EP96: Lessons in Leadership

What does it take to be a great leader? In this episode, host Jamie Enos sits down with Lieutenant General (Ret.) Benjamin Freakley to unpack the essence of leadership, trust, and lifelong service. From his days at West Point, class of 75’,  to commanding troops in combat, General Freakley shares hard-earned wisdom on building trust, listening to those around you, and leading with integrity. He also reflects on the unbreakable bond of the Long Gray Line, the power of mentorship, and how West Point shapes leaders not just for the Army but for a lifetime of service, the tenets of being on the Long Gray Line don’t end at graduation, but serve your lifetime. Lieutenant General Benjamin C. Freakley serves as a Professor of Practice of Leadership at Arizona State University and a Special Advisor to ASU President Michael Crow. He co-founded the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy, and National Security Lab after retiring from the U.S. Army with over 36 years of service. A graduate of West Point class of 1975 and former  Commanding General of the U.S. Army Accessions Command, he was responsible for worldwide recruiting and ROTC programs. Throughout his career, he led U.S. and international forces in combat, commanded at all levels, and played a key role in shaping future military leaders. His leadership experience spans from Operation Desert Storm to commanding forces in Afghanistan, and today, he continues to develop leaders both inside and outside the military.The conversation also dives into General Freakley’s involvement with West Point’s 50-Year Affiliate Program and why mentoring the next generation of Army officers is critical. He shares invaluable advice for young leaders navigating their first roles in the Army—emphasizing the importance of humility, trust, and learning from non-commissioned officers. Tune in to hear why leadership is a lifelong commitment, how West Point’s values endure far beyond graduation, and what it truly means to serve.Key Quote: “ The essence of leadership of all the things we do is trust.  Women and men either trust you or they don't. In and out of combat, it always just struck me that even an arduous training, a noncommissioned officer would ask her soldiers to do something and they would do it. And I would just reflect on, you know, why are they doing this? Why are they taking this chance? Why are they doing what they're being asked to do in and out of combat, and the essence of leadership is trust. And how do you get that trust?  Integrity, competency, and getting results.  You have to be a leader of integrity. You have to live the honor code at West Point your entire life.  And women and men will follow leaders who are competent.  We don't like to waste our time. We don't like to be caught up in inefficient moments. We don't like to walk up into a complete disaster of a mess and say, ‘what's going on here.’  We like to be around people who know what they're doing, who know their stuff and, and then leaders have to get results and people want to be on a team that wins.”-LTG (R) Ben Freakley ’75Episode Timestamps:(0:26) Inspiration and Early Influences(02:47) Leadership Philosophy(04:45) For our Future Leaders(10:57) How Family Can Mold Leadership(15:32) The Long Gray Line and Lifelong Service–Links:Learn More About Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley  We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better!