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.

What does it take to reach the absolute pinnacle of military leadership? Command Sergeant Major (Retired) John Wayne Troxell brings wisdom forged through 38 years of service and five combat deployments to this riveting conversation on transformational leadership.

As the former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the highest position an enlisted service member can achieve—Troxell reveals his leadership framework built on the “three Ps”: presence, performance, and persistence. He explains why simply showing up isn’t enough. True leadership presence generates energy and inspiration. Performance means living out the standard, especially in adversity. Persistence is the grit to lead with both compassion and accountability.

From his humble beginnings to delivering a viral “surrender or die” message against ISIS, Troxell shares hard-earned lessons in resilience, authenticity, and leading under fire. Even under suspension, he stood firm in his convictions, later returning to his post with his values intact.

In this episode, you’ll hear how great leaders balance toughness with humanity, communicate the “why,” and evolve across increasing levels of responsibility. Now in civilian life, Troxell continues his mission through entrepreneurial leadership—proving service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off.

If you’re ready to lead with greater purpose, this episode delivers battle-tested wisdom that applies across every leadership arena.

When leadership fails, it's rarely about strategy – it's almost always about what lies beneath the surface. In this profound conversation with Dr. Ron Stotz, we explore the hidden dimensions of leadership that most development programs miss entirely.

Dr. Stotz brings a remarkable perspective forged through military service during Vietnam, a suicide attempt that became a spiritual awakening, and decades helping high-level leaders break through their limitations. His journey reveals how our early childhood experiences shape our leadership capacity in ways we rarely recognize until everything begins to crumble.

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.