In this episode, host Dan Hesse talks with Admiral Mike Mullen, retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under two U.S. Presidents, about his unexpected career journey, the importance of mentors, how to lead during crises and how values shape our decision-making as a leader.

Considered one of the most influential chairmen of the Joint Chiefs in history, Admiral Mullen oversaw the end of the combat mission in Iraq and the development of a new military strategy for Afghanistan, while promoting international partnerships, new technologies and new counter-terrorism tactics culminating in the killing of Osama bin Laden.

That said, Admiral Mullen's first naval leadership assignment as a young officer did not go well. NOT AT ALL! Yet the lessons he learned, the leadership principles and skills he honed, and the focused persistence and perseverance he mastered as a result of that early failure—in great measure thanks to an exemplary mentor—led him to become the highest-ranking military officer in the country; Fast Company referred to Admiral Mullen as "a case study in 21st Century leadership."

Now retired, Admiral Mullen teaches at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis and previously, for many years, taught at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs. In addition to his leadership and leader-forming mentorship, he is also known for his efforts on behalf of service members, veterans and their families.

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SHOW NOTES:

ADMIRAL MIKE MULLEN:

* BIO: https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/chiefs-of-naval-operations/admiral-michael-g--mullen.html

* ARTICLE:

* Admiral Mike Mullen, Harvard Business Review (June 2012)- a terrific question-and-answer-style interview with Admiral Mullen