Episode
#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
2:03:29
Published: Mon Jul 05 2021
Description
Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL, co-author of Extreme Ownership, and host of Jocko Podcast. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Linode: https://linode.com/lex to get $100 free credit - Indeed: https://indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit - SimpliSafe: https://simplisafe.com/lex and use code LEX to get a free security camera - Ground News: https://ground.news/lex EPISODE LINKS: Jocko's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jockowillink Jocko's Website: https://jocko.com/ Jocko's Podcast: https://jockopodcast.com/ Extreme Ownership (book): https://amzn.to/3qYmcgh Discipline Equals Freedom (book): https://amzn.to/3hFXOMa The Dichotomy of Leadership (book): https://amzn.to/36ehH7C PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (09:01) - The beauty and tragedy of war (14:35) - Soviet Union in World War II (20:54) - What makes a just war? (34:30) - Jordan Peterson (37:42) - Fear of death (41:53) - Autonomous weapons systems (53:28) - What makes a great leader? (56:15) - Elon Musk - a leadership case study (1:10:03) - Steve Jobs - a leadership case study (1:20:16) - Sundar Pichai - a leadership case study (1:27:15) - Young Jamie (1:31:23) - Discipline (1:34:15) - A day in the life of Jocko (1:40:30) - Jiu Jitsu (1:56:18) - Books
Chapters
The author shares his unique perspective as a Russian-American on the values of patriotism and humanism, and explains why he believes they are not in conflict with each other.
00:00 - 03:12 (03:12)
Summary
The author shares his unique perspective as a Russian-American on the values of patriotism and humanism, and explains why he believes they are not in conflict with each other.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This transcript contains promotions for a sponsored job credit on indeed.com and a home security system from simplysafe.com.
03:12 - 08:37 (05:24)
Summary
This transcript contains promotions for a sponsored job credit on indeed.com and a home security system from simplysafe.com. The speaker acknowledges the importance of protecting personal and digital security as their platform grows.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Military training and survival situations require people to work together in order to survive through harsh conditions and pressure.
08:37 - 19:22 (10:45)
Summary
Military training and survival situations require people to work together in order to survive through harsh conditions and pressure. The consequences of war can create similar circumstances in which teamwork and resilience are essential for survival.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The outcome of war and life is unpredictable, and it is impossible to know what will happen.
19:22 - 25:38 (06:16)
Summary
The outcome of war and life is unpredictable, and it is impossible to know what will happen. Hitler initially listened to his advisors and generals, leading to initial success; however, this changed as the war progressed.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this discussion, the speaker highlights the significance of dehumanizing the enemy in military conflict by looking at the conflicts of the past and how dehumanization has played a role in these conflicts.
25:38 - 34:27 (08:49)
Summary
In this discussion, the speaker highlights the significance of dehumanizing the enemy in military conflict by looking at the conflicts of the past and how dehumanization has played a role in these conflicts. He shares his concerns on how cybersecurity can trigger conflicts by creating an "other" out of a large population, which in turn can lead to hot conflicts at scale.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The experience of struggle can bring people closer together and can reveal both the best and the worst in humanity.
34:28 - 39:17 (04:49)
Summary
The experience of struggle can bring people closer together and can reveal both the best and the worst in humanity. While no one wants their loved ones to suffer, the opportunity for such profound connection is worth considering.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The development of autonomous weapon systems raises concerns around the loss of human control over decision-making in warfare, potentially leading to civilian casualties and consequences beyond the intended scope of the mission.
39:17 - 46:39 (07:21)
Summary
The development of autonomous weapon systems raises concerns around the loss of human control over decision-making in warfare, potentially leading to civilian casualties and consequences beyond the intended scope of the mission. While these systems may have the potential to reduce harm and loss of human life in certain situations, implementing appropriate protocols and ensuring ethical alignment between opposing sides remain crucial challenges.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The precision and effectiveness of weapons are often prioritized over their ethical considerations when designing them.
46:42 - 52:58 (06:15)
Summary
The precision and effectiveness of weapons are often prioritized over their ethical considerations when designing them. While humans are capable of acknowledging the ethics of killing others, there are still protocols in place, such as a kill switch, to prevent rogue elements from misusing these weapons.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The human species is complex, with varying personalities and tendencies, but also has the resilience to respond and innovate during times of tragedy.
52:58 - 58:51 (05:53)
Summary
The human species is complex, with varying personalities and tendencies, but also has the resilience to respond and innovate during times of tragedy.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Sometimes being too close to a problem can make it difficult to see the bigger picture, which is where outside perspective can be helpful.
58:52 - 1:06:50 (07:58)
Summary
Sometimes being too close to a problem can make it difficult to see the bigger picture, which is where outside perspective can be helpful. It's important for leaders to delegate tasks and train subordinate leadership to free up time for big-picture thinking.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Jocko Willink and Lex Fridman discuss the challenges of leadership in tech companies, particularly the fear of losing the innovative spirit and stagnating if the CEO were to leave, and the need to find subordinate leaders with expertise and trust to delegate responsibilities to.
1:06:51 - 1:12:48 (05:56)
Summary
Jocko Willink and Lex Fridman discuss the challenges of leadership in tech companies, particularly the fear of losing the innovative spirit and stagnating if the CEO were to leave, and the need to find subordinate leaders with expertise and trust to delegate responsibilities to.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The success of a team lies in the leader's approach to managing fear and creating a dynamic of mutual respect and trust among team members.
1:12:48 - 1:19:17 (06:28)
Summary
The success of a team lies in the leader's approach to managing fear and creating a dynamic of mutual respect and trust among team members. The focus should not just be on hiring "A players", but also on creating a diverse and complementary team.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Trusting your team is a key part of leadership and leads to building leadership capital, but expecting 100% consensus on every decision is short-sighted.
1:19:17 - 1:26:21 (07:04)
Summary
Trusting your team is a key part of leadership and leads to building leadership capital, but expecting 100% consensus on every decision is short-sighted.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the guest emphasizes the importance of humility in leaders and individuals, stating that it is a key characteristic for success in any venture, and recommends seeking individuals who are self-critical and willing to improve themselves.
1:26:21 - 1:31:28 (05:07)
Summary
In this podcast, the guest emphasizes the importance of humility in leaders and individuals, stating that it is a key characteristic for success in any venture, and recommends seeking individuals who are self-critical and willing to improve themselves.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Waking up early and accomplishing some of the most painful tasks for the day can make you feel great and give you a headstart compared to others.
1:31:30 - 1:36:14 (04:43)
Summary
Waking up early and accomplishing some of the most painful tasks for the day can make you feel great and give you a headstart compared to others. Happiness should also be considered as a valuable factor in the pursuit of success.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker emphasizes that humility is important when you realize that you may not have all the answers and that someone else may be better than you.
1:36:14 - 1:42:38 (06:23)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that humility is important when you realize that you may not have all the answers and that someone else may be better than you. The speaker also talks about how the infinite power of nature versus the human struggle in surfing can teach us valuable lessons.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Despite the common advice to check your ego at the door in jiu-jitsu, many beginners initially rely heavily on their strength rather than technique.
1:42:38 - 1:51:08 (08:30)
Summary
Despite the common advice to check your ego at the door in jiu-jitsu, many beginners initially rely heavily on their strength rather than technique. However, as they progress and face smaller opponents who can still defeat them, the necessity of humility becomes clear.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The key to starting to learn any sport, including Jiu-Jitsu, is to relax.
1:51:08 - 1:56:15 (05:07)
Summary
The key to starting to learn any sport, including Jiu-Jitsu, is to relax. Tensing up and trying too hard can impede progress. Additionally, Judo offers the skill of explosive aggression that Jiu-Jitsu doesn't.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares about his experience interviewing Captain Jim Mukuyama, a young company commander in the Vietnam War, and how he lived up to the heroic portrayal of him in a book.
1:56:15 - 2:02:06 (05:50)
Summary
The speaker shares about his experience interviewing Captain Jim Mukuyama, a young company commander in the Vietnam War, and how he lived up to the heroic portrayal of him in a book. He also discusses Mukuyama's disgust towards the end of the war and the challenges leaders face when senior leadership is making wrong decisions.
Episode#197 – Jocko Willink: War, Leadership, and Discipline
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The conversation explores leadership and how discipline can be a driving factor in success.
2:02:06 - 2:03:16 (01:09)
Summary
The conversation explores leadership and how discipline can be a driving factor in success. Jaco also emphasizes the importance of leadership over team work.