What makes a truly exceptional leader?

Is it position, authority, or something deeper? In this profound conversation with Joseph Polanin, retired Navy Captain and award-winning CEO, we uncover leadership wisdom forged through 30 years of leading elite teams in high-risk environments across more than 1,000 combat missions.

Joe reframes leadership in a way that will transform how you view your role: "Leadership is not a position, rank, or title. It's a process of learning, growing, and caring about other people." This powerful perspective has guided his journey from Naval Academy graduate to commanding EOD units worldwide, where the ethos of "quiet professionalism" – doing what's right regardless of who gets credit – became his north star.

Transformational leadership is the second path less traveled by leaders in today's world. This path requires you to place the needs of others over your own. It demands routine, accountability, and discipline (RAD) in your actions. It inspires those around you to be better. When leaders choose this path, they sacrifice temporary success for a life of significance. To be a transformational leader, you must possess specific leadership characteristics. This blog aims to equip you with the top 10 ways to become a more transformational leader or a Purposeful Accountable Leader (PAL).

David Vardeman is a U.S. Patriot. Over the last ten years, David has developed a deep understanding of service, sacrifice, and selfless giving to both the US Military Active Duty and US Veteran Communities. His tireless work is for the benefit of those in need. He specializes in all military health issues, military occupational transition, and military historical preservation.

David Goode is a Operations Lead with Chick-fil-A Corporate in Atlanta, partnering with Operator Groups to execute their business strategy in order to achieve their vision and goals. He serves 30 Operators with 35 restaurants in Charleston SC, Newport News VA, and Virginia Beach VA. Prior to his current role, he served a 30-year career in the Air Force, retiring as a Colonel in 2022.

Meet Cheryl Lawson-Wright: Cheryl is a devoted community volunteer, educator, mentor, and 12-year breast cancer survivor. She co-founded Partners in Education and Real Hope4Help, Inc., and is a certified Mental Health and Wellness Advocate. Her engagements and writing reflected in magazines, websites, and social media, highlight her commitment to making a positive impact.

Meet Robert Irvine: A world-renowned chef, successful entrepreneur, and unwavering champion for our nation's military. As the beloved host of Food Network's hit series Restaurant: Impossible, he has transformed the lives of countless struggling restaurateurs in nearly 300 episodes and counting.

Everyone has unique core values that define who they are as a leader. However, my goal in this blog was not to convince you to adopt my values. Instead, I challenge you to find your own and inspire you using my examples.

So what is meekness anyway? Webster's dictionary defines meekness as "the quality or state of being meek: a mild, moderate, humble, or submissive quality." My definition of meekness is slightly different. You, the leader, command your organization with humility, understanding, and gratitude (HUG).

Chris Grainger is the Founder of The Lion Within Us and has a passion for serving others. He is building a community that provides Christian men encouragement to become the leaders God intends them to be. Chris connects with others by sharing personal stories of professional success, hurdles encountered, and how every circumstance is an opportunity to build the Kingdom.

What will the bedrock or foundation of your leadership philosophy stand on? This element is the most important piece in any leadership philosophy and must not be rushed. My goal in this blog is to share with you my leadership foundation using the acronym MEEK. The McMillion HOL is rooted in meekness.