Episode 4: Charlie Plumb

In this episode I welcome Captain Charlie Plumb is a retired United States Navy pilot who served during the Vietnam War. He was shot down and became a prisoner of war, spending almost six years in captivity in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Captain Plumb is now a motivational speaker, sharing his experiences and lessons on resilience and leadership. Myself also being a Vietnam War Navy veteran Charlie’s stories have extra special meaning to me and many of my leadership principles find their roots in my time in the service.

We discuss the importance of trust and camaraderie in a team, the value of face-to-face communication, and the role of discipline and forgiveness in leadership. We also touch on the power of diversity and the qualities to look for in people during a turnaround situation. Captain Plum shares his personal experiences and the lessons he learned from his time in captivity. Overall, the conversation highlights the essential qualities of superhero leadership.

Here are some key takeaways:

Trust and camaraderie are essential in a team, especially in high-stakes situations like combat missions.
1. Face-to-face communication is vital for validation, understanding, and building trust among team members.
2. Effective leaders redefine the mission, set a purpose, and provide a sense of unity and direction.
3. Safety is a key responsibility of leaders, both in terms of physical safety and creating an environment where people feel safe to take risks and speak out.
4. Diversity in a team leads to greater understanding, empathy, and better problem-solving.