The Cutlass Podcast

In today’s fast-paced work environment, meetings have become a necessary evil. Often, we find ourselves questioning the purpose and productivity of these gatherings. However, with the right strategies, meetings can become powerful tools for collaboration and decision-making. In this episode, we’ll explore seven essential tips for improving meetings, drawing insights from retired Force Master Chief...

In this episode of the Cutlass podcast, Paul Kingsbury and retired Force Master Chief Toby Ruiz discuss the journey of senior enlisted leadership within the Navy, particularly focusing on the transition to senior enlisted leadership roles and the unique challenges faced at the flag/general officer level. They explore the expectations of the role, importance of mentorship, the dynamics of working o...

In this episode I'm taking time to explain what shapes my leadership philosophy and review the fundamental leadership and management concepts I'll use in future episodes and discussions. To learn more check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide at or watch my YouTube videos! 

In this episode of the Cutlass Podcast, host Paul Kingsbury interviews John Hagan, the eighth Master Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. Hagan shares his journey from joining the Navy to becoming a Chief Petty Officer and ultimately to his selection as MCPON. They also talk about the influence of mentors and role models, the challenges of the drug problem in the Navy during that time, and the importa...

How willing, able, and comfortable are you at applying pressure and imposing "cost" when the situation requires it? Navy and USCG Chiefs have been doing it for decades! Creator and host of the They Had to Go Out Podcast, USCG Chief Petty Officer Phil Null and I continue our discussion on using "carrots and sticks" as leadership tools. For additional information about this topic check out chapter s...

Writing skills are crucial to giving you and your people a professional edge. Most leaders have insights, opinions, and sound recommendations on how things are getting done and how they could be better. And they are very willing to discuss these things in small, face-to-face venues and miss the opportunity to use writing as a broader tool of influence. Join retired naval aviator and TOPGUN instruc...

Whats your current attitude toward managing your team's fatigue and endurance? Do you take a "just suck it up" approach or do you actively work to help your team manage it and the adverse impacts fatigue can have on readiness and safety? Join award winning author Dr. John Cordle and I as we explore your role and responsibility in positively shaping this aspect of team productivity.  For additional...

Performance to STANDARDS! Your boss expects it and the word standard is thrown around a lot, but have you paused to really think about how to establish, communicate, enforce, shape adherence to, and get feedback on them? Join me and my anonymous guest who is the creator and host of the "Don't Give Up the Ship" podcast as we dive into the topic of standards and offer a framework any leader or manag...

You may think you're a good leader, but what do your people think?! Join retired Command Master Chief Richard Curtis, former Director of the U.S. Navy's Senior Enlisted Academy, and Senior Enlisted Advisor for Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets as we talk Implicit Leadership Theory. We'll work to put the theory into real world context to help you understand how your teams and followers make...

Coaching is a powerful communication technique that helps your people identify their strengths and weaknesses while outlining goals for performance improvement. In this episode, Paul Kingsbury and Toby Ruiz discuss the importance of coaching and performance feedback in leadership development. They explore the attributes of effective coaches, the role of coaching in improving efficiency and persona...

In this episode, Im joined by Damo McCullough and Tisha Bing from the Permission to Speak Freely Podcast to discuss the importance of understanding generational differences in the workplace. We introduce the concept of generational attitudes, values, and beliefs, and how those can impact leadership attitudes and communication styles while sharing our own experiences and perspectives as members of...

In the episode I'm with Master Chief Laura Stout taking time to reflect on the importance of followership, offering insights and advice on how to do it well, and reviewing the attributes leaders should have to remain good followers. We build our discussion off a great article by USAF Colonel Phillip S. Meilinger's titled "The Ten Rules of Good Followership."  For additional information about the t...

What motivates your people to perform? I’m with USCG Chief and author Phil Null to explore the reward power tools you have available to help motivate and shape behavior and advice on their use.  For additional information about the topics I discuss in this and other episodes check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide which can be found at https://www.usni.org/press/books/chief-petty-officers-guide-...

In this episode, I host Duane Bushey, the seventh Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. We discuss various topics related to leadership and Duane's experiences in the Navy. Duane shares stories from his early days in the Navy, including humorous anecdotes and encounters with different leadership styles, his post-retirement career and his commitment to mentorship and leadership, defense of th...

As a leader, you can't positively influence others if your own personal life and attitude is out of balance. In the episode, retired Master Chief and host of the Coffee Connect network group, Rodney Chronister and I explore the personal "villains" that come from outside and inside of us and work to derail or distract us from our goals. We then shift to working to identify and connect with personal...

In this episode, Paul Kingsbury welcomes Toby Ruiz, who is the CMC for the Navy Leadership and Ethics Center, to discuss the role of senior enlisted leaders in the military. They provide background information on the evolution of the position and its importance in shaping leadership development for enlisted sailors. They also highlight the rewards and challenges of serving in senior enlisted leade...

What is accountability and why is it so important? Where does it start? How can you work to be better in the personal accountability department? Accountability is not easy so join retired Fleet Master Chief April Beldo-Lilley and I as we explore approaches on how to fairly hold people accountable and discuss how to gracefully be held accountable.   For additional information about the topics discu...

In this episode, Paul Kingsbury interviews Jason Vanderhaden, the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, about his leadership lessons learned. We discuss the importance of leading oneself and setting high standards, staying hungry for more responsibility, understanding and leveraging people's strengths, making sure people always want more of you as a leader, and seeking to understand...

In this episode I'm joined by U.S. Navy Chief Nicholas Bowlin who's LinkedIn article titled, "Don't Give Up the Ship! Leading After Being Crushed" walks us through the situation that led to a career derailing "crushing moment" in his career, his reaction to his situation and challenge, and 6 lessons learned. This episode builds and reinforces many other episodes of the Cutlass Podcast!

Have you recently been promoted or assumed a new role or position? Perhaps you're struggling to make the transition from peer to supervisor. For all of us, growing into a new position of responsibility takes time and flexibility. Join Command Master Chief Samira McBride, winner of the U.S. Navy's Delbert Black Leadership Award, and I as we offer insights and advice about assuming a new role of res...

In this episode, Paul Kingsbury and his guest John Cordle discuss toxic leadership in the military and discusses potential solutions. The conversation covers the reasons why it can occur, the impacts of toxic leaders on units and the broader organization, and offers a strategy and tactics for dealing with toxic bosses and mitigating toxic leadership.

In this episode, Paul Kingsbury and Scott Stalker discuss the importance of communication skills in leadership and how they evolve as you move up in organizations. They also explore the concept of strategic communication and the components of a strategic communication plan. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the target audience, context, outcomes, key messages, channels...

Retired Fleet Master Chief and current Director of Operations for Director, Navy Staff Scott A. Benning joins me to discuss the philosophies behind his book, "The Power of Positive Leadership." Scott reveals what prompted him to write his book; dives into his Inspire, Challenge, and Empower approach to leadership; and offers his thoughts on why having a positive attitude as a leader is so crucial....

Taking time with U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, and host of The Evolution Podcast Jeff Bayless to discuss the importance of finding, defining, and communicating purpose to your teams and yourself.   For additional information about the topics I discuss in this and other episodes check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide which can be found at https://www.usni.org/press/books/chief-petty-officers-gu...

In this episode, I'm rejoined with Human Factors Engineer and retired Navy Captain, Dr. John Cordle to discuss his USNI Blog article "Revisiting the Navy's Beard Policy, With an Eye Towards Inclusion". We also dive into the change management process and work to offer insights on how leaders can and should think through demand signals for change. Check out this topic and others at www.cutlassleader...