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Through the Storm

Leading people well is tough, even in the best of times, but what do we do when it gets really, really tough? How do we as leaders respond to adversity in a healthy and productive way? How can we continue to succeed in business and in life through the storms of leading well? You know, when dangerous storms have begun to brew over the horizon, most herd animals and even humans have a tendency to take cover or move away from the storm, but not the buffalo. The buffalo, instead of running for cover, will gather its herd, take a few last bites of whatever food is out there, and head directly through the storm. As leaders, we have to do the same thing. We're all faced with different storms that come with leading well. Modern-day leaders face leadership storms that can cripple an individual, a team, or an entire organization. Our guests are resilient leaders, some of the best resilient leaders our country has to offer. They'll walk us through how they actually got through these storms and how they became better on the other side. So join us on the Through the Storm podcast.

Through the Storm

Healthcare
Podcast Network

The Weight of Command: Scott Stalker Talks About Dealing with Suicides in the Military

August 23, 2024
Dr. Travis Hearne
Scott Stalker
Stalker Solutions LLC
Through the Storm
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Travis Hearne

In the latest episode of Through the Storm, Dr. Travis Hearne speaks with MGySgt (Ret.) Scott Stalker about one of the most important leadership lessons there is — how to deal with suicide. Suicide, particularly within military ranks, has become an alarming issue that not only devastates families but also shatters the cohesion and morale of entire units.

During the conversation, Scott shares his deeply personal experiences with suicide within the ranks, while emphasizing the critical role that authentic, face-to-face leadership plays in preventing crises.

Here’s a bit about Scott and his illustrious career.

Scott Stalker served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps for 31 years, retiring in August 2023. While on active duty, Stalker served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Defense Intelligence Agency, United States Cyber Command, National Security Agency, and in his final assignment, with the United States Space Command. He served in a multitude of locations during his distinguished military career, including combat operations in Somalia, Bosnia, and Iraq, and a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation in Tirana, Albania.

In addition to his strategic leadership assignments, Scott served with HMM-365, 26th MEU (SOC), Joint Intelligence Center Pacific, 1st Battalion 7th Marines, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Corps Intelligence Activity, 3rd Marine Division, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command and the Joint Staff J-2.

Stalker has a bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies and a master’s degree in cybersecurity, as well as an organizational leadership certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He completed his studies at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, where he became a SECDEF Strategic Thinkers Program CAPSTONE graduate.

Stalker currently serves as a senior consultant and executive advisor for several different corporations and is the founder and CEO of S2 – Stalker Solutions LLC. He is a keynote speaker for high-profile events within the federal government, intelligence community and national security sector and serves on the boards of several businesses and nonprofits. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), Marine Raider Foundation, JCTM, and others focused on intelligence, space, and cyberspace. Additionally, he leads the DoD & Intelligence Community Business Development efforts for Clarity Innovations.

Stalker lives in Wilmington, NC, with his wife Malerie, who is a Gold Star Sister, their three daughters, and their English Bulldog Charlie.

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