The word service is defined as the action of helping or doing work for someone. The Honorable Patrick Murphy has served...and led...in many arenas.  He was America's first Iraq War Veteran elected to Congress. He was later appointed by President Obama to serve as the Undersecretary of the Army and the acting Secretary of the Army. He was the youngest professor to ever teach at West Point. 

Today, Patrick is a Vetrepreneur, where he serves as an angel investor for Veteran-owned businesses, advocates for mental health programs, and mentors the next generation of our nation's leaders. 

Patrick joins this episode to discuss his journey from Soldier to Congressman to leading the Army's over one million people. We cover his thoughts on leading in combat, why he felt compelled to enter politics and run for Congress, and how service to others is the greatest role a leader can play in any organization. 

Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.

Highlights:

-Growing up as a blue-collar kid in Pennsylvania showed Patrick the importance of service and the need for structure; driving him to join the Army.

-Patrick was the youngest professor ever to teach at West Point.

-Patrick talks about the difference between the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and how they shaped his perspective on elected leaders. 

-Fran challenges Patrick to show us how to work across the aisle, enhance collaboration and bridge the divide between our views and those who disagree with us.

-Patrick defines leadership in America, what we need moving forward and how leaders of character lead no matter what.  

-Patrick was known as the Soldiers’ Secretary and describes his “leader first” concept.

-Patrick championed ground-breaking legislation such as the ​​21st Century GI Bill, the Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and Hire Our Heroes.

-Patrick describes the importance of investing in Veterans and Veteran-owned businesses.

Quotes:

-”West Point is the Athens and Sparta of America…you cannot leave West Point without love of country.”

-“I knew I had to get involved in political public service to be a voice of reason and to fight for my brothers and sisters…to fight to do what’s right.

-”I love the quote hire for talent, train for skill.”

-”We can disagree on things but you never become disagreeable.”

-“I do think that we need more veterans in office; because they work as teams. They tend to put the country first. They tend to not answer to political bosses or parties.”

-”We are not perfect. We are never going to be perfect. But we are a good country. Partially because we are always trying to make it better…that’s our solemn duty.”

-“What leadership is…you inspire others to do things they wouldn’t otherwise do.”

-“We develop leaders of character for a lifetime of service. Character is how you are when no one is looking.”

-”I don’t just talk about it. I am the embodiment of it.”

Patrick’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:

-Be a curious and voracious reader

-Stay physically fit

-Know and commit to what is most important

This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, 18A Fitness and Analytix Solutions.