The Four Star Leadership Podcast: Core Principles of Leadership with General Tommy Franks

Mo Anderson shares her inspirational story outlined in her book, "A Joy Filled Life: Lessons from a Tenant Farmers Daughter," and her underlying foundation of high standards, integrity and philanthropy.

John Ottoson, President of William Penn University shares great words for all leaders:

“You're more prepared than you think you are when it comes to working through the hard things. Maintain your values and don’t be paralyzed by being afraid to make a mistake. Develop your confidence through the process and never wait to make a perfect decision.”

In this episode, David Sampson offers sage advice for students and professionals alike to “listen to wise people who offer you advice, and take the hard jobs no one else wants.” He emphasizes that the character and commitment of whom you work for is vitally important as well as the people you surround yourself with. “It all begins with the tone at the top,” he says. David also shares a personal experience that was so empowering, it became his north star for the last 17 years. This episode is packed with wisdom derived from experience and great inspiration that you won’t want to miss.

Bill will share his three principals of leadership: Strategy, Culture and Execution, and how a positive attitude is critical in building a spirit of entrepreneurship.  He encourages listeners to take chances, get out of their comfort zone, be resourceful and how to create value in what you do by doing what others can’t or won’t do.

In this episode, Bill Raaths discusses how growing up on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin; his education; military service and early job experiences gave him the confidence to lead three companies and own another.

About our guest: Bill Raaths is currently the Chairman of the Board of Great Northern Corporation (GNC), a significant player in the higher-end packaging industry. He had previously served as GNC's CEO as well as CEO/President of sizable companies in the Food and Tissue industries. He started his career as an entry level customer service employee after returning from Vietnam in 1971.

Bill received a BS degree in Economics from the U of Wisconsin, Madison and later earned his MBA at the U of Wisconsin, Oshkosh and Executive Program at the U of Virginia Darden School of Business while working full time.

Bill is on non-profit and for-profit boards. He has taught a strategy course at the university level and mentors emerging leaders within family businesses.

Bill and his wife Natalie have been married 51 years with two adult married sons and 4 grandkids.

Listeners interested in obtaining Bill’s book Farm to Wall Street and Back can email [email protected]

Season 2, Episode 22 - Insights to the Importance of Selfless Service in Developing and Leading a Team with Dr. James Carafano 

About Our Guest: Dr. James Jay Carafano currently serves as The Heritage Foundation’s Vice President, Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy. He is a leading expert in national security and foreign policy challenges, an accomplished historian and teacher and a prolific writer and researcher. Carafano is a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point and served 25 years in the US Army, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He holds a master's degree and a doctorate from Georgetown University as well as a master's degree in strategy from the U.S. Army War College. His recent research has focused on developing the national security required to secure the long-term interests of the United States — protecting the public, providing for economic growth and preserving civil liberties.

2018 Four Star Alumnus and Four Star Speech and Star Leadership Scholarship winner David "Tre" Edgerton III offers inspiration to students and adult listeners: “Never quit”

2016 Four Star alumna Riley Juenemann shares her experiences since Four Star, the take-aways, her top 3 pieces of advice: how to connect life experiences, share your why and how to use these experiences going forward.  

In this episode, Martin Edelman, longtime friend of General Franks, and hugely successful New York Lawyer specializing in International Real Estate, offers insights on the importance of family, and building relationships both personally and professionally, crossing cultures and borders as recounted in his personal journey. 

In this episode, we learn about Jack’s childhood and sense of community that formed his character and the trajectory of his life.

This podcast interview features Byron Hogan an emotional intelligence coach and animal behaviorist.  "Emotional Intelligence is the number one factor in personal and professional success.  It keeps us connected in our disconnected world.  It is the ability to read other people's emotions while note being ruled by our own." 

Byron grew up riding and training horses.  His interest in wild horses and self-improvement began when he was asked to develop programs for veterans and troubled youth.  He quickly realized the missing link horses provide which is discovered through his workshops.  Hogan offers professional development workshops, including teacher in-service training, corporate teams, private family events and at risk groups.