by Gene Crawford | Aug 11, 2025 | Podcast
Aaron and I explore Elon Musk’s controversial productivity methods, cutting meetings, ditching jargon, and challenging workplace hierarchies, alongside the importance of structure and respect. Shifting to martial arts, we unpack the controversy of Moneyberg’s rapid black belt and contrast it with Helena Crevar’s inspiring rise under John Danaher. Featuring insights from Secret Service veteran Scott Bryson, we share self-defense strategies, mindset tools, and training frameworks that build real-world awareness. This episode delivers hard-hitting lessons on leadership, integrity, and personal growth, on and off the mat.
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by Gene Crawford | Aug 4, 2025 | Podcast
After earning a red card at a youth soccer game, Aaron and I reflect on emotional control, brutal honesty, and the power of self-censorship. Inspired by Jefferson Fisher and “Self-Censorship Is Actually Good,” we role-play ways to speak truth with empathy. From sideline chaos and parenting stress to stoic communication principles, this episode blends humor, humility, and hard-earned lessons. Learn to navigate social tension, say “no” with confidence, and speak wisely—especially when emotions run high.
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by Gene Crawford | Jan 27, 2025 | Podcast
What if leadership was more about influence than authority? Discover how embracing a team mindset can transform your approach to management in our latest episode of the Warrior Mindset Podcast. We unravel the subtle art of leading with persuasion, shifting from a traditional hierarchy to a culture of collaboration and shared goals. Hear personal stories about integrating new team members and inspiring a team even when outcomes are uncertain. Leadership isn’t just about steering the ship; it’s about inspiring the crew to sail with you.
The nuances of communication, especially in our increasingly digital world, take center stage as we discuss overcoming the inherent challenges of text-based interactions. Miscommunication can be a silent saboteur in any organization, but with the right strategies, it can be mitigated. Learn how setting clear intentions can create alignment and clarity, transforming meetings from chaotic to cohesive. We’ll share insights on how simple adjustments, like asking the right questions, can lead to profound revelations and foster deeper connections among team members.
Stories are powerful tools, and we explore their impact in leadership and beyond. Through relatable anecdotes, we highlight the importance of storytelling in building influence and strengthening relationships. Discover how small wins in marketing and sales can lead to significant successes, and why patience and persistence are your allies on the path to personal and professional growth. Whether it’s drawing lessons from military leadership or sharing personal experiences of failure, this episode is packed with practical advice to enhance your leadership journey through understanding, preparation, and shared values.
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by Gene Crawford | Nov 19, 2024 | Podcast
In this Debrief style episode let’s together delve into the balance between fitness and mental resilience, exploring the thin line between disciplined commitment and obsession. With insights from icons like David Goggins and Mark Manson, we uncover what drives extreme exercise and how to keep a healthy perspective. Pro surfer Laird Hamilton and free climber Alex Honnold bring fresh views on risk and motivation, helping us assess personal limits. From transitioning between fitness styles to the significance of martial arts etiquette, we discuss injury prevention, respect, and authenticity—offering a guide to achieving both personal and physical growth.
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by Gene Crawford | Oct 7, 2024 | Podcast
Join us as we explore micromanagement in leadership, examining its causes, effects, and how to handle it. We question whether micromanaging stems from a need for control, sharing personal stories that show how anxiety over performance and pressure from higher management can contribute. We discuss its negative impact on creativity and respect, with examples from project management where excessive oversight hurt productivity. Through relatable scenarios like home remodeling,
we reflect on leadership, trust, and lessons from Jocko Willink’s Echelon Front, debating if trust must be earned from micromanaging leaders. We also consider the practicality of decentralized leadership and the responsibility to not enable micromanagement, challenging the idea of overcompensating for a controlling boss. The episode highlights the importance of communication, accountability, and trust, with personal stories emphasizing the benefits of autonomy and a trusting boss. We end with a humorous call for micromanagers to trust their teams—maybe even try a karate class to let go of control—and offer insights on improving leadership to create more respectful, effective work environments.
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