Forge Your
Leadership Edge

Collection of podcast episode covers from 'Tales of Leadership' featuring headshots of various speakers, each with a black and gold logo and episode number.
Collection of podcast episode covers from 'Tales of Leadership' featuring headshots of various speakers, each with a black and gold logo and episode number.
A family of five enjoying a fall day outdoors on a paved path surrounded by trees with colorful autumn leaves. The two children are playing and running, while the parents smile and watch.

Explore podcasts, articles, and practical leadership resources designed to help you grow into a more Purposeful, Accountable Leader.

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We want to hear from you! Submit your question below for a chance to have it featured during our “Ask a Leader” segment on a future episode of Tales of Leadership. Your question may be answered in real time by host Joshua McMillion or one of our featured guests.

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Do you have a story worth sharing? We are looking for leaders, innovators, and everyday people making an inspired impact. No matter your background, if you are leading with purpose, overcoming challenges, or serving others, we want to hear from you.

Click the link below and fill out the guest submission form to be considered for a future episode.

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Explore the Leadership Armory

podcast Joshua K. McMillion podcast Joshua K. McMillion

#107 Michael Klemmer - Brewing Success After Service

Nestled in the foothills of Charlottesville, Virginia, Aerial Resupply Coffee emerges as a testament to service and community. Founded by U.S. Army Veteran Michael Klemmer, this brand embodies a dedication to honor those who serve. After a 20-year military journey and global exploration, Mike returned to Charlottesville with a passionate mission—to brew coffee that mirrored their values. This Charlottesville Coffee isn't just about premium roasts; it's a tribute to veterans, first responders, active military, and their families. Aerial Resupply Coffee fosters a community that cherishes both exceptional coffee and a shared commitment to service. Each carefully crafted blend tells a story of unwavering dedication, honoring the heroes and their supportive families. 

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Article Joshua K. McMillion Article Joshua K. McMillion

Article 33 - Defining Failure

Failure isn’t what you think it is. Before you can lead through it, you have to redefine it. In this article, I break down the seven myths of failure using the acronym FAILING—from believing it's avoidable to thinking it's gone forever. Whether you're leading yourself, your family, or a team, this is the mindset shift you need to turn setbacks into momentum.

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#105 Ryan Thompson - Founder of 10th Mountain Whiskey

Ryan is a serial entrepreneur and life long learner that enjoys the pursuit of business while being a positive influence in his community and using his business platforms to help support causes he’s passionate about.  He started 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company 10 years ago and is in the trenches running the daily operations with the goal of becoming a national, household brand.  He has also owned a restaurant for the past 22 years and has owned a motel for 8 years…both of which are still in operation.  He is passionate about using his business acumen to help support fellow entrepreneurs and is always keeping his eyes open for the next opportunity.

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#104 Derik Kearns - Army Infantry SGM

SGM Derek Kearns shares hard-won lessons from over two decades in the Army—covering attention to detail, adaptive leadership, and investing in people. From combat zones to Ranger School, this episode unpacks what it really means to lead with purpose under pressure.

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Article 32 - Doing Good Work

Doing good work doesn’t require a title, permission, or perfection—it requires action and alignment.

In this article, Joshua McMillion breaks down a simple yet powerful framework for living a meaningful life through three key steps: discovering your passion, defining your purpose, and living out your assignment. Drawing from military experience, personal reflection, and years of leadership, this piece challenges readers to stop waiting and start leading—right where they are.

If you’re ready to live with conviction and do work that matters, this is your call to action.

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#103 Joseph Polanin - U.S. Navy retired and CEO

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.

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#102 John Troxell - Retired SEAC, U.S. Army

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.

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Article 31 - Be All In

Leadership in life is all about action! Being committed to moving the needle forward and understanding the work or sacrifice required to actually achieve results. That is also the burden of leadership; it takes an engaged, purpose-filled leader to create traction. I find myself falling back to a verse, Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." These words are true, but one critical piece is missing that I've learned: If it's to be, it's up to me. No one will do the work for you. You may be in the right place at the right time and have the right job or influence—but do you have the intestinal fortitude to put in the work and achieve results?

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#101 Ron Stotts - Mindfulness-Based Leadership Coach

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.

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