from that is the >> uh and so what I took from that is the >> uh and so what I took from that is the commitment of those sisters and I have a commitment of those sisters and I have a commitment of those sisters and I have a background with with nuns. You know I background with with nuns. You know I background with with nuns. You know I grew up I wasn't a I'm not a cradle grew up I wasn't a I'm not a cradle grew up I wasn't a I'm not a cradle Catholic and maybe we can talk about how Catholic and maybe we can talk about how Catholic and maybe we can talk about how I came to that but uh I came to that but uh I came to that but uh >> nuns have have been a or a huge part of >> nuns have have been a or a huge part of >> nuns have have been a or a huge part of my life uh as a youngster. A huge part my life uh as a youngster. A huge part my life uh as a youngster. A huge part you know I loved them. I loved them you know I loved them. I loved them you know I loved them. I loved them dearly. And so it was a great dearly. And so it was a great dearly. And so it was a great opportunity to work with those work for opportunity to work with those work for opportunity to work with those work for those nuns and and try to carry on the those nuns and and try to carry on the those nuns and and try to carry on the values that they held dear within their values that they held dear within their values that they held dear within their university. university. university. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I want to ask you some hard stuff on >> I want to ask you some hard stuff on >> I want to ask you some hard stuff on leadership. I'm just curious when I get leadership. I'm just curious when I get leadership. I'm just curious when I get a chance to sit in front of someone a chance to sit in front of someone a chance to sit in front of someone who's who's who's had the breadth of career that you've had the breadth of career that you've had the breadth of career that you've had. You've consulted with the joint had. You've consulted with the joint had. You've consulted with the joint chiefs. I mean you've got all these chiefs. I mean you've got all these chiefs. I mean you've got all these things you've done in your life. So your things you've done in your life. So your things you've done in your life. So your degree your humility obviously shines degree your humility obviously shines degree your humility obviously shines through. But I just hope everybody has through. But I just hope everybody has through. But I just hope everybody has some context as to what we're talking some context as to what we're talking some context as to what we're talking about here. And I I get asked a lot in about here. And I I get asked a lot in about here. And I I get asked a lot in the entrepreneur space, in the business the entrepreneur space, in the business the entrepreneur space, in the business space about what I'd call like space about what I'd call like space about what I'd call like leadership fatigue. leadership fatigue. leadership fatigue. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And I just wonder you've been doing >> And I just wonder you've been doing >> And I just wonder you've been doing you've been a leader for a long time and you've been a leader for a long time and you've been a leader for a long time and there's an emotional there's an emotional there's an emotional burden that comes with leadership burden that comes with leadership burden that comes with leadership particularly somebody as dedicated as particularly somebody as dedicated as particularly somebody as dedicated as you are. You carry that with you all of you are. You carry that with you all of you are. You carry that with you all of the time. I'm wondering how you've the time. I'm wondering how you've the time. I'm wondering how you've navigated navigated navigated carrying the what I call it carrying the carrying the what I call it carrying the carrying the what I call it carrying the emotional load of an organization over emotional load of an organization over emotional load of an organization over and over and sometimes maybe even and over and sometimes maybe even and over and sometimes maybe even reporting to somebody who you didn't reporting to somebody who you didn't reporting to somebody who you didn't align with. I'm sure that had to have align with. I'm sure that had to have align with. I'm sure that had to have happened in your career at least once happened in your career at least once happened in your career at least once where you have to name them by name. But where you have to name them by name. But where you have to name them by name. But how have you dealt with that? You you've how have you dealt with that? You you've how have you dealt with that? You you've been in leadership for a long time. Did been in leadership for a long time. Did been in leadership for a long time. Did you feel an emotional burden when you you feel an emotional burden when you you feel an emotional burden when you did it and how did you deal with it? did it and how did you deal with it? did it and how did you deal with it? >> Well, it's it's all about values, right? >> Well, it's it's all about values, right? >> Well, it's it's all about values, right? So leadership is an amalgam of many many So leadership is an amalgam of many many So leadership is an amalgam of many many many things right. Uh three critical many things right. Uh three critical many things right. Uh three critical things to your point uh that I look to things to your point uh that I look to things to your point uh that I look to is character, is character, is character, >> humility and authenticity. >> humility and authenticity. >> humility and authenticity. >> Humility. Interesting. >> Humility. Interesting. >> Humility. Interesting. >> And so humility uh for is the leader's >> And so humility uh for is the leader's >> And so humility uh for is the leader's greatest shield against the leader's greatest shield against the leader's greatest shield against the leader's greatest enemy. And the leader's greatest enemy. And the leader's greatest enemy. And the leader's greatest enemy is that leader's ego and greatest enemy is that leader's ego and greatest enemy is that leader's ego and the arrogance. Because that when you the arrogance. Because that when you the arrogance. Because that when you have an authority like that, you have a have an authority like that, you have a have an authority like that, you have a position like that, it you can easily position like that, it you can easily position like that, it you can easily allow that as they say go to your head allow that as they say go to your head allow that as they say go to your head >> and it be make it about you. But it >> and it be make it about you. But it >> and it be make it about you. But it cannot be about you. It must be about cannot be about you. It must be about cannot be about you. It must be about the mission. It must be about the the mission. It must be about the the mission. It must be about the people. people. people. >> And humility is your shield against >> And humility is your shield against >> And humility is your shield against that. And humility allows you to that. And humility allows you to that. And humility allows you to recognize and embrace the self-awareness recognize and embrace the self-awareness recognize and embrace the self-awareness that there's a lot you don't know. that there's a lot you don't know. that there's a lot you don't know. and what you do know may all may not and what you do know may all may not and what you do know may all may not always be relevant to the point that always be relevant to the point that always be relevant to the point that you're dealing with. you're dealing with. you're dealing with. >> And when you embrace that, you're able >> And when you embrace that, you're able >> And when you embrace that, you're able to open yourself to solutions that to open yourself to solutions that to open yourself to solutions that appear around you. You don't have to be appear around you. You don't have to be appear around you. You don't have to be the architect of the solution. the architect of the solution. the architect of the solution. >> You open and you encourage others. You >> You open and you encourage others. You >> You open and you encourage others. You have to give the folks that you work have to give the folks that you work have to give the folks that you work with and I and I like to refer to with and I and I like to refer to with and I and I like to refer to working with instead of people work for working with instead of people work for working with instead of people work for you. You work with people you. You work with people you. You work with people >> and you have to give them the space, the >> and you have to give them the space, the >> and you have to give them the space, the freedom to think, the freedom to freedom to think, the freedom to freedom to think, the freedom to initiate, the freedom to innovate. initiate, the freedom to innovate. initiate, the freedom to innovate. And so if you think about leadership as And so if you think about leadership as And so if you think about leadership as a job or the position as a job as a job or the position as a job as a job or the position as a job as opposed to an opportunity to embrace to opposed to an opportunity to embrace to opposed to an opportunity to embrace to do something as I said going back to my do something as I said going back to my do something as I said going back to my dad dad dad >> something that has value something that >> something that has value something that >> something that has value something that you want to you feel deeply uh then it you want to you feel deeply uh then it you want to you feel deeply uh then it it doesn't feel like a burden are there it doesn't feel like a burden are there it doesn't feel like a burden are there are there are there are there >> trying moments certainly >> trying moments certainly >> trying moments certainly >> um >> um >> um >> but and when you're I I was I was >> but and when you're I I was I was >> but and when you're I I was I was blessed to be uh mentored by some blessed to be uh mentored by some blessed to be uh mentored by some incredible women and men both in uniform incredible women and men both in uniform incredible women and men both in uniform and out of uniform. and out of uniform. and out of uniform. >> And they say there are 16 different >> And they say there are 16 different >> And they say there are 16 different personality types and I will tell you I personality types and I will tell you I personality types and I will tell you I experienced all such experienced all such experienced all such >> for the good and for the ill. But uh >> for the good and for the ill. But uh >> for the good and for the ill. But uh they all had one thing in common. They they all had one thing in common. They they all had one thing in common. They all did it differently but they had one all did it differently but they had one all did it differently but they had one thing in common. And this is something a thing in common. And this is something a thing in common. And this is something a lot of what I've thought about over time lot of what I've thought about over time lot of what I've thought about over time and how I've tried to pattern myself in and how I've tried to pattern myself in and how I've tried to pattern myself in this space of leadership is from what this space of leadership is from what this space of leadership is from what I've learned from them and things I've I've learned from them and things I've I've learned from them and things I've read. And one of the folks that I read read. And one of the folks that I read read. And one of the folks that I read try to read about is Mr. John C. try to read about is Mr. John C. try to read about is Mr. John C. Maxwell. Oh yes. Maxwell. Oh yes. Maxwell. Oh yes. >> And he said something very simple but >> And he said something very simple but >> And he said something very simple but very profound. And he said leadership is very profound. And he said leadership is very profound. And he said leadership is about people and for people. about people and for people. about people and for people. >> Now that doesn't sound like a lot but >> Now that doesn't sound like a lot but >> Now that doesn't sound like a lot but that's a big deal. And every leader that's a big deal. And every leader that's a big deal. And every leader >> professes to do that, >> professes to do that, >> professes to do that, >> but they don't do that because it's not >> but they don't do that because it's not >> but they don't do that because it's not easy. easy. easy. >> I, as a very, very, very young >> I, as a very, very, very young >> I, as a very, very, very young lieutenant, lieutenant, lieutenant, there was a senior leader of the Navy there was a senior leader of the Navy there was a senior leader of the Navy who was asked a question that I think who was asked a question that I think who was asked a question that I think the journalists thought was going to be the journalists thought was going to be the journalists thought was going to be a gotcha question. And and they asked a gotcha question. And and they asked a gotcha question. And and they asked him uh and he was the head of the Navy. him uh and he was the head of the Navy. him uh and he was the head of the Navy. And they asked them, and I won't use his And they asked them, and I won't use his And they asked them, and I won't use his name because I don't want to name drop, name because I don't want to name drop, name because I don't want to name drop, but they asked them, "What's most but they asked them, "What's most but they asked them, "What's most important? Is the mission most important important? Is the mission most important important? Is the mission most important or the people most important?" or the people most important?" or the people most important?" >> And I and I would think I think in my >> And I and I would think I think in my >> And I and I would think I think in my mind uh the journalists think there's no mind uh the journalists think there's no mind uh the journalists think there's no good answer to this, right? I've got good answer to this, right? I've got good answer to this, right? I've got him. However he answers this, if he says him. However he answers this, if he says him. However he answers this, if he says the people are more important, then the people are more important, then the people are more important, then they'll say, "Well, he doesn't get the they'll say, "Well, he doesn't get the they'll say, "Well, he doesn't get the priorities." You know, he don't priorities." You know, he don't priorities." You know, he don't understand what priorities are. He says understand what priorities are. He says understand what priorities are. He says the mission is more important, then he the mission is more important, then he the mission is more important, then he doesn't really care about the people. M doesn't really care about the people. M doesn't really care about the people. M >> and without missing a beat, this admiral >> and without missing a beat, this admiral >> and without missing a beat, this admiral said mission first, people always said mission first, people always said mission first, people always >> that has stuck with me. >> that has stuck with me. >> that has stuck with me. >> And that's why it's not a burden. >> And that's why it's not a burden. >> And that's why it's not a burden. >> Very good. >> Very good. >> Very good. >> Because that's what it's about. You >> Because that's what it's about. You >> Because that's what it's about. You can't accomplish the mission can't accomplish the mission can't accomplish the mission >> without the people. >> without the people. >> without the people. >> Very good. and and it's about finding a >> Very good. and and it's about finding a >> Very good. and and it's about finding a way to integrate it and not seeing your way to integrate it and not seeing your way to integrate it and not seeing your people that you work with as chess people that you work with as chess people that you work with as chess pieces on a board to accomplish the pieces on a board to accomplish the pieces on a board to accomplish the endgame endgame endgame >> because you have to see people you have >> because you have to see people you have >> because you have to see people you have to hear them and you have to feel them to hear them and you have to feel them to hear them and you have to feel them >> and >> and >> and you you integrate the two the mission you you integrate the two the mission you you integrate the two the mission and the people to be successful and the people to be successful and the people to be successful sustained success was important sustain sustained success was important sustain sustained success was important sustain sustain success sustain success sustain success >> so hey guys new year new systems right >> so hey guys new year new systems right >> so hey guys new year new systems right you know it's the time of here. Probably you know it's the time of here. Probably you know it's the time of here. Probably like you, I'm looking at my business and like you, I'm looking at my business and like you, I'm looking at my business and trying to find out how to get an edge trying to find out how to get an edge trying to find out how to get an edge any way that I can. And you know, a lot any way that I can. And you know, a lot any way that I can. And you know, a lot of times I'm looking at my business of times I'm looking at my business of times I'm looking at my business going, there's got to be a better way. going, there's got to be a better way. going, there's got to be a better way. And that's why I'm so excited that And that's why I'm so excited that And that's why I'm so excited that today's episode's brought to you by Quo. today's episode's brought to you by Quo. today's episode's brought to you by Quo. It's spelled Quo. It's a smarter way to It's spelled Quo. It's a smarter way to It's spelled Quo. It's a smarter way to run your business communications. For run your business communications. For run your business communications. For me, I don't want to miss any me, I don't want to miss any me, I don't want to miss any opportunities this year. And one of the opportunities this year. And one of the opportunities this year. And one of the things that I love about Quo is I've things that I love about Quo is I've things that I love about Quo is I've been leaving money at the door. Quo been leaving money at the door. Quo been leaving money at the door. Quo helps you and your team share one helps you and your team share one helps you and your team share one business number, reply faster, and stay business number, reply faster, and stay business number, reply faster, and stay on top of every customer conversation. on top of every customer conversation. on top of every customer conversation. No more mis messages, disconnected No more mis messages, disconnected No more mis messages, disconnected conversations, or any of that stuff that conversations, or any of that stuff that conversations, or any of that stuff that kills productivity. Everyone stays the kills productivity. Everyone stays the kills productivity. Everyone stays the full thread all the time, making replies full thread all the time, making replies full thread all the time, making replies faster, and customers feel genuinely faster, and customers feel genuinely faster, and customers feel genuinely cared for. I really love Quo. Look into cared for. I really love Quo. Look into cared for. I really love Quo. Look into them. Make this the year where no them. Make this the year where no them. Make this the year where no opportunity and no customer slips away. opportunity and no customer slips away. opportunity and no customer slips away. Try Quo for free. Plus, get 20% off your Try Quo for free. Plus, get 20% off your Try Quo for free. Plus, get 20% off your first six months when you go to first six months when you go to first six months when you go to quo.com/mylet. quo.com/mylet. quo.com/mylet. That's quo.com/mylet. quote, no missed calls, no missed quote, no missed calls, no missed customers. C customers. C customers. C >> can I ask one follow up on that? I'll >> can I ask one follow up on that? I'll >> can I ask one follow up on that? I'll let you jump back in. This the third let you jump back in. This the third let you jump back in. This the third thing you said there was authenticity. thing you said there was authenticity. thing you said there was authenticity. And I think for myself, And I think for myself, And I think for myself, you know, Maxwell's a good friend by the you know, Maxwell's a good friend by the you know, Maxwell's a good friend by the way of both Michael and I. way of both Michael and I. way of both Michael and I. >> I if there is an area there that I have >> I if there is an area there that I have >> I if there is an area there that I have probably I'm sure I've struggled with my probably I'm sure I've struggled with my probably I'm sure I've struggled with my ego plenty. I should say I've struggled ego plenty. I should say I've struggled ego plenty. I should say I've struggled with all three. Having said that, the with all three. Having said that, the with all three. Having said that, the authenticity piece, there's these two authenticity piece, there's these two authenticity piece, there's these two camps in leadership. Some say get as camps in leadership. Some say get as camps in leadership. Some say get as close to your people as you possibly can close to your people as you possibly can close to your people as you possibly can >> because the closer you are more like >> because the closer you are more like >> because the closer you are more like family or friends you can lead them. The family or friends you can lead them. The family or friends you can lead them. The other camp as you know is keep some other camp as you know is keep some other camp as you know is keep some distance there so there's a level of distance there so there's a level of distance there so there's a level of whatever respect and that distance whatever respect and that distance whatever respect and that distance creates a tension a dynamic tension that creates a tension a dynamic tension that creates a tension a dynamic tension that causes you to lead people and I'm causes you to lead people and I'm causes you to lead people and I'm curious as to where you fall on that and curious as to where you fall on that and curious as to where you fall on that and what au authenticity meant to you when what au authenticity meant to you when what au authenticity meant to you when you said it. Well, I would I would offer you said it. Well, I would I would offer you said it. Well, I would I would offer that that that that perspective also depends upon where that perspective also depends upon where that perspective also depends upon where you are leading. you are leading. you are leading. >> Uh let's take the military. There are >> Uh let's take the military. There are >> Uh let's take the military. There are hierarchies. There's a hierarchical hierarchies. There's a hierarchical hierarchies. There's a hierarchical organization for a reason for a very organization for a reason for a very organization for a reason for a very good reason. good reason. good reason. >> And so, and there are rule sets around >> And so, and there are rule sets around >> And so, and there are rule sets around how you relate as how an officer relates how you relate as how an officer relates how you relate as how an officer relates to enlisted personnel. to enlisted personnel. to enlisted personnel. >> And there's a reason for those rule >> And there's a reason for those rule >> And there's a reason for those rule sets. Um, sets. Um, sets. Um, but you have to see people. You have to but you have to see people. You have to but you have to see people. You have to see them and understand that they're see them and understand that they're see them and understand that they're more than the person walking around in more than the person walking around in more than the person walking around in that uniform performing a task. They're that uniform performing a task. They're that uniform performing a task. They're more than that person walking around in more than that person walking around in more than that person walking around in your uh classroom, that faculty member, your uh classroom, that faculty member, your uh classroom, that faculty member, uh, that biology professor. There's more uh, that biology professor. There's more uh, that biology professor. There's more to them than that. And you have to see to them than that. And you have to see to them than that. And you have to see them from for the wholeness of the them from for the wholeness of the them from for the wholeness of the person that they are. person that they are. person that they are. >> And that allows you to sort of on that >> And that allows you to sort of on that >> And that allows you to sort of on that tether about how you how you engage with tether about how you how you engage with tether about how you how you engage with them dayto day point to point but you them dayto day point to point but you them dayto day point to point but you have to always be authentic and and this have to always be authentic and and this have to always be authentic and and this is why authenticity is important and I is why authenticity is important and I is why authenticity is important and I go back to uh valuebased decisionmaking go back to uh valuebased decisionmaking go back to uh valuebased decisionmaking leadership is so important because leadership is so important because leadership is so important because you can't fake it you can only fake it you can't fake it you can only fake it you can't fake it you can only fake it for so long right so if you are not in for so long right so if you are not in for so long right so if you are not in the times of in times of simplicity the times of in times of simplicity the times of in times of simplicity When things are easy, When things are easy, When things are easy, everything's smooth. everything's smooth. everything's smooth. >> There's no issues. >> There's no issues. >> There's no issues. But if you watch how a person leads, it But if you watch how a person leads, it But if you watch how a person leads, it tells you a lot about who that person tells you a lot about who that person tells you a lot about who that person is, what they value, what's important to is, what they value, what's important to is, what they value, what's important to them. them. them. >> And in times when the un when the >> And in times when the un when the >> And in times when the un when the institution is under stress or the institution is under stress or the institution is under stress or the organization is under stress, it's it organization is under stress, it's it organization is under stress, it's it will reveal who that person is. Power will reveal who that person is. Power will reveal who that person is. Power also reveals who a person is. Lincoln also reveals who a person is. Lincoln also reveals who a person is. Lincoln said, you know, we can all deal with said, you know, we can all deal with said, you know, we can all deal with stress, stress, stress, but the people that can deal with power, but the people that can deal with power, but the people that can deal with power, those are the ones that you can trust to those are the ones that you can trust to those are the ones that you can trust to lead. lead. lead. >> And and so >> And and so >> And and so >> so good. This is so good. >> so good. This is so good. >> so good. This is so good. >> And and so um if you are just I just >> And and so um if you are just I just >> And and so um if you are just I just give you an example. So I would uh when give you an example. So I would uh when give you an example. So I would uh when I was on active duty, I would I was the I was on active duty, I would I was the I was on active duty, I would I was the JAG, I would travel around and and go to JAG, I would travel around and and go to JAG, I would travel around and and go to different commands and different different commands and different different commands and different locations and speak with our folks. And locations and speak with our folks. And locations and speak with our folks. And so I would say this to him. I'm standing so I would say this to him. I'm standing so I would say this to him. I'm standing on the stage, right? I said, "Today, on the stage, right? I said, "Today, on the stage, right? I said, "Today, wear my best uniform. Make sure my wear my best uniform. Make sure my wear my best uniform. Make sure my ribbons were measured properly. They're ribbons were measured properly. They're ribbons were measured properly. They're in the right order, in the right place, in the right order, in the right place, in the right order, in the right place, shoes perfectly shine, my gig line shoes perfectly shine, my gig line shoes perfectly shine, my gig line straight, nothing out of order, just had straight, nothing out of order, just had straight, nothing out of order, just had a haircut, you know. And so I did all a haircut, you know. And so I did all a haircut, you know. And so I did all that because I'm sending a message. that because I'm sending a message. that because I'm sending a message. There's a message in that. There's a message in that. There's a message in that. >> If this is what I expect of me, >> If this is what I expect of me, >> If this is what I expect of me, >> this is what I expect of you. If I do >> this is what I expect of you. If I do >> this is what I expect of you. If I do it, so can so should you. it, so can so should you. it, so can so should you. >> So, and then I'm and I've prepared to >> So, and then I'm and I've prepared to >> So, and then I'm and I've prepared to speak to you about these various speak to you about these various speak to you about these various subjects and I'm going to articulate subjects and I'm going to articulate subjects and I'm going to articulate them and give you my vision of how we them and give you my vision of how we them and give you my vision of how we should how what my expectations are should how what my expectations are should how what my expectations are >> and how to be respectful and how to >> and how to be respectful and how to >> and how to be respectful and how to treat each other treat each other treat each other >> and how to uh carry yourself in that >> and how to uh carry yourself in that >> and how to uh carry yourself in that uniform because when you're in that uniform because when you're in that uniform because when you're in that uniform, you're more than yourself. And uniform, you're more than yourself. And uniform, you're more than yourself. And but then if I leave the stage, you've but then if I leave the stage, you've but then if I leave the stage, you've taken those lessons. I leave the stage taken those lessons. I leave the stage taken those lessons. I leave the stage and I go into what I like to call an and I go into what I like to call an and I go into what I like to call an unguarded moment when I think I'm unguarded moment when I think I'm unguarded moment when I think I'm unobserved. And leaders must know you're unobserved. And leaders must know you're unobserved. And leaders must know you're never unobserved. Someone's always never unobserved. Someone's always never unobserved. Someone's always watching you. watching you. watching you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Someone's always watching you because >> Someone's always watching you because >> Someone's always watching you because many people are watching you because many people are watching you because many people are watching you because they want to be where you are. They want they want to be where you are. They want they want to be where you are. They want to see how did you achieve that? to see how did you achieve that? to see how did you achieve that? >> Uh how can I aspire to be that and be >> Uh how can I aspire to be that and be >> Uh how can I aspire to be that and be better than that? And if you go into better than that? And if you go into better than that? And if you go into that unguarded moment and you are that unguarded moment and you are that unguarded moment and you are berating someone berating someone berating someone >> and you're acting completely >> and you're acting completely >> and you're acting completely 100 360 degrees away from what you just 100 360 degrees away from what you just 100 360 degrees away from what you just articulated, articulated, articulated, >> there's a lesson there, too. >> there's a lesson there, too. >> there's a lesson there, too. >> But that lesson is so much more powerful >> But that lesson is so much more powerful >> But that lesson is so much more powerful than the scripted lesson you just than the scripted lesson you just than the scripted lesson you just delivered. delivered. delivered. >> My goodness. >> My goodness. >> My goodness. >> And you've undercut that. And so, and if >> And you've undercut that. And so, and if >> And you've undercut that. And so, and if you're not authentic, when you really you're not authentic, when you really you're not authentic, when you really need your team is in times when the the need your team is in times when the the need your team is in times when the the organization is under stress. organization is under stress. organization is under stress. >> Yeah. That's when the leader has to be >> Yeah. That's when the leader has to be >> Yeah. That's when the leader has to be at their best and you can't then begin at their best and you can't then begin at their best and you can't then begin to gather people around you. to gather people around you. to gather people around you. >> People have to already be gathered. >> People have to already be gathered. >> People have to already be gathered. >> And very and if they're trusting you >> And very and if they're trusting you >> And very and if they're trusting you because they can trust you've created because they can trust you've created because they can trust you've created that consistency, that consistency, that consistency, that sense of reliability. that sense of reliability. that sense of reliability. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Then it minimize it takes away some of >> Then it minimize it takes away some of >> Then it minimize it takes away some of the an auxiliary stress, right? The the an auxiliary stress, right? The the an auxiliary stress, right? The unnecessary stress. unnecessary stress. unnecessary stress. >> Uh so that's why authenticity is so very >> Uh so that's why authenticity is so very >> Uh so that's why authenticity is so very important. important. important. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> that's these are I just want to say one >> that's these are I just want to say one >> that's these are I just want to say one thing. Everyone about every once in a thing. Everyone about every once in a thing. Everyone about every once in a while there's moments where like it while there's moments where like it while there's moments where like it reminds me of why I started the show. reminds me of why I started the show. reminds me of why I started the show. That was one of them right there. That That was one of them right there. That That was one of them right there. That was just outstanding. An unguarded was just outstanding. An unguarded was just outstanding. An unguarded moment. And by the way, I relate to moment. And by the way, I relate to moment. And by the way, I relate to >> having those unguarded moments where I >> having those unguarded moments where I >> having those unguarded moments where I wasn't consistent in the things that wasn't consistent in the things that wasn't consistent in the things that I've said from the front behind the I've said from the front behind the I've said from the front behind the scenes. And you're 100% right. The idea scenes. And you're 100% right. The idea scenes. And you're 100% right. The idea that they have to be gathered around you that they have to be gathered around you that they have to be gathered around you prior to the stress hitting too. These prior to the stress hitting too. These prior to the stress hitting too. These are these are are these are are these are >> and I want to be clear here. I don't >> and I want to be clear here. I don't >> and I want to be clear here. I don't always get it right. I understand always get it right. I understand always get it right. I understand >> want to be clear. I mess up just like >> want to be clear. I mess up just like >> want to be clear. I mess up just like the next guy, but as long as you think the next guy, but as long as you think the next guy, but as long as you think like that, as long as you try to keep like that, as long as you try to keep like that, as long as you try to keep that as your guiding as your guidepost, that as your guiding as your guidepost, that as your guiding as your guidepost, >> then you you'll you'll stand on it'll >> then you you'll you'll stand on it'll >> then you you'll you'll stand on it'll pull you back on track. pull you back on track. pull you back on track. >> Very good. >> Very good. >> Very good. You mentioned something when when you You mentioned something when when you You mentioned something when when you were talking about, you know, presenting were talking about, you know, presenting were talking about, you know, presenting yourself in front of your team and yourself in front of your team and yourself in front of your team and standing in front of them, not only to standing in front of them, not only to standing in front of them, not only to share a message, but sometimes to share share a message, but sometimes to share share a message, but sometimes to share vision. vision. vision. >> And very often, I think the idea that a >> And very often, I think the idea that a >> And very often, I think the idea that a leader has to hold a vision leader has to hold a vision leader has to hold a vision >> for their team, for their organization, >> for their team, for their organization, >> for their team, for their organization, in your case, for higher education at in your case, for higher education at in your case, for higher education at this point, this point, this point, >> even when things aren't working well, >> even when things aren't working well, >> even when things aren't working well, you know, Steve Jobs said, "It's one you know, Steve Jobs said, "It's one you know, Steve Jobs said, "It's one thing to have an idea or a vision, it's thing to have an idea or a vision, it's thing to have an idea or a vision, it's another thing to make it real." Correct. another thing to make it real." Correct. another thing to make it real." Correct. >> You're holding this vision for what >> You're holding this vision for what >> You're holding this vision for what you'd like to do in higher education and you'd like to do in higher education and you'd like to do in higher education and and um I don't know if we mentioned and um I don't know if we mentioned and um I don't know if we mentioned this. My brother and my sister and this. My brother and my sister and this. My brother and my sister and myself all went to Norfick State myself all went to Norfick State myself all went to Norfick State University. So I've received education University. So I've received education University. So I've received education at an H.B.CU. My my brother and sister at an H.B.CU. My my brother and sister at an H.B.CU. My my brother and sister both played uh athletics for them. And both played uh athletics for them. And both played uh athletics for them. And um so it it was extra special to be able um so it it was extra special to be able um so it it was extra special to be able to come and visit Texas Southern. You're to come and visit Texas Southern. You're to come and visit Texas Southern. You're holding this vision for a school, one of holding this vision for a school, one of holding this vision for a school, one of the most important schools in our the most important schools in our the most important schools in our country for a number of reasons that country for a number of reasons that country for a number of reasons that needed a lift if I can be really frank. needed a lift if I can be really frank. needed a lift if I can be really frank. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> How do you hold vision as a leader when >> How do you hold vision as a leader when >> How do you hold vision as a leader when things are so far away from the vision things are so far away from the vision things are so far away from the vision that you're looking to create? How do that you're looking to create? How do that you're looking to create? How do you manage the gap between the vision you manage the gap between the vision you manage the gap between the vision that you hold for what you're looking to that you hold for what you're looking to that you hold for what you're looking to create? Translate to that to your team create? Translate to that to your team create? Translate to that to your team under stress and when it's far away. under stress and when it's far away. under stress and when it's far away. Where do you go for that? Where do you go for that? Where do you go for that? >> A lot of people talk about trust, but it >> A lot of people talk about trust, but it >> A lot of people talk about trust, but it starts with belief. starts with belief. starts with belief. It really starts with belief in my mind. It really starts with belief in my mind. It really starts with belief in my mind. >> You know, when you when I did not have >> You know, when you when I did not have >> You know, when you when I did not have the opportunity to go to an HB.CU. My the opportunity to go to an HB.CU. My the opportunity to go to an HB.CU. My parents, however, uh my dad didn't parents, however, uh my dad didn't parents, however, uh my dad didn't graduate. He went off to the Korean War. graduate. He went off to the Korean War. graduate. He went off to the Korean War. Uh my mother uh graduated and was a Uh my mother uh graduated and was a Uh my mother uh graduated and was a teacher for 37 years in the Charlotte teacher for 37 years in the Charlotte teacher for 37 years in the Charlotte Meckllinburgg school system in North Meckllinburgg school system in North Meckllinburgg school system in North Carolina. Carolina. Carolina. >> Uh so it's very interesting experience >> Uh so it's very interesting experience >> Uh so it's very interesting experience to have teachers in school and teachers to have teachers in school and teachers to have teachers in school and teachers at home. Yeah. at home. Yeah. at home. Yeah. >> But >> But >> But >> I'm very very happy about that today. >> I'm very very happy about that today. >> I'm very very happy about that today. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But um >> But um >> But um >> so I but because of their experience, I >> so I but because of their experience, I >> so I but because of their experience, I had a connection to HBC, although I had a connection to HBC, although I had a connection to HBC, although I didn't go to one didn't go to one didn't go to one >> in that era, in the era that they grew >> in that era, in the era that they grew >> in that era, in the era that they grew up in. That's where they essentially up in. That's where they essentially up in. That's where they essentially their opportunities were, their opportunities were, their opportunities were, >> right? And so that's where so many >> right? And so that's where so many >> right? And so that's where so many talented African-Americans talented African-Americans talented African-Americans educated educated educated >> whether it's sports, whether it's >> whether it's sports, whether it's >> whether it's sports, whether it's entertainment, whether it's academics, entertainment, whether it's academics, entertainment, whether it's academics, whether it's whether it's whether it's >> governance, whatever you may be, those >> governance, whatever you may be, those >> governance, whatever you may be, those very talented people. And I was exposed very talented people. And I was exposed very talented people. And I was exposed to those folks to those folks to those folks >> who were who carried themselves with >> who were who carried themselves with >> who were who carried themselves with dignity, dignity, who uh were dignity, dignity, who uh were dignity, dignity, who uh were respectful. respectful. respectful. >> My dad used to say, "If you expect >> My dad used to say, "If you expect >> My dad used to say, "If you expect respect, treat others with respect." And respect, treat others with respect." And respect, treat others with respect." And I saw all of that I saw all of that I saw all of that >> and the thing about H.B.CU's it's so >> and the thing about H.B.CU's it's so >> and the thing about H.B.CU's it's so it's such such a family such a sense of it's such such a family such a sense of it's such such a family such a sense of creating success for each other. creating success for each other. creating success for each other. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And so when as I when you try to uh >> And so when as I when you try to uh >> And so when as I when you try to uh create this vision if you will and create this vision if you will and create this vision if you will and sometimes our words overused I think the sometimes our words overused I think the sometimes our words overused I think the first thing you have to be is very first thing you have to be is very first thing you have to be is very precise about what it is. precise about what it is. precise about what it is. >> Yes. what it is that you're looking for, >> Yes. what it is that you're looking for, >> Yes. what it is that you're looking for, what it is that you're looking to do, what it is that you're looking to do, what it is that you're looking to do, and the belief that yes, it can be done. and the belief that yes, it can be done. and the belief that yes, it can be done. You know, I we graduated 820 You know, I we graduated 820 You know, I we graduated 820 plus uh candidates yesterday from the plus uh candidates yesterday from the plus uh candidates yesterday from the university university university >> and uh through bachelor degrees, masters >> and uh through bachelor degrees, masters >> and uh through bachelor degrees, masters and doctorates. and doctorates. and doctorates. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And one of the things I said to them is >> And one of the things I said to them is >> And one of the things I said to them is that that that >> education is more than the accumulation >> education is more than the accumulation >> education is more than the accumulation of knowledge. It's about the culturation of knowledge. It's about the culturation of knowledge. It's about the culturation of good character of good character of good character >> and personal excellence. >> and personal excellence. >> and personal excellence. >> So you have to get people to believe >> So you have to get people to believe >> So you have to get people to believe that there's there's that whisper that that there's there's that whisper that that there's there's that whisper that they hear in the back of their heads they hear in the back of their heads they hear in the back of their heads that you can't do it. You can't do it. that you can't do it. You can't do it. that you can't do it. You can't do it. You can't do it. And it sounds like a You can't do it. And it sounds like a You can't do it. And it sounds like a roaring lion. roaring lion. roaring lion. >> It's really just a whisper. >> It's really just a whisper. >> It's really just a whisper. >> And you can't let that deter you. >> And you can't let that deter you. >> And you can't let that deter you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That you will face defeats. My Angelo, I >> That you will face defeats. My Angelo, I >> That you will face defeats. My Angelo, I love this. I say it over and over to love this. I say it over and over to love this. I say it over and over to what people like can start quoting it what people like can start quoting it what people like can start quoting it before I finish it. before I finish it. before I finish it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And she said, "You will face many >> And she said, "You will face many >> And she said, "You will face many defeats in life, but you must never let defeats in life, but you must never let defeats in life, but you must never let yourself be defeated." yourself be defeated." yourself be defeated." >> In fact, those defeats are important so >> In fact, those defeats are important so >> In fact, those defeats are important so that you can see what you can get up that you can see what you can get up that you can see what you can get up from and how far you can reach. And what from and how far you can reach. And what from and how far you can reach. And what a leader is trying to show we can reach. a leader is trying to show we can reach. a leader is trying to show we can reach. >> Don't allow theoretical limits to be the >> Don't allow theoretical limits to be the >> Don't allow theoretical limits to be the barrier to where we can go because there barrier to where we can go because there barrier to where we can go because there is no barrier. So being precise about is no barrier. So being precise about is no barrier. So being precise about what it is, helping them see themsel in what it is, helping them see themsel in what it is, helping them see themsel in that picture, that picture, that picture, >> modeling it yourself, >> modeling it yourself, >> modeling it yourself, communicating it. Communicating is about communicating it. Communicating is about communicating it. Communicating is about not just transmission, not just transmission, not just transmission, but receiving and then providing that but receiving and then providing that but receiving and then providing that feedback so they know you have received feedback so they know you have received feedback so they know you have received it. Setting the conditions for them to it. Setting the conditions for them to it. Setting the conditions for them to do. You can't ask people to do something do. You can't ask people to do something do. You can't ask people to do something if you don't set the conditions for them if you don't set the conditions for them if you don't set the conditions for them to do it and give them the tools to do to do it and give them the tools to do to do it and give them the tools to do it. it. it. >> Right? And then you have to be >> Right? And then you have to be >> Right? And then you have to be strategically patient. And I say strategically patient. And I say strategically patient. And I say strategically patient means you can't strategically patient means you can't strategically patient means you can't expect newness to occur tomorrow, expect newness to occur tomorrow, expect newness to occur tomorrow, >> but it can't take all it can't take >> but it can't take all it can't take >> but it can't take all it can't take forever. forever. forever. >> So you have to strategic patience means >> So you have to strategic patience means >> So you have to strategic patience means there must be a sense of urgency that there must be a sense of urgency that there must be a sense of urgency that yes, we will get there and we can't. yes, we will get there and we can't. yes, we will get there and we can't. Time is not our friend. And then Time is not our friend. And then Time is not our friend. And then everyone has to be accountable and the everyone has to be accountable and the everyone has to be accountable and the leader is the person that must be most leader is the person that must be most leader is the person that must be most accountable. accountable. accountable. >> I'm curious about education in general, >> I'm curious about education in general, >> I'm curious about education in general, not just H.B.CU's cus do you it's a not just H.B.CU's cus do you it's a not just H.B.CU's cus do you it's a two-part question one are we developing two-part question one are we developing two-part question one are we developing leaders I I don't know because I haven't leaders I I don't know because I haven't leaders I I don't know because I haven't been on a college campus other than my been on a college campus other than my been on a college campus other than my daughters in a long time do we in does daughters in a long time do we in does daughters in a long time do we in does the traditional education system the traditional education system the traditional education system encourage free thinking and diversity of encourage free thinking and diversity of encourage free thinking and diversity of thought tough question and number two thought tough question and number two thought tough question and number two what's the future of it I just look at what's the future of it I just look at what's the future of it I just look at um I wonder with AI and the advent of um I wonder with AI and the advent of um I wonder with AI and the advent of you know people are no longer like they you know people are no longer like they you know people are no longer like they used to go into brickandmortar used to go into brickandmortar used to go into brickandmortar businesses does that eventually make an businesses does that eventually make an businesses does that eventually make an impact in higher education as well. So impact in higher education as well. So impact in higher education as well. So just your overall thought about higher just your overall thought about higher just your overall thought about higher education in general. education in general. education in general. >> So I mentioned the graduation yesterday >> So I mentioned the graduation yesterday >> So I mentioned the graduation yesterday that the commencement the fall that the commencement the fall that the commencement the fall commencement and I referred to that in commencement and I referred to that in commencement and I referred to that in the president's charge is that you're the president's charge is that you're the president's charge is that you're the marketplace that they're going into the marketplace that they're going into the marketplace that they're going into now now now >> is dramatically different than it was >> is dramatically different than it was >> is dramatically different than it was when they just started their educational when they just started their educational when they just started their educational journey. journey. journey. >> My goodness, it is. Yes. So what they >> My goodness, it is. Yes. So what they >> My goodness, it is. Yes. So what they were learning as freshmen is so much were learning as freshmen is so much were learning as freshmen is so much different. The job that they're might different. The job that they're might different. The job that they're might that they're looking to go into now that they're looking to go into now that they're looking to go into now didn't even exist probably when they didn't even exist probably when they didn't even exist probably when they were freshman. were freshman. were freshman. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And we as the administrators of >> And we as the administrators of >> And we as the administrators of education and the delivers of education, education and the delivers of education, education and the delivers of education, we have to understand that. we have to understand that. we have to understand that. >> We have to understand that the world >> We have to understand that the world >> We have to understand that the world moves so much faster than it ever has moves so much faster than it ever has moves so much faster than it ever has before. that change is so rapid and it before. that change is so rapid and it before. that change is so rapid and it and it's it's it's not just the speed, and it's it's it's not just the speed, and it's it's it's not just the speed, but it's the pace of change that's but it's the pace of change that's but it's the pace of change that's really the key. really the key. really the key. >> And so we're sending our young women and >> And so we're sending our young women and >> And so we're sending our young women and men into a world of smart machines, men into a world of smart machines, men into a world of smart machines, artificial intelligence. So we have to artificial intelligence. So we have to artificial intelligence. So we have to enable them to be agile. enable them to be agile. enable them to be agile. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> So they will have a a major, right? A >> So they will have a a major, right? A >> So they will have a a major, right? A area where they they are leaving as a area where they they are leaving as a area where they they are leaving as a journeyman, an entry- level expert, so journeyman, an entry- level expert, so journeyman, an entry- level expert, so to speak, right? um they learn their to speak, right? um they learn their to speak, right? um they learn their craft in the doing of that craft but we craft in the doing of that craft but we craft in the doing of that craft but we also have to teach them those aspects. also have to teach them those aspects. also have to teach them those aspects. Everybody talks about STEM today, Everybody talks about STEM today, Everybody talks about STEM today, >> but liberal arts remains very important >> but liberal arts remains very important >> but liberal arts remains very important because the core of liberal arts is because the core of liberal arts is because the core of liberal arts is developing an educated person, a person developing an educated person, a person developing an educated person, a person who can think. who can think. who can think. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Who analyzes and questions? >> Who analyzes and questions? >> Who analyzes and questions? Who who thinks about artificial Who who thinks about artificial Who who thinks about artificial intelligence and says how should I apply intelligence and says how should I apply intelligence and says how should I apply that? What's the effect it's going to that? What's the effect it's going to that? What's the effect it's going to have within my organization? What's the have within my organization? What's the have within my organization? What's the effect it's going to have at the effect it's going to have at the effect it's going to have at the populace, with my customers? You you be populace, with my customers? You you be populace, with my customers? You you be thinking people. We have to graduate thinking people. We have to graduate thinking people. We have to graduate thinkers, thinkers, thinkers, thinking leaders, feeling leaders, not thinking leaders, feeling leaders, not thinking leaders, feeling leaders, not bleeding, you know, as they say, but you bleeding, you know, as they say, but you bleeding, you know, as they say, but you you you have to understand that you you have to understand that you you have to understand that >> change requires you to change and we >> change requires you to change and we >> change requires you to change and we have to equip them to be agile. have to equip them to be agile. have to equip them to be agile. >> What a perfect word. I'm I'm blessed >> What a perfect word. I'm I'm blessed >> What a perfect word. I'm I'm blessed that uh so I want to just follow up on that uh so I want to just follow up on that uh so I want to just follow up on that like you give advice to young that like you give advice to young that like you give advice to young people right now. So, I'm I'm just people right now. So, I'm I'm just people right now. So, I'm I'm just crazy they selected me of all human crazy they selected me of all human crazy they selected me of all human beings, but I'm a member of the College beings, but I'm a member of the College beings, but I'm a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation board. And so, we're Football Foundation board. And so, we're Football Foundation board. And so, we're dealing with all these graduating dealing with all these graduating dealing with all these graduating athletes all the time and we're trying athletes all the time and we're trying athletes all the time and we're trying to equip them to go out into the to equip them to go out into the to equip them to go out into the marketplace. And uh I wish I would have marketplace. And uh I wish I would have marketplace. And uh I wish I would have thought of the word agility and telling thought of the word agility and telling thought of the word agility and telling them how to pivot. But if you were to them how to pivot. But if you were to them how to pivot. But if you were to give advice to somebody right now that's give advice to somebody right now that's give advice to somebody right now that's say 25 and under and they're looking say 25 and under and they're looking say 25 and under and they're looking ahead with a a vision for their future ahead with a a vision for their future ahead with a a vision for their future and they're scared, and they're scared, and they're scared, >> you know, there there are I think >> you know, there there are I think >> you know, there there are I think there's actually more fear in the there's actually more fear in the there's actually more fear in the marketplace right now about what is all marketplace right now about what is all marketplace right now about what is all of this going to mean two three four of this going to mean two three four of this going to mean two three four what industries will even exist any what industries will even exist any what industries will even exist any longer. Just curious because you're longer. Just curious because you're longer. Just curious because you're you're right in the middle of all this you're right in the middle of all this you're right in the middle of all this stuff every single day. What would your stuff every single day. What would your stuff every single day. What would your advice be to a young person who's advice be to a young person who's advice be to a young person who's looking ahead at their future and what looking ahead at their future and what looking ahead at their future and what they should they continue education past they should they continue education past they should they continue education past graduation? Maybe it's not formal graduation? Maybe it's not formal graduation? Maybe it's not formal education, but it's reading and education, but it's reading and education, but it's reading and listening to things all the time, etc. listening to things all the time, etc. listening to things all the time, etc. >> You you hit it. The capac the human >> You you hit it. The capac the human >> You you hit it. The capac the human capacity um is unlimited. capacity um is unlimited. capacity um is unlimited. >> And what we should be doing as educators >> And what we should be doing as educators >> And what we should be doing as educators is helping to unleash that human energy. is helping to unleash that human energy. is helping to unleash that human energy. >> And they have to be constant learners. >> And they have to be constant learners. >> And they have to be constant learners. They can't see themselves graduating as They can't see themselves graduating as They can't see themselves graduating as okay I'm done with that now I'm going to okay I'm done with that now I'm going to okay I'm done with that now I'm going to go out they have to be constant learners go out they have to be constant learners go out they have to be constant learners >> because that that job today processes >> because that that job today processes >> because that that job today processes may affect it technology may affect it may affect it technology may affect it may affect it technology may affect it so you have to be as I said to the to so you have to be as I said to the to so you have to be as I said to the to the graduates yesterday you have to be the graduates yesterday you have to be the graduates yesterday you have to be attuned to external trends attuned to external trends attuned to external trends >> and external trends are those things >> and external trends are those things >> and external trends are those things that people are talking about that people are talking about that people are talking about >> things that people are investing in >> things that people are investing in >> things that people are investing in >> things that people are spending their >> things that people are spending their >> things that people are spending their time on time on time on >> and you have to be attuned to that in >> and you have to be attuned to that in >> and you have to be attuned to that in your area of endeavor your area of endeavor your area of endeavor >> what is happening because if you embrace >> what is happening because if you embrace >> what is happening because if you embrace external trends and this is really uh external trends and this is really uh external trends and this is really uh I've read this about you're thinking I've read this about you're thinking I've read this about you're thinking about an organization it's why I think about an organization it's why I think about an organization it's why I think about this but it's true with people about this but it's true with people about this but it's true with people organizations uh Jeff Bezos talked about organizations uh Jeff Bezos talked about organizations uh Jeff Bezos talked about this years ago about being a day one this years ago about being a day one this years ago about being a day one organization versus a day two organization versus a day two organization versus a day two organization having a startup mentality organization having a startup mentality organization having a startup mentality versus having that I've got it made versus having that I've got it made versus having that I've got it made mentality which is this which day two is mentality which is this which day two is mentality which is this which day two is on your way out at some point in time on your way out at some point in time on your way out at some point in time >> and and what I said to the graduates is >> and and what I said to the graduates is >> and and what I said to the graduates is this you have to have the the sense of this you have to have the the sense of this you have to have the the sense of constantly learning recognizing external constantly learning recognizing external constantly learning recognizing external trends because if you embrace external trends because if you embrace external trends because if you embrace external trends there will be a a tailwind for trends there will be a a tailwind for trends there will be a a tailwind for you you you >> just like an organization if you fight >> just like an organization if you fight >> just like an organization if you fight against external trends it's going to be against external trends it's going to be against external trends it's going to be a headwind and you're going to have a a headwind and you're going to have a a headwind and you're going to have a problem. So those who don't embrace uh problem. So those who don't embrace uh problem. So those who don't embrace uh AI in the classroom, don't em embrace it AI in the classroom, don't em embrace it AI in the classroom, don't em embrace it in the delivery of learning and how you in the delivery of learning and how you in the delivery of learning and how you shape your learning environment, you're shape your learning environment, you're shape your learning environment, you're not preparing your students, your not preparing your students, your not preparing your students, your graduates for the world that they're graduates for the world that they're graduates for the world that they're going to face. going to face. going to face. >> So good. I let you jump in. I just want >> So good. I let you jump in. I just want >> So good. I let you jump in. I just want to second that just for the audience to second that just for the audience to second that just for the audience too. That's sort of been my own mindset too. That's sort of been my own mindset too. That's sort of been my own mindset in my life is like what do I identify as in my life is like what do I identify as in my life is like what do I identify as as a human? I'm a learner. as a human? I'm a learner. as a human? I'm a learner. >> Yeah. And I could tell you of the 850 >> Yeah. And I could tell you of the 850 >> Yeah. And I could tell you of the 850 guests that have been on the show, and I guests that have been on the show, and I guests that have been on the show, and I sense this with you as well. If you ask sense this with you as well. If you ask sense this with you as well. If you ask me what what's a through line, not of me what what's a through line, not of me what what's a through line, not of all of them, but of the majority of all of them, but of the majority of all of them, but of the majority of them, it's that no matter what level of them, it's that no matter what level of them, it's that no matter what level of success you think they've attained, they success you think they've attained, they success you think they've attained, they are still grinding and learn. I remember are still grinding and learn. I remember are still grinding and learn. I remember the first time I had my, you know, Alex the first time I had my, you know, Alex the first time I had my, you know, Alex Rodriguez has been on the show before, Rodriguez has been on the show before, Rodriguez has been on the show before, but post his career, first time I met but post his career, first time I met but post his career, first time I met with Alex, with Alex, with Alex, >> we were at at a home and he literally >> we were at at a home and he literally >> we were at at a home and he literally brought out a yellow tablet. I thought, brought out a yellow tablet. I thought, brought out a yellow tablet. I thought, you're you're Alex Rodriguez. I'm just you're you're Alex Rodriguez. I'm just you're you're Alex Rodriguez. I'm just me writing notes. um after guests that me writing notes. um after guests that me writing notes. um after guests that have been on the show whether it's you have been on the show whether it's you have been on the show whether it's you know McCCA or even a a guy like David know McCCA or even a a guy like David know McCCA or even a a guy like David Sinclair who's a professor at Harvard Sinclair who's a professor at Harvard Sinclair who's a professor at Harvard asking questions of me or other guests asking questions of me or other guests asking questions of me or other guests and constantly learning I think that can and constantly learning I think that can and constantly learning I think that can eliminate a lot of your fear as well so eliminate a lot of your fear as well so eliminate a lot of your fear as well so I love that agility and the idea of I love that agility and the idea of I love that agility and the idea of learning me interrupt you fear learning me interrupt you fear learning me interrupt you fear >> is important the point I'm glad you >> is important the point I'm glad you >> is important the point I'm glad you mentioned that because mentioned that because mentioned that because you you can't you can't be afraid of you you can't you can't be afraid of you you can't you can't be afraid of taking that first step taking that first step taking that first step >> and you have to encourage we encourage >> and you have to encourage we encourage >> and you have to encourage we encourage our students don't be afraid of taking our students don't be afraid of taking our students don't be afraid of taking that first step because every journey, that first step because every journey, that first step because every journey, no matter how long or how short, starts no matter how long or how short, starts no matter how long or how short, starts with that first step. with that first step. with that first step. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And if you don't take that first step, >> And if you don't take that first step, >> And if you don't take that first step, you never know what that destination you never know what that destination you never know what that destination could look like. could look like. could look like. >> So, you can't allow fear to to freeze >> So, you can't allow fear to to freeze >> So, you can't allow fear to to freeze you. you. you. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, people ask me often like, "What are >> So, people ask me often like, "What are >> So, people ask me often like, "What are some of the biggest challenges that some of the biggest challenges that some of the biggest challenges that you've dealt with in business?" And I you've dealt with in business?" And I you've dealt with in business?" And I can tell you one of the biggest ones is can tell you one of the biggest ones is can tell you one of the biggest ones is hiring, finding great people. Whether hiring, finding great people. Whether hiring, finding great people. Whether you're a founder, a CEO, or an HR you're a founder, a CEO, or an HR you're a founder, a CEO, or an HR leader, building a global team usually leader, building a global team usually leader, building a global team usually means deciding to set up a big local means deciding to set up a big local means deciding to set up a big local entity over there, spending a bunch of entity over there, spending a bunch of entity over there, spending a bunch of money. And that's why Pebble exists. You money. And that's why Pebble exists. You money. And that's why Pebble exists. You don't have to do any of that stuff. Are don't have to do any of that stuff. Are don't have to do any of that stuff. Are you hiring another country right now? you hiring another country right now? you hiring another country right now? Because once you do, things can get very Because once you do, things can get very Because once you do, things can get very complicated very, very fast as you know. complicated very, very fast as you know. complicated very, very fast as you know. And Pebble can help. Pebble helps you And Pebble can help. Pebble helps you And Pebble can help. Pebble helps you hire, pay, and manage talent in over 185 hire, pay, and manage talent in over 185 hire, pay, and manage talent in over 185 countries with fast onboarding that can countries with fast onboarding that can countries with fast onboarding that can be done in minutes. It's all done by be done in minutes. It's all done by be done in minutes. It's all done by them for you. One thing I can tell you them for you. One thing I can tell you them for you. One thing I can tell you about Pebble is that it's an AI powered about Pebble is that it's an AI powered about Pebble is that it's an AI powered global human resources platform built global human resources platform built global human resources platform built for founders. It's so good, you guys. for founders. It's so good, you guys. for founders. It's so good, you guys. Our new standard discounted pricing at Our new standard discounted pricing at Our new standard discounted pricing at $399 per month per employee helps you $399 per month per employee helps you $399 per month per employee helps you contain costs. Go to hi pbl.ai to get a free estimate. That's hi pbl.ai to get a free estimate. That's hi pbl.ai for a free estimate. for a free estimate. for a free estimate. >> Yeah. So good. you know, um, we bet >> Yeah. So good. you know, um, we bet >> Yeah. So good. you know, um, we bet through, uh, our good friend Brandon through, uh, our good friend Brandon through, uh, our good friend Brandon Simmons. Simmons. Simmons. >> He's a good man. >> He's a good man. >> He's a good man. >> He's he's a really good guy. And and I I >> He's he's a really good guy. And and I I >> He's he's a really good guy. And and I I have this curiosity. I mentioned this to have this curiosity. I mentioned this to have this curiosity. I mentioned this to you, which is, you know, you're both you, which is, you know, you're both you, which is, you know, you're both lawyers and very good at what you did in lawyers and very good at what you did in lawyers and very good at what you did in terms of law. And then you come in as terms of law. And then you come in as terms of law. And then you come in as president of the college having had a president of the college having had a president of the college having had a military career and and been at another military career and and been at another military career and and been at another institution. And Brandon's very institution. And Brandon's very institution. And Brandon's very entrepreneurial and you're working entrepreneurial and you're working entrepreneurial and you're working together to create this change. What was together to create this change. What was together to create this change. What was it like having the the what I would call it like having the the what I would call it like having the the what I would call a more structured background and working a more structured background and working a more structured background and working with someone who's a bit more with someone who's a bit more with someone who's a bit more entrepreneurial and what has that done entrepreneurial and what has that done entrepreneurial and what has that done do you believe for the relationship that do you believe for the relationship that do you believe for the relationship that both of you had with the school in terms both of you had with the school in terms both of you had with the school in terms of change? of change? of change? >> Well, you know, with anyone I had to uh >> Well, you know, with anyone I had to uh >> Well, you know, with anyone I had to uh listen uh that's so important listening listen uh that's so important listening listen uh that's so important listening to understand how Brandon thinks. to understand how Brandon thinks. to understand how Brandon thinks. >> Yeah. Um uh and and it doesn't take long >> Yeah. Um uh and and it doesn't take long >> Yeah. Um uh and and it doesn't take long uh because once you listen to him, you uh because once you listen to him, you uh because once you listen to him, you see see see his heart is about doing good for his heart is about doing good for his heart is about doing good for people, doing good for others. people, doing good for others. people, doing good for others. >> It was never a conversation that he and >> It was never a conversation that he and >> It was never a conversation that he and I had about that university where it I had about that university where it I had about that university where it wasn't about how do we make good things wasn't about how do we make good things wasn't about how do we make good things happen for these students. M happen for these students. M happen for these students. M >> how can I take the relationships I have, >> how can I take the relationships I have, >> how can I take the relationships I have, the contacts I have, how can I take that the contacts I have, how can I take that the contacts I have, how can I take that and turn that into something that and turn that into something that and turn that into something that creates benefits for these students? creates benefits for these students? creates benefits for these students? >> Never a conversation that did not >> Never a conversation that did not >> Never a conversation that did not involve that I had with him. involve that I had with him. involve that I had with him. >> Uh what made the relationship and >> Uh what made the relationship and >> Uh what made the relationship and continues to make the relationship with continues to make the relationship with continues to make the relationship with him so easy is that he's an honest him so easy is that he's an honest him so easy is that he's an honest person. person. person. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> He's just a sincere, authentic, honest >> He's just a sincere, authentic, honest >> He's just a sincere, authentic, honest person. person. person. >> And so I can trust what he says. Uh and >> And so I can trust what he says. Uh and >> And so I can trust what he says. Uh and I hope he feels he can trust what I say I hope he feels he can trust what I say I hope he feels he can trust what I say and that's why I feel that our and that's why I feel that our and that's why I feel that our partnership uh worked. partnership uh worked. partnership uh worked. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Because I respect and admire his >> Because I respect and admire his >> Because I respect and admire his achievements and uh he I sometimes I achievements and uh he I sometimes I achievements and uh he I sometimes I felt like Brendon stop and he would felt like Brendon stop and he would felt like Brendon stop and he would never stop talking about how happy he never stop talking about how happy he never stop talking about how happy he was that brought me brought me to the was that brought me brought me to the was that brought me brought me to the university. university. university. >> And so uh I think it's just a mutual >> And so uh I think it's just a mutual >> And so uh I think it's just a mutual admiration society between he and I. I admiration society between he and I. I admiration society between he and I. I just I love the guy. He's he's a just I love the guy. He's he's a just I love the guy. He's he's a wonderful person. wonderful person. wonderful person. >> I wonder >> I wonder >> I wonder >> and has a beautiful family. >> and has a beautiful family. >> and has a beautiful family. >> I'm happy to hear you say that. And and >> I'm happy to hear you say that. And and >> I'm happy to hear you say that. And and you know, a lot of the audience that uh you know, a lot of the audience that uh you know, a lot of the audience that uh that Ed has that listen to the show that Ed has that listen to the show that Ed has that listen to the show regularly, the clients that I've worked regularly, the clients that I've worked regularly, the clients that I've worked with for years are entrepreneurs. with for years are entrepreneurs. with for years are entrepreneurs. >> And there's a stigma sometimes in >> And there's a stigma sometimes in >> And there's a stigma sometimes in entrepreneurship that it's hard to have entrepreneurship that it's hard to have entrepreneurship that it's hard to have a partner in business. a partner in business. a partner in business. >> And I'm happy to hear you say that >> And I'm happy to hear you say that >> And I'm happy to hear you say that because you're both partnered in because you're both partnered in because you're both partnered in supporting all these students, supporting all these students, supporting all these students, >> right, >> right, >> right, >> in a leadership capacity, solving a >> in a leadership capacity, solving a >> in a leadership capacity, solving a problem for them, giving them a better problem for them, giving them a better problem for them, giving them a better education. And I found in my years as an education. And I found in my years as an education. And I found in my years as an entrepreneur that it's not always entrepreneur that it's not always entrepreneur that it's not always horrible to have a partner. You just horrible to have a partner. You just horrible to have a partner. You just have to find that trust and be able to have to find that trust and be able to have to find that trust and be able to listen to each other and get curious listen to each other and get curious listen to each other and get curious about each other to make it work. And I about each other to make it work. And I about each other to make it work. And I think for the audience sometimes they think for the audience sometimes they think for the audience sometimes they hear no, you've got to go it alone. hear no, you've got to go it alone. hear no, you've got to go it alone. You've got to hustle if you're going to You've got to hustle if you're going to You've got to hustle if you're going to build a business. It's hard to rely on build a business. It's hard to rely on build a business. It's hard to rely on other people. Even in in the book ETH, other people. Even in in the book ETH, other people. Even in in the book ETH, >> you know, um Gerber says that people >> you know, um Gerber says that people >> you know, um Gerber says that people will disappoint you and people quote will disappoint you and people quote will disappoint you and people quote that all the time that all the time that all the time >> and I think that's true in some senses, >> and I think that's true in some senses, >> and I think that's true in some senses, right? you build your systems and then right? you build your systems and then right? you build your systems and then you find great people that can work the you find great people that can work the you find great people that can work the system. But I think there's times where system. But I think there's times where system. But I think there's times where partnership is actually the valuable partnership is actually the valuable partnership is actually the valuable thing to do and it's just encouraging thing to do and it's just encouraging thing to do and it's just encouraging that that that partnership. that that that partnership. that that that partnership. >> You know, it's funny you say that people >> You know, it's funny you say that people >> You know, it's funny you say that people disappoint you. You know, I've wor I had disappoint you. You know, I've wor I had disappoint you. You know, I've wor I had the the pleasure to work in the Navy to the the pleasure to work in the Navy to the the pleasure to work in the Navy to work with some really really incredible work with some really really incredible work with some really really incredible human beings human beings human beings and also see and observe really good and also see and observe really good and also see and observe really good commands and see and observe commands commands and see and observe commands commands and see and observe commands that weren't that good. that weren't that good. that weren't that good. >> Yeah. But the through line of that was >> Yeah. But the through line of that was >> Yeah. But the through line of that was that that that the people, whether they're in a good the people, whether they're in a good the people, whether they're in a good command or in one that's not performing command or in one that's not performing command or in one that's not performing where it perhaps is expected to perform, where it perhaps is expected to perform, where it perhaps is expected to perform, they all want to do well. they all want to do well. they all want to do well. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> People at their heart, most people at at >> People at their heart, most people at at >> People at their heart, most people at at their core want to do well. They want to their core want to do well. They want to their core want to do well. They want to be valued and they want to be delivering be valued and they want to be delivering be valued and they want to be delivering something of value something of value something of value >> in what they're engaged in because they >> in what they're engaged in because they >> in what they're engaged in because they want to see that they are actually doing want to see that they are actually doing want to see that they are actually doing something that matters. something that matters. something that matters. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So I think you know >> So I think you know >> So I think you know >> you guys know where where I'm going to >> you guys know where where I'm going to >> you guys know where where I'm going to where I took this from. where I took this from. where I took this from. Excellence breeds character and Excellence breeds character and Excellence breeds character and character breeds excellence. character breeds excellence. character breeds excellence. >> Yes. And if you expect excellence of >> Yes. And if you expect excellence of >> Yes. And if you expect excellence of your folks, the ones you work with, they your folks, the ones you work with, they your folks, the ones you work with, they will soon begin to demand excellence of will soon begin to demand excellence of will soon begin to demand excellence of themselves and those around them. themselves and those around them. themselves and those around them. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And when that happens, you've got >> And when that happens, you've got >> And when that happens, you've got something that's so good. something that's so good. something that's so good. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, I know the humility button was >> So, I know the humility button was >> So, I know the humility button was number two there, but just for a second number two there, but just for a second number two there, but just for a second try to step out of that because I want try to step out of that because I want try to step out of that because I want people to live through you for a minute. people to live through you for a minute. people to live through you for a minute. >> I imag your life's been remarkable. I >> I imag your life's been remarkable. I >> I imag your life's been remarkable. I mean, your resume is so long that I mean, your resume is so long that I mean, your resume is so long that I wanted Michael to do the introduction wanted Michael to do the introduction wanted Michael to do the introduction because it's just there's there's too because it's just there's there's too because it's just there's there's too much. much. much. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, I understand the humility hat, but I >> So, I understand the humility hat, but I >> So, I understand the humility hat, but I but I want you to take people on a but I want you to take people on a but I want you to take people on a journey with you. I have to imagine as a journey with you. I have to imagine as a journey with you. I have to imagine as a little boy, if I had to have asked you little boy, if I had to have asked you little boy, if I had to have asked you what your life was going to turn out, what your life was going to turn out, what your life was going to turn out, I'm sure you had big dreams, but it's I'm sure you had big dreams, but it's I'm sure you had big dreams, but it's been one remarkable life that you've been one remarkable life that you've been one remarkable life that you've led. What is that like? I mean, there's led. What is that like? I mean, there's led. What is that like? I mean, there's a lot of dreamers and people with hopes a lot of dreamers and people with hopes a lot of dreamers and people with hopes and dreams that listen as well or are and dreams that listen as well or are and dreams that listen as well or are watching and they don't ever really get watching and they don't ever really get watching and they don't ever really get I think if you can, you know, there's I think if you can, you know, there's I think if you can, you know, there's this great uh Chinese proverb that says this great uh Chinese proverb that says this great uh Chinese proverb that says if you want to know the road ahead, ask if you want to know the road ahead, ask if you want to know the road ahead, ask those coming back, those coming back, those coming back, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> And you've been down a long road in your >> And you've been down a long road in your >> And you've been down a long road in your life. Did you ever suffer with uh life. Did you ever suffer with uh life. Did you ever suffer with uh imposttor syndrome like I I'm not imposttor syndrome like I I'm not imposttor syndrome like I I'm not prepared for this or I'm not equipped or prepared for this or I'm not equipped or prepared for this or I'm not equipped or I'm not ready or whatever it might be. I I'm not ready or whatever it might be. I I'm not ready or whatever it might be. I don't come from, you know, your family don't come from, you know, your family don't come from, you know, your family seems remarkable, but you know, you were seems remarkable, but you know, you were seems remarkable, but you know, you were the highest ranking military officer in the highest ranking military officer in the highest ranking military officer in the Navy who was an attorney. I mean, the Navy who was an attorney. I mean, the Navy who was an attorney. I mean, that's a pretty significant achievement. that's a pretty significant achievement. that's a pretty significant achievement. Did you ever get out over your skis a Did you ever get out over your skis a Did you ever get out over your skis a little bit? And if you did, how did you little bit? And if you did, how did you little bit? And if you did, how did you handle it? handle it? handle it? >> Every position that I was blessed to >> Every position that I was blessed to >> Every position that I was blessed to take, I was like, take, I was like, take, I was like, >> really, >> really, >> really, you know, am I capable of doing this? I you know, am I capable of doing this? I you know, am I capable of doing this? I mean, it was it's a lot. I was an mean, it was it's a lot. I was an mean, it was it's a lot. I was an athlete uh for many years. I would my athlete uh for many years. I would my athlete uh for many years. I would my family as I said modest uh financial family as I said modest uh financial family as I said modest uh financial resources. So my dad my dad told me at resources. So my dad my dad told me at resources. So my dad my dad told me at an early age I I can't send you to an early age I I can't send you to an early age I I can't send you to college college college >> but you need to go. So you need to >> but you need to go. So you need to >> but you need to go. So you need to figure out how you're going to get figure out how you're going to get figure out how you're going to get there. there. there. >> Be really smart or be really good at >> Be really smart or be really good at >> Be really smart or be really good at something. And fortunately jeans and I something. And fortunately jeans and I something. And fortunately jeans and I grew grew grew and uh I loved running up and down and uh I loved running up and down and uh I loved running up and down hardwood floors hardwood floors hardwood floors >> and so that uh paved my way through uh >> and so that uh paved my way through uh >> and so that uh paved my way through uh college. college. college. >> That's awesome. and and so every before >> That's awesome. and and so every before >> That's awesome. and and so every before every game I was always nervous but once every game I was always nervous but once every game I was always nervous but once the ball went up the ball went up the ball went up >> those nerves went away and you just >> those nerves went away and you just >> those nerves went away and you just perform you know you you either in times perform you know you you either in times perform you know you you either in times of stress or in times of performance you of stress or in times of performance you of stress or in times of performance you become who you are become who you are become who you are >> or you revert to your training or to how >> or you revert to your training or to how >> or you revert to your training or to how you've practiced and that's and so um I you've practiced and that's and so um I you've practiced and that's and so um I think it's important to always think it's important to always think it's important to always as I say, "When you look in that mirror, as I say, "When you look in that mirror, as I say, "When you look in that mirror, be astounded." When when I would look in be astounded." When when I would look in be astounded." When when I would look in the mirror and see in my uniform and see the mirror and see in my uniform and see the mirror and see in my uniform and see those three stars, I would be astounded. those three stars, I would be astounded. those three stars, I would be astounded. Is that really me? Is that really me? Is that really me? >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> And not to see that as of course that's >> And not to see that as of course that's >> And not to see that as of course that's me. me. me. >> I never saw it like that because I was >> I never saw it like that because I was >> I never saw it like that because I was like, really? I was a little kid who like, really? I was a little kid who like, really? I was a little kid who literally lived on a dead end street literally lived on a dead end street literally lived on a dead end street because you couldn't go through the because you couldn't go through the because you couldn't go through the street on that end. And um I had a lot street on that end. And um I had a lot street on that end. And um I had a lot of dreams, but I wasn't certain how of dreams, but I wasn't certain how of dreams, but I wasn't certain how those dreams were going to come true. those dreams were going to come true. those dreams were going to come true. And one of the first things I said to And one of the first things I said to And one of the first things I said to Brandon, which he he has repeated from Brandon, which he he has repeated from Brandon, which he he has repeated from time to time, is that I love Texas time to time, is that I love Texas time to time, is that I love Texas Southern University because these Southern University because these Southern University because these students are just like I was. They don't students are just like I was. They don't students are just like I was. They don't know how they're going to get there, but know how they're going to get there, but know how they're going to get there, but they really want to get there badly. they really want to get there badly. they really want to get there badly. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and so I want to be the one to help >> And and so I want to be the one to help >> And and so I want to be the one to help them, just like so many helped me get them, just like so many helped me get them, just like so many helped me get there. So I think having that sense there. So I think having that sense there. So I think having that sense whatever that position you have of whatever that position you have of whatever that position you have of significance having a sense of being significance having a sense of being significance having a sense of being astounded that it's you astounded that it's you astounded that it's you >> because those three stars could have >> because those three stars could have >> because those three stars could have been on any number of my peers been on any number of my peers been on any number of my peers >> because those folks were so very good. >> because those folks were so very good. >> because those folks were so very good. >> All right, I'll give you one more >> All right, I'll give you one more >> All right, I'll give you one more question then I get one to finish. question then I get one to finish. question then I get one to finish. >> You know um in preparing for this I I >> You know um in preparing for this I I >> You know um in preparing for this I I read a little bit about you growing up read a little bit about you growing up read a little bit about you growing up and working on your grandfather's and working on your grandfather's and working on your grandfather's tobacco farm. tobacco farm. tobacco farm. >> Yeah. Um, my grandfather's a World War >> Yeah. Um, my grandfather's a World War >> Yeah. Um, my grandfather's a World War II Korean War vet. He was in the Army II Korean War vet. He was in the Army II Korean War vet. He was in the Army Airore, Airore, Airore, >> you know, before it became the Air Force >> you know, before it became the Air Force >> you know, before it became the Air Force and he lived with us for six months out and he lived with us for six months out and he lived with us for six months out of the year. And some of the best of the year. And some of the best of the year. And some of the best lessons I took away in life on lessons I took away in life on lessons I took away in life on leadership and character came from my leadership and character came from my leadership and character came from my time with him. time with him. time with him. >> I'm curious what what did you take away >> I'm curious what what did you take away >> I'm curious what what did you take away that you still uh, you know, live or that you still uh, you know, live or that you still uh, you know, live or breathe or use in your leadership today breathe or use in your leadership today breathe or use in your leadership today from your time on that farm with your from your time on that farm with your from your time on that farm with your grandfather? you know, that was such grandfather? you know, that was such grandfather? you know, that was such wonderful times. Um, I grew up in wonderful times. Um, I grew up in wonderful times. Um, I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. That's where Charlotte, North Carolina. That's where Charlotte, North Carolina. That's where I went to school. I went to school. I went to school. >> Um, I wasn't a cradle Catholic. As I >> Um, I wasn't a cradle Catholic. As I >> Um, I wasn't a cradle Catholic. As I said, I was born into an African said, I was born into an African said, I was born into an African Methodist Episcopal uh family. Um, Methodist Episcopal uh family. Um, Methodist Episcopal uh family. Um, and through the week I went to Catholic and through the week I went to Catholic and through the week I went to Catholic school because my dad worked out a deal school because my dad worked out a deal school because my dad worked out a deal with the nuns at the Catholic school and with the nuns at the Catholic school and with the nuns at the Catholic school and said, "If you let my son I can't I can't said, "If you let my son I can't I can't said, "If you let my son I can't I can't afford the tuition, but if you let my afford the tuition, but if you let my afford the tuition, but if you let my son go to school here, I'll develop a son go to school here, I'll develop a son go to school here, I'll develop a sports program for you." sports program for you." sports program for you." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The mother spirit, shook his hand, got a >> The mother spirit, shook his hand, got a >> The mother spirit, shook his hand, got a deal. deal. deal. >> It's coming together for me. So I would >> It's coming together for me. So I would >> It's coming together for me. So I would spend the weekend in in Catholic school spend the weekend in in Catholic school spend the weekend in in Catholic school going to mass on Fridays and then the going to mass on Fridays and then the going to mass on Fridays and then the weekend in the Methodist church. Uh and weekend in the Methodist church. Uh and weekend in the Methodist church. Uh and I had the the greatest benefit of faith I had the the greatest benefit of faith I had the the greatest benefit of faith raising because I had the best of the raising because I had the best of the raising because I had the best of the Protestant development and came to Protestant development and came to Protestant development and came to embrace the Roman Catholic liturgy. Uh embrace the Roman Catholic liturgy. Uh embrace the Roman Catholic liturgy. Uh and and and so it's been such a and and and so it's been such a and and and so it's been such a remarkable journey for me. And I would remarkable journey for me. And I would remarkable journey for me. And I would go down to eastern North Carolina, go down to eastern North Carolina, go down to eastern North Carolina, Clinton, North Carolina in the summer. Clinton, North Carolina in the summer. Clinton, North Carolina in the summer. Spend two months every summer on the Spend two months every summer on the Spend two months every summer on the farm working in with my dad, my farm working in with my dad, my farm working in with my dad, my grandfather's uh tobacco farm. He had grandfather's uh tobacco farm. He had grandfather's uh tobacco farm. He had been a sharecropper and then had started been a sharecropper and then had started been a sharecropper and then had started farming on his own. And um that was farming on his own. And um that was farming on his own. And um that was perhaps the most impactful classroom perhaps the most impactful classroom perhaps the most impactful classroom >> than any that I was I ever attended >> than any that I was I ever attended >> than any that I was I ever attended because working with those folks who because working with those folks who because working with those folks who were you hear the term salt the earth? were you hear the term salt the earth? were you hear the term salt the earth? Yes, Yes, Yes, >> they were authentic, genuine people who >> they were authentic, genuine people who >> they were authentic, genuine people who it was neighbors. How do you They it was neighbors. How do you They it was neighbors. How do you They expected that they need they would have expected that they need they would have expected that they need they would have to at some point in time help their to at some point in time help their to at some point in time help their neighbor. neighbor. neighbor. >> Uh if you were someone that could create >> Uh if you were someone that could create >> Uh if you were someone that could create job opportunities like my granddad, uh job opportunities like my granddad, uh job opportunities like my granddad, uh working his working in tobacco, uh you working his working in tobacco, uh you working his working in tobacco, uh you did that. Um, and those folks were did that. Um, and those folks were did that. Um, and those folks were constantly teaching me, constantly constantly teaching me, constantly constantly teaching me, constantly teaching me something, constantly teaching me something, constantly teaching me something, constantly talking to me about things, helped me talking to me about things, helped me talking to me about things, helped me understand what life's about and their understand what life's about and their understand what life's about and their expectations of me because I was getting expectations of me because I was getting expectations of me because I was getting an education, an education, an education, >> right? And their expectations of me like >> right? And their expectations of me like >> right? And their expectations of me like they didn't want to see me in that they didn't want to see me in that they didn't want to see me in that tobacco field. They had much higher tobacco field. They had much higher tobacco field. They had much higher expectations. Now, don't get me wrong. expectations. Now, don't get me wrong. expectations. Now, don't get me wrong. >> Sure. Farming is one we we farming is >> Sure. Farming is one we we farming is >> Sure. Farming is one we we farming is such an important capacity that we have such an important capacity that we have such an important capacity that we have in this country. The best farmers in the in this country. The best farmers in the in this country. The best farmers in the world. Yes. This country we can feed the world. Yes. This country we can feed the world. Yes. This country we can feed the world from this nation. That's something world from this nation. That's something world from this nation. That's something to be extremely proud of. to be extremely proud of. to be extremely proud of. >> But in that subsistence farming that he >> But in that subsistence farming that he >> But in that subsistence farming that he was engaged in, they had such greater was engaged in, they had such greater was engaged in, they had such greater such higher aspirations for me. such higher aspirations for me. such higher aspirations for me. >> Um and that motivated me to I can't let >> Um and that motivated me to I can't let >> Um and that motivated me to I can't let these people down. these people down. these people down. They're investing in me. And so that's They're investing in me. And so that's They're investing in me. And so that's what I try to do. what I try to do. what I try to do. >> I try to invest in those that are around >> I try to invest in those that are around >> I try to invest in those that are around me. me. me. >> You asked me about, you asked me a >> You asked me about, you asked me a >> You asked me about, you asked me a question earlier about why did I take question earlier about why did I take question earlier about why did I take one direction versus another after one direction versus another after one direction versus another after retiring. retiring. retiring. >> When I retired in 2018, my sons, I have >> When I retired in 2018, my sons, I have >> When I retired in 2018, my sons, I have twin sons. twin sons. twin sons. >> They were 18 on the fourth. Uh, and so >> They were 18 on the fourth. Uh, and so >> They were 18 on the fourth. Uh, and so it's hard to believe. And um, it's hard to believe. And um, it's hard to believe. And um, >> and they were 11 years old >> and they were 11 years old >> and they were 11 years old >> and had seen me. Uh, all they knew of me >> and had seen me. Uh, all they knew of me >> and had seen me. Uh, all they knew of me was wearing a uniform, was wearing a uniform, was wearing a uniform, >> being gone, doing things and and and >> being gone, doing things and and and >> being gone, doing things and and and serving. serving. serving. And I and I had always talked to them And I and I had always talked to them And I and I had always talked to them about the same way I was spoken to about about the same way I was spoken to about about the same way I was spoken to about services, faith, family, and service. services, faith, family, and service. services, faith, family, and service. Those things are so important. What are Those things are so important. What are Those things are so important. What are you giving back? What are you giving? you giving back? What are you giving? you giving back? What are you giving? What are you contributing into your What are you contributing into your What are you contributing into your community? Whe how large or how small it community? Whe how large or how small it community? Whe how large or how small it is, what are you doing? So, I didn't is, what are you doing? So, I didn't is, what are you doing? So, I didn't want them to take the lesson, okay, now want them to take the lesson, okay, now want them to take the lesson, okay, now they design a uniform that none of that they design a uniform that none of that they design a uniform that none of that matters anymore. That was just for them. matters anymore. That was just for them. matters anymore. That was just for them. That's not real. So I wanted them to see That's not real. So I wanted them to see That's not real. So I wanted them to see that service can continue and it doesn't that service can continue and it doesn't that service can continue and it doesn't have to be in uniform. You don't have to have to be in uniform. You don't have to have to be in uniform. You don't have to be in uniform to serve this country or be in uniform to serve this country or be in uniform to serve this country or your community. Uh service is so many your community. Uh service is so many your community. Uh service is so many different uh comes in so many different different uh comes in so many different different uh comes in so many different forms. forms. forms. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so it was I wanted them to see that >> And so it was I wanted them to see that >> And so it was I wanted them to see that that is something that is value to your that is something that is value to your that is something that is value to your community, of value to your state, value community, of value to your state, value community, of value to your state, value to your country. to your country. to your country. >> I think you're doing that today. By the >> I think you're doing that today. By the >> I think you're doing that today. By the way, compliment about sons. I was way, compliment about sons. I was way, compliment about sons. I was thinking about halfway through this. I thinking about halfway through this. I thinking about halfway through this. I can't wait for my son to listen to this can't wait for my son to listen to this can't wait for my son to listen to this one. one. one. >> Yeah, I really can't. Yeah, I mean that. >> Yeah, I really can't. Yeah, I mean that. >> Yeah, I really can't. Yeah, I mean that. Let me ask you one last question. We I Let me ask you one last question. We I Let me ask you one last question. We I First off, you could you can come back First off, you could you can come back First off, you could you can come back anytime you want anytime you want anytime you want >> because we could go hours. You guys are >> because we could go hours. You guys are >> because we could go hours. You guys are great. great. great. >> This flew by. >> This flew by. >> This flew by. >> I love hanging out with you guys. >> I love hanging out with you guys. >> I love hanging out with you guys. >> Well, I'm lo I'm loving this. I'm >> Well, I'm lo I'm loving this. I'm >> Well, I'm lo I'm loving this. I'm honored. I I just got a chance to meet honored. I I just got a chance to meet honored. I I just got a chance to meet you today. So, thank you so much. Thank you today. So, thank you so much. Thank you today. So, thank you so much. Thank you for your service as well. you for your service as well. you for your service as well. >> Is there something This is a hard >> Is there something This is a hard >> Is there something This is a hard question, but it's just like if I ask it question, but it's just like if I ask it question, but it's just like if I ask it something I could just tell there's a something I could just tell there's a something I could just tell there's a treasure chest in there. Something's treasure chest in there. Something's treasure chest in there. Something's going to come out when I ask it. So, I'm going to come out when I ask it. So, I'm going to come out when I ask it. So, I'm going to open up right now. Is there going to open up right now. Is there going to open up right now. Is there something that you used to really something that you used to really something that you used to really fundamentally believe about leadership fundamentally believe about leadership fundamentally believe about leadership that you no longer do? that you no longer do? that you no longer do? >> Something changed. >> Something changed. >> Something changed. >> You went, I used to think this and now I >> You went, I used to think this and now I >> You went, I used to think this and now I think that. think that. think that. >> So, I used to think that it was was >> So, I used to think that it was was >> So, I used to think that it was was really the leader had to be the sharpest really the leader had to be the sharpest really the leader had to be the sharpest tool on their given subject, right? So, tool on their given subject, right? So, tool on their given subject, right? So, law was mine, right? So, I really had law was mine, right? So, I really had law was mine, right? So, I really had to, you know, got to know my stuff. Now, to, you know, got to know my stuff. Now, to, you know, got to know my stuff. Now, you you do need to have uh a level of you you do need to have uh a level of you you do need to have uh a level of competence in your in your area, but competence in your in your area, but competence in your in your area, but that's really not the most important that's really not the most important that's really not the most important thing. Showing that you know most are thing. Showing that you know most are thing. Showing that you know most are you the best flyer? Are you the best you the best flyer? Are you the best you the best flyer? Are you the best >> ship driver? I don't think that's the >> ship driver? I don't think that's the >> ship driver? I don't think that's the key. Um and I no longer believe that. key. Um and I no longer believe that. key. Um and I no longer believe that. >> Uh particularly in an age when you can >> Uh particularly in an age when you can >> Uh particularly in an age when you can ask Siri anything and Siri can give an ask Siri anything and Siri can give an ask Siri anything and Siri can give an answer, right? Uh I really don't think answer, right? Uh I really don't think answer, right? Uh I really don't think that's the key any anymore. Uh so that's that's the key any anymore. Uh so that's that's the key any anymore. Uh so that's something that I would say uh has something that I would say uh has something that I would say uh has changed. Uh because I think it's more changed. Uh because I think it's more changed. Uh because I think it's more important to understand important to understand important to understand where you what's your reservoir of where you what's your reservoir of where you what's your reservoir of strength. Mhm. strength. Mhm. strength. Mhm. >> Where do you draw? What do you draw on >> Where do you draw? What do you draw on >> Where do you draw? What do you draw on when you have to be the when you're the when you have to be the when you're the when you have to be the when you're the person when things are challenging, person when things are challenging, person when things are challenging, all eyes turn to? all eyes turn to? all eyes turn to? >> What is it that you're going to draw on? >> What is it that you're going to draw on? >> What is it that you're going to draw on? If all you have to draw on is that your If all you have to draw on is that your If all you have to draw on is that your talent or your intellect, you are talent or your intellect, you are talent or your intellect, you are eventually going to eventually going to eventually going to come into a situation a storm of such come into a situation a storm of such come into a situation a storm of such magnitude that you're going to be unmed magnitude that you're going to be unmed magnitude that you're going to be unmed and you're going to be a drift and rules and you're going to be a drift and rules and you're going to be a drift and rules because talent and intellect is not because talent and intellect is not because talent and intellect is not going to be enough. going to be enough. going to be enough. >> Wow. So you have to and it will be >> Wow. So you have to and it will be >> Wow. So you have to and it will be different for everyone different for everyone different for everyone >> but you have to understand as a leader >> but you have to understand as a leader >> but you have to understand as a leader >> what is my reservoir of strength >> what is my reservoir of strength >> what is my reservoir of strength >> for me it has it's is faith. >> for me it has it's is faith. >> for me it has it's is faith. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I don't get it right I get it wrong. I'm >> I don't get it right I get it wrong. I'm >> I don't get it right I get it wrong. I'm an unfinished vessel. I'm like that an unfinished vessel. I'm like that an unfinished vessel. I'm like that piece of clay on the the the sculptor's piece of clay on the the the sculptor's piece of clay on the the the sculptor's hands that's being shaped by the the the hands that's being shaped by the the the hands that's being shaped by the the the vagaries of life. Uh but vagaries of life. Uh but vagaries of life. Uh but if you have once you figured out what if you have once you figured out what if you have once you figured out what that is for you, that is for you, that is for you, >> then you can withstand whatever that >> then you can withstand whatever that >> then you can withstand whatever that storm may be whenever it comes. And my storm may be whenever it comes. And my storm may be whenever it comes. And my dad said to me, you do not get to choose dad said to me, you do not get to choose dad said to me, you do not get to choose your time of testing, but you do get to your time of testing, but you do get to your time of testing, but you do get to choose how you're going to respond at choose how you're going to respond at choose how you're going to respond at that moment of testing. that moment of testing. that moment of testing. >> Wow. And do you and do you just turn in >> Wow. And do you and do you just turn in >> Wow. And do you and do you just turn in to yourself and make it about you or do to yourself and make it about you or do to yourself and make it about you or do you turn out when all those eyes are you turn out when all those eyes are you turn out when all those eyes are looking at you looking at you looking at you >> and you're ready to lead forward. >> and you're ready to lead forward. >> and you're ready to lead forward. >> This has been like a master class today. >> This has been like a master class today. >> This has been like a master class today. I'd love to meet your father, too. My I'd love to meet your father, too. My I'd love to meet your father, too. My goodness. goodness. goodness. >> Um Jim, >> Um Jim, >> Um Jim, >> thank you. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> This was extraordinary today. >> This was extraordinary today. >> This was extraordinary today. >> Thank you for having me. It was it was >> Thank you for having me. It was it was >> Thank you for having me. It was it was so much fun. so much fun. so much fun. >> It flew by. Michael, thank you so much >> It flew by. Michael, thank you so much >> It flew by. Michael, thank you so much for organizing this. And uh that was for organizing this. And uh that was for organizing this. And uh that was Admiral James Crawford. Everybody, Admiral James Crawford. Everybody, Admiral James Crawford. Everybody, >> by the way, he's the president of Texas >> by the way, he's the president of Texas >> by the way, he's the president of Texas Southern University. You should go check Southern University. You should go check Southern University. You should go check out that university. You're thinking of out that university. You're thinking of out that university. You're thinking of sending your kids somewhere because you sending your kids somewhere because you sending your kids somewhere because you can obviously tell they'd be in great can obviously tell they'd be in great can obviously tell they'd be in great hands with this leader with this man. hands with this leader with this man. hands with this leader with this man. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. It was a pleasure. >> Thank you. It was a pleasure. >> Thank you. It was a pleasure. >> Today was tremendous everybody. God >> Today was tremendous everybody. God >> Today was tremendous everybody. God bless you. Share this episode with bless you. Share this episode with bless you. Share this episode with anybody who wants to lead better, who anybody who wants to lead better, who anybody who wants to lead better, who wants to strengthen their faith, or wants to strengthen their faith, or wants to strengthen their faith, or wants to know anything about their wants to know anything about their wants to know anything about their education in their life. All right, you education in their life. All right, you education in their life. All right, you guys. God bless you. Max out. Heat. guys. God bless you. Max out. Heat. guys. God bless you. Max out. Heat. Heat.