Episode 93 With Colin Boyle
In this riveting episode of "Tales of Leadership," we sit down with Colin Boyle, an active-duty infantry platoon sergeant with 17 years of service in the military. The conversation dives deep into the essence of military life, exploring the trials, triumphs, and profound lessons in leadership that Colin has garnered through his career. Whether you're an aspiring leader or someone fascinated by military stories, this episode promises valuable insights.
Colin Boyle's journey began with strong motivation after 9/11. Driven by a sense of duty and inspired by his grandfather's service in World War II, Colin enlisted in the Army. His journey is a tale of personal growth and a testament to the power of comradeship and resilience. One of the significant milestones in his career was receiving the prestigious Order of St. Maurice, an honor celebrating tremendous contributions to the infantry.
Throughout the episode, Colin shares transformative experiences that have shaped his leadership style. One such experience was at a military school in Virginia Beach, which set the foundation for his military career. Additionally, the book "Secret Commandos" by John Plaster played a pivotal role in igniting his passion for military service. These early influences were crucial in molding Colin into the dedicated leader he is today.
The camaraderie and challenges faced during military life are a recurring theme in Colin's narrative. From roughhousing in Kandahar to intense training at the National Training Center (NTC), Colin recounts the bonds formed and the leadership lessons learned in high-pressure environments. Anecdotes about respected leaders and fellow soldiers highlight the importance of honesty, genuine leadership, and a profound sense of duty. Leaders like Sergeant Hoover and mentors like Kabyav played instrumental roles in Colin's growth, teaching him the value of humility and continuous self-improvement.
Colin also discusses the high standards and discipline required in prestigious units like the Old Guard. His time in the escort platoon and the Continental Color Guard offered unique experiences, including participating in the 65th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. These assignments required rigorous discipline and provided opportunities for personal and professional growth. He also discusses the transition to other duty stations and the challenges of balancing family needs with military commitments, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of military life.
One of the most compelling parts of the episode is Colin's recount of a harrowing mission in Afghanistan. The narrative vividly captures the intense and often dangerous situations soldiers face, including clearing a minefield and discovering IEDs. The camaraderie among the troops, exemplified by soldiers like Sanders, who volunteered during critical moments, underscores the deep bonds formed in combat. This chapter is a powerful testament to the resilience and brotherhood that define military life.
Another significant aspect of Colin's story is post-deployment challenges, particularly maintaining readiness and morale during budget cuts. The influence of leaders like Derek Kearns, who provided essential mentorship and guidance, is highlighted. Derek's leadership qualities, such as his quiet yet commanding presence and sense of humor, left a lasting impact on Colin and his peers, showcasing the importance of strong mentorship in shaping successful leaders.
As Colin reflects on his time as a platoon leader, he discusses the emotional struggle of guiding soldiers, especially those choosing to leave the military due to poor leadership—the difficulty of preparing soldiers for civilian life and maintaining connections after their transition is poignant. Colin emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive culture within the military, highlighting the need for intentional leadership and continuous support for transitioning soldiers.
The episode also explores the importance of taking risks early in one's career and overcoming the fear of failure. Colin shares personal experiences, such as missed opportunities like attending Ranger School and the impact of hesitations on career progression. Emphasizing "fail fast, fail small," he highlights how success is built on micro-failures and the value of challenging oneself. This chapter offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders, encouraging them to lead by example and build trust through action.
Finally, the episode wraps up with a focus on additional resources for leadership development. Colin and the host, Joshua K. McMillion, discuss the availability of blog articles and a summarized one-page article to help listeners quickly refer to the episode's content. The aim is to provide extensive resources that equip listeners with the tools needed to be effective.
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Joshua K. McMillion | Founder MLC
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