Leadership

Leadership is at the heart of every successful endeavor, whether on the battlefield, in business, or family life. Jocko Willink and Leif Babin’s message that “Leadership is the most important thing” is a truth that resonates beyond just military contexts. As a business owner, father of four, and husband, I’ve experienced firsthand how leadership—or the lack of it—can either build or break any situation. It is the critical factor in determining whether we succeed or fall short. 🔱

Leadership plays an undeniably vital role in human resources, where I’ve spent decades helping businesses grow and navigate challenges. Running Penultimate People Consulting (PPC), my HR firm demands constant leadership in both strategy and execution. Just as Jocko and Leif point out in Extreme Ownership, leadership isn’t confined to senior positions; it applies at every level. At PPC, I must ensure that my clients feel empowered to lead within their organizations, from their frontline staff to their C-suite executives. Good leadership, particularly in HR, requires ownership, accountability, and clear communication, much like it does in any military or corporate setting.

However, business leadership is only one part of the equation. At home, leadership as a father and husband is even more vital. It’s about making decisions or guiding the direction of our family. It's about being present and engaged in a way that encourages growth in my children and harmony in my marriage. With four kids, each with different personalities and needs, leadership becomes about flexibility, empathy, and teaching through example. It’s about being there for my son Zeke when he talks about his dreams of becoming an astronaut or supporting my daughter Ruby Rain after a difficult day. Each child requires a different approach, and leadership in fatherhood often means knowing when to guide with a firm hand and when to simply listen. 💙

As a husband, leadership manifests through partnership. With Rachel, it’s leading alongside her. I want to acknowledge that we have a traditional marriage based on the Holy Bible. I embrace Ephesians 5:23 (NIV), For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. ✝️

Leadership here is being proactive in our relationship, ensuring simple, clear, and concise communication. While being the support system, she needs when life’s challenges arise. I don't envy the challenges she faces, LOL. Balancing my work and family life takes intentional leadership, ensuring that I’m prioritizing what matters most. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of running a business, but authentic leadership means stepping back and ensuring that my family is never left behind.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from Extreme Ownership is that no matter the environment—whether it’s work, home, or life in general—leadership starts with owning everything that happens under my watch. When things go wrong, it’s my responsibility. If I fail to meet a client’s needs, it’s not just the fault of a broken system—it’s something I could have anticipated and led better on. If there’s a miscommunication at home, it’s on me to fix it and ensure it doesn’t happen again. The beauty of this mindset is that it gives me the power to change and improve. ⚡

Ultimately, leadership is more than barking orders—although I am extraordinarily good at that! It’s about guiding yourself and others with integrity, owning every outcome, and being adaptable. Whether in my business or as a father and husband, leadership truly is the most important thing. It is the driving force behind every success and the solution to every problem I face in business and life. 💡