The Quiet Power of the Empathetic Leader with Navy SEAL turned rowing coach Gordon Schmidt

In this episode of "A Bit of Optimism," Simon Sinek interviews Gordon Schmidt, a retired Navy SEAL turned high school rowing coach. They discuss Schmidt's transition from military service to coaching, drawing parallels between SEAL teams and crew teams, and the importance of teamwork and empathy in leadership. Schmidt shares personal experiences, including the challenges of leaving the SEALs, coping with loss, and finding purpose in coaching young athletes. He recounts a mission in Afghanistan where a teammate was injured, highlighting the crucial role of empathy in navigating difficult situations and leading his team forward. They also explore the qualities of effective leadership, the price of admission for achieving goals, and the importance of authenticity and respect in leadership styles.