The Green Beret Way Podcast

AI is shrinking the time between a threat and an attack. Rob Schaefer and Brian von Kraus, CEO of Firewatch Solutions, discuss why reactive leadership keeps teams a step behind—and how to build systems that prevent crises. Learn how shared ownership, trust, diverse perspectives, and practical planning help organizations protect people and stay resilient.

Host Robert Schaefer speaks with Jere Widhalm, a retired US Navy Warrant Officer and founder of D&W Marine Systems Management. Widhalm discusses shifting his leadership approach from a controlling supervisor to an elite leader who empowers others. From a $25,000 submarine valve mistake to testing his multi-million dollar company's autonomy via a 6,000-mile motorcycle trip, Jere proves that true success requires creating a successor.

In this episode of The Green Beret Way, host Robert Schaefer sits down with Marine Corps combat veteran and Coforma co-founder, Eduardo Ortiz. They dive deep into decentralized command, shifting leadership paradigms from "follow me" to "set them free," and the realities of driving meaningful digital transformation inside massive federal bureaucracies.

In this episode, Rob Schaefer sits down with Joey MacDizan, co-founder and chief smoking officer of the Mobile Cigar Lounge, to explore how culture, trust, and shared experience can build more than a business—they can build a tribe.

What if the thing everyone else calls impossible is actually the biggest opportunity in front of you?

In this episode, Rob Schaefer sits down with Ed Sudzina, a West Point graduate, Army officer, and Raymond James leader who took over a branch everyone had written off — and helped turn it into a $4.2 billion operation.

Ed shares the leadership lessons he carried from the military into business: eat last, listen first, build trust fast, and lead with purpose instead of fear. He also talks about what it takes to walk into chaos, earn credibility, and help people see possibility where others only see risk.

If you’re a leader, manager, founder, or anyone stepping into a tough situation, this conversation is packed with practical insight on trust, resilience, and purposeful leadership.

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Most organizations falter at the sight of the impossible—until leaders like Randall Cottrell show you how to turn the unthinkable into routine success.

#ScaleYourBusiness #Management #BusinessGrowth #CEOInsights #CorporateLeadership

Want more leadership insights? Follow us here:

💼 LinkedIn: / robertwschaefer

🎓 Skool: https://www.skool.com/the-green-beret...

📱 Instagram: / robertwschaefer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#ScaleYourBusiness #Management #BusinessGrowth #CEOInsights #CorporateLeadership

Discover how mastering fear transforms leaders into unstoppable forces. Join Nick Ripplinger, Army vet and CEO, as he shares insights on fearless leadership, overcoming challenges, and achieving extraordinary results. Perfect for leaders ready to elevate their teams and lead with purpose. Visit thegreenberetway.com for more insights.

To watch the full video, click here:    • The Leadership Shift Every Business Owner ...  

Want more leadership insights? Follow us here:

💼 LinkedIn: / robertwschaefer

🎓 Skool: https://www.skool.com/the-green-beret...

📱 Instagram: / robertwschaefer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.