BRAVEST 034
LEADERSHIP, PERSEVERANCE & DEVELOPING RESILIENCE
This is a very special episode of the podcast for me. The conversation you’re about to hear is with someone I have known for about 40 years, and I am very excited to share this with all of you.
US Army Colonel Michael Sullivan and I became friends in pre-school. While life took us on different paths, I knew when I launched the podcast last year, he was a person I had to have on as a guest.
In our conversation, Colonel Sullivan (who prefers to be called ‘Sully’) shares his early childhood fascination with the US Military Academy at West Point, which ultimately solidified his path to service. We talk about internal vs. external motivation and we discuss the importance of lacrosse early in is life which led to him to play Division I lacrosse for West Point. He also talks about the most important lessons he learned during his time as a Cadet.
We then discuss his military service which has had him deployed to some of the most challenging places on the planet. Sully shares insights he has gained by leading huge groups of soldiers, as well as the work he does to continuously improve himself.
If that’s not enough, Sully recently completed his PhD at Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
In our conversation we cover the topics of adversity, discomfort, leadership, stoicism, and the importance of hitting rock bottom.
(NOTE: I refer to Colonel Sullivan throughout this conversation as 'Lt Colonel’. As you’ll hear in the interview, despite his achievements, he is super humble, and does not correct me. But I just need to go on record, Sully is in fact a Colonel, so I apologize to Colonel Sullivan for my error during the show.)
Social Media Links
US Army Colonel Michael Sullivan - Instagram
Shootout For Soldiers - Instagram
Websites Mentioned in Podcast
Shootout For Soldiers - website
Articles Mentioned in Podcast
US Lacrosse Magazine - Colonel Sullivan Feature
Books Mentioned in Podcast
The Daily Stoic - Ryan Holiday
Gates of Fire - Steven Pressfield
Related Episodes
Episode 016 - Ann Marie Saccurato
Episode 033 - Chef Tommy Fields
Music Credits for BRAVEST Episode 034
Intro music - Joakim Karud, 'Canals' & The Passion HiFi, 'Sweet Revenge'
Outtro music - Joakim Karud, 'Summer Vibes'
Support Our Friends!
GREATER THAN is a lifestyle brand launched by Steven and Jenn Kramer dedicated to empowering all individuals. They believe, and they want you to believe, that whatever your challenge, you're greater than that challenge.
Because of the personal impact resulting from the recent diagnosis of their son with type 1 diabetes, their first campaign focuses on the T1D community, and is branded ‘GREATER THAN 1’.
With every purchase of GREATER THAN products, a portion of each sale will be donated directly to type 1 diabetes research and support.
Also, check out the newest hat collaboration between BRAVEST and Greater Than. It's currently available in two color styles, and is available in the Greater Than store!
Visit www.ImGreaterThan.com, and use the code 'BRAVEST' at checkout to receive 10% off your entire order.
