What separates those who crumble under pressure from those who thrive? For Schuyler Williamson, the answer crystallized during an IED attack in Iraq that disabled his vehicle and injured his entire platoon. Despite chaos, pain, and limited visibility, his team still looked to him for the next decision. That pivotal moment forms the heart of this gripping conversation about leadership when everything goes wrong.

Schuyler brings remarkable perspective from his journey as a professional baseball player drafted by the Detroit Tigers, through his military service with the 1st Cavalry and 82nd Airborne, to his success as a real estate entrepreneur. Drawing from these diverse experiences, he shares the framework behind his new book "The Steady Leader," revealing how to maintain composure and make effective decisions when chaos hits.

The conversation dives deep into his leadership philosophy, starting with a childhood lesson about the difference between being "hurt" versus "injured" — a distinction that would later prove crucial in combat and business alike. He presents a compelling case for why self-leadership must precede team leadership, outlining three critical dimensions of being "combat ready": mental health (maintaining a growth mindset), physical health (maintaining bodily discipline), and spiritual health (focusing on serving others rather than self-advancement).

What truly resonates throughout is Schuyler's practical approach to leadership development through existing models rather than reinvention. "When you're never the best and you want to be the best, you do what the coaches tell you to do," he explains, highlighting the power of standing on the shoulders of giants who came before us. His morning routine—from Bible reading to intentional interactions with his children—demonstrates how these principles translate into daily practice.

Whether you're leading a team through organizational change, building a business, or simply trying to navigate personal challenges with greater clarity, Schuyler Williamson's battle-tested wisdom offers a roadmap for responding thoughtfully rather than reacting emotionally when pressure hits. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with uncommon leaders who are transforming how we think about leadership in business and life.

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