The world is packed full of information. With the Internet and a cell phone, we have all the knowledge in the world in the palm of our hand. No matter the situation, if you need information, it’s there. But how do you distinguish between key information you need to make decisions and unnecessary noise? How can you be smarter in any situation?
In this episode, Bob Hayward, retired Vice Admiral and former Navy SEAL, discusses how you can be smarter in any situation by enhancing your decision-making process with ”good gouge,” especially financial and career decisions.
Admiral Harward’s gouge is based on 40 years of highly decorated service in the military, followed by another decade as a top executive in the global defense industry. During his war-fighting experiences in Bosnia, Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen, he never lost a single man under his command, and in business, he always hit the numbers.
After leading invasions of Afghanistan in October 2001 and Iraq in March 2003, he served on the National Security Council under President George W. Bush and then as Deputy Commander of US Central Command under General James Mattis. President Trump asked Harward if he would be his National Security advisor, which is the honor of a lifetime, so his decision to graciously decline based on timing, was The Gouge for Bob, as service is the greatest privilege.
Now based in Abu Dhabi, Harward serves as Executive Vice President for International Business and Strategy at Shield AI, which is forging the future of aerospace and defense technology with artificial intelligence. But Harward’s experience runs much wider and deeper than that. While growing up in Iran in the 1970s, he learned Farsi and hitchhiked throughout Asia and the Middle East. His grueling workouts are performed on at least five continents, and his latest adventure involved setting a world record for parachuting onto Mount Everest.
From scaling Mount Everest to navigating complex military operations, he offers practical advice on gathering reliable information, delegating effectively, and transitioning from military to civilian life.
In this episode, Bob Hayward, retired Vice Admiral and former Navy SEAL, discusses how you can be smarter in any situation by enhancing your decision-making process with ”good gouge,” especially financial and career decisions.
Admiral Harward’s gouge is based on 40 years of highly decorated service in the military, followed by another decade as a top executive in the global defense industry. During his war-fighting experiences in Bosnia, Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen, he never lost a single man under his command, and in business, he always hit the numbers.
After leading invasions of Afghanistan in October 2001 and Iraq in March 2003, he served on the National Security Council under President George W. Bush and then as Deputy Commander of US Central Command under General James Mattis. President Trump asked Harward if he would be his National Security advisor, which is the honor of a lifetime, so his decision to graciously decline based on timing, was The Gouge for Bob, as service is the greatest privilege.
Now based in Abu Dhabi, Harward serves as Executive Vice President for International Business and Strategy at Shield AI, which is forging the future of aerospace and defense technology with artificial intelligence. But Harward’s experience runs much wider and deeper than that. While growing up in Iran in the 1970s, he learned Farsi and hitchhiked throughout Asia and the Middle East. His grueling workouts are performed on at least five continents, and his latest adventure involved setting a world record for parachuting onto Mount Everest.
From scaling Mount Everest to navigating complex military operations, he offers practical advice on gathering reliable information, delegating effectively, and transitioning from military to civilian life.
Be Smarter in Any Situation Episode Details
- The concept of “the gouge” and its military origins and importance in decision-making
- Creating a culture of sharing knowledge and supporting others in organizations
- Advice for service members transitioning out of the military
- The importance of critical thinking and asking questions
- Encouraging open communication and transparency in leadership
- The value of reading diverse books for personal growth
- Advice for young service members and the value of staying in service
- The significance of embracing new adventures and opportunities in life
Be Smarter in Any Situation Resources
- The Gouge by Admiral Bob Harward
- Admiral Harward on LinkedIn
- Admiral Harward on Instagram
- Embracing Defeat by John W. Dower
- Power, Faith, and Fantasy by Michael B. Oren
- Ghost Wars by Steve Coll
- Dopesick by Beth Macy
- The Honor Foundation
