S4:E54 (AI RECAP of S3:E2) 🎙️Live with Neferteri Strickland

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So it's not that that's the most important thing to talk about, but the context that he provides is so important, so important.

Wow, that is just fascinating. Now, another thing about you, and while I'm gonna say this, I'm gonna show a little bit about your LinkedIn page, right? You are a cyber technology strategist, podcast host, military officer, adjunct professor, and you align your community through emerging technology initiative in K-20 science, technology, engineering, arts, which is very important, and mathematics. So from STEM to STEAM education. Can you tell us more about STEM and how you kind of got involved with it and why you think art is so important today?

So from STEM to STEAM, and it's really just semantics, right? It's really just how we choose to codify and label. For me, the arts of expression is accessible to anyone. You do not have to be a subject matter expert. You can go get your MFA if you so choose, But art is something that you solely get to be subjectively judge of, right? Whereas mathematics, not so much. Science and technology, maybe not. So if we take a child and put music on and that child moves, that child is expressing itself in an art form. If that child starts to belt out some tunes, the child is expressing himself and it could be beautiful. It could be natural genius that we would observe. And likelihood though, we would put that child in singing lessons and say, you are amazing, let's teach you how to. And that's when we start to get into education. And so when we look at science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, there are those that we believe are credible, those who are the holders of knowledge that the rest of us are attempting to access through first principles. And again, not that art is not structured, a knowledge base that you can pursue an educational pathway and career in. But there's a— there is a natural genius in every one of us that even though All right everyone, this is Coach Bizzy.

That was a teaser from the podcast we recorded actually, looks like a couple of years ago. Captain Neferteri Strickland, she was on the Leadership and Success podcast for season 3, episode 2. Actually, that was last year. So this time we are going to give you the 10-minute AI recap, some summary for busy people, but I encourage everyone to go back to the link in the summary and listen to the full 1-hour podcast. So with, uh, Nefertari, we have talked about why servant leadership is the foundation of influence, how to balance precision with agility in uncertain times, and what it means to carry a mission beyond the mission, the importance of lifelong learning in tech military leadership, and why being kind may be the greatest leadership skill of all. And I'm also going to share my screen here. I wrote an article that kind of gave the summary of everything we talked about. So just like me, Captain Strickland, Stories from the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Leadership Lessons from Nefertari Strickland. And I have things that we talked about in detail in the article. And I also have links to the podcast from your favorite podcast platform. So I am encouraging you basically to read the article and also to listen to the full podcast. So for now, I'm going to have my AI agent give you like a 10-minute summary, and after that, you are going to listen to two more takes from the podcast. And in the meanwhile, if you have a question for me or Captain Strickland, please type it in the comment, and I'm going to make sure I get to your question before the end of the broadcast. And also, if you feel like, um, this podcast might be beneficial to someone in your inner circle, uh, please, uh, tag, uh, someone you know, a colleague, a junior officer, a teammate who should hear this, uh, message. And as you are listening to the, uh, 10-minute summary please jot down one leadership insight that you are going to be able to apply this week, and also 1, 2, 3 takeaways from this episode. And if you can type it in the comment as well, so we can all learn together. And as always, I also like to know where you are joining from. Since this is a global podcast now, it's just interesting to see where everybody is coming from. And you can do that even during the replay as well. After this podcast is over, you're gonna be able to replay it on LinkedIn, and it's gonna be immediately available on YouTube. And then within a couple hours, you should see it on all of your major podcast platforms. Okay, this is Coach Bizzy. I'm gonna be out of the way now. I'm gonna have my AI agent, Joe and Beth, take you through the summary.

Welcome to our conversation on leadership journeys that bridge wartime valor and boardroom strategy. Today, we dive into how one leader transformed service into innovation.

Absolutely, that's such a rich topic. So, starting off, how do you see service-driven leadership shaping these strategies?

Well, it's like, um, leadership isn't about the title, it's about the responsibility to take care of others. As illustrated by Nefertari Strickland, leading from service means, you know, putting your team's needs and mission first. Regardless of your rank.

Right. And that idea of you don't need to be in charge to lead really flips the script on traditional command, doesn't it?

Exactly. It reminds me of the military concept where leaders always put their troops before themselves, which, um, then translates into tech fields like Silicon Valley, where the mission is the mission multiplier.

Mm-hmm. Speaking of military, Nefertari's approach to merging military precision with, um, tech agility is so compelling. How do you see that working out in practice?

It's fascinating, really. It's like, um, maintaining the discipline and clear chains of command from military service while embracing flexibility in the tech world. Imagine a leader who, when faced with shifting priorities, can quickly pivot without losing sight of the team's trust.

So you're saying it's about mastering what some call structured flexibility? Having a plan while being ready to change course when, uh, real-world conditions demand it.

Exactly. It's like the careful balance between having a rigorous framework and embracing innovation. And, um, that's a critical lesson, especially when working with cross-functional teams in dynamic environments.

Interesting. It sounds like this leader encourages decision-making under pressure too. What's the framework there?

Right. Nefertari breaks it down into a neat process. First, gather the facts, then assess the risk, decide and own your outcome, and, um, be ready to adapt if things change.

Yep.

This isn't just about hasty decisions. It's about thoughtful, decisive action in moments where hesitation can be costly.

That makes sense, especially in high-stakes situations like combat zones or critical system deployments. But wouldn't you say that sometimes rapid decision-making might lead to oversights?

I see your point, and that's where having a solid foundation in, you know, preparation matters. Nefertari's framework emphasizes swift yet informed decisions, so it's not reckless, but rather well-calculated.

Right. I appreciate that nuance. Now, another aspect that caught my attention was the idea of looking beyond the mission at hand. Creating pathways and amplifying others. Can you elaborate on that?

Sure thing. Nefertari really champions the idea that leadership is about lifting others up. It's like if you've climbed the ladder of success, you should send it back down for others. This notion pushes leaders to mentor, sponsor, and invest in building a pipeline of future talent. Not just in the military but also in tech environments.

That's such a refreshing perspective. It shifts the focus from individual accomplishments to collective growth.

Exactly. It's like legacy isn't measured by your own triumphs, but by the impact you have on the people you lead. Whether it's supporting underrepresented voices in STEM or aiding military members transitioning into civilian roles, the mission is always bigger than the individual project.

And that connects directly to the servant leader's mindset, doesn't it? Leading by example and putting team needs at the forefront.

Precisely. There's that memorable story about a junior leader watching a senior officer clean up after an event just so the team could rest. It's a vivid example that leadership is about actions, not just grand proclamations.

Now, I want to ask, there's a lot of emphasis on resilience. Especially in transitioning from military service into civilian life. What's the key takeaway here?

The transition can indeed be challenging. Nefertari emphasizes that while your role might change, your core values—integrity, service, excellence—remain your compass. Mm-hmm. Think of it as creating a personal transition playbook where you list your transferable skills and non-negotiable values to guide you through change.

That's a practical approach. It kind of turns challenges into opportunities for growth, right?

Exactly. It's about viewing every shift as a chance to refine your leadership and adapt rather than as an endpoint. And that adaptability is crucial not only for personal growth, but also for building more robust teams.

And speaking of teams, Nefertari also invests in developing the next generation of military and tech leaders. How does she approach that?

She's really proactive. It's like, if your leadership echoes in the lives of those you mentor, then you've truly succeeded. Right. Whether through formal mentoring programs or simple acts like sponsoring someone's growth, her focus is on ensuring that leadership isn't a lonely journey. It's a legacy that multiplies over time.

I can imagine that impacting organizational culture so positively. There's a real emphasis on inclusive growth too, isn't there?

Absolutely. Nefertari's commitment extends to creating pathways for women and minorities in STEM. Yeah, the idea is that leadership transforms environments. Cultivating diverse perspectives fosters innovation and resilience.

And that ties back to her roots as a veteran and a technologist. It's like she uses all her experiences from combat zones to boardrooms as, um, A treasure trove of lessons. Exactly.

It's quite remarkable. From the battlefield to the boardroom, every challenge she faces is an opportunity to lead with courage, empathy, and vision. And each lesson reinforces the principle that leadership is about service, structured agility, and putting your people first.

One thing I appreciate is her clear coaching prompts, like, "Who are you mentoring right now?" It pushes leaders to be intentional about their impact.

Yes, that coaching prompt is golden. It's a call to action. Don't just succeed yourself, invest in the growth of a younger leader or teammate every week. Right. That mindset transforms leadership from a solitary pursuit into a generational movement.

And what about decision-making under pressure? Could you share a bit more about how that framework really applies in real-world scenarios?

Sure. Um, essentially, it's about being both decisive and adaptable. Imagine you're in a critical system deployment, and you have only seconds. Gather facts fast, assess risks, decide decisively, and then pivot if needed. Mm-hmm. This approach minimizes paralysis by analysis and ensures that risks are managed prudently. I see.

So it's not about rushing blindly, but about being calm under fire. A trait crucial in both combat and tech emergencies. Exactly. It's like training for a marathon.

The more you practice decision-making under simulated stress, the more confident you become to handle real pressure without, um, hesitation.

Yeah. Now, coming back to the concept of leading from service, not ego, don't you think that might sometimes be at odds with the competitive nature of tech industries?

That's a great question. I do see where the tension might be. And while tech often prizes individual brilliance—true—enduring success is built on empowering others. It's about balancing competitiveness with collaboration, acknowledging that the mission multiplies when you lift your team. That makes a lot of sense.

It's almost like advocating for a shift from self-centered achievement to collective victory.

Absolutely. And it reminds us that legacy, what truly matters, is defined by the people we empower and the environments we nurture long after we're gone. Right. Whether in cybersecurity, military operations, or technology innovation, leadership grounded in compassion and resilience creates lasting impact.

Wow, these insights really span a broad spectrum, from military discipline to boardroom strategy. All converging on the human element of leadership.

Indeed, it really is a holistic approach that shows leadership as both a warrior's resolve and a gardener's nurturing touch. It's a powerful reminder for all aspiring leaders to, um, continually invest in the growth of others while staying true to their values.

That was an enlightening discussion. Every leader, whether in uniform or behind a keyboard, can take these principles and truly transform their teams.

Absolutely. And as we part, let's remember, great leadership isn't about standing alone. It's about cultivating a vibrant legacy through service, adaptability, and empathetic action. Cheers to that.

Some of the people who have influenced you are not just the ones that are living now, but some that may be dead. So thinking about even people from history or people who are alive today, if you could choose 3 people, right? 3. To have dinner with, who would you choose and why?

Wow. Mary Bethune, who Bethune-Cookman is named for, she was an honorary general in the Women's Auxiliary Corps for the military, for the Army, and did some amazing work that many people don't know about. I would love to be able to sit and talk to her because very similar to my lived experience, she had her hand in so many things with so many organizations, an advisor to the Truman administration. And so just to be able to sit and learn from that strategist, I would consider it a gift. I would love to be able to sit with my grandmother, Daphne King. She was a woman who came to the US at my father's encouragement when he joined the US military. But, but she was a woman who was born and raised in the country of Panama. And I did not know as a child the gift that she was. And so now, as a woman with my own children, I would love to talk to her specifically about my father, like all the things you could tell me about my dad. She was an honorary general in the Women's Auxiliary Corps for the military, for the Army, and did some amazing work that many people don't know about. I would love to be able to sit and talk to her because very similar to my lived experience, she had her hand in so many things with so many organizations, an advisor to, I believe, the Truman administration. And so just to be able to sit and learn from that strategist, I would consider it a gift. I would love to be able to sit with my grandmother, Daphne King. She was a woman who came to the US at my father's encouragement when he joined the US military. But she was a woman who was born and raised in the country of Panama. I did not know as a child the gift that she was. And so now as a woman with my own children, I would love to talk to her specifically about my father, like all the things you could tell me about my dad.

All right.

This is going to be the end of our broadcast. Let me see if there are any questions here. And I'm going to be adding a link about Mary McLeod Bethune, really an incredible, incredible woman. Everybody should know about her story. All right. So this is it for now. I will be back here tomorrow. And I believe tomorrow we are going to have another AI recap from someone I interviewed 2 years ago. He's an author, a veteran from the U.S. Marine Corps, and you do not want to miss it. I think tomorrow is going to be Monday, so I'm going to be at 6:30 AM California time, so 9:30 Eastern time. Okay, until tomorrow, this is Coach Bizzy. Have a wonderful day. Bye-bye, everybody. This is Coach Bizzy. Thanks for watching. Until next time, don't forget to like, like, comment, and share.

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