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Get On Character by General McChrystal: https://www.mcchrystalgroup.com/about/books/detail/2025/01/04/on-character--choices-that-define-a-life

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In this conversation, General Stanley McChrystal discusses the profound impact of character on leadership, emphasizing that true leadership is tested during challenging times. He reflects on his personal experiences, including his resignation from the military, and how his marriage has shaped his character. The discussion also delves into the importance of understanding core values, the influence of parents on our convictions, and the role of fear in leadership decisions. McChrystal encourages leaders to clarify their values and to recognize that character is a choice that defines us. In this conversation, Stanley McChrystal discusses the dynamics of leadership, the importance of courage in speaking up against groupthink, and the necessity of discipline in personal and professional life. He reflects on his experiences in high-pressure environments, the challenges of maintaining integrity, and the value of writing as a tool for clarifying thoughts and fostering a national dialogue on character. The discussion emphasizes the significance of learning from mistakes and the impact of personal values on leadership effectiveness.

00:00 The Essence of Leadership and Character

03:00 The Journey of Writing and Reflection

05:55 Marriage as a Foundation for Character

11:49 The Role of Character in Leadership

17:55 Understanding Core Values and Convictions

23:00 The Influence of Parents on Character

25:50 Confronting Fear in Leadership

30:15 The Pressure to Conform in Leadership

32:44 Courage to Speak Up: A Personal Reflection

35:33 Coaching Leaders to Embrace Truth

38:26 The Importance of Discipline in Leadership

46:57 Learning from Mistakes and Moving Forward

49:05 The Value of Writing and National Dialogue on Character

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In this conversation, Will Acuff shares his journey of finding joy amidst life's challenges, particularly through his experiences with his family and the transformative 'trauma camp' that helped him shift his perspective. He discusses the importance of self-compassion, the struggles of parenting a child with disabilities, and the pressures of maintaining a facade of having it all together. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of recognizing small sparks of joy and the power of community and support in navigating difficult times.

In this conversation, the speakers explore the themes of love, mercy, and personal responsibility within relationships. They discuss the drama triangle concept, emphasizing the importance of shifting from a hero mentality to one of ownership and self-compassion. The dialogue also touches on thriving in tough circumstances, the significance of self-awareness, and practical practices for cultivating joy in daily life.

00:00 Finding Joy in Hardship

02:53 The Journey to Trauma Camp

11:42 Transformative Experiences at Trauma Camp

22:02 The Power of Joy in Difficult Times

24:35 The Context of Love and Mercy

25:08 Understanding the Drama Triangle

29:04 Shifting from Hero to Ownership

30:44 The Impact of Codependency

32:07 Self-Compassion and Ownership

35:31 Thriving in Tough Circumstances

36:40 Exploring Joy and Self-Awareness

42:22 Practical Practices for Daily Joy Please visit my website to get more information:

https://calwalters.me/

🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@intentionalleader_calwalters/?sub_confirmation=1

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In this episode of the Intentional Leader Podcast, Cal speaks with CEO coach Steve Graves about the intricacies of leadership, coaching, and achieving a balanced life. They explore the importance of holistic coaching, the courage required to make meaningful life choices, and the challenges of work-life balance. Steve shares insights from his experiences coaching top leaders and discusses frameworks for personal development, including the significance of understanding one's capacity threshold and the art of saying no. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional living and aligning one's life with core values to lead effectively at work and home.

00:00 Leading Well at Work and Home

02:38 The Role of a Coach

07:15 Work-Life Balance Toolbox

08:30 A Tale of Two Funerals

13:16 The Importance of Courage 1

9:33 The Cost of Saying Yes

24:44 Understanding Capacity Threshold

36:51 The Art of Saying No