Mentorship Matters: Unlocking Leadership Potential in Military and Business

Welcome to another episode of  Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact podcast. Join Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean of the United States Military Academy at West Point, as he hosts an all-star panel discussion exploring the crucial topics of mentorship and leadership across the military and business. Featuring insights from notable professionals such as financial executive and former Deputy National Security Advisor Dina Powell McCormick, Senator Dave McCormick, Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer, and former Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky, this episode offers transformative perspectives on how to navigate and thrive in various career paths. The panelists share personal stories of their mentors, describe the importance of mentorship in their fields, and provide valuable advice for the cadets on the cusp of significant milestones in their careers. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the impact and strategies of effective leadership and mentorship.

00:00 Introduction to Inside West Point

00:54 The Yearling Class and Affirmation

01:56 Introducing the All-Star Panel

02:08 Dina Powell McCormick's Journey

03:06 Senator Dave McCormick's Background

04:44 Brian Grazer's Mentorship Story

05:42 Alex Gorsky's Leadership Insights

06:55 The Importance of Mentorship

12:51 Writing a Book on Mentorship

15:51 Mentorship in the Military

20:26 Wrestling and Leadership

22:22 Brian Grazer's Early Struggles

25:05 Curiosity and Communication Skills

26:02 Defying Expectations: College Journey

27:06 Serendipitous Job at Warner Brothers

28:48 Learning from Hollywood's Best

31:10 Mentorship and Self-Belief

33:22 Leadership Insights from Johnson & Johnson

41:07 Technology and Leadership in Modern Warfare

48:08 Lightning Round: Favorite Books and Stories

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Resources referenced in the episode:

• Who Believed in You: How Purposeful Mentorship Changes the World – by Dina Powell McCormick & Senator Dave McCormick

• A Beautiful Mind – by Sylvia Nasar

• The Book of Five Rings – by Miyamoto Musashi

• The Splendid and the Vile – by Erik Larson

• Undaunted Courage – by Stephen E. Ambrose

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• Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics
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Credits:

• Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)
• Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information
• Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)
• Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)

This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.