In this episode of Lead with Bubba Scott, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Mullaney, a retired U.S. Navy Captain, Industrial and Organizational psychologist, and executive coach, to explore leadership in high-stakes environments.

Kevin shares his journey from growing up in an Army family to serving as a nuclear submarine officer, and how those experiences shaped his understanding of accountability, ethics, and leadership development. We discuss why great leaders focus on the principles behind the rules, how ownership and competence drive trust, and why personality, self-awareness, and curiosity matter more than most leaders realize.

Drawing from his work in the Navy, academia, and executive coaching at Harvard Business School, Kevin introduces the Know-Do-Be model and challenges leaders to think more deeply about character, responsibility, and what it truly means to lead humans, not just organizations.

Chapters

00:00 From Army Brat to Navy Submarine Officer
01:15 The Principle Behind the Rules
03:40 Leadership in the Submarine Force
06:29 The Role of the Executive Officer
08:29 Navigating Accountability and Relationships
10:59 Transitioning to Academia and Teaching Leadership
13:28 Understanding Personality in Leadership
15:57 The Impact of Experience on Leadership Philosophy
26:57 Leadership, Discipline, and Punishment
31:03 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership
33:20 Measuring Leadership Competencies Over Time
40:11 The Know-Do-Be Model of Leadership
43:43 Coaching Leaders at Harvard Business School
47:38 The Case for Ethical Leadership
55:10 The Value of Ownership in Leadership

"Lead with Authenticity"

In this conversation, Lieutenant Commander Andrea Howard shares her journey from growing up in Norcross, Georgia, to becoming a Naval Submarine Officer and pursuing a PhD at MIT. She discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership, her experiences in diverse environments, and the value of mentorship and higher education in the military. Andrea emphasizes the significance of building trust and camaraderie among sailors, maintaining morale in high-pressure situations, and the need for a diverse and inclusive military force.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:27 Growing Up in Norcross: Embracing Diversity

05:11 The Path to the Naval Academy: A Curious Journey

09:03 Academic Pursuits: Merging Language and Leadership

10:49 Studying Abroad: Insights from the UK Experience

15:34 Life Underwater: The Submarine Experience

16:11 Building Trust: Leadership in the Submarine Community

23:33 Navigating Morale: Traditions and Team Spirit

30:00 Maintaining Morale in Leadership

31:29 Creating a Positive Command Culture

33:59 The Power of Affirmation and Recognition

35:38 Feedback and Authenticity in Leadership

37:56 The Journey of Personal Growth

43:03 Mentorship and Leadership in the Military

46:44 The Importance of Higher Education for Officers

57:53 Introduction to Lead with Bubba Scott

57:54 Exploring Key Themes in Leadership

In this episode, Zac Blanchard shares his journey from Louisiana to the Naval Academy and his subsequent career in local government as a city councilman in Baltimore. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the importance of education, and the significance of local government in addressing everyday issues. Zac emphasizes the need for affordable housing and shares insights from his campaign and legislative efforts, highlighting the importance of listening to constituents and adapting plans accordingly. He also reflects on leadership lessons learned throughout his journey and his vision for a better Baltimore.

For more on Councilman Blanchard's work for the City of Baltimore, visit: https://www.zacblanchardd11.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:35 Journey to the Naval Academy

03:38 Leadership Lessons from the Naval Academy

04:50 Teaching

07:03 Higher Education and Global Perspectives

09:39 Transitioning to Baltimore

11:34 Community Engagement and Local Politics

13:26 Running for City Council

15:34 Campaign Strategies and Challenges

31:21 Navigating Political Campaigns

37:42 Legislative Achievements and Housing Initiatives

48:27 Public Engagement and Community Feedback

53:14 Leadership Lessons and Future Aspirations