In this powerful episode of Tales of Leadership, I sit down with Jake Larson—affectionately known as “Papa Jake”—a 102-year-old World War II veteran and national treasure whose story has captivated millions across the world.

Born during the Great Depression and raised on a farm in rural Minnesota, Jake’s journey took him from poverty to the front lines of history. At just 15 years old, he joined the National Guard by lying about his age. That bold decision would place him on the path to help plan the D-Day invasion as part of G3 Operations. Armed with a skill most overlooked—typing—Jake was responsible for processing the very orders that sent thousands of men onto Omaha Beach, including himself.

Lon Stroschein is the founder of Normal 40 and best selling author of the book, “The Trade.” He has been privileged throughout his career to collaborate with outstanding leaders, contributing to the growth of those around them. His professional journey encompasses crafting international expansions, leading a $100 million division, orchestrating a significant $2.1 billion public-to-public transaction, founding a successful private wealth group, and dedicating five impactful years serving the United States Senate.

In today's episode, we shed light on the perils of transitional leadership and its detrimental impact on teams and organizations. We delve into how this leadership style often prioritizes profits over people, leading to toxic workplace cultures and high turnover rates. Our host, Joshua K. McMillion, draws on his extensive experience in military leadership to share key insights.

Brent Pohlman, executive leader at Midwest Laboratories, has driven positive impact for employees, clients, and communities for over seven years. A published author, his latest book Leaders Look Within (May 2023) shares insights on leading from the heart, coaching others, and fostering a culture of trust and excellence.

Leadership isn't just a title; it's a commitment to purpose and discipline. In this episode, I explore how aligning purpose with passion and maintaining a standard of shared accountability can transform organizations. Discover how embracing discomfort and pushing beyond perceived limits can foster personal and organizational success.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome Morgan Sullivan, a man whose journey from the rigors of Army life to nurturing young athletes is nothing short of inspiring. With over 20 years of military service under his belt, Morgan shares his evolution from a commanding figure to a compassionate guide, offering a fresh take on leadership that prioritizes service and community impact.

What drives you to get up and excel at work every day? Join us as Leanne Myers, a remarkable author and thought leader in women's executive leadership, shares her transformative journey. Leanne’s expertise in industrial psychology and her extensive experiences across different cultures provide a wealth of insights into creating environments where individuals can truly thrive.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to serve 17 years in the military, especially post-9/11? Join us as we sit down with Colin Boyle, an active duty infantry platoon sergeant, who opens up about his profound journey in the military.

Dr. Dave Braun is the co-founder of Oola. With a deep-rooted commitment to empowering individuals to find balance and transform their lives, He has spent over a decade guiding people towards holistic well-being. As President, he plays a pivotal role in shaping Oola’s strategic direction, leading the team in creating science-based products and transformative programs that promote life balance.

Vision is among the most overused words in leadership. Often, leaders create short-term concepts that only impact the organization when they are in leadership positions. However, a vision must outlive you and scare others due to its sheer scope. I've created a system called VISION to help you break through the mental fog and start building traction for your personal and professional life.