Afghanistan had its way of testing everyone who set foot on its soil. Marjah was no different. There was a constant feeling that the next ambush, the next IED, the next firefight was always just moments away. As Marines, we didn’t talk about the nerves that came with that reality, but it was always there, lingering in the back of your mind like a shadow you couldn’t quite shake. Every decision, every movement, every command had the potential to be the difference between life and death.

Leadership isn't a title; it's a skill that needs to be cultivated at every level of an organization. The Marine Corps, a model of disciplined and effective leadership, has perfected the art of building a leadership pipeline that starts from day one. By systematically developing leaders from the ground up, they ensure that every Marine is equipped to take charge, make decisions, and inspire others.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to balance stability and innovation is crucial for long-term success. This concept, known as leadership ambidexterity, draws inspiration from military strategies where adaptability and resilience are paramount. In this issue of "Leadership Through Warriorship," we will explore practical strategies for SMEs to cultivate ambidextrous leadership, enhance their organizational resilience, and foster innovation.

Yes, you read that right. After 16 years, I wanted to take a day I will always remember for the rest of my life, and find my lesson learned. You see, as I write this sentence at this very moment, I have no idea what my lesson, or what live changing mindset I may currently have, could be from this day. I know it was chaotic, I know Newsweek was there that day, and reported the story in their magazine calling it the "Tipping Point". I know that after getting hit with a through & through in my Kevlar from an enemy sniper, there is something I took from that day that makes me tick today. I also know that 3 years ago I did a small post about this topic that got over 175,000 views, 1,500+ reactions, 229 comments and 25 reposts, so there has to be some sort of lesson learned from chaos in here somewhere.