When most of us think of leadership, we picture boardrooms, classrooms, or perhaps even the military. But true leadership shows up everywhere: in our families, our businesses, and our communities. It isn’t about titles or authority; it’s about trust, communication, and living by values that guide us when times get tough.
In a powerful conversation with Retired U.S. Army Major General Malcolm Frost, host Brady Fineske explores how principles forged in combat can help us lead with clarity and purpose at home and in business.
Leading as They Want to Be Led
General Frost shares a defining moment from his Army career that changed how he saw leadership. For years, he lived by the mantra “lead as you want to be led.” But during a 360-degree review, he realized that holding everyone to his own high standard wasn’t always effective.
The breakthrough? Leadership is not about imposing your way. It’s about understanding the strengths, needs, and motivations of others and leading them in a way that unlocks their potential. As Frost says, “Lead as they want to be led.”
Relationships, Communication, and Trust
At the heart of effective leadership are three timeless pillars:
- Relationships: Getting to know people authentically, with transparency and vulnerability.
- Communication: Not just being understood, but ensuring you’re not misunderstood.
- Trust: Built through consistent deposits over time, so that when crisis comes, you have the credibility and reliability to lead.
These aren’t just military strategies. They are the same ingredients needed to raise a family, run a business, or steward wealth across generations.
Finding Strength in Crisis
One of the most gripping stories General Frost shares is from a deployment in Iraq, when he and his soldiers faced a suicide vest attack. In the chaos, his trusted second-in-command tapped him on the shoulder and asked, “Is this really where you should be?”
That moment of pause taught Frost the power of perspective. Sometimes leadership means stepping back from the front lines, whether in combat, business, or family life, to see the bigger picture and chart the path forward.
Defining Legacy Beyond Success
For General Frost, legacy isn’t about medals, money, or rank. It’s about the people who come after you. It’s about the values you instill, the trust you build, and the lives you shape by example.
As he puts it: “Your legacy is not the battles you win, it’s the investment you make in people that come behind you.”
Your Next Chapter Starts Now
Whether you’re guiding a business, raising a family, or preparing the next generation, the lessons from this episode will inspire you to lead with clarity, humility, and purpose. Leadership isn’t a moment; it’s a lifelong practice.
