To be an effective leader, you must believe that other people matter and, as a result, that leadership is a relationship.  

This is the belief of today’s guest, Mike Erwin. A soldier, educator, author, non-profit founder, veteran advocate, and Executive Director at Team Red, White & Blue (RWB), America's leading health and wellness community for veterans. Mike is also CEO of the Character & Leadership Center and co-founder and president of The Positivity Project, a non-profit organization that aims to empower America’s youth to build positive relationships.  

As you’ll learn in this episode, Mike is an exemplary leader who has dedicated his life to serving his nation and empowering people to become more resilient. Mike shares his perspective on leadership development, how Positive Psychology has influenced his personal and professional outlook on life, and why it’s important to not just coexist but learn to collaborate with others.  (even when they have radically different personalities from you).  

Mike and BJ also discuss the books that have profoundly impacted Mike’s life, the people who inspire him most, his definition of legacy, and much more! To find out why the leaders who put people first tend to be more successful (and memorable), be sure to tune in today.

Key Points From This Episode:

•   Steps to cultivating a leadership mindset and a “relentless focus on other people.”

•   The origin story of Team RWB and how it connects veterans with their communities.

•   How The Positivity Project started and the five areas of leadership it promotes.

•   Practical advice for balancing a busy calendar by doing each task to your best ability.

Quotes:

“For the most part, we go through life with other people. How we understand other people is [hugely important].” — Mike Erwin

“Understand yourself – Start there, then prioritize and be able to understand other people. In other words, leading yourself first matters because it allows you to lead other people and build relationships well.” — Mike Erwin

“I’m inspired by people who’ve got a good character and who treat other people well, regardless of their circumstance.” — Mike Erwin

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mike Erwin

Team Red, White & Blue

Lead Yourself First

Leadership is a Relationship

Mike Erwin on LinkedIn

Mike Erwin on Instagram

Mike Erwin on Facebook

Mike Erwin on X

Character & Leadership Center

Positivity Project

United States Military Academy West Point

Atomic Habits

The Psychology of Money

The Benedict Option

The Devil and Bella Dodd

The Alchemist

The Fourth Turning

Ascension with Father Mike Schmitz

Inspiring People & Places Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn