S31E12AI RECAP🎙️ LIVE AWLL from Proverbs — Chapter 12

Hi, I'm John Maxwell. When the top companies in the world are looking for trainers, speakers, and coaches, there's one name that stands above the rest, and that's Maxwell Leadership. Our certified team members have gotten proven results for companies all over the globe, and our reputation, I'm proud to say, is second to none. Some of our members have risen to the top of their profession, including the one you're going to meet today. I proudly introduce you to my friend, Bob Fabien Zinga.

Welcome to the Leadership and Success Podcast with your host, Coach BZ, where we help you lead with purpose and succeed with impact. If you're ready to grow into the kind of leader others want to follow, this podcast is for you. If you're determined to elevate your success and leave a lasting legacy, this podcast is for you. As my mentor, Dr. John C. Maxwell, reminds us, everything rises and falls on leadership. Our goal is simple: to inspire you, challenge you, and equip you with insights that can transform the trajectory of your leadership journey. Welcome aboard to Welcome to another episode of the Leadership and Success Podcast with Coach BZ.

Hello everyone, and welcome to another special edition of the Leadership and Success Podcast. I am your host, Coach BZ. Thank you so much for watching. While you are there, please let us know where you are joining us from, what city, what state and also which country if you are outside of the United States. And also let us know one thing you are grateful for today. And I'm going to be playing a couple of AI-created, artificial intelligence-created video about the book of Proverbs. Today is the 12th, so it's going to be about Proverbs chapter 12. Which we had the full episode on January 12th. We went through the entire book of Proverbs, one chapter a day in January, but today will be the artificial intelligence recap of that study. So take notes, and once you listen, I also would like for you to please let us know 3 to 5 takeaways from today's episode, and most importantly, one principle that you will put into action this week. So before we get started with the AI recap, I want to do our moment of gratitude. So this is where every time we start the show, we want to be grateful for one thing. And as you all know, for the month of February, Black History Month, every single day this month, I am really grateful for Black history. I want to celebrate and remember the achievement of African Americans in our country. I really love this book, African American First. It's by John Porter, Famous Little-Known and Unsung Triumphs of Black in America. This month I'm going to focus on African Americans first in the military, all of the branches of the military, because our service members, African Americans, have served in every single war starting with the Revolutionary War, the War of Independence, all the way up to today, and I want to make sure we celebrate them. Okay, so for our Black History celebration, then, uh, I have kind of two vignettes. One is about the day today. Today is February 12th, so we're gonna look at the time in history on February 12th, something that happened in Black history, because Black history is American history. So let me share my screen for that, uh, this moment. So what we are going to talk about— here we go, I have my screen here. We are going to talk about, uh, what happened on February 12th in, um, 1945. Actually, this has to do with the military as well. February 12th, 1945, the U.S. Navy released the Guide to Command of Neko Naval personnel, and this is what it looked like, 1945, right there. All right, so at a time when segregation was still deeply embedded in American society and within the armed forces as well, including my Navy, this guide represented a significant institutional acknowledgement of both equality in ability and the realities of lived racial experience. And if you've been following us throughout this time, I've already talked about a lot of people who actually received, for example, the Medal of Honor, Black people who did, and how courageous they were. So the Navy actually knew from history that the Blacks were just as capable as white people. But anyway, February 12th, 1945, I think was a very important date toward equality in the military, 'cause this guide declared that the Navy accept no theories of racial differences. Inborn ability, but expects that every man wearing its uniform be trained and used in accordance with his maximum individual capacity determined on the basics of individual performance. So that really mattered because it rejected the fake scientific racial theories that had long justified segregation. It affirmed that performance-based evaluation, and it also framed Black sailors as assets whose full potential should be developed, not restricted. Yet the document also acknowledged that the lived experiences of Blacks and white sailors differed in America. It recognized that the leadership had to account for those realities as well. So I think this was definitely a great move, making progress, slow progress, but progress nonetheless toward equality in our Navy. So that's a very important date to Remember, February 12th, 1945. Okay, now for the second part of our celebration of Black History Month, I'm gonna be talking about a military African American first. So we're gonna be celebrating today Henry Johnson. I think I have a picture right here. Henry Johnson is the very first African American to receive "La Croix de Guerre." Henry Johnson, the very first one. During World War I, Henry Johnson, a former porter at the Albany, New York train station, enlisted in the US Army and was assigned to the legendary 369th Infantry Regiment, all right, known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Because of segregation within the US Army, the 369th was assigned to fight under French command, what happened next would make history. On May 1918, the Night of Courage, right, while on sentry duty in the trenches of France, Johnson and his fellow soldier Needham Roberts were suddenly attacked by a German raiding party. They were outnumbered, under fire, and alone, but Johnson shot one enemy soldier, wounded others with rifle fire, fought hand-to-hand when his weapon jammed, used his rifle as a club, drew a knife and continued fighting. Despite sustaining multiple wounds, he refused to retreat. After the Germans fled, Johnson ignored his own injuries and tended to his wounded comrades, the first to earn the Croix de Guerre. For his extraordinary bravery, the French government awarded him the Croix de Guerre with Gold Palm, France's highest decoration for valor in combat. Wow. He became the first African American US Army soldier to receive this honor. Yet back home, recognition came very, very slowly. For decades, his heroism was underacknowledged by his own country, but yet France saw his bravery and they did award him La Croix de Guerre, which is the Cross of War. And this is what it looked like, highest honor in the French military. Military. What a great honor it was. But again, it's very weird that you are being acknowledged by a foreign country, but your own country would not acknowledge your bravery because of racism. That's just pitiful. But anyway, um, in 1996, finally, uh, New York Governor George Pataki launched effort to secure the Medal of Honor for Johnson, stating, Sergeant Johnson was a true American hero, and I am committed to seeing to it that his courageous New Yorker receives the nation's highest military honor, and history did move forward. In 2015, so that was, my goodness, that was back in 1996. Look at how long it took. In 2015, nearly a century after his heroic stand, Henry Johnson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama, the first African American president.

Wow.

Honor delayed in his own country. That's just beautiful. But anyway, he is an American hero and we want to celebrate him today. And remember his name, Henry Johnson, Sergeant Henry Johnson. He received a Medal of Honor 100 years, almost 100 years after his brave effort, but the French didn't waste time. They gave him the medal, la Croix de Guerre. All right, so that's all I am going to say about celebrating African American first in the military. Again, I highly recommend that you get a copy of his book, African American First. It is really eye-opening, just celebrating and acknowledging the great, great contribution of African American in the United States. Really, we built this country. All right, now let's go back to Proverbs chapter 12 today. So I'm gonna have the first, AI-created video. It's gonna last about 8 minutes or so, and then after that I'm gonna play another one that's gonna last almost 10 minutes, and, uh, that should do it for today. So I hope to see you here tomorrow for the study for Proverbs chapter 13. Again, this is not a religious study. This is about looking, um, for, uh, I guess ancient wisdom being mentored by the Book of Proverbs, but really focusing on ancient wisdom and leadership lesson from the book. Of Proverbs. Okay, let's start with the first video right now.

Hey everyone, today we're going to talk about leadership, but we're going to look at it through a lens that's, believe it or not, thousands of years old, yet feels like it could have been written this morning. We're diving into Proverbs chapter 12, not as a religious text, but as a practical, timeless blueprint for real influence. You know, in a world that's obsessed with titles and org charts, this ancient wisdom gives us a masterclass on character, the one thing that actually determines whether people will follow you. And it really all starts with one question. Oh, you've seen it. I know you have. The manager, the executive, they've got the title, the corner office, the authority on paper. But when they talk, you can feel the air go out of the room. The team just goes through the motions. What is missing there? That's the puzzle we are going to unpack right now. And this, this just breaks it down perfectly. On one side, you've got positional leadership. The great John Maxwell calls this the lowest level of leadership, where people follow you just because they have to. It's pure compliance. But on the other side, you've got character-based leadership. This is where people follow you because they want to, because they actually trust you. See the difference? One is just given to you by a title. The other— well, the other has to be earned. So the big question is, how do we get from one side to the other? How do we move from just having authority to having real influence? Well, here's our roadmap. We're gonna start with the absolute foundation: your character and how you handle correction. Then, we'll build the framework with integrity and good old-fashioned diligence. After that, we'll look at the tools every leader uses: their words and their commitment to truth. We'll get into the right mindset, choosing substance over status. And then, we'll bring it all home and see how real, lasting leadership is forged in the ordinary, everyday moments. Alright, let's start with that foundation. 'Cause at the end of the day, it's all about who you are when the pressure's on and how you react when someone tells you you're wrong. These aren't just little personality quirks; these are the core pillars that show what you're really made of as a leader. I love how Proverbs puts this: "The root of the righteous cannot be moved." Just picture a giant oak tree in the middle of a hurricane. What keeps it from toppling over? It's not the leaves; it's the roots, deep in the ground. For a leader, your character is that root system. When the storms hit, and they will hit, it's your unshakable character that keeps you standing. You know, the US military teaches something called the 3 C's: Character, Competence, and Connection. And this right here just nails it. Your skills, your competence, sure, that might get you in the door. It might even get you the promotion. But it is your character, your core values that will determine whether you can actually last, whether you can endure the tough times that leadership always brings. This is why being teachable is a leadership superpower. It's a total game changer. The proverb says, whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, and that is so true today. Think about it. In the Navy, after-action reviews are sacred. In the world of cybersecurity, post-incident retrospectives are absolutely non-negotiable.

Why?

Because you can't grow without critique. A leader who can't take correction has just put a hard ceiling on their own growth and on the growth of their entire team. So here's a gut-check question for you. When someone gives you critical feedback, even if they deliver it terribly, what is your first instant reaction? Do you immediately put up your defenses and start planning your counterargument? Or do you take a breath and actually listen for that little piece of truth? Your honest answer to that reveals so much about your foundation. Okay, so once that foundation of who you are is solid, we have to build the framework of what you do. This part is all about integrity and diligence, the daily actions that build a rock-solid reputation for being reliable and trustworthy. Now, integrity isn't just some nice, fluffy moral concept. It's a straight-up strategic advantage. When a team knows that the expectations are clear, that the standards are applied fairly to everyone, and that there are no secret agendas, They stop wasting time and energy trying to figure out what the boss really wants. They just get to work. Fairness builds trust. And you know what? Trust is speed. It's that simple. This is such a powerful idea. It doesn't mean ruling over people like a tyrant. It means earning the influence to lead them well. Real authority doesn't just come with a title. It follows the person who consistently shows up, puts in the effort, and demonstrates a real commitment to getting things done right. Your credibility isn't built in one big heroic moment. No way. It's built in a thousand tiny ones. It's built when you do your homework for the meeting. It's built when you follow through on a promise you made. It's built when you do the hard, unglamorous work. Lazy leadership destroys trust one missed deadline at a time. Diligence builds it one consistent action at a time. So if character is your foundation, and diligence is your framework, then your words, your words are the tools you use every single day to build the culture of your team. And as you're about to see, these tools are unbelievably powerful. This comparison is so stark and for good reason. In a crisis, a leader's words can be a weapon that shatters a team with fear and panic, or those same words can be a refuge, a place of calm and psychological safety. Your tone, your words, They set the entire emotional thermostat for your organization. And this is because truth is the absolute bedrock of trust. It's so tempting for leaders to try and soften bad news or delay being transparent because they don't want to make people uncomfortable. But that always, always backfires. When you compromise on the truth, even just a little, you start eroding the very currency of your leadership. Now we get to the core, the internal compass. The why. What is your motivation for leading? Is it about what you can get, or is it about what you can give? The answer to that question is what separates a mature leader from someone who just has a title. You know, in a world that is completely obsessed with personal branding and being visible, this is a pretty radical idea. But real, authentic leaders? They're focused on their impact, not their image. They care way more about the responsibility they carry than the recognition they might receive. Their work just speaks for itself. Here's another chance to do some real reflection. Early in your career, success is all about that next promotion, right? But as a leader matures, their whole perspective starts to shift. They stop thinking so much about climbing the ladder, and they start thinking more about the ladder they're building for others to climb. They start thinking about legacy. So where do all these pieces—the character, the diligence, the words, the mindset—where Where do they all come together? Well, the central message of all this ancient wisdom is that real leadership isn't forged in some big speech or in the fancy corner office. It's forged in the mundane, the routine, the ordinary. At the end of the day, your leadership is simply the sum of your daily choices. Do you actually listen to feedback? Are you the same person in public and in private? Do you do the work when no one's watching? How do you speak when you're stressed? These small, seemingly insignificant decisions, they are the bricks that over time either build a fortress of trust or leave it in a pile of rubble. Look, this isn't just theory to be admired from a distance. This is a practical challenge. The real test is moving from just understanding these concepts to actually living them out. And that starts with some honest self-reflection. I seriously encourage you, pause after this is over and just take 10 minutes with these questions. Be brutally honest with yourself. Where do you push back on correction? Can people actually see your core values when things get tough? That kind of self-awareness is the absolute first step toward becoming the kind of leader people truly want to follow. It all comes down to this powerful idea, and it's captured perfectly by the Navy commander whose article we've been exploring. He said, "Character is built long before command." The time to prepare for leadership is right now, in the small choices you make every single day. By the time you actually get the title, your character should already be forged. So, I'll just leave you with this final thought: every action you take, every word you speak, every decision you make, it's a brick that you're laying in the structure of your leadership. So take a look at the materials in your hand today— correction, integrity, diligence, truth. What are you building?

Welcome to the episode. Let's dive into some deep insights: Ancient Wisdom Meeting Practical Leadership. We're looking at lessons straight from Proverbs 12 that speak directly to how character shapes leadership, particularly for military officers and tech innovators.

Absolutely, it's fascinating how timeless these insights are. It's not about titles or flashy positions, right? Exactly. I mean, think about it.

Proverbs 12 reminds us that leadership isn't just a badge you wear. It's more like, um, your daily choices. You know, it's like, um, every small moment reinforces who you really are as a leader.

Mm-hmm. Yep, right. And that's really where the discussion on correction comes in. The idea that correction is actually a leadership gift, even if it stings a bit at first, is so powerful. I mean, if you resist correction, how can you possibly grow? Exactly!

And Proverbs 12:1 really drives that home: "Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge." It's like, if you're open to criticism, you're open to improvement. In military after-action reviews or tech postmortems, that critique is the bedrock of real progress.

Absolutely, yeah. And then there's the lesson about character outlasting competence. Which, I have to say, really challenges our conventional views on leadership, especially in environments where competence gets you noticed first. Absolutely.

It's like, um, you could be the most technically skilled person in the room, but if you lack the steadfast character, your influence evaporates under pressure. The Proverbs make it clear: character anchors you, like, it's like a rooted tree that can't be moved, even when storms hit.

Mm-hmm, I get that. True. And what about integrity being discussed as a strategic advantage? That point really resonated with me, especially in high-stress fields like cybersecurity or military operations.

Yes, integrity, as outlined, isn't just about doing the right thing. It's operationally critical. When trust is high, teams execute better because every decision is transparently guided by strong ethics. It's like setting clear expectations so everyone knows exactly where they stand.

Right indeed. Now, switching gears a bit, there's this interesting point on quiet excellence versus loud posturing. It really makes you question whether we sometimes value image over real substance. Exactly.

In a world that's obsessed with constant visibility, especially on social media, it's refreshing to see a viewpoint that values a quiet, consistent effort that gradually builds legacy over time. It's like, um, you're in the trenches day after day, and those small, consistent victories truly count.

Mm-hmm, yep. And then, there's the powerful idea that words shape culture. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. The tone you set can either uplift or harm a team's spirit.

Absolutely, and I love how that's emphasized. If you're calm and measured during a crisis, that can really be the anchor for team stability. Conversely, if you're harsh or reactive, you risk fracturing trust. It's very much like handling a delicate instrument—each word has its weight. Right indeed.

Speaking of small actions with big impact, the lesson on diligence really hit home. It's clear that authority doesn't come from a title but from the relentless effort you put in day in, day out. Day out.

Absolutely. Proverbs reminds us that diligence earns you credibility. Whether it's military preparation or keeping pace in tech environments, staying diligent shows competence and builds trust over time. It's like, um, repeating that 'Would my grandmother be proud of this decision?' is one way to constantly self-check.

Mhm, definitely. And then we come to the idea that truth builds trust. While even small lies can destroy it. This point is critical, yet sometimes hard to live by in high-stakes scenarios. Absolutely. Trust is the currency of leadership.

The concept that truth, even when uncomfortable, cements credibility, whereas trying to soften reality undermines everything, is hugely insightful. It's a reminder that transparency must guide our most challenging decisions. Yes, indeed.

I do wonder though, don't you think sometimes being brutally honest can backfire, especially when emotions are running high? It feels like there's a delicate balance to maintain.

That's a good point, and I'd say it's all about delivery. Leaders who know how to communicate truth with sensitivity set the right tone. It's not about being harsh, it's about being authentic and fair. And as the content highlights, Consistency is key. Your private and public words should align.

Now, all these lessons basically converge on one core thought: leadership is built in the ordinary, not in the grand, dramatic moments we often idolize.

Exactly right. It's those everyday decisions—how you receive correction, how you conduct yourself, and how you speak to your team—that truly forge a leader's legacy. Leadership isn't given.

It's earned every single day. Indeed, yeah. With that in mind, how do you think these lessons apply to aspiring naval officers or senior engineers in tech?

I mean, in practical terms. Great question. For them, the principles really translate into everyday actions. In the Navy, for instance, after-action reviews aren't just protocol; they're opportunities to learn and grow. In tech, when issues come up, it's the retrospectives that make your team stronger, ensuring that mistakes are not repeated. And those lessons become part of the fabric of leadership.

Mm-hmm, exactly. That makes a lot of sense. And what about this challenge to reflect on one's resistance to correction? How essential do you think that kind of introspection is for leaders?

Incredibly essential. The content really calls us to ask, where do I resist correction? It's a call to build psychological safety within teams, where everyone, including the leader, is open and receptive to feedback. I've seen leaders transform when they start asking these tough questions.

Mm-hmm, so true. Yeah, I can totally see that. It's like, if you're not welcoming critique, you're essentially closing the door on learning.

Exactly, and that's why coaching moments like these are so critical. Even mild criticism, if welcomed, can be a golden nugget of insight. It can refine your decision-making process and reinforce your core values. Right on!

And it dovetails nicely into the point on character versus competence. While technical skills might get you there, it's that character, proven through openness to correction, that really makes you stick in leadership. Precisely.

Competence may be a ticket to the first door, but character is what opens the entire hall of influence. It endures when external pressures mount, and it's tested in those quiet, everyday moments of decision-making.

Absolutely, indeed. I also appreciate how the discussion integrates ideas from different sectors, like comparing military after-action reviews to cybersecurity incident retrospectives. It shows that these leadership principles are universal.

Right, it's universal lessons. Whether you're leading troops or tech teams, the groundwork is the same: correction, integrity, diligent work, and honest communication. And when you look at it, these are the pillars that build enduring trust and respect.

Mm-hmm, no doubt. What I love most is that it brings us back to everyday discipline. Grand speeches might score headlines, but it's those everyday actions that solidify a leader's influence over time.

Absolutely. Leadership is not about wait for the big moment. It's about the steady, consistent choices that define who we are when no one's watching. And that's a legacy that lasts.

Mm-hmm. Perfectly said. Now, taking all these lessons into account, what's the leadership challenge the content puts before us? It's pretty direct.

Take a moment each week, Say 10 minutes, and reflect on key questions like, 'Where do I resist correction?' 'Are my values transparent under pressure?' And 'Do my words build trust or fear?' It's a call to self-examination that honestly pushes leaders to be better every single day.

Right indeed. That kind of reflection is powerful. It's like having a constant calibration mechanism to ensure you're always aligned with your core values.

Exactly. And honestly, it's refreshing to see ancient wisdom directly mapped onto modern leadership challenges. The idea isn't to follow a rigid rulebook, but to let these age-old principles guide our daily decisions. By staying grounded in our values, our teams can thrive in even the most uncertain circumstances. Absolutely.

One thing I'd say, though, is that sometimes leaders might argue that these principles feel too abstract for, say, a tech startup's fast pace. What would you say to that?

I get that, but I'd argue that even in fast-paced environments, the underlying need for trust, integrity, and constant self-improvement remains the same. It's like, um, you can use these timeless principles as your navigation system even when everything around you is changing. They provide stability amid the chaos.

Mm-hmm, that's a great perspective. Couldn't agree more. At the end of the day, leadership is forged in the ordinary moments—the choices, the discipline, and the unwavering commitment to truth and integrity.

Absolutely. And that's what makes these lessons so inspiring and practical. Thanks for this great conversation, and let's keep leading with excellence.

All right, so that's it for, uh, Proverbs chapter 12. Tomorrow we're going to study Proverbs chapter 13. But before we go, I wanted to actually read you the citation from the Medal of Honor. Again, remember we were talking about Sergeant Henry— let me see if I can make this bigger, just a second— Sergeant Henry Johnson. So Here is— hold on, let me make this even bigger so you can see it good. Okay, all right. Sergeant Henry Johnson Medal of Honor from World War I. So here we go. Okay, so again, it's hometown Western Salem, North Carolina. He enlisted June 5th, 1917. Tours of duty during World War I in France from 1918 to 1919. And this unit was the 369th US Infantry Regiment, like we discussed. He was born around July 15th, 1892, and he was in the infantry, US Army. So born William Henry Johnson in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Johnson moved to New York as a teenager. He worked various jobs as a chauffeur, soda mixer, laborer in coal, yard and the red cap porter at Albanese Union Station. And then he enlisted in the US Army June 5th, 1917, and was assigned to Company C, 15th New York Colored Infantry Regiment, an all-Black National Guard unit that would later become the 369th Infantry Regiment during the war. So even Theodore Roosevelt Jr., president at the time, in his book Rank and File: True Stories of the In the Great War, President Roosevelt said, "Sergeant Henry Johnson is one of the 5 bravest American soldiers in the war," but never commended him, never gave him a medal even though he deserved it, maybe because he was Black. But anyway, so the battle narrative of the Medal of Honor, which he finally got under President Obama in 2015, the area of operation was Argonne Forest, Champagne, France. His position was sentry and date of action, May 15th, 1918. Then Private Henry Johnson served as a member of Company C, 369th Infantry Regiment, 93rd Division, American Expeditionary Force, during combat operation against the enemy on the front line of the Western Front in France. While on night sentry duty, May 15, 1918, Johnson and the fellow soldier Private Needham Robert received a surprise attack by a German raiding party consisting of at least 12 soldiers. So 2 against 12. While under intense enemy fire and despite receiving significant wounds, Johnson mounted a brave retaliation resulting in several enemy casualties. When his fellow soldier was badly wounded, Johnson prevented him from being taken prisoner by German forces. Johnson exposed himself to grave danger by advancing from his position to engage an enemy soldier in hand-to-hand combat. Wielding only a knife and being seriously wounded, Johnson continued fighting, took his bolo knife and stabbed it through an enemy soldier's head. Displaying great courage, Johnson held back the enemy force until they retreated. The enemy's failure to secure prisoners was due to the bravery and resistance of Johnson and his fellow comrades. The effect of their fierce fighting resulted in the increased vigilance and confidence of the 369th Infantry Regiment. That's the official citation. And here's the ceremony image. President Obama gave it to him, a posthuman humorously, so after his death. And yeah, the 369th Infantry Regiment, Harlem Hellfighters. The Harlem Hellfighters were the first all-black regiments that helped change the American public's opinion on African-American soldiers and helped pave the way for future African-American soldiers. I would add sailors as well. So today, Commander Zinga would not be a naval officer if it wasn't for people like that. So we really truly stand on the shoulders of giants. So I did want to read the official Medal of Honor citation. And then remember, this happened, you know, uh, in, uh, May, right? May 15, 1918. But it wasn't until 2015 that he finally received the, uh, commendation which he absolutely deserved. All right, so today we really salute Sergeant Henry Jensen, who was private at the time of the brave action. All right, this is it for today. So we see you tomorrow for, uh, the AI recap for Proverbs, uh, chapter, uh, 13. So I'm gonna be back here, uh, tomorrow. So until then, um, have a very good, uh, night, I guess, and then, uh, we'll see you tomorrow. Bye for now.

Thank you for tuning in to the Leadership and Success Podcast with your host, Coach BZ. If today's episode added value to your leadership journey, be sure to subscribe, share, and join us again for more wisdom nuggets on how to lead better and achieve greater success. Remember, leadership is the most critical skill of our time. The world will always need leaders to inspire others, drive innovation, and execute meaningful strategy. So why not count yourself among the bold leaders shaping the 21st century? Until next time, stay inspired, stay committed, and keep leading with excellence.