Conversation with Ryan McCool about selfless leadership and lessons from his time in the US Marine Corps

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Ryan McCool about selfless leadership, the leadership lessons Ryan drew from his experience as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, and the ideas behind his book, *It's Not About You! Discovering Selfless Leadership*. The conversation explores connecting everyday work to a greater purpose, respecting employees' personal time, taking accountability rather than assigning blame, understanding leadership as a burden and responsibility to others, and practicing humility. - Ryan's Marine Corps experience shaped a leadership philosophy centered on removing the focus from the leader and putting it on the people being led. - Leaders can sustain motivation by helping people see how their everyday work contributes to a larger mission and greater purpose. - Respect for employees includes protecting their personal time and thinking through how well-intentioned leadership decisions affect their lives. - Effective leaders accept accountability, treat leadership as a serious responsibility, and practice humility rather than relying on status or authority. Ryan McCool served for four years in the Unites States Marine Corps as an Aviation Logistics Officer. That experience firmly shaped his selfless leadership philosophy. Following his time on active duty, Ryan received his MBA in Strategic Leadership from Penn State University. He has over ten years of corporate experience as a leader in the Supply Chain Management field. Observing a need for selfless leadership training in the corporate space, Ryan founded McCool Leadership Development to instill selfless leadership principles in businesses. He recently authored a book titled *It’s Not About You! Discovering Selfless Leadership.* More about Ryan: McCool Leadership Development For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about *forever.* *To learn about Eric’s new book:* Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO *See also the LinkedIn newsletter:* Musings for Steward Leaders *Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).*