ALL IN: Navy SEAL Secret to Proven Results - Brent Gleeson
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
Navy SEAL combat veteran and bestselling author Brent Gleeson sits down to explore the tactical principles that drive elite performance both on the battlefield and in business. Gleeson reveals how discipline, accountability, and radical focus create high-performance cultures while sharing his journey from SEAL Team deployments to becoming a sought-after organizational transformation expert. (01:22)
The conversation dives deep into why many elite operators struggle in civilian careers, the psychology of identity transformation, and how the same principles that drive success in special operations can rebuild companies and strengthen families. From confronting personal habits to leading organizational change, Gleeson demonstrates that execution wins above ego and emotion every time. (05:44)
- Core themes: The transition from military to civilian leadership requires laser focus rather than chasing multiple opportunities, and true transformation happens through daily habits and radical accountability.
Speakers
Brent Gleeson
Navy SEAL combat veteran with deployments in Iraq and Africa, Brent Gleeson is a two-time bestselling author and Forbes leadership columnist who has successfully transitioned from special operations to become a leading authority on organizational transformation. He is the founder of Accelerate, a hybrid management consulting and enterprise software company, and father of four children with his upcoming book "All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence" releasing December 2025.
Charles Schwartz
Host of The Proven Podcast and business strategist focused on extracting proven methodologies from high-performing individuals. Charles brings a direct, no-nonsense approach to interviewing that cuts through surface-level advice to reveal the tactical systems that drive real results.
Key Takeaways
Focus Is Your Force Multiplier
The biggest trap for transitioning operators and entrepreneurs alike is attempting to pursue too many opportunities simultaneously. (02:14) Gleeson explains that high performers often become their own worst enemies when they lose the laser focus that made them elite in the first place. Instead of chasing multiple "shiny objects," successful individuals identify one path and go all in, ensuring their projects have intentional strategic overlap rather than competing for attention and resources.
Identity Transformation Precedes Behavior Change
Before you can change your habits, you must first change who you believe yourself to be. (18:58) Gleeson's decision to eliminate alcohol wasn't just about breaking a habit—it was about becoming the father, husband, and leader he wanted to be. This identity-first approach creates the emotional foundation necessary to stick with new routines when motivation inevitably fades.
Systems Beat Motivation Every Time
Elite performance comes from building the "Remarkable Results Pyramid"—starting with daily routines and rituals at the foundation, moving up through systems and processes, to achieve desired outcomes. (13:33) Gleeson emphasizes that it takes 66 days to build a new habit, and the key is replacing the routine in the cue-routine-reward cycle rather than trying to eliminate the cue or reward.
Accountability Is the Foundation of Trust
High-trust organizations cannot exist without extreme ownership and accountability as their cultural foundation. (33:32) Gleeson's research shows that accountability must be prioritized above trust because when team members take radical responsibility for outcomes, trust develops organically. This principle drives measurable improvements in talent retention, customer experience, and profitability.
Execute Through the Pain
Resilient individuals do two things simultaneously: maintain long-term emotional connection to their purpose while leaning into obstacles, pain, and adversity as part of the journey. (55:56) Drawing from his SEAL training and the loss of teammates, Gleeson demonstrates that the ability to continue executing during crisis moments—whether in combat or business—separates elite performers from everyone else.
Statistics & Facts
- Approximately 70% of organizational change initiatives fail to meet their intended objectives, primarily due to skipping foundational cultural elements and misalignment on strategic priorities. (30:20)
- It takes approximately 66 days to build a new habit when following consistent daily routines and rituals using the cue-routine-reward methodology. (15:36)
- Organizations with a strong culture of accountability show measurably distinct impacts on growth, profit, operational excellence, and talent retention compared to those without clear accountability frameworks. (33:49)
