#145: Leadership Lessons from a Navy Submariner with CDR William C. Spears

In this episode, Commander William C. Spears of the U.S. Navy joins the show to share leadership lessons forged under pressure, from commanding nuclear submarines to building resilient, high-performing teams. He reflects on what it means to lead with trust, humility, and a mission-first mindset, offering tactical insights from over two decades in the Navy. Commander Spears unpacks the difference between compliance and commitment, the critical importance of psychological safety, and why character always outlasts charisma. He also explores how today’s leaders can foster accountability, push through chaos, and build cultures of excellence that outlast any one individual. Key Takeaways: Trust is the foundation of strong leadership. Leaders should aim for commitment, not just compliance. Psychological safety allows teams to think and speak freely. Character is more lasting than charisma. Clear plans help teams perform under pressure. From Our Sponsor: The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com. Additional Resources: CDR William C. Spears Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy (book): https://a.co/d/1uxjZHa Website: https://williamcspears.com LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/william-spears-89130443/ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/