Navigating Leadership Storms: A True Tale of Resilience with Mark “Oz” Geist

 

The storms of leadership can test the mettle of even the most seasoned leaders, and Mark “Oz” Geist’s story is a testament to navigating leadership storms with valor and wisdom. His experience during the Benghazi attack exemplifies the essence of authentic leadership—making life-or-death decisions under the most extreme pressures. In today’s tumultuous business and political climates, understanding how to navigate leadership storms has never been more critical, and Geist’s insights offer a powerful blueprint for success.

Why is navigating leadership storms crucial in these times? This pivotal question anchors an insightful conversation on Through the Storm. Host Dr. Travis Hearne welcomes Mark “Oz” Geist to explore the turbulent waters of leadership in crisis, providing lessons as applicable in the boardroom as they are on the battlefield.

Throughout the episode, several key points on navigating leadership storms take center stage:

  • Embracing the “Buffalo Leadership” mindset to confront challenges head-on
  • Geist’s gripping narrative of the 2012 Benghazi attacks, where his leadership saved lives and showcased the profound impact of composed decision-making
  • Insights into how every person can embody leadership, regardless of their official position

Mark “Oz” Geist embodies a leader who has weathered and navigated leadership storms. His career journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to becoming a pivotal figure in Benghazi and, later, a best-selling author and advocate for veterans is a narrative rich with lessons on resilience and responsibility. Geist’s role in establishing the Shadow Warriors Project further solidifies his commitment to guiding others through their personal and professional storms.

Recent Episodes

The Purpose Factory Event 2025 emerges at a moment when organizations are being challenged to redefine what success really means. Beyond profits and projections, the gathering champions a model of growth that intertwines cultural impact with strategic vision. It’s a forum where companies explore how values can be engineered into operations, not just marketed in…

Building a profitable company often comes down to one unglamorous but crucial skill: knowing exactly where your time is going. In the fast-moving world of financial services and startups, it’s easy to confuse growth with health—until cash flow realities expose the difference. Many founders are forced to confront whether their energy is spent building value…

Growth in business rarely comes from easy conversations. The most transformative insights often surface when leaders are forced to sit with uncomfortable questions—the kind that strip away polished answers and demand real reflection. These moments, though unsettling, act as a crucible where clarity and focus are forged. While it’s tempting to avoid them, the discipline…