S4:E63AI RECAP 🎙️ LIVE – Resilient Leadership, the Dream, and the Call to Serve

Imagine gaining the leadership skills that—

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. If you need to develop into a better leader, this podcast is for you. If you want to achieve a greater level of success, this podcast is for you. His mentor, Dr. John C. Maxwell, said it best: everything rises and falls on leadership. We hope to inspire you today and provide you with an insight that has the potential to positively impact the trajectory of your life. Welcome to the Leadership and Success Podcast. Imagine gaining the leadership skills that could redefine your career. Join Coach BZ on the Leadership and Success Podcast, where each episode delivers practical insights from world-class speakers, military leaders, and industry experts. We dive deep into what matters most: building resilient teams, leading through uncertainty, and navigating complexity with clarity and confidence. Every conversation is crafted for aspiring leaders like you who are ready to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact. Don't miss our powerful live sessions and recent highlights. Michelle Hayward on building diverse, high-performing technical teams. Ann Leslie on leading through global complexity and cybersecurity risk. Ron Carpenter AI exploring faith, resilience, and AI-powered leadership. Colonel Michelle G.I. Gardner-Intz on commanding influence from the battlefield to the boardroom. Chris Robinson on shifting from drift to drive in life and leadership. And Coach Enrique Acosta Gonzalez on mentorship, legacy, and heart-centered leadership. Ready to level up your leadership journey? Tune in on Spotify, Apple, Audible Podcasts, YouTube Live, and LinkedIn Live. Join the movement toward leadership excellence. Listen now and start transforming your success.

Hello everyone, good morning. Today is Friday, August 29th. Thank you for being on the Leadership and Success Podcast. I do appreciate you being here with me live this morning. Today we're going to be talking about the I Have a Dream speech again, my reflection on it. But instead of a 1-hour-long podcast, it's only going to be a 10-minute recap done by my AI agent. But before we get started, let's have our moment of gratitude. So this is the beginning of a show where I ask you to think about one thing that you are grateful for today. So if you would close your eyes, put yourself in your happy place, and think about one thing that you are grateful for today. This morning, I am grateful for hope. Now, my— I have two middle names, Bob Fabien Zinga Zinga, Zinga, and Minou is from an original language in Africa, Lari or Bakongo, which means faith, hope. So many times when I go through very difficult times, I remember who I am, what is my name, and I know that my tomorrow will be better than my today, no matter what I'm going through right now. That's what hope does. It gives you faith that tomorrow can be better than today. In French, espoir, espérance. So you are hoping, you are wishing that tomorrow will be better than whatever it is that you are facing today. So that's the word I have for you right now, hope. And please type in what you are grateful for in the comment and share with everyone. And while you listen to the 10-minute podcast recap, think about the lessons you are learning and type in your takeaway as well. And also, if this podcast is adding value to you and there is someone within your sphere of influence who might benefit from this podcast, please tag them or repost the event page. Like, repost, and ask questions. And I will be back within 10 minutes once the recap is done. I also want to remind everyone to please subscribe to Darren Daley. So it's 5-minute mentorship, completely free, from my mentor Darren Daley. Go to bit.ly/DarrenDaleyBZ. And for those who do not know, so Darren Daley mentors more than half a million people every morning, Monday through Friday. I usually get his 5-minute mentorship around 5:00 AM my time. Every day, Darren used to be the publisher of Success Magazine. So he had interviewed more than 1,000 of the top 500 CEOs in the world and he's crystallized all of that knowledge and now he's sharing a lot of it with us for free. He's also the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, The Compound Effect. Anyway, today's Darren Daley is about the 3 currencies we have in life. I believe that's time, that's money, and I believe skill or energy, actually. And I think skill is the amplifier for time, money, and energy. Anyway, something to get you started on your day and get you thinking and hopefully help you make better choices and experience a higher level of success. All right. We are now going to go, uh, to the 10-minute, uh, recap. Let me get this queued for you. All right, see you in about 10 minutes. Again, if you have a question for me, just type it in the comment, please. Thank you.

Welcome to the podcast. Today we dive deep into resilient leadership, drawing inspiration from one of history's most stirring speeches and connecting it to modern leadership challenges.

Absolutely. It's amazing how historical context and personal reflection can shape what it means to lead with intention.

Right. And when we talk about resilient leadership here, it's not just about holding a position or a title. It's about about serving something greater, something that's rooted in a vision. It's like, it's like MLK said, "I have a dream," but then you layer on the hardships from 1619, which explain why that dream is, you know, still so vital today.

Mm-hmm, exactly. The historical context, the long shadow from 1619, 246 years of oppression, really adds weight to King's vision. It reminds us that any leadership steeped in service must acknowledge these painful roots.

Yup, and that's where our discussion gets interesting. Think about Bob Fabien Zinga's perspective. He connects his own lineage, being a descendant of Queen Nzinga, to this legacy. It's like he carries both the pain and the hope of history.

Wow, true. And that personal connection makes the leadership lessons all the more potent. It's almost like he's saying, "I live history, but I also create my own future." Exactly!

Resilient leadership here is about service, sacrifice, and dignity, right? When King said his children should be judged by character and not skin color, it becomes a strategic call for any leader to prioritize people over power. And yeah, that's exactly what Zinga is driving home.

Mm, it's interesting because those aren't abstract ideals. They're real leadership actions. I mean, asking yourself daily, "How am I serving the people before myself?" is a tangible step for any leader.

And, um, it's like, think of it, leadership is service and sacrifice. King's speech isn't just rhetoric. It's a leadership manual, if you will, calling for dignity, nonviolent progress, and perseverance.

Right. And for those of us in sectors like cybersecurity or military service, these principles are incredibly relevant, especially when adjusting to fast-changing environments and tough challenges.

Absolutely. And Bob Fabien Zinga is a perfect example of that. As a cybersecurity executive and Navy commander, he takes these lessons and applies them in practice. For instance, his mantra, speed to business results, is not about rushing. It's about executing with purpose while embodying respect, excellence, and accountability.

Yes, indeed. And isn't it fascinating how he ties in biblical verses into his leadership philosophy? For example, referencing Matthew 23:11 and Mark 10:45 to remind leaders that the greatest among them are the ones who serve. It adds a moral dimension to leadership that many might overlook in the corporate world.

Mm, totally. It's like mixing historical inspiration with spiritual guidance. And those verses, Proverbs 31:8 or Isaiah 1:17 for dignity, and then Galatians 6:9 and Joshua 1-9 for resilience, aren't just side notes. They're the backbone of this leadership philosophy.

Definitely. Now, one thing I do want to challenge a bit. Some might argue that tying leadership so tightly to a particular historical and religious narrative could be limiting. What are your thoughts on that?

Yeah, I get that point. While some might say it's exclusive, I think when it's framed as, um, a call to cultivate universal qualities like courage, resilience, and service, it transcends any one belief system. It's more about principles than any particular doctrine.

Right, I see what you mean. And if you break it down, these leadership lessons, service, dignity, and resilience are applicable no matter the industry. Whether you're commanding a navy vessel or steering a startup, the essence remains.

Exactly. Consider how Bob emphasizes that true leadership is about fighting for dignity. It reminds me, like, um, it's like building a team where every voice matters, creating a space where collaboration thrives rather than fostering an environment where bias or exclusion takes root.

Clearly, yes. And with his call to action for aspiring leaders, he's really driving it home. How will you serve with integrity? How will you fight for dignity? And even more, how will you be resilient when the dream seems far away?

Exactly. Those are questions every leader should be asking themselves. And it's not just about individual excellence. It's a challenge to, um, continually uplift others. That's what King's legacy was and what Zinga's calling us to do.

It's like when you think about, say, the slow progress post-civil rights legislation. The history shows some milestones, but also that the struggle is ongoing. Leaders today are in many ways the ones who determine if we bend the arc further toward justice.

Yeah, and it's compelling because while progress is visible, the dream isn't yet fully realized. Zinga notes America isn't a post-racial nation yet, despite milestones like Obama's election. That reminder, that each decision pushes us closer to or further from that dream, is sobering and yet motivating.

Absolutely. And let's not forget the metaphor of marching forward. It's like every step we take is a step toward justice. And true leadership is knowing that while the road is long, You keep marching, but with the team, with integrity and sacrifice.

Yes, ah, and you know, that's where the resilience in the face of hardship comes in. Leaders who embrace that mindset inspire everyone around them. It's like the biblical call to "not become weary in doing good" really resonates today.

Yep, exactly. Speaking of resilience, did you notice how Zinga uses personal experience to reinforce his leadership lessons? I mean, he ties his own background, his battles in cybersecurity and military service, back to these universal truths.

For sure. It's like he's saying that labeling someone as a leader isn't enough. Your actions and your willingness to serve, to sacrifice, must be visible in every decision you make.

I totally agree.

Plus, his use of coaching prompts is smart. It asks leaders to, like, reflect daily on whether they're uplifting their teams and defending dignity or simply following orders.

Mm, that reflection is so crucial in today's fast-paced environment. Now, I also find it interesting how the article juxtaposes two seemingly distant worlds: the legacy of a powerful civil rights movement and today's cybersecurity challenges. It really drives home the point that values like service and resilience are timeless.

Yes, it's like the heart of leadership remains the same, regardless of whether you're defending digital borders or marching on the Mall. And that constant is service, putting others before self and creating a safe, inclusive space.

Exactly, that really unites diverse fields. And it challenges each one of us. In our roles, how do we enact those values? It's a call to introspection. How are we? Individually and collectively, nurturing a culture of respect and progress.

Exactly. It's a call to action. Every team, every organization, every leader must ask, "What part of King's dream challenges me the most? And what one action will I take this week to move closer to that dream?" Right, and that's the real measure of progressive leadership.

It's inspiring, really. Despite the many advances, the dream remains a work in progress, Urging us as leaders to be resilient, service-oriented, and brave.

Absolutely. And the courage to challenge the status quo, even when it means confronting uncomfortable truths. Because at the end of the day, the ultimate measure of leadership is not how you perform when it's easy, but how you stand in moments of challenge and controversy.

Mm-hmm.

That's powerful. As we wrap up, it's clear that resilient leadership is a— about more than just results. It's about cultivating communities where every person is valued. It's about progress that's inclusive and ultimately transformative.

Precisely. So, for all aspiring leaders out there, whether you're in tech, military, or any field, remember, service, dignity, and resilience are your guiding stars. Let's keep pushing forward until that dream is fully realized.

Absolutely. Thank you for this deep dive. It's a conversation that really challenges us to reflect on our own leadership journeys.

Thanks, and keep leading with heart, with courage, and with that unwavering commitment to build a better future for all.

But for your entire community, for the people who come after you. For example, I've been in the Navy more than 20 years now. At some point, I'm going to be forced to retire, either voluntarily or the Navy is going to say, okay, I will no longer promote you, Commander Zinga, it's time for you to go find something else to do, which is fine. But then what about the people who are going to take over my position? What about the people who are going to become the next sentry and guard my post when I'm no longer here? And I know in the military, especially in the Navy, I know we have a culture where every time we get a new position, you're always thinking, who's going to be my relief and thinking about the future. In the industry, that's not always the case. But I guess what I am saying is, as you are growing, as you are learning— like, I had Colonel Fred Stein on the podcast last week. One important thing he says is you have to learn, but after you learn, you also have to teach, right? So it's a responsibility you have, I think, as a leader. Not just think about yourself, but think about your community, think about your organization, and think about strategically the next people who are going to take over your position. So I think as you learn, you need to teach, and as you become more successful, you need to help other people become successful too. I think that's really one of the greatest lessons I've learned from Dr. Martin Luther King. It's not just about me, myself, and I, but it's about me and my entire community. What I can do, even if it's not very significant, even if it's small, what I can do to help somebody else. Being a servant leader where I am, right now is really what I would say. Thank you. Thank you so much for sharing. I really do appreciate that. And thank you again for being one of my teachers today and adding on what we are learning. And another thing I've really learned even from 4-star General David Petraeus, which I featured my friend in the spotlight yesterday, he's achieved so much, so many accolades, and more than any other that I know any other officer has done in the military, I think, this century. But even with all of that, he's still a very, very humble person. And that is really incredible, right? That you might have achieved so much on your own and you definitely deserve all of the accolades, but at the same time, you're still thinking about the next people. And I think that That connection, that thought, you talked about being grateful, that feeling of gratitude, but also of service, I think that's really what distinguishes you, I believe, from the crowd. Because people, like Oprah said, may forget what you say, but they will never, never forget how you made them feel. And your ability as the leader to make the least among us feel worthy and that what they think matters, and that they are valuable to society, I think that really makes a world of difference. All right. Thank you. Thank you so much, Terence. I really do appreciate that. I'm going to end the show by playing 5 minutes of the I Have a Dream speech. I think the greatest speech that's ever been spoken in leadership, I think, in our world. And after that, I'm going to play, I think, about 4 minutes of Yes, Yes, We Can again. I have the pleasure to present to you Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand today Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. 100 years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. 100 years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and the sons of former masters and former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream. My four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day Down in Alabama with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low. The rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith, With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together. Knowing that we will be free one day. This will be the day. This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride." From every mountainside, let freedom ring. And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that, let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring. And we can have it when we allow freedom When we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last, free at last." We are free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation. Yes, we can! It was whispered by slaves in abolitionists as they blazed the trail toward freedom. Yes, we can. Yes, we can. It was sung. It was sung by immigrants as they struck out for distant shores. Pioneers pushed westward against unforgiving wilderness. Yes, we can. Yes, we can. It was the call A group of workers organized! Women who reached for the ballot! A president who chose the moon as our new frontier! And King took us to the mountaintop, pointed the way to the promised land! Yes we can to justice and equality! Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can! Oh yeah! Can I hear you? Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can! Yes, we can! To opportunity and prosperity! Yes, we can! To opportunity and prosperity! Yes, we can heal this nation! Heal this nation! Yes, we can repair this world! Yes we can! Yes you can! Yes we can!

Yes we can!

Yes we can! Can I hear Khalil? Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can! Oh yes we can! Sing so loudly that all of them will know— And always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in your way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change. We want change. We want change. We want change. We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics. It will only grow louder. Or dishearten. We've been asked to pause for a reality check. We've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope. But in the unlikely story that has never been anything false, America. That we are not as divided as our politics suggest. That we are one people. We are one nation. And together we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast, from sea to shining sea. Yes, we can! Yes, we can!

Yes!

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Mm-hmm? Hmm-mmhmhmm! Huh huh hu huuu!

Yes, we can.

Yes, we can. Yes, we can. Yes, we can.

Thank you for listening to the Leadership and Success Podcast with your host, Coach Beezy. If you like what you heard, please subscribe to our channels and come back for more with nuggets on how you may develop into a better leader and achieve greater levels of success. Leadership is the most critical skill. The world will always need leaders to lead others, deploy the next disruptive technology, or execute a business strategy. You may as well decide on counting yourself among the 21st century leaders. See you right here next time on the Leadership and Success Podcast with Coach BZ.