
Jocko Podcast 314: Making Your Part Of The World Better. W/ Carlos Mendez, Navy SEAL (Ret.)
Dec 29, 2021
Carlos Mendez, a retired Navy SEAL, shares insights on leadership and discipline shaped by his unique upbringing in Guatemala. He discusses the emotional challenges faced by former SEALs and their commitment to passing on lessons to the next generation. Through engaging stories, Mendez reflects on his journey from a small farm to military life, emphasizing resilience and personal growth. He also explores the significant role of storytelling in leadership, the balance between work and personal life, and the importance of making your part of the world better.
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Joining the Navy
- Inspired by the movie "Navy SEALs", Carlos decided to enlist despite not knowing how to swim well.
- The recruiter encouraged him, even though he needed waivers due to past felonies.
Improving Swimming Skills
- Carlos's chief supported his BUD/S aspirations by assigning him to relevant training during his first deployment.
- He used this opportunity to improve his swimming, a crucial skill for SEALs.
Jocko's FTX Experience
- Jocko recalls a freezing FTX where he and his swim buddy prioritized communication over comfort.
- They learned a valuable lesson about gear and field preparedness.

