What does it really take to build success that lasts, financially, professionally, and personally?

In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Jerry L. Cunningham sits down with retired Army Colonel and financial planner Ed Gargas to unpack leadership lessons forged in the military and refined in the world of finance, business, and community service. This is not a technical finance episode. It's a conversation about discipline, decision-making, and building a life that works in the real world.

You'll hear how military leadership principles translate directly into business and personal success, why waiting to start financial planning is one of the most common, and costly, mistakes people make, and how critical thinking protects you from emotional and biased decisions. Ed also shares how to recover when you feel "behind," why contingency planning matters in life as much as it does in combat, and how relationships, legacy, and spirituality ultimately define success more than money ever will.

If you're looking for practical wisdom, grounded leadership, and a clearer framework for navigating uncertainty, this episode will challenge how you think and how you plan your future.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about earning respect, not just commanding it.
• The military decision-making process is applicable in business.
• Financial planning should start as early as possible, regardless of age.
• Discipline is crucial for financial success and wealth building.
• Success is not just about money; it's about relationships and legacy.
• Critical thinking helps in recognizing inherent biases in decision-making.
• It's important to have contingency plans for unexpected challenges.
• Investing in relationships and community is vital for personal growth.
• Rewarding effort and success is essential for motivation.
• A strong spiritual foundation can guide personal and professional decisions.

Learn more about the Quest for Success framework at www.Quest-Success.com.

Recommended Resources to Explore Further:

• The Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) – U.S. Army Doctrine

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

• Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl