Navigating Leadership with Marc Koehler and His Former Executive Officer Vice Admiral Joe Leidig

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with his former Executive Officer on the USS Pogy, Vice Admiral Joe Leidig, a distinguished leader with 39 years of service in the U.S. Navy and a wealth of experience in both military and business environments. Joe reflects on his incredible journey from being Executive Officer of nuclear-powered submarines to serving as Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa Command, where he led operations with 2,000 personnel and a $700 million budget. Throughout the conversation, Joe shares his insights on leadership, focusing on three timeless principles: integrity, leadership, and effort. Listeners will be inspired by Joe's stories, including his unforgettable interview with Admiral Hyman Rickover, the father of the nuclear Navy, and how it shaped his leadership philosophy. He also discusses how these principles guided his efforts to transform an underperforming submarine crew into a top-performing unit and later helped him bridge gaps in the defense industry's supply chain in his current role in private equity. Joe offers actionable advice for leaders of all levels, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself, building trust through integrity, and fostering a shared vision that unites teams. This episode is packed with lessons on how to lead in high-stakes environments and beyond. Join us for this inspiring conversation to surface the leader within yourself! Connect with Joe: LinkedIn