From The Green Notebook

Latest Episodes:

Command Sergeant Major Walter J. Zajkowski- On Leading Yourself Nov 16, 2024

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In this episode, Joe Byerly talks with CSM Walter J. Zajkowski, Senior Enlisted Leader of Special Operations Command Pacific. With 30 years of service, CSM Zajkowski reflects on his journey from young Ranger to senior leader, sharing lessons on leadership growth, feedback, and learning from both great and challenging leaders.

Key topics include:

The role of ego in leadership and how embracing tough assignments can lead to transformation.
The importance of supplementing formal education with reading and self-reflection.
How to give people what they need, not just what they want, to develop strong, capable teams.
The power of identifying and living your "why" to stay aligned with purpose.

This conversation is packed with actionable advice and reflections for leaders at every level.
Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader,
Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC), headquartered at Camp H.M.
Smith, Hawaii.
Prior to his assignment at SOCPAC, he served as the Command Sergeant Major
of 3rd Operational Support Group (2021-2022). Previous positions of responsibility
include Battalion CSM, Force Generation Directorate SGM, Selection and Training
SGM, Company SGM, Operations SGM, Training Instructor/Writer, Team
Sergeant, and Team Member. CSM Zajkowski began his Army career in 2nd
Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment (1994-1999) where he served as a Rifleman,
Team Leader, and Squad Leader.
He enlisted in the Army in 1994 and served in multiple leadership positions within
the joint special operations community.
Command Sergeant Major Zajkowski deployed in support of multiple combat operations to include Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/C device, Bronze Star w/Valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Valor device,
Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Combat Diver Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here

Stephen Riggio- The Tale of the Beati Paoli Nov 08, 2024

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In this episode, Joe sits down with Stephen Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, to uncover the personal journey that led him to translate Sicilian Avengers, an epic historical novel set in 18th-century Sicily. But this is more than a conversation about a book—it's a story of deep roots, personal loss, and a quest to rediscover purpose.

Stephen opens up about reconnecting with his Sicilian heritage alongside his wife, Laura, after the tragic loss of their daughter. What began as a healing journey to learn Italian grew into a remarkable project: translating Sicilian Avengers, a story that hadn’t been told to English-speaking readers. Emerging from the dark streets and subterranean caves of Palermo, the Beati Paoli—a shadowy, masked society of vigilantes—mete out their own brand of justice, countering the unchecked power of the aristocracy. For the oppressed and voiceless, they are defenders and heroes.

Through Stephen's translation, this forgotten tale of justice and intrigue, reminiscent of a Dumas novel, has been brought back to life. As he shares his experience, Stephen reveals the challenges, the rewards, and the sense of purpose this work gave him in a new chapter of life. He also reflects on his tenure at Barnes & Noble, where he and his late brother, Len, transformed a single Manhattan bookstore into the largest bookstore chain in the United States.

For anyone curious about the enduring impact of stories, this episode is an invitation to listen in and perhaps be inspired to seek out the narratives that connect us across time, place, and family.
Stephen Riggio is the former chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble (2002-2012). For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce and book publishing. Riggio has served on the boards of the National Book Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Society, and is a founding member of the AHRC New York City Foundation Board. He and his wife live in New York.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here

General Randy A. George- Transforming in Contact Oct 25, 2024

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The 41st Chief of Staff of the Army invites Joe to the Pentagon for a discussion on innovation, leadership, and the continuous transformation needed to keep the Army at the forefront of modern warfare. General George shares insights from his recent experiences leading the Army through complex changes, touching on battlefield innovation, training at combat training centers, and how leaders at every level must embrace risk to drive progress. In this episode, we discuss:

What it means to “transform in contact”
How empowering soldiers and junior leaders to innovate is crucial for adapting to ever-changing battlefield conditions.
The role of leadership in fostering a culture of growth,
The importance of sharing lessons learned
How personal and professional development go hand-in-hand with leading change.

General Randy A. George assumed duties as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army on September 21, 2023.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here

Joseph McCormack- How to Quit Being a Scattered Leader Oct 12, 2024

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Joe McCormack returns to the show to discuss his newest book: Quiet Works: Making Silence the Secret Ingredient of the Workday . Together, Joe and Joe explore how quiet time enhances leadership, reduces distractions, and improves communication. They share insights on managing workplace noise, the balance between collaboration and focus, and practical strategies to help leaders and teams achieve clarity and purpose through intentional quiet moments. They also discuss:

The curse of the scattered leader
The problems of Too Much Information (TMI) and Too Much Collaboration (TMC)
Why leaders need to take short intentional breaks during the workday
Practical steps leaders can take to reduce noise and improve decision-making, including the importance of quiet reflection.
Tools like journaling, scheduling quiet moments, and establishing boundaries to protect time for deep thinking.

Whether you're looking to boost productivity or improve decision-making, this conversation offers actionable tools to help you thrive in today’s noisy world.

Joe McCormack is the founder and president of The BRIEF Lab, and he’s passionate about helping professionals gain focus and clarity in a world of too much information, too much collaboration, and too much noise.

As an entrepreneur, marketing executive, and author, he is recognized for his work in concise, strategic communication and leadership development.

Joe has written three books—a trilogy—that outline and promote the personal and professional benefits of clear thinking and concise communication.

His podcast, “Just Saying,” helps professionals become effective and efficient communicators in an age of information overload.

Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Joe served as Senior Vice President at Ketchum, a top-five marketing agency in Chicago. He received a BA in English Literature from Loyola University of Chicago where he graduated with honors. He is fluent in Spanish and has broad international experience. Joe and his wife Julie split their time between Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Chicago, Illinois.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.

Chase Jarvis- Quit Playing it Safe! Oct 04, 2024

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In this episode, Joe welcomes Chase Jarvis, a creative powerhouse, entrepreneur, and author of Never Play It Safe. Chase shares how his own journey, from professional soccer aspirations to becoming a world-renowned photographer, taught him that real growth happens on the other side of fear. Together, they dive into actionable strategies for reclaiming creativity, focusing your attention, and leveraging failure as a tool for success. Joe and Chase also discuss:

Stepping out of your comfort zone for better opportunities and connections.
The seven key levers for success that everyone can use.
Using leverage to get maximum results with smart effort.
The importance of focus, attention, and finding flow.
Learning from failure and adapting quickly to succeed.

Chase Jarvis is an award-winning photographer, entrepreneur, and the founder of CreativeLive, an online learning platform with over 10 million students. His work spans global campaigns for brands like Nike and Apple, and he's been named one of the most influential photographers of the last decade. Beyond photography, Chase is a best-selling author, podcast host, and a thought leader in creativity, innovation, and personal growth. His latest book, Never Play It Safe, explores the power of stepping outside your comfort zone to unlock true potential. Through his podcast and platform, Chase empowers people to pursue their passions and build meaningful careers.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.

Jack Carr- The Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror Sep 27, 2024

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Joe Byerly welcomes back Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL and bestselling author to discuss his first nonfiction work, Targeted Beirut, which explores the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, a pivotal moment in U.S. military history and the War on Terror. Together, they discuss the strategic missteps, the human toll of national security decisions, and the lessons that remain relevant for military leaders today. Jack and Joe also cover:

Why leaders should study the past
The lessons of the 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing
How the U.S. involvement in Beirut shaped the War on Terror
The human toll of conflict
Resilience in war
and much more!

From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, The Terminal List.

Since then, he has captivated readers worldwide with the gripping tales of James Reece in his New York Times bestselling novels True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil’s Hand, In the Blood, and Only the Dead.

The Terminal List was adapted into a thrilling #1 Amazon Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt and has been greenlit for a second season based on Jack’s second novel True Believer (release date TBA).

In addition, a prequel origin story series based on the character Ben Edwards titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf starring Taylor Kitsch is currently in production.
A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.

Erin Wade- Mac & Cheese, Mental Health, and Managing Teams Sep 20, 2024

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Erin Wade, founder and former CEO of Homeroom, a mac-and-cheese restaurant in Oakland, to discuss her latest book: The Mac and Cheese Millionaire: Building a Better Business by Thinking Outside the Boxand her journey from being an unfulfilled attorney to a successful entrepreneur. Erin opens up about the lessons learned while building a company culture that balances freedom with structure, and how she turned her passion into a thriving business. Joe and Erin dive into the power of titles, leadership, and the importance of creating a workplace that people genuinely want to be a part of.
Episode Topics:

Erin’s transition from law to the restaurant industry.
The balance between freedom and structure in leadership.
How facing struggles shaped Erin’s entrepreneurial journey.
The role of intentional culture-building in business success.
Leadership beyond titles and the power of influence.

Watch the interview here.
Erin Wade is a best-selling author, chef, and entrepreneur. Erin opened a cultishly popular restaurant, Homeroom, which has been covered everywhere from Cooking Channel to The Wall Street Journal. She authored The Mac & Cheese Millionaire, the best-selling The Mac and Cheese Cookbook, and a viral op-ed in the Washington Post about her restaurant’s solution to sexual harassment that was named one of the publication’s best of the year.

Erin's work on business culture has been covered in Forbes and The New York Times, and she was named one of thirty-five “World-Changing Women” by Conscious Company magazine. Erin has a public policy degree from Princeton and a law degree from UC Berkeley. She lives in the Bay Area with her family and an array of surfboards.

A special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.

Jacob Cool- Finding the Strength to Move Forward Sep 07, 2024

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On June 17, 2020, while deployed to Afghanistan, Jacob Cool was woken at 2 a.m. with the devastating news of his 16-year-old son’s sudden death due to an undiagnosed heart condition. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Jacob grappled with the overwhelming pain and questioned his own will to live, reflecting on how he avoided becoming another military suicide statistic. Through deep reflection, he uncovered the strength of his family's resilience, built long before the tragedy struck. Now, Jacob is on a mission to share his hard-earned wisdom on resilience and preparedness.

In this powerful episode, Joe and Jacob discuss:

The habits and foundational practices to cultivate before life's challenges arise.
Steps to take immediately when faced with a personal tragedy.
The importance of building a support system and accessing the right professional help.
Life maintenance strategies to bolster physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Jacob’s journey offers proven lessons on resilience, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to prepare themselves for life’s unexpected challenges.

Guy Kawasaki- Do Good Shit Aug 17, 2024

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Join Joe as he sits down with Silicon Valley legend Guy Kawasaki, author of Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference. In this episode, they dive into what it truly means to “Do Good Shit” and how to make a lasting impact on the world. Guy shares insights from his remarkable career and discusses key themes including:

Embracing vulnerability and the power it brings to personal growth
Battling impostor syndrome and the importance of pushing past self-doubt
Learning from failure and using it as a stepping stone to success
Connecting the dots in your life and understanding how past experiences shape your future
Finding and nurturing your passions by pursuing interests that resonate with you

Tune in to discover how you can lead with authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.
Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist ofCanvaand the creator of Guy Kawasaki’s Remarkable Peoplepodcast. He is an executive fellow of the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley), and adjunct professor of the University of New South Wales. He was the chief evangelist of Apple and a trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation. He has written Wise Guy, The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and eleven other books. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA, and an honorary doctorate from Babson College.
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.

General Scott Miller- The Lessons of War and Life Aug 09, 2024

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General Scott Miller, U.S. Army Retired, returns to the show to reflect on a storied career spanning nearly four decades, offering candid insights on the key moments that shaped his leadership. In this episode, Joe and General Miller dive deep into foundational experiences that forged Miller’s approach to command, sharing valuable lessons that apply whether you're leading in the military or the corporate world. Miller also shares poignant reflections on his transition to civilian life, highlighting the challenges and offering a stark warning to military leaders about the dangers they may face in the process.
General Austin "Scott" Miller, assuming the role of Executive Chairman for Prairie Fire Nevada in January 2023, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 38 years in uniform. Graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983, he retired from active duty in 2021, leaving an indelible mark on some of the world's most complex geopolitical landscapes.

Throughout his tenure, General Miller, an Airborne-Ranger and Infantry officer, commanded at various levels, from leading a company in Korea to spearheading the TF Ranger assault force in Mogadishu during the infamous "Blackhawk Down" incident. His leadership extended to commanding the Joint Special Operations Command and culminated in serving as the final commander of NATO's Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces Afghanistan.

A stalwart figure in the Global War on Terror, General Miller distinguished himself as one of the earliest Americans to engage in the pursuit of Usama Bin Laden and other high-value targets. His extensive combat experience includes commanding multiple Special Operation Task Forces across the Middle East and South Asia.

Notably, as commanding general of the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning in 2014, General Miller led efforts to integrate women into the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger School, a pivotal step forward in gender equality within the military.

General Miller's accolades include two Combat Infantryman Badges, two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and a remarkable 20 Overseas Service Bars, underscoring his unparalleled dedication with over a decade spent in combat zones. (Bio Courtesy of PrarieFire Nevada)
Special thanks to this week's sponsors!
Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!
Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units
My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else! Learn more here.

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