As vital as it is for peace and transformation, the importance of leadership (and leadership itself) is still widely misunderstood. When leaders fail to fulfill their roles (after not understanding what they entail in the first place), it creates a space for trauma to thrive.
Today we are joined by Larry Yatch, a Navy SEAL-turned-education and business consultant, and who explains what leadership looks like from the perspective of a Navy veteran.
We learn about Larry’s life before the SEALs, what he did during his Navy career, and why he chose to pivot the way he did after being medically discharged from the Navy. Larry also defines and explains the relationship between leadership, management, and coordinating action, and why many of us do not properly understand either term.
Key Points From This Episode:
• Exploring the hypocrisy of “freedom” in entrepreneurship.
• Redefining success, and the relationship between accomplishment and fulfillment.
• Larry’s definitions of leadership, management, and coordinating action, and how they relate to each other.
• A short lesson on trauma.
Quotes:
“In the effort of fighting for freedom – as you know from being in the military – you’re not free. There’s hardly any freedom at all. That’s really what made me say, ‘Well, maybe it’s my turn to experience some freedom.’ And that’s what led me to entrepreneurship.” — Larry Yatch
“Anywhere you have leadership, you don’t have bullying. Everywhere you have bullying, you don’t have leadership. Leadership is using your power to help people, bullying is using your power to hurt people.” — Larry Yatch
“Fulfilment can only come from acting towards an internally derived, deeply-held purpose.” — Larry Yatch
“Respect is understanding how something impacts your world and choosing to act in accordance with it.” — Larry Yatch
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
What is Leadership Blueprints?
Leadership Blueprints is a podcast dedicated to helping leaders align teams, navigate chaos, and accomplish the mission. Hosted by BJ Kraemer—West Point graduate, combat veteran, and President & CEO of MCFA—this show dives into the principles, stories, and strategies behind effective leadership.
With a background in military service and experience leading teams in business, infrastructure, and complex projects, BJ understands that success comes down to execution, adaptability, and leading people well. Through in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders across business, sports, the military, and beyond, Leadership Blueprints will help you bring your vision to reality on projects that shape communities and industries.
Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, on the field, in the military, or within your own organization, this podcast is designed to provide the tools and mindset needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Subscribe now and start building your Leadership Blueprint.