Acta Non Verba

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, former Marine counterintelligence operator and Paralympic silver medalist Dennis Connors joins Marcus to discuss the true meaning of perseverance beyond grit. Dennis shares insights from his time in special operations, his journey through PTSD and stroke recovery, and how vulnerability, discipline, and community create sustainable high performance in leadership and life.

Episode Highlights

• [2:31] The Intelligence Behind Special Operations - Dennis explains his role in human intelligence collection for special operations and why keeping servicemen safe was the number one priority—not just gathering information.
• [26:30] The Four Pillars of Perseverance - Dennis breaks down why grit alone isn't enough for long-term success and introduces his framework: vulnerability, self-love, disciplined action, and community.
• [46:00] Leading Leaders: The Transition from Operator to Mentor - A powerful discussion on what it means to lead leaders, the importance of empowering your team, and why asking for help is one of the most powerful leadership tools.
• [57:54] The Road to LA 2028 - Dennis shares his goal to win Paralympic gold at the 2028 LA Games and the challenges Paralympic athletes face in funding their Olympic dreams while maintaining careers.

Dennis Connors is a Paralympic silver medalist, two-time para cycling world champion, and former Marine counterintelligence operator who served with special operations forces. After suffering strokes that left him paralyzed, Dennis rebuilt his life through adaptive sport and now works as a keynote speaker and leadership coach. He's a TEDx speaker whose talk on redefining perseverance challenges the traditional "grit mentality" and offers a more sustainable framework for overcoming adversity. Dennis helps military, corporate, and athletic organizations translate high-performance lessons into practical leadership insights.

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

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In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson examines one of philosophy's most provocative questions: Was Seneca a hypocrite? Through the lens of Stoic philosophy and Roman history, Marcus explores the dangerous cognitive trap of hypocrisy bias and challenges listeners to examine their own inconsistencies before judging others.

Episode Highlights

• [0:45] The Seneca Question: Was the wealthy Roman philosopher who forced loans on conquered peoples truly living by Stoic principles, or was he a hypocrite?
• [2:10] Understanding Hypocrisy Bias: How our tendency to judge others' inconsistencies more harshly than our own blinds us to truth and derails meaningful discussions.
• [6:16] The Marcus Aurelius Paradox: Even the revered philosopher-emperor struggled with anger daily and made questionable decisions like allowing his son Commodus to take power.
• [7:38] 30-Day Reflection Challenge: Three critical questions to examine your own hypocrisy, how you judge others, and whether imperfect messengers can still deliver truth.

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

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In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with JC Glick, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and CEO of the Commit Foundation, for a deep conversation about leadership, transformation, and the power of questioning our assumptions. They explore how multiple truths can exist simultaneously, the dangers of concrete thinking in a complex world, and why being willing to be wrong takes more courage than being right. The discussion moves from philosophy and cognitive bias to veteran transition, AI as a thought partner, and the critical difference between transition and transformation.

Episode Highlights

• [3:33] The Philosophy Tree: JC proposes creating a "philosophy tree" tracing Tony Blauer's influence on modern warrior-philosophers and discusses why Tony deserves recognition as a philosopher, not just a self-defense expert.
• [6:49] Multiple Truths Exist: JC challenges the idea that you must stand firmly on everything, arguing that multiple truths can exist simultaneously and that your truth doesn't make someone else's false.
• [34:49] Transition vs. Transformation: JC explains the critical difference: "Transitions happen to you. Transformation is a deliberate process with a desired outcome." He uses the powerful metaphor of turning a can into a Tesla.
• [46:00] AI as Hybrid Intelligence: The conversation shifts to AI's potential as an equity builder and thought partner rather than an answer machine, with JC advocating for "hybrid intelligence" that superpowers human thinking.

JC Glick is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel with 11 combat tours in the 75th Ranger Regiment and Asymmetrical Warfare Group. As CEO of the Commit Foundation, he leads a transformational organization helping special operations veterans, their spouses, intelligence community members, and allied forces reconstruct their identity and purpose beyond military service. JC is the author of Meditations of an Army Ranger and A Light in the Darkness, and contributes regularly to Forbes on topics of resilience, innovation, and purposeful human connection. His work is grounded in evidence-based adult development theory and focuses on helping individuals transform rather than simply transition.

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

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In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Denny Giamazzo, leadership and resilience speaker, veteran, and author of the new bestselling book "Wired for Action." Denny shares his powerful journey from childhood trauma and foster care to becoming an infantry sergeant and successful software sales professional. This raw conversation explores authentic leadership principles forged in combat and tested in the corporate world, emphasizing the importance of taking action, building the right network, and leading with both strength and empathy.

Episode Highlights:

1:08] - Overcoming Adversity Without Special Operations Background Denny discusses why he almost didn't write his book, feeling his story wasn't "special" enough without a Green Beret or SEAL background. His mentor John Doolittle convinced him that his relatability—surviving childhood abuse, foster care, and combat—makes his message even more powerful for everyday people facing their own battles.

[10:05] - The Leadership Lesson That Changed Everything Fresh into a leadership role before deploying to Afghanistan, Denny shares his critical mistake of leading without empathy. He reveals the turning point when he learned that demanding respect doesn't work—you have to earn it by showing your team you genuinely care about them while maintaining high standards.

[34:22] - Nearly Dying Before Deployment Denny recounts the harrowing story of almost dying twice during surgery from an infected wisdom tooth extraction at the end of basic training. This medical emergency kept him from deploying to Iraq but gave him time to earn his sergeant stripes ahead of peers who did deploy.

[50:03] - The Power of Strategic Networking Denny explains why he turned down multiple introductions to Nick Lavery before finally meeting him in person at a speaking event. He emphasizes that networking isn't about kicking down doors or DMing everyone—it's about being strategic, adding value, and doing it the right way.

Denny Giamazzo is a leadership, resilience, and business engagement speaker, bestselling author, and U.S. Army veteran (11 Bravo Infantry). Born two months premature and raised in foster care after experiencing childhood abuse and losing his mother to AIDS, Denny defied statistical odds to serve his country and build a successful career in software sales at companies like Oracle and Workday. He co-hosts the "Be the Standard" podcast and is a key member of Nick Lavery's Forge community. His new book "Wired for Action" is currently #1 in the military category on Amazon.

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Rhett Power, CEO and co-founder of Accountability, Inc., to discuss his groundbreaking new book "Headamentals: How Leaders Silence Negative Self-Talk and Transform How They Lead." In this raw and powerful conversation, Rhett reveals why self-talk is the most ignored driver of leadership performance and shares practical strategies for managing the mental noise that kills focus, concentration, and culture. From the 3 C's of the Maverick Method to the "plutonium problem" of toxic narratives, this episode delivers actionable insights for leaders ready to reclaim control over their inner voice and build championship teams.

Episode Highlights:

[2:10] The Seven-Year Journey to Headamentals - Rhett shares the intensive process of writing Headamentals with co-authors Ryan Gottfredson and Dr. Susie Burkin, including seven rewrites over seven years. He reveals how the book unexpectedly helped a surgeon's teenage sons prepare for exams, proving that self-talk mastery transcends age and profession.

[14:57] The Three C's: Catch, Challenge, Change - Rhett breaks down the simple but powerful framework for managing self-talk: Catch it (notice harmful narratives), Challenge it (question if it's true, useful, or even yours), and Change it (replace destructive narratives with grounded thinking). He provides a practical exercise: write down your negative narratives and track them with check marks to identify patterns.

[16:38] The Plutonium Problem: When Leader Self-Talk Infects Teams - Discover why negative self-talk is like plutonium—toxic, powerful, and invisible. Rhett explains how leaders' mental narratives leak into their teams, creating radioactive thinking that destroys engagement, retention, and performance. He shares a powerful story of a CEO who discovered his assistant triggered unresolved childhood issues with his mother.

[26:15] AI as a Leadership Mirror - Rhett discusses his involvement in developing an AI coaching platform that provides real-time data to help coaches and leaders identify blind spots. He compares it to film study in sports—giving leaders instant replay of their performance to make fewer unforced errors and exploit opportunities for growth.

Rhett Power is the CEO and co-founder of Accountability, Inc., where he helps leaders break limits, make bold decisions, and drive growth. Recognized as a global guru of top management thinkers and a Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coach, Rhett is the bestselling author of "The Entrepreneur's Book of Actions" and the newly released "Headamentals." He co-hosts "Bestseller Live" on Apple TV and is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc., and CNBC. With decades of experience coaching executives and entrepreneurs worldwide, Rhett brings practical, science-backed strategies to help leaders silence negative self-talk and transform organizational culture.

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Acta Non Verba, I’m discussing the common practice of making New Year's resolutions, citing that 80% of people fail within two weeks. Rather than repeating the cycle, I have four transformational questions to help leaders align their goals with their vision and purpose. This episode provides an insight into the philosophies, tactics, and strategies used by successful leaders to overcome adversity and lead extraordinary lives. 

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Scott Sypniewskie, co-owner of SSLC Plumbing, to discuss leadership, redemption, and the journey from adversity to success. Scott shares his deeply personal story of overcoming challenges, building a thriving business with his wife, and the importance of leading by example. Listeners will gain insights into the philosophies and practices that have shaped Scott’s life and company, emphasizing the ethos of actions over words.

Episode Highlights:

1. The 80/80 Rule and Company Culture (4:30)
   Scott explains the evolution of SSLC’s mission, focusing on building relationships and making decisions that prioritize both customers and employees.
2. Personal Redemption and Family Support (10:50)
   Scott recounts his struggles with addiction, the turning point in his life, and the unwavering support of his wife, Kathleen, which became the foundation for his transformation.
3. Extreme Ownership and Leadership Development (13:50)
   The impact of attending leadership events, embracing the principles of extreme ownership, and fostering a culture of continuous growth within SSLC.
4. The Power of Reframing and Giving Space (48:30)
   Scott and Marcus discuss the importance of reframing adversity, creating space for others to grow, and the ripple effect of authentic leadership on teams and families.

Scott Sypniewskie is the co-owner of SSLC Plumbing in Colorado. After overcoming personal struggles, he has dedicated himself to building a business rooted in strong relationships, leadership, and the success of others. Scott is known for his humility, commitment to personal growth, and his ability to inspire those around him to lead by example.

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Rod Yancy — entrepreneur, writer, attorney, and founder of Oath and Bootleg. Rod shares how he’s found success across multiple industries, from law and financial planning to software and now music. The conversation explores what it means to build companies that serve people, live with intention, and innovate within the modern music industry. Rod offers timeless lessons on creativity, courage, and taking action to turn vision into reality.

Episode Highlights:

• 5:04 - The Power of Mortality in Entrepreneurship
  Rod discusses how contemplating mortality (memento mori) shaped his philosophy and inspired the founding of Oath, emphasizing the importance of living intentionally and making meaningful decisions.
• 9:39 - Overcoming the Success Trap
  Rod and Marcus explore the “success trap” many entrepreneurs fall into—chasing money or status at the expense of fulfillment, health, and relationships, and how true success requires self-awareness and balance.
• 40:07 - Delegation and Leadership Lessons from Richard Branson
  Rod shares advice from Richard Branson about the importance of delegation, empowering others, and stepping back as a leader to allow the team to thrive, even if it means feeling less “needed.”
• 56:00 - Empowering Artists with New Revenue Streams
  Rod introduces his new venture, Bootleg, which helps artists monetize live concert recordings, providing fans with unique experiences and artists with ongoing revenue, illustrating innovation and creative entrepreneurship.

Rod Yancy is a serial entrepreneur, attorney, and founder of Oath, a company dedicated to helping people live intentionally by contemplating their mortality and planning their legacy. With a background in philosophy and law, Rod has built and scaled multiple businesses, including Oath Planning and Bootleg, a platform empowering artists to monetize live performances. Known for his creative approach, resilience, and commitment to meaningful work, Rod draws inspiration from both ancient philosophy and modern mentors like Richard Branson. He is passionate about fostering innovation, supporting artists, and helping others find purpose beyond financial success.

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Marcus sits down with Commander William C. Spears, a US Navy submarine warfare officer and author of "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy." Together, they explore the practical application of stoic philosophy in leadership, adversity, and modern life, offering insights for anyone seeking to live by actions, not words.

Episode Highlights:

• 1:10 — Introduction to Commander William C. Spears and his background in the US Navy
• 11:30 — The deeper meaning of stoicism and the "dichotomy of control" as a philosophical razor
• 19:00 — Stoicism’s role in leadership, duty, and making ethical decisions as a professional and a human
• 42:00 — Applying stoic practices to overcome hardship and grow through adversity

Commander William C. Spears is a submarine warfare officer in the US Navy, having served as a weapons officer on a fast attack submarine and as an executive officer of a Trident missile submarine. He is the author of "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy," a deeply researched exploration of stoic thought from a warfighter’s perspective. Spears is also a prolific writer on leadership and ethics, sharing his insights on his website and LinkedIn.

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Marcus sits down with Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and entrepreneur Brent Gleeson. They discuss leadership, personal growth, building resilient organizations, and Brent's new book "All In." The conversation dives deep into actionable strategies for success, the importance of systems, and how to balance achievement with fulfillment.

Episode Highlights:

1:05 - Brent Gleeson's background: Navy SEAL, entrepreneur, and author

9:50 - The Remarkable Results Pyramid: systems, mindset, and routines

25:10 - The story behind "All In" and the impact of personal transformation

35:10 - Accelerate: leveraging AI for organizational growth and leadership

Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, award-winning speaker, and serial entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Exlr8, an AI-powered enterprise workforce app, and the author of bestselling books "Embrace the Suck," "Taking Point," and his latest, "All In." Brent is renowned for applying leadership and cultural principles from special operations to the business world, helping organizations drive performance and lead change.

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.