The Grit Factor

Host Shannon Huffman Polson is the founder of The Grit Institute and host of The Grit Factor Podcast, where she helps purpose-driven leaders build grit, resilience, and purpose in their lives and organizations. A former U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot and one of the first women to fly the Apache in the Army, Shannon brings real-world leadership experience from the military and corporate boardroom to her work as an author, speaker, and leadership educator. She is the author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World, which distills lessons from elite leaders across industries and the armed forces. Through The Grit Institute, Shannon combines research, storytelling, and actionable frameworks to help individuals and organizations navigate transitions, overcome challenges, and lead with impact. Her work empowers people to connect with purpose and bring values-based leadership into every facet of life and work. Whether in the cockpit, the classroom, or the boardroom, Shannon champions a mission to cultivate courage, purpose, and authentic leadership for a better world. Guest Bio Dr. Ruth Gotian, Chief Learning Officer and Associate Professor of Education in Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, is a globally recognized expert in mentorship and leadership development.  Hailed by Nature, Wall Street Journal, and Columbia University, she was named a top 20 mentor worldwide. Thinkers50 ranked her as the #1 emerging management thinker in 2021, LinkedIn recognized her as a top voice in mentoring in 2023, and she was named a Top 50 Executive Coach in the world in 2024 (Coaches50 list).   A semi-finalist for Forbes 50 Over 50, Dr. Gotian is a prolific contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Psychology Today, where she shares insights on 'optimizing success.'  With a focus on the mindset and skill set of peak performers, including Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, Olympic and NBA champions, she's also an award-winning author of The Success Factor and The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring. Summary In this conversation, Shannon Huffman Polson sits down with Dr. Ruth Gotian, a world-renowned expert in leadership, high performance, and success. Together, they explore what truly sets high achievers apart—from astronauts and Olympic athletes to top-performing leaders. Dr. Gotian shares insights from her groundbreaking research on motivation, resilience, and peak performance, revealing practical strategies anyone can apply to excel in their personal and professional life. They also discuss the mindsets that drive exceptional achievement, the habits that separate elite performers from the rest, and how purpose, curiosity, and continuous learning fuel long-term success. Whether you're a leader, creator, or someone striving to improve, this conversation offers actionable wisdom to help you elevate your performance and live with intention. Key Takeaways What Dr. Ruth Gotian has learned from studying the world's highest performers The mindsets and daily habits that drive exceptional success How purpose fuels resilience and long-term motivation The importance of curiosity and continuous learning Practical tools you can start using today to elevate your performance Why high achievers think differently—and how you can too Resources Website: https://ruthgotian.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgotian

Host Shannon Huffman Polson is the founder of The Grit Institute and host of The Grit Factor Podcast, where she helps purpose-driven leaders build grit, resilience, and purpose in their lives and organizations. A former U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot and one of the first women to fly the Apache in the Army, Shannon brings real-world leadership experience from the military and corporate boardroom to her work as an author, speaker, and leadership educator. She is the author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World, which distills lessons from elite leaders across industries and the armed forces. Through The Grit Institute, Shannon combines research, storytelling, and actionable frameworks to help individuals and organizations navigate transitions, overcome challenges, and lead with impact. Her work empowers people to connect with purpose and bring values-based leadership into every facet of life and work. Whether in the cockpit, the classroom, or the boardroom, Shannon champions a mission to cultivate courage, purpose, and authentic leadership for a better world. Guest Bio Sam Ushio is the founder and Chief Ikigai Officer of Ikigai Lab, a social enterprise that blends ancient Japanese wisdom with modern science to help people and organizations align purpose with measurable impact. Drawing on two decades in corporate leadership and consulting, Sam's work focuses on human sustainability, values-based growth, and bringing humanity back into business. A former financial services executive, Sam experienced a pivotal moment that transformed his understanding of success—from financial growth to personal and purposeful growth. His family's story, rooted in Japan over a century ago, deeply shaped his worldview and introduced him to the authentic essence of Ikigai—the Japanese concept of a "reason for being." Through Ikigai Lab, Sam works with global brands and leaders to create cultures where people thrive through alignment of strengths, values, and daily actions. His frameworks integrate positive psychology, emotional intelligence, and ancient wisdom, inspiring people to live with awareness, gratitude, and intention every day. Sam is also the creator of the Ikigai Summit (soon to be rebranded as Repurpose), an annual event that explores how purpose-driven leadership can reshape organizations and communities for a more meaningful future. At his core, Sam believes purpose isn't a destination—it's a daily practice. His mission is to help others discover and live their Ikigai through the simple yet profound act of aligning who they are with how they live and lead. Summary In this conversation, Shannon Huffman Polson and Sam Ushio explore the concept of Ikigai, its origins, and its significance in personal and professional life. They discuss the importance of family legacy, personal growth, and the misunderstandings surrounding Ikigai, particularly the common four-circle Venn diagram. Sam shares his journey of discovering Ikigai through his family's history and emphasizes the need for gratitude, intentionality, and the integration of personal values in daily life. The discussion also touches on the impact of Ikigai on organizations and the importance of spirituality and rituals in Japanese culture. Takeaways Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning 'reason for being'. Personal stories shape our understanding of purpose. Financial growth should not compromise personal growth. Gratitude and awareness are essential for a fulfilling life. Ikigai is about aligning daily actions with personal values. The four-circle Venn diagram is a common misunderstanding of Ikigai. Daily life (sekatsu) is central to understanding Ikigai. Mindset and emotional intelligence are crucial for personal development. Reflecting on influential people can help clarify one's values. Ikigai can enhance both personal and professional fulfillment.     Chapters 00:00 – What Is Ikigai, Really? Sam Ushio introduces the real meaning of Ikigai—not just an abstract idea of life's purpose, but the alignment of daily actions with personal values and priorities. 01:05 – Purpose as the Foundation of Grit and Resilience Host Shannon Huffman Polson shares how purpose became central to her research on grit and leadership, setting the stage for the conversation. 02:57 – Sam Ushio's Journey from Corporate Success to Purpose Alignment Sam reflects on his background in financial services, the "lightning bolt moment" that shifted his path, and his discovery of a deeper calling through Ikigai. 03:48 – The Power of Family Heritage and Migration Sam shares his great-grandparents' story—leaving Japan to support a 1,200-year-old shrine—and how that legacy shaped his modern understanding of purpose and sacrifice. 08:19 – Realizing the Limits of Financial Growth Sam explains how a career focused solely on financial metrics led to personal disconnection—and how redefining growth became the start of his transformation. 11:03 – The Value of Failure and Creative Experimentation Sam describes his early entrepreneurial struggles and creative experiments that didn't work, emphasizing how failure built clarity and resilience. 13:30 – Discovering the Family Photo That Changed Everything A 100-year-old family photo surfaces at just the right moment, sparking deep reflection and connecting Sam's modern journey to ancestral purpose. 14:52 – Rediscovering Ikigai Through Family Wisdom Sam's Aunt Julie plays a key role in reconnecting him with the true Japanese essence of Ikigai—as a philosophy of balance, awareness, and daily living. 16:33 – Debunking the 4-Circle Ikigai Myth Sam and Shannon unpack the viral "Venn diagram" of Ikigai, exploring how Western interpretations often miss its true meaning rooted in sekatsu—daily life. 20:12 – Ikigai as Daily Alignment, Not a Destination Sam reframes Ikigai as the daily practice of aligning values with actions—living your reason for being moment by moment, not chasing a final goal. 24:21 – Frameworks for Living with Purpose Exploring the fusion of Japanese wisdom and positive psychology, Sam discusses using values and strengths (via CliftonStrengths) to guide intentional living. 26:10 – From Purpose to Measurable Impact Sam connects Ikigai to measurable outcomes in leadership and business, linking emotional awareness, cognition, and behavior to results. 32:10 – How to Begin Your Ikigai Journey Sam offers a practical starting point: reflect on a person who has shaped you, explore the values behind their influence, and connect that to your own life purpose. 34:05 – Practicing Ikigai in Daily Life (Sekatsu) Sam introduces the "Minimum Viable Purpose" concept—testing small daily actions outside your comfort zone to grow purposefully, not perfectly. 38:05 – Purpose in the Age of AI A discussion on how AI is shaping human purpose and connection, and how grounding in values helps navigate rapid technological change. 40:15 – Inside Ikigai Lab: Bridging Humanity and Business Sam explains how Ikigai Lab helps organizations and teams connect individual purpose to measurable impact through human sustainability frameworks. 43:04 – Building Awareness and Intention Across Generations Sam discusses bringing the Ikigai philosophy to workplaces, universities, and communities to help people live and lead with intention. 49:23 – Returning to Japan: A Full-Circle Journey Sam shares the emotional story of returning to his family's ancestral shrine in Japan, honoring generations of purpose, resilience, and continuity. 53:29 – The Sacred in the Everyday Shannon reflects on her trip to Japan, the power of ritual, and what it means to recognize the sacred in daily life—connecting to the heart of Ikigai. 56:11 – Purpose as a Verb, Not a Goal Sam and Shannon conclude that Ikigai isn't something you find once—it's something you live daily, through curiosity, courage, and continual growth.     Resources Website: https://ikigailab.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samushio/  

Host: Shannon Huffman Polson Shannon Huffman Polson is a former Apache helicopter pilot, speaker, and author of "The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World." She is the founder of The Grit Institute, where she helps purpose-driven leaders build grit and resilience. Guest: Phyllis Wilson Phyllis Wilson is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 with a military career spanning nearly four decades, including deployments to Iraq as a senior intelligence analyst. She is the president of the Military Women's Memorial in Washington, DC, the only national memorial honoring the service of women in all branches and eras of the U.S. military. Description In this episode of The Grit Factor, Shannon Huffman Polson talks with Phyllis Wilson about her remarkable journey from a young recruit to a leader in the Military Women's Memorial. Phyllis shares her experiences in the military, the challenges she faced, and her mission to preserve the stories of America's servicewomen. Summary Phyllis Wilson discusses her military career, the importance of preserving the stories of servicewomen, and her leadership at the Military Women's Memorial. She reflects on the challenges of being a woman in the military, the impact of her work, and the lessons learned from her service. Key Highlights 00:00 – Challenge Accepted Phyllis opens by reflecting on moments when people underestimate her: "Sit back and watch, buddy. I'll show you what I'm capable of doing." She frames underestimation as fuel for proving herself rather than discouragement. 03:17 – Joining the Army for Opportunity Phyllis describes joining the military to afford college — a "four-year plan" that turned into 37 years of service. She was drawn in by education, travel, and a sense of purpose. 05:09 – Motherhood & Warrant Officer Training Phyllis recounts attending the Warrant Officer Candidate Program while raising young children: Describes grueling inspections and "hazing" culture of the time. Brought her kids to training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, with classmates helping out. Reflects on resilience and community support. 09:07 – Climbing to Chief Warrant Officer 5 She breaks down the rarity of her rank: Out of 1 million Army personnel, only ~822 are CW5s. Highlights the tight Warrant Officer network and the importance of relying on collective expertise, not pretending to know everything. 10:22 – Imposter Syndrome Phyllis candidly talks about moments of doubt at senior levels: "You pinch yourself—am I really supposed to be here?" She learned to trust the leaders who believed in her and to "just do the work." 13:25 – Iraq: Life-or-Death Intel Decisions As a senior intelligence analyst in Special Operations, she was responsible for nightly mission targeting: Describes pressure of ensuring missions aren't sent to "dry holes" or booby-trapped locations. Talks about guilt when missions result in deaths, even if assessments were correct. "Sometimes when they don't come home alive, you kick yourself… Can I keep doing this?" Coping through treadmill running 70–80 miles a week to manage stress. 17:36 – Serving Alongside Her Sons Phyllis' sons were deployed in Iraq simultaneously: Promoted one to Sergeant during Thanksgiving. Mixed pride and deep fear, especially near the end of their tours. 21:43 – Special Operations as a Woman She thrived in Special Ops because the mission came first and gender was irrelevant: "I never even noticed I was the only woman in the room… I count lefties, not women." She stresses speaking with value, not just to be heard. 25:57 – Leadership & Trust Under Pressure Trust looks different in combat vs. garrison. She highlights how earning trust through competence is essential when lives are on the line. 29:45 – Childhood Foundations Growing up as a tomboy in a strict but loving household shaped her confidence and resilience. She recalls lifeguarding as a teen and learning to develop "thick skin" early. 33:45 – Evolving Sense of Purpose Over decades, her purpose deepened through service and exposure to other cultures. She learned profound lessons on contentment and gratitude from communities abroad. 39:01 – Post-Military Transition After hanging up the uniform, Phyllis felt unexpectedly lost. She founded "Wounded Warriors Have Families Too" to support families of injured service members, restoring her sense of mission. 44:28 – Leading the Military Women's Memorial As president, she discovered how many women's stories remain untold. The Memorial's database has 325,000+ stories but represents only ~10% of all who served. She's passionate about preserving and amplifying these histories. 51:52 – Defending Women's Stories Today In an era where some narratives are being erased, Phyllis emphasizes protecting and elevating military women's stories — including those who died recently. "Our job is to honor and tell the stories… not drag their names through the mud." 58:01 – Lifelong Mission Phyllis' driving force today: "How could I not have known these stories?" She's committed to making sure America knows the names and deeds of the women who served. 1:01:20 – Closing Shannon thanks Phyllis for her leadership and storytelling. Phyllis' journey is framed as a call to preserve legacy, build resilience, and lead with purpose. Resources & Contact Details The Grit Institute: thegritinstitute.com Military Women's Memorial: womensmemorial.org Book: The Grit Factor Download The Grit Factor Manifesto Contact Phyllis Wilson: [email protected]  

Host: Shannon Huffman Polson Shannon Huffman Polson is a renowned author and speaker, known for her work on grit and resilience. As the founder of The Grit Institute, she empowers individuals to lead with purpose and determination.   Guest: John Coleman  John Coleman is the co-CEO of Sovereign's Capital and a Harvard Business Review author. He is a thought leader in purpose-driven leadership, offering insights into how individuals can find meaning in their personal and professional lives.   Summary In this episode, John Coleman discusses the crisis of purpose in modern life, exploring how individuals can find meaning and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. He shares insights on leadership, the importance of agency, and the myths surrounding purpose.   Highlights [00:00:46] Introduction to Purpose John Coleman introduces the concept of a crisis of purpose and its impact on modern life. [00:32:58] The Myths of Purpose Discussion on common misconceptions about purpose and how to overcome them. [01:05:32] Creating Purpose in Life Insights into how individuals can craft their own purpose and find fulfillment. [02:18:34] Purpose in Leadership  John Coleman shares how purpose-driven leadership can transform workplace culture. [03:03:38] Purpose and Service  The role of service in enhancing personal meaning and fulfillment. Resources Books by John Coleman: HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781633699830 Passion and Purpose - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781422142424 Miracles - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9798987316610 The Grit Institute: Visit thegritinstitute.com for courses and resources on leading with purpose. Download The Grit Factor Manifesto - https://training.thegritinstitute.com/the-grit-factor-manifesto  

Guest Bio Sarah McArthur is an accomplished editor, writer, and leadership thinker. She worked for over two decades alongside renowned executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, serving as managing editor on dozens of leadership books and co-authoring several works. Sarah was also mentored by the late Frances Hesselbein—one of the most influential leadership figures of the 20th century—becoming a close collaborator and friend. Today, Sarah continues to preserve and share Frances's legacy through writing, editing, and storytelling. Host Shannon Huffman Polson is a former Apache helicopter pilot, corporate veteran, keynote speaker, and author of The Grit Factor: Courage, Resilience, and Leadership in the Most Male-Dominated Organization in the World. She is the founder of The Grit Institute, where she equips leaders to build resilience, lead with purpose, and navigate challenges with impact. Episode Description In this episode of The Grit Factor, Shannon welcomes Sarah McArthur for a heartfelt conversation about the extraordinary life and leadership of Frances Hesselbein, former CEO of the Girl Scouts and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Sarah shares her personal journey as Frances's mentee, collaborator, and friend, offering stories that illuminate Frances's unwavering humility, love, and commitment to service. Together, Shannon and Sarah explore what makes Frances's leadership so timeless and how her lessons can guide today's leaders through uncertainty, division, and change. Summary This episode is both a tribute and a toolkit for values-driven leadership. Listeners will hear: Sarah's path to working with Marshall Goldsmith and later meeting Frances Hesselbein. How Frances transformed the Girl Scouts into a thriving, values-centered movement. The power of mentorship, storytelling, and consistency of character. Lessons on resilience, integrity, and servant leadership that remain urgently relevant. How Frances's legacy continues through Sarah's work, including books and a documentary film. Highlights (00:00) Opening reflections on Frances Hesselbein's passing and the love she inspired. (02:51) Sarah's early work with Marshall Goldsmith and first encounters with Frances's writings. (05:54) The book Work Is Love Made Visible and Frances's profound influence. (10:54) Frances's vision-driven leadership and transformative years at the Girl Scouts. (17:16) The consistency of Frances's character across 107 years of life. (21:42) Lessons from the "cookie incident" and transparency in leadership. (25:08) Frances's "invisible tattoos" and storytelling as a teaching tool. (29:33) Sarah's decision to ask Frances to be her mentor. (33:56) Living and learning alongside Frances during her later years. (41:34) How Frances commanded respect and credibility across sectors. (44:35) Frances's timeless advice for today: We will get through this together. (47:27) Meeting Peter Drucker and forming a lifelong leadership partnership. (50:50) Three words to capture Frances's legacy: humility, love, and service. (53:13) "To serve is to live" — Frances's enduring purpose. (54:57) Sarah on carrying forward Frances's story through a documentary film.   Resources Website: https://www.sarahmcarthur.com/ https://www.hesselbeinforum.pitt.edu/ Email: [email protected] Books: Work Is Love Made Visible: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781119513582 Hesselbein on Leadership: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781118717622 My Life in Leadership: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9780470905739 Frances Hesselbein "Defining Moments" Documentary: https://youtu.be/ImQ0zQpTJec?si=Lv6u5il5NBKjN50W  

Guest Bio / Introduction Urs Koenig is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, former NATO peacekeeping commander, and ultra-endurance athlete. With an eclectic background spanning UN peacekeeping missions, military command, competitive cycling, academia, and business coaching, Urs brings a rare blend of lived experience and research-backed insight to leadership. His award-winning book, Radical Humility, challenges the outdated "heroic" leadership model and offers a compelling framework for blending high performance with humanity.     Episode Summary In this episode of The Grit Factor, Shannon Huffman Polson talks with Urs Koenig about his journey from the intense world of ultra-endurance sports to leading international peacekeeping missions—and how those experiences shaped his philosophy of "radical humility." Urs shares how failure in a 3,000-mile race across America became a crucible for growth, why loving people is at the heart of great leadership, and how leaders can be both tough on results and tender on people. They also explore the five shifts in his leadership framework, the importance of self-awareness, and how purpose evolves over time. Urs leaves listeners with practical strategies for managing energy, building agency in teams, and redefining success as being both a badass leader and a good human.     Important Topics Covered 00:02:45 – Urs's unconventional journey from academia to ultra-endurance sports to military command. 00:07:20 – The Race Across America failure story and how reframing setbacks fuels growth. 00:11:35 – Why leaders must truly love people to be effective. 00:15:50 – "Tough on results, tender on people" — balancing high standards with deep care. 00:20:12 – The Five Shifts of Radical Humility explained. 00:26:40 – Commander's Intent: how clarity of purpose empowers teams. 00:33:05 – Managing energy like an elite athlete for sustainable performance. 00:37:15 – The confidence vs. competence trap in leadership promotion. 00:42:28 – When transparency becomes oversharing—and the concept of being "translucent." 00:48:00 – Lessons from Urs's father on reinvention and courage. 00:53:22 – Redefining success as being both a badass leader and a good human.       Episode Highlights 00:07:50 – "That DNF was one of the best things that ever happened to me—it taught me how to reframe failure." 00:11:40 – "You want to be a leader? You have to love people. It's not about being an extrovert—it's about caring deeply." 00:15:55 – "Caring gives you the license to set high standards." 00:22:10 – The Five Shifts: Digging Deep (Self-awareness & self-leadership) Tough on Results, Tender on People Leading Like a Compass (Commander's Intent) Full Transparency Championing Fearless Culture 00:33:45 – Why managing energy beats managing time. 00:37:20 – "We often promote the loudest person, not the most competent one." 00:42:40 – Why leaders sometimes need to be "translucent" instead of fully transparent. 00:48:25 – His father's midlife leap from corporate executive to artisan cheesemaker. 00:53:30 – "Success is being a badass and a good human." Book: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781637554050 Website: https://www.urskoenig.com/Email: [email protected]: 206.372.8626

Professional Summary Valeria Aloe is an award-winning author, speaker, and high-performance business coach who founded the Rising Together movement to help professionals unlearn limiting mindsets and build the clarity, confidence, and behaviors needed to reach their next level. Her signature work combines mindset transformation with applied behavior change to accelerate individual and team performance. valeriaaloe.com Born in Argentina, Valeria was the first in her family to graduate from college. She holds undergraduate degrees in Finance and Business Administration and later pursued graduate studies in the U.S., building a global career across corporate, nonprofit, and startup environments. Her corporate experience spans major organizations including Procter & Gamble, Citibank, Reckitt Benckiser, PwC and TIAA, and she has more than two decades of experience helping leaders and teams perform at scale. Episode Summary: In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Shannon Huffman Polson speaks with Valeria Aloe—author, spiritual scientist, and founder of the Rising Together Movement—about the invisible ancestral mindsets that shape our lives, leadership, and wellbeing. From her childhood in rural Argentina to Ivy League classrooms and corporate America, Valeria shares her powerful journey through burnout, healing, and spiritual awakening. Together, they explore how trauma is inherited, how to reverse internalized limitations, and why true leadership starts with self-awareness and micro-steps. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to live more fully, lead more authentically, and rise with others—especially first-generation professionals and allies. Episode Highlights: From Rural Argentina to Ivy League: Valeria's journey from a dusty town to Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business—and how she overcame fear, culture shock, and the pressure of being first-generation. The Burnout That Sparked a Movement: What led Valeria to collapse emotionally and physically in 2016, and how that turning point inspired her to reexamine everything she believed about success. Unpacking Ancestral Mindsets: How culturally inherited beliefs—about authority, sacrifice, success, and identity—impact professionals, especially in Latino communities, and how to begin healing them. From Trauma to Triumph: Why healing inherited trauma is essential, how colonization affects modern mindsets, and the science behind generational pain and potential. Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: The key difference—and how to overcome the inner voice that says "Don't bother them." Spiritual Science in Leadership: Valeria's journey into spiritual studies and how embracing the identity of a soul having a human experience changed everything. Micro-Steps, Major Shifts: Why transformation doesn't require giant leaps—and how simple breathing exercises and mindset shifts can rewire your professional and personal life. Building Bridges: How to create unity in a polarized world, celebrate shared humanity, and foster meaningful connections across diverse identities.  Resources & Mentions: Valeria Aloe's Book: Unbeatable Latinas Rising Together Movement: www.valeriaaloe.com — Valeria's platform for empowering first-generation professionals and allies. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey – Where Valeria led entrepreneurship programs. Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth – Where Valeria earned her MBA. Studies on Epigenetics – Research on how trauma and resilience are passed across generations.  

Host: Shannon Huffman Polson Guest: Alexander Friedman, CEO & Co‑founder of Novata; former CFO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; former CIO of UBS; ex‑White House Fellow; board member at Franklin Templeton Episode Summary Join Shannon as she interviews Alexander Friedman, a leader who has navigated high-stakes roles across the highest levels of philanthropy, finance, government, and now tech. In this episode, Alex shares insights into operationalizing purpose, driving change across complex systems, and forging a career of conviction and curiosity. This conversation brings together personal grit, lessons from mountaineering and family, and hard-earned wisdom on systems change, all with a clear north star in mind.  Key Highlights & Timestamps [00:04] Meet Alex and get a preview of his storied path [03:37] How the outdoors serve as spiritual grounding for Alex [06:58] Learning Alex was a White House Fellow—and protégé of General Krulak [08:46] A Marines' boot incident that sparked leadership lessons [11:29] The Krulak legacy: from WWII to a fourth star in the Oval Office [16:17] Balancing tradition and transformation in entrenched institutions [18:27] The limits of logic: why being right doesn't guarantee change [21:35] How leaders can wield influence carefully—and not burn it [22:55] The benefits and questions around the 5% philanthropic payout rule [25:13] Alex answers: Should foundations give away all assets or exist perpetually? [25:48] Why the 5% rule may be outdated—and how investment returns challenge it [26:37] On whether billionaire-backed space ventures serve higher purpose or oligarchy [28:18] Does purpose come easier in nonprofits vs. for‑profits—and what Alex believes [29:24] Exploring the distinction—and overlap—between mission and purpose [31:31] Transcending self to serve something greater: Maslow and Viktor Frankl insights [33:24] How founding a B Corp, Novata, merges purpose with sustainable business [36:11] Novata's model: driving impact measurement for private companies globally [37:49] Why ESG backlash hasn't undermined demand—and what persists beneath politics [39:10] Alex's confidence in long‑term ESG trends despite short‑term turbulence [40:08] The importance of overcoming initial inertia—just like Moana crossing the reef [40:42] Parenting lessons: explaining purpose to a six‑year‑old and why it matters [41:38] Advice to younger self or child: follow your own compass, not someone else's shiny things [44:40] A dynamic "three‑body problem" metaphor for balancing work, family, purpose [47:02] Alex defines success: Try boldly—even if you fail [47:55] Why repeated failure builds resilience—and fuels new action Resources & Further Reading Novata – Platform Alex co-founded to measure ESG and impact outcomes in private markets Jackson Hole Economics – A forum Alex helped launch to shape policy and economic discourse Council on Foreign Relations – Alex contributes to global policy thought leadership B Corp & Public Benefit Corp structures – the organizational form Alex chose for Novata Legacy article on General Victor "Brute" Krulak, with family and presidential story   Book: https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9780578683577\ Website: www.novata.com General Charles C. Krulak Article: https://www.mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/Krulak-Jun-2021.pdf

What does it look like to lead with grit, purpose, and a fierce sense of responsibility—across the battlefield, boardroom, and home? On this week's episode of The Grit Factor, I speak with Kiwi phenom Ellen Joan Ford—a former New Zealand Army officer, tech leader, mother, and fierce advocate for Work School Hours. Ellen's story is one of extraordinary service, from deploying with the U.S. military to evacuating Afghan allies during the fall of Kabul, to now challenging the structural norms that leave working parents (especially mothers) behind. We talk about: • How military leadership forged her approach to high-stakes decision-making • The incredible story behind her urgent efforts to help Afghan interpreters and their families escape- saving hundreds of lives • Why the current 9-to-5 doesn't work—and how her #WorkSchoolHours (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/workschoolhours/) movement is gaining momentum • What it means to rebuild your identity after leaving uniform—and how to lead with purpose in the civilian world This is a conversation about service, reinvention, and building systems that reflect what actually matters. 🎧 Listen in—and let me know: What would change in your world if we really designed work to support families? And would you share, rate and review the podcast? It helps others find it! #Leadership (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/leadership/) #Grit (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/grit/)  #Veterans (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/veterans/)  #WorkSchoolHours (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/workschoolhours/) #Purpose (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/purpose/) #Afghanistan (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/afghanistan/) #WomenInLeadership (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/womeninleadership/) #TheGritFactor (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/thegritfactor/) @powrsuit (https://www.instagram.com/powrsuit/) @drellenjoanford (https://www.instagram.com/drellenjoanford/) #womeninuniform (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/womeninuniform/) #newzealand (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/newzealand/) #anzac (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/anzac/)

What does it look like to lead with purpose and performance — to stay true to your values while building something that lasts? I so enjoyed talking with fellow @tuckschool alum @Jim_Weber, longtime CEO of @BrooksRunning, for a conversation about leadership, grit, and building a brand rooted in conviction. Jim took the helm at Brooks when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy — and through a relentless focus on purpose, customer obsession, and culture, he helped lead it to become a billion-dollar brand. He did all of this while navigating a personal cancer diagnosis — a chapter that deepened his clarity, his courage, and his belief in the kind of leadership that endures. We also talk about what it's like to work alongside Warren Buffett with the astonishing story of Brooks and @BerkshireHathawayInc, and the mindset required to lead through uncertainty without losing sight of what matters most. If you're a leader looking for clarity, or someone in a season of challenge, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. #running LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weber-3b996b8 Website: http://www.jimweber.org/Keppler: https://www.kepplerspeakers.com/speakers/jim-weber Book: tinyurl.com/runpurpose