Leading With Vulnerability

Raye Perez is an excellent example of what someone can accomplish with hard work. Raye was the first enlisted member of the 75thRanger Regiment to attend Emory Universities' Executive MBA Program. Raye attended Emory while leading one of the most critical training sections in the organization, the Small Unit Tactic Course (Pre-Ranger). There is one person I would pick to go into battle with and pitch a business plan to a Fortune 500 company, and that person is Raye Perez. Raye sets the example for others to follow now and will for the remainder of his days.

Tyler Szczecina served his country with distinction, and like many of us, he had to make a decision. Remain in the Army or transition to spending more time with his family, Tyler chose the latter. Tyler had a bright future in the 75th, and we were sorry to see him leave. Tyler has had a successful transition, but it did not come without challenges. The same is true for his journey into the military. Listen in while Tyler shares his story. The story of a standout football player from Chicago who went down a destructive path but corrected and found success in the Army and the 75th Ranger Regiment. Tyler is an outstanding husband, father, and Financial Advisor, and we can all learn from his story.

Tyler Szczecina served his country with distinction, and like many of us, he had to make a decision. Remain in the Army or transition to spending more time with his family, Tyler chose the latter. Tyler had a bright future in the 75th, and we were sorry to see him leave. Tyler has had a successful transition, but it did not come without challenges. The same is true for his journey into the military. Listen in while Tyler shares his story. The story of a standout football player from Chicago who went down a destructive path but corrected and found success in the Army and the 75th Ranger Regiment. Tyler is an outstanding husband, father, and Financial Advisor, and we can all learn from his story.

Kate Barnett, aside from being my wife, is an incredible wife, mother, and teacher. Kate has many great stories and perspectives. Two years into our marriage and just eleven months after having our first son, Kate’s mother passed away. Now with our young son and still newly married, I deployed once again. Being a new wife and mother can be challenging enough but is compounded when you can no longer ask your mom for advice. Kate is the epitome of resilience and the “brave face.” I am blessed to have her in my life, and I hope you enjoy her story.

Lee Garcia is a fantastic leader, and his leadership transcends his time in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Lee is a pillar of his community and is constantly seeking ways to give back. Lee shares some stories everyone can learn from, and to top it off, he is an ordained minister. Yes, you read that correctly.

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Chris Greca is the definition of a servant leader. Chris served in the US Army for 31 years. His stories are exceptional, from the story about how he found out about 9/11, or delivering the news of a son lost too soon to a Gold Star Mother during the early stages of the war in Afghanistan, he has a lot of stories to share. Chris is a husband, father, and grandfather, and he continues to serve today outside of the Army ranks. He understands the value of mental health and is a strong advocate for the Emory Veterans Healthcare Program. Chris had an amazing Army career. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did.

Josh is a man who is no stranger to vulnerability. During his time in Army Special Operations, he deployed numerous times, became a father, and struggled through a difficult divorce. He also experienced the loss of his father while deployed, but he persevered, and always with a positive outlook. Josh is straightforward, and a call it how he's see's it, leader. He is an amazing person and an even better friend. I hope you enjoy.  

Jennifer is one of the most kind-hearted, genuine, funny, and honest women you will ever meet. Jennifer instantly brings laughter and joy when she enters the room. I even learned during the interview that she also served our county and basic training was where she met the love of her life. Please listen and enjoy Jennifer's story, and you might want some tissues nearby.

Leading With Vulnerability

What does it mean to lead with vulnerability? I am sure some of you think vulnerability is a weakness, and I am not weak; vulnerability is not for me; I have never been vulnerable; I seek out vulnerability and kill it. If that is your take on the subject, I would say you lie to yourself and others. I know I have been part of the same lie earlier in my life.  Truth be told, vulnerability is a natural part of life, and some of the greatest moments in life have happened during moments of vulnerability. I know some of you still have doubts about this.

The first school dance you attended, boys on one side, girls on the other. Finally, you work up the courage to ask that special girl to dance. High school football tryouts as a freshman on a team made up of juniors and seniors, and you are thinking, am I good enough to even be here? Taking your driving test with the less than approachable driver's education instructor, are they all weird, or was it just mine? Stepping off the bus at Charlie Company 1/50 for basic training, why is that drill sergeant staring into my soul? First airborne school jump. First day in a Ranger Battalion. First firefight. Hearing taps played after the final roll call, knowing you will never see your friend again. In the delivery room, watching your first child be born, should I look away or hold a leg? Are you feeling vulnerable yet? Can you relate to any of these? Vulnerability is the best of times, and it can be the worst of times.

What does it mean to lead with vulnerability? To me, it means showing up as your most authentic self for your people. It means owning your greatness for the benefit of others. It is human. As I have matured as a leader, I have found that the more I humanize myself in front of my reports, the better our relationship is, and the better they understand me and where I am coming from. For example, when I bring my kids into the office, they see that I am more than just a senior leader. I am a father, a husband, a person trying to get through the day just like them. Vulnerability is asking tough questions and giving honest answers. Vulnerability is setting an example for others to follow. It also has the courage to admit when you were wrong.

In the words of the late great Jimmy Valvano, "To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day for the rest of our lives. Number one is to laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heckuva day. You do that seven days a week, and you're going to have something special."

That is vulnerability, and I challenge us all to Lead With Vulnerability.