Dennis Mellen’s Post

I was appreciated more for missing out on a medal than winning one. During my first term of training at the Naval Academy, I was a star runner gearing up for the prestigious cross-country event. Clinching a bronze medal among 420 participants should've been a moment of glory, right? Not quite. Despite my individual success, my squadron ended up last due to our overall performance. Fast forward to the next term, I altered my approach. Yes, I aimed for speed, but I along with a few other good runners also focused on motivating our squadron mates to excel. We ran alongside them during the race, offering encouragement when they were about to give up. The result? While I narrowly missed the bronze this time, our squadron's collective improvement was undeniable. It was then that I understood the essence of leadership: it's not about individual brilliance but elevating the entire team. In the military, leaving no one behind isn't just a mantra; it's a way of life.  Managers may extract the most out of individuals, but true leaders inspire each member to become the best version of themselves. #LeadershipLessons #Teamwork #MilitaryMindset #Navy

This was my absolute favorite panel of the entire event. Seeing two of my former wing commanders on stage, speaking so resolutely toward the needs of our nation, toward a nation that my own children will be proud to grow up in, brought hope and joy to my heart. I also deeply resonated with General Mike Minihan's remarks: "If we don't get connectivity correct, then we are condemned to operate that airplane in the same way our grandfathers did, in the 50s, 60s, and 70s." --and-- "Amateurs study tactics. Professionals study logistics. Victors study maneuver!" --and-- "The readiness that underpins deterrence is the same readiness that underpins decisive victory." --and-- "Airmen fill the gap between what they have and what they need. They do that with tenacity...they do that with courage...they do that with professionalism...they do that with passion!" Such a feast of motivation and truth. I also love watching Airmen close that gap, and I'm grateful to still be in a position to help and contribute to their efforts. I love my chosen career of innovation. The path between idea and innovation is one of maneuver, with innovators creating the conditions for great ideas to become reality, in advance of their time of need. Because...innovation IS readiness and innovation underpins decisive victory. #victorsstudymaneuver Productable

Navy Chiefs really are the backbone of the Navy. Junior enlisted rely on their technical expertise and guidance for professional development, but many don't realize officers require those same things from the Chief's Mess even more. The Chief's Mess is absolutely necessary for the continuity of a strong, resilient Naval force - no successful chief, junior enlisted, or officer exists today without the influence and guidance of the Chief's Mess.

In the business landscape, veterans stand as pillars of success, drawing upon their experiences from the battlefield to forge new triumphs in the corporate arena. The principles of honor, integrity, and dedication, instilled during military service, become the guiding lights illuminating the path to success in the civilian world. The ability to transform challenges into opportunities is a hallmark of military training.  Contact today to transform your life. #IanBrooksLimitedLLC #CareerConsulting #EffectiveLeadership #CareerAdvice #VeteranOwned #AchieveProfessionalism #LeadershipCoaching #TransformationalLeadership #JobConsulting #CareerStrategy #ProfessionalMindset #LeadershipSkills

Another interesting first:

What can us ground bound mere mortals learn from the soaring US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels? A lot as it turns out, including lessons in #leadership and how to build high performing #teams. I recently had the chance to see the new #IMAX Blue Angels #documentary and the awe-inspiring live show at the U.S. Naval Academy in #Annapolis just two days apart. I highly recommend both, but it's probably a little easier to see the documentary also now on #amazonprime than it is to get to the live version. It's a #MasterClass in goal setting, building #trust and #camaraderie, #empowerment, #accountability, #continuousimprovement and as you might imagine when it comes to flying a 16-ton jet at over 400 miles per hour just inches away from others, lots of #communication. It also takes #confidence, and in this video, and the #movie, you'll hear one #blueangels pilot describe hitting the "I Believe" button. #topgun #navalaviation #gonavy #publicspeaker #publicspeaking

Meet Commander Yemm, the first female commander in the Royal Navy's warfighting branch. In this inspiring video, she shares her journey and challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her story is one of breaking barriers, pushing limits, and proving that anything is possible with determination and hard work. Watch and be inspired by Commander Yemm's story of courage and perseverance. Watch the replay in the Comments. #BritishRoyalNavy #breakingbarriers #limitlesspotential

SOF comes in all shapes and sizes

Lethality, audacity, and creativity. That’s the culture of the Special Forces Regiment and the values each Special Operator is expected to live by. They’re also the foundation of what it takes to be the premier partnered irregular warfare force in the arsenal of the United States Military. Fran Racioppi is joined by Major General Gil Ferguson, Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) - US Army, for a conversation on the culture of the Regiment, how the Special Forces Groups are preparing for regional conflicts with unknown enemies at unknown times, and how Green Berets are solidifying themselves as the go-to option in the deep sensor fight against our peer adversaries. General Ferguson also explains the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad, where he sees Special Forces in a decade, and as our units evolve, what needs to stay the same. Episode 142 is live! Listen, Watch, or Read: https://lnkd.in/gcBhjdjv The opinions presented on The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of the guests and the host. They do not reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy. #SpecialForces #GreenBerets #USArmy #SpecialOperations #MilitaryCulture #Leadership

Glad to be here® isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset that powers the elite Blue Angels, as highlighted in their new documentary. This spirit of gratitude and excellence is what we champion at John Foley Inc. 👉 Dive into the full post to explore how this simple statement can transform challenges into triumphs. #BlueAngels #Leadership #Teamwork #GladToBeHere