Leader: Husband, Father, Pilot, Officer; Leader and mentor in the field of complex organizational change, emotional intelligence, and organization strategy.
What has been your most notable rebel accomplishment or experience?
Creating a public forum for military senior leaders to openly blog about relevant leadership topics and insights. Facilitating emotional intelligence skills to a crowd of military and civilian leadership in a well-entrenched, fully-dogmatic ecosystem.
When did you first realize that you are a rebel?
In my early 20’s, I was given an opportunity to attend the Tice Institute to become an Investment in Excellence facilitator. Upon return, I dutifully started facilitating sessions with teammates in my large organization. It was at that moment that the words which were coming out of my mouth were a foreign-language to many in the government/military structure. Teammates were motivated to action via what seemed to me as simple, foundational concepts. That was when I knew something was different–and that I had a responsibility to continue championing character and organizational-change opportunities.
What advice do you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?
Seek opportunities to differentiate yourself from the herd, build your brand and cultivate your reach. Build a platform as early as possible.
What is your favorite rebel characteristic?
Humor! Without it, one can only be frustrated.
What’s your favorite question?
Hello (insert first name here), how are you feeling today?
What one clue tells you you’re effecting positive change?
When there is a hunger for more! It is hard to feel full on a few spoonfuls–belly up to the buffet!
What do you think it’s most important for people to understand about rebels?
Dissidence doesn’t have to be disruptive. And disruptive doesn’t have to be disempowering. Peaceful dissidence–leading from the front–is a responsibility. Otherwise, the status quo lives, grows and suffocates.
What’s your one word piece of advice for rebels?
ENGAGE!
What’s your one word piece of advice for non-rebels?
Acquire.
Where do you think rebels are most needed today?
In our families, our classrooms and in our communities. Everyone leads–it’s where we choose to follow our passions that counts. Each of us has the innate capability to affect our effect, wherever we are, regardless of our role.
Who is your favorite rebel from the past 100 years?
Billy Mitchell.
What’s the one thing you should never say to a rebel?
We’ve always done it this way. {Whoa, boy . . . Good luck!}