There is a destructive yet persistent American culture that sees people elevated to leadership positions without the required training or coaching. Today’s guest aims to ease this particular pain point by bringing military-style leadership to the civilian world.

John Gronski is a former Major General who's pivoted to being a motivational speaker and life coach. He begins our conversation by describing everything that happens at the coaching and consulting company he founded: Leader Grove. We learn about John’s journey from rural Pennsylvania to coaching and via the Army before honing in on the challenges he faced while deployed with the Army in Ramadi, Iraq.

John also shares what he learned about being a leader from his time in active service, the ins and outs of his three leadership-centered books, the undeniable value of mentorship, and the best practices for building resilience and a never-say-die mindset.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Unpacking the American culture of raising leaders without adequate leadership training.

• From rural Pennsylvania to the Army to coaching: How it happened for John.

• Understanding the value of mentorship and practical advice for seeking the right mentors.

Quotes:

“My personal purpose is to help leaders who want to improve and become better leaders. That’s why I started Leader Grove.” — Major General John Gronski

“We need people in our life who make us stronger and we have to look for people that we could make stronger. That’s what leadership, in my mind, is all about.” — Major General John Gronski

“Mentorship is 360 degrees. Which means, I not only get mentored from people who are senior than me; I could get mentored from someone who is much junior that I am. You can learn from everybody, no matter what their level of life experience is.” — Major General John Gronski

“I believe leaders are grown and not born.” — Major General John Gronski

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Major General John Gronski

Major General John Gronski on LinkedIn

Major General John Gronski on Instagram

Major General John Gronski on YouTube

Major General John Gronski on Facebook

Books by Major General John Gronski

Leader Grove

U.S. Air Force ROTC

National Guard

U.S. Army

United States Army Europe and Africa

Proverbs 27:17

The Leadership Challenge

The Leadership Moment

We Were Soldiers Once...and Young

The Miracle Morning

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What does it take to redefine leadership beyond the battlefield?

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, former CH-53E helicopter pilot, Marine Corps veteran, and MCFA Project Leader Steve Kempa sheds light on his transformative journey from Marine to mentor.

Steve shares how his time in the military helped shape his understanding of leadership and how transitioning to the civilian world pushed him to embrace empathy, emotional intelligence, and the power of collaboration. He also offers insight into the “mission first, people always” mantra that he learned during his career as a Marine, reflecting on the importance of balancing goals with compassion.

From earning his MBA while on active duty to championing veterans' mental health through November, Steve opens up about overcoming personal challenges, staying grounded through martial arts, and finding purpose in mentoring the next generation.

This conversation is essential listening for veterans, mentors, and anyone seeking to reimagine leadership beyond titles and rank!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How he found new challenges and professional growth after 10 years in the Marines.

• How he earned an MBA while on active duty, focusing on marketing, innovation, and design.

• The challenges of adapting military leadership skills to civilian environments.

• Why inclusion, emotional intelligence, and coaching rather than leading are key.

• Shifting from hierarchical, rank-based leadership to collaborative, empathy-driven leadership.

• The value of building trust and motivating teams by connecting their tasks to larger goals.

• The power of leveraging the veteran network for guidance and opportunities.

• Reasons to stay active, seek fulfilling endeavors, and focus on personal growth.

Quotes:

“Having empathy [and] understanding that you never know what someone else might be going through – is so crucial because as much as we need to get the mission done, something that I learned – during my time in the military is ‘mission first people always’.” — Steve Kempa

“As flawed as I may be, I still find purpose and value in mentoring young men and helping other people out.” — Steve Kempa

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Steve Kempa

Steve Kempa on LinkedIn

The Challenge Center

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

Movember

The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education

With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by E. B. Sledge

Sons Youth

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What if your personal challenges could inspire a business that changes lives?

In this episode, we delve into the power of transformative leadership and impact-driven entrepreneurship. We uncovered the inspiring journey of Brett and Mary Elaine Baker as they built VAUSA, a remarkable virtual assistant company dedicated to empowering military families while supporting faith- and mission-driven businesses.

Join us as Brett and Mary Elaine share their journey from military life to entrepreneurship, detailing the growth of their business, their integration of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and the unique dynamics of their leadership roles as Visionary and Integrator. From insights on balancing work, family, and mental health to practical tips for using your gifts to serve others, this conversation offers actionable strategies for anyone looking to align their work with their values.

To discover how redefining success as impact, not just profit, can transform your life, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode

• An introduction to Brett, Mary Elaine, VAUSA, and who they serve.

• The transition from military life to entrepreneurship and leadership roles.

• Reasons that vision-casting is so important in both life and business.

• Advice for overcoming the fear that often accompanies “starting something.”

Quotes:

“We have this calling – from God, saying, ‘Now that you’ve been blessed, it’s time for you to go share this blessing with other people.’ That’s where it started.” — Mary Elaine Baker

“Once we started – seeing the fruits of [our] labor and seeing the impact we could make, we just wanted to do more – It kept motivating us to push further, not to build a business that makes a huge profit but to build a business that makes a huge impact on people.” — Brett Baker

“Each one of us is born with God-given gifts. We’re meant to discover what they are and use them not for personal gain but in order to serve and help others.” — Mary Elaine Baker

“At some point, [you] have to sit down and say, ‘What do I want out of this life? What is the impact that I want to make?’ Then, go out there and try to create that for yourself.” — Brett Baker

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

VAUSA

Brett Baker on LinkedIn

Mary Elaine Baker on LinkedIn

Mary Elaine Baker on Instagram

Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

Rocket Fuel

How to Be a Great Boss

Traction

Wild at Heart

Warrior Kid

John Maxwell

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn