The Walk-On Mindset: Why Leadership is Earned Every Day
Discipline and consistency aren't just habits - they're essential virtues that fuel our guests’ leadership style, entrepreneurial triumphs, and social impact. Joining BJ on the podcast today is Dr. Charles Thomas Jr, or CT for short. CT is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur, educator, and Amazon #1 best-selling author committed to service.
He embodies the Renaissance ideal of broad learning and full engagement, drawing on diverse experiences across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He co-founded and served as CEO of the cloud engineering organization Clear Cloud before its acquisition, and he founded Concerned Citizen™ Media.
Tune in for their conversation as they journey through the path that led him to the defense and intel space. CT reflects on his time playing D1 basketball at Notre Dame, unpacks his natural desire and drive to lead, and explains why he consistently chooses to use the word team member over employee. He also shares the three key leadership insights he's gleaned from both the sports field and his entrepreneurial journey. In our classic wrap-up segment, CT shares his favorite book, his dream dinner party guest list, and his ultimate vision for his legacy.
Tune in now for another episode packed with leadership insights and wisdom!
Key Points From This Episode:
• Who CT is today, and the path that led him to where he is today.
• CT unpacks his natural desire and drive to lead.
• Why CT prefers to use the term team member versus employee.
• The integration of the new firm: a personal journey of growth.
• Three leadership lessons: situational leadership, lift as you build, and being disciplined and consistent.
Quotes:
“My only distinguishing qualities are discipline and consistency. What I lack in intellectual ability, or size, or strength. I make up for it in spades with my desire to just go and get it.” — @CThomas_Jr
“I’m a workhorse. Like, if I want to go and do something, I almost have tunnel vision, like an almost religious obsession with achieving that thing.” — @CThomas_Jr
“I always say the star of the team is the team, and I truly believe that.” — @CThomas_Jr
“I may not be better than anyone, specifically, but I am going to do my very best to outwork my potential, and I will outwork you, out discipline you, and I will out-consistency you. I don’t make two mistakes in a row!” — @CThomas_Jr
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Charles Thomas Jr
Charles Thomas Jr on LinkedIn
Charles Thomas Jr on Instagram
Forged From Fire: Pieces To Prosperity
Best Kept Secrets: From Invisible Walk-Ons to Life Champions
Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap and Others Don't
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People
The Alchemist: A Modern Classic of Magic and Mysticism
The Greatest Salesman in the World
Today I Begin a New Life: Og Mandino for the 21st Century
Leadership Blueprints Podcast
