Episode 36: The Art of Navigating Change

What if the path to true leadership was not paved with consistent victories but peppered with moments of failure? Former General Stan McChrystal, U.S. Army (Ret), a man of immense distinction, joins the Normal 40 to share his narrative, offering a rare look into his life and the lessons it holds. Stan reflects on duty, leadership, and the journey of personal growth and transformation that came with embracing failure and making The Trade. You'll hear how this shaped him into the person he is today and how it has left an indelible mark on his life and career. This is unlike any conversation you've heard with Stan before. We get an intimate peek into the life of a decorated military man, stripped of formalities, that is raw and real. As we delve deeper into our dialogue with McChrystal, we explore the nuances of his military career and the profound lessons derived from it. His understanding of the importance of not dwelling on the past, and the essence of keeping pace with an ever-evolving present hold invaluable insights for anyone facing a significant life change. Finally, we delve into his endorsement of McChrystal and the mission rooted in support and helping others. His account of his resignation and the transition thereafter is both inspiring and enlightening. McChrystal reflects on the importance of trust, the power of vulnerability, and the significance of relationships in shaping our lives. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a journey through the life of a man who has witnessed the highs and lows, led with courage, and emerged with lessons that resonate with us all. Episode Chapters: (0:00:00) - Public Company Executive to Lifestyle Engineer: General McChrystal and I discussed failure, inspiring conversations, and lessons learned. (0:11:58) - The Resignation and Moving Forward: General McChrystal discussed transitioning from military to civilian life, Obama's momentous decision, and the power of moving forward. (0:22:17) - Leaving, Starting, and Finding Liberation: Stan McChrystal's story of career transition, spouse support, liberation, and impact on others is discussed. (0:29:55) - Duty and Resilience From Stanley McChrystal: Stan shared his journey to a new life, his thoughts on difficult situations, and his inspiring message about decency, honor, and inspiration. (0:34:59) - Promotion of Book and Podcast: General Stanley McChrystal's journey from Afghanistan to meeting the President, his spouse's support, and his leadership skills are explored. Connect with Me: The Normal 40 All Access: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein Buy My Book The Trade on Amazon: https://a.co/d/cG4chW4