December 29, 2022

Andy Stumpf - Unafraid to Make the (World-Record) Leap

1 hour

Some people are afraid to climb 5 flights of stairs and then look down while others, like today's guest, jump out of airplanes for fun. This is a guy who doesn't back down from a challenge or a thrill and intentionally lives his life in a way where he's constantly pushing himself to be greater. Andy Stumpf is a good friend of Jocko Willink and Apogee Co-Founder Tim Kennedy- it's clear why. Great men only surround themselves with other great men. We were incredibly grateful to have Andy on our Friday Apogee call to pour into the young leaders of tomorrow.

ANDY STUMPF

Today's guest is Andy Stumpf, a retired SEAL, professional gravity enthusiast, public speaker, and podcaster.

Stumpf was born and raised in Northern California. From the age of 11, he knew that he wanted to become a Navy SEAL- it became the single driving force in his life. He enlisted in the Navy while still a Junior in high school, entering military service in 1996. After completing boot camp he began the most grueling training program in the US Military - Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL, known as BUD/s. Nearly 90% of all candidates are unsuccessful in completing the six-month program. Andy graduated and began his SEAL career attached to SEAL Team Five, in Coronado California.

In 2002 he screened for and joined the most elite counterterrorism unit in the military, SEAL Team Six. This unit is tasked with conducting the nation's most critical missions, many of which have become the focus of Hollywood movies and books.

Throughout his 17-year career, Andy executed hundreds of combat operations throughout the world in support of the Global War on Terror. He was medically retired in June of 2013. His awards and decorations include 5 Bronze Star Medals (Four with Valor), the Purple Heart, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, Three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Two Combat Action Ribbons, and the presidential Unit Citation.

Although no longer wearing a uniform, Andy continues to fight for the SEAL community and their families. In 2015 he set two World Records after jumping from 36,500 feet and flying over 18 miles in a wingsuit in an effort to raise 1 Million Dollars for the Navy SEAL Foundation. Andy is a sponsored skydiver and BASE jumper, constantly traveling the world creating content for his sponsors.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Confusing who you were in the past with who you are now 3:00

Public school doesn’t help you learn who you are 7:48

Making decisions based on how it will enhance your life- not money 10:00

Andy’s Mentors 15:20

Jujitsu allows you to see what is possible 23:34

Avoiding putting your heroes on a pedestal 28:29

Linear thinking vs 3D thinking 30:37

Actionable steps for developing non-linear problem solving 52:06

What is the meaning of life to Andy 56:25

What Andy is looking for in the people he hires 57:40

You can’t short-circuit the system 1:00:28