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The Cutlass Podcast — Government
The Cutlass Podcast

Building Sturdy, Credible, and Versatile Leaders and Managers

Leadership isn’t defined by rank or title. It’s earned through experience, strengthened through adversity, and demonstrated through action.

Established in 2020, The Cutlass Podcast was created by retired Navy Fleet Master Chief Paul Kingsbury to explore the principles, challenges, and experiences that shape effective leadership. Rooted in the traditions and lessons of U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officers, the podcast brings together military leaders, veterans, industry professionals, and other influential voices to share insights that transcend the military and apply to leadership at every level.

Through candid conversations, personal stories, and practical lessons, we explore leadership development, mentorship, accountability, resilience, organizational culture, and the challenges of leading people in an ever-changing world.

Our mission is simple: To build sturdy, credible, and versatile leaders and managers by sharing real-world experiences, challenging conventional thinking, and inspiring continuous personal and professional growth.

Whether you’re leading Sailors, managing a business, mentoring the next generation, or simply striving to become a better leader, The Cutlass Podcast delivers conversations designed to inform, challenge, and inspire.

Sharpen your leadership. Lead with purpose. Welcome to The Cutlass Podcast.

Copyright: © Paul Kingsbury

Latest Episodes:

Command & Control! Running Meetings That Work! Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

In today’s fast-paced work environment, meetings have become a necessary evil. Often, we find ourselves questioning the purpose and productivity of these gatherings. However, with the right strategies, meetings can become powerful tools for collaboration and decision-making. In this episode, we’ll explore seven essential tips for improving meetings, drawing insights from retired Force Master Chief Toby Ruiz.

So You Want to Work as an SEL on a Flag or General Officer Staff?! Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Cutlass podcast, Paul Kingsbury and retired Force Master Chief Toby Ruiz discuss the journey of senior enlisted leadership within the Navy, particularly focusing on the transition to senior enlisted leadership roles and the unique challenges faced at the flag/general officer level. They explore the expectations of the role, importance of mentorship, the dynamics of working on a flag staff, and the skills necessary for success in these positions. The conversation emphasizes the need for humility, preparation, and the ability to build strong relationships within the military hierarchy.

To learn more about the National Chief Petty Officers Association check out our website www.navychief.org. The guides mentioned in the podcast can be purchased at the "Chief Petty Officers Guide" or "The Petty Officers Guide" or at your online bookstore of choice.

The Cutlass Leadership Philosophy and Framework (Episode 1) May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode I'm taking time to explain what shapes my leadership philosophy and review the fundamental leadership and management concepts I'll use in future episodes and discussions. To learn more check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide at or watch my YouTube videos!

Success is a Journey, Not a Destination! An Interview with MCPON John Hagan Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Cutlass Podcast, host Paul Kingsbury interviews John Hagan, the eighth Master Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. Hagan shares his journey from joining the Navy to becoming a Chief Petty Officer and ultimately to his selection as MCPON. They also talk about the influence of mentors and role models, the challenges of the drug problem in the Navy during that time, and the importance of informal discussions and peer-to-peer relationships in the Chief's mess. John also talks about the concept of success as a journey, not a destination, and the balance between the mission and taking care of people.

When & How To Use Punishment as a Leader May 28, 2024

Show notes

How willing, able, and comfortable are you at applying pressure and imposing "cost" when the situation requires it? Navy and USCG Chiefs have been doing it for decades! Creator and host of the They Had to Go Out Podcast, USCG Chief Petty Officer Phil Null and I continue our discussion on using "carrots and sticks" as leadership tools. For additional information about this topic check out chapter six of the Chief Petty Officer's Guide.

How to Use Your Writing Skills As a Leadership Tool May 21, 2024

Show notes

Writing skills are crucial to giving you and your people a professional edge. Most leaders have insights, opinions, and sound recommendations on how things are getting done and how they could be better. And they are very willing to discuss these things in small, face-to-face venues and miss the opportunity to use writing as a broader tool of influence. Join retired naval aviator and TOPGUN instructor, former chief speechwriter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and author of "Topgun's Top 10", Guy Snodgrass and I as we share how leaders can and should use writing as a key tool of influence. For additional insights and advice on this topic, check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide. Thumbnail photo: U.S. Naval Institute.

How to Manage Team Fatigue and Endurance May 14, 2024

Show notes

Whats your current attitude toward managing your team's fatigue and endurance? Do you take a "just suck it up" approach or do you actively work to help your team manage it and the adverse impacts fatigue can have on readiness and safety? Join award winning author Dr. John Cordle and I as we explore your role and responsibility in positively shaping this aspect of team productivity. For additional insights and advice, check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide. Other resources include the Naval Postgraduate School Crew Endurance page and the 2015 RAND study on sleep deprivation.

How To Get the Results & Standards You Want!! May 07, 2024

Show notes

Performance to STANDARDS! Your boss expects it and the word standard is thrown around a lot, but have you paused to really think about how to establish, communicate, enforce, shape adherence to, and get feedback on them? Join me and my anonymous guest who is the creator and host of the "Don't Give Up the Ship" podcast as we dive into the topic of standards and offer a framework any leader or manager can use. For additional insights and advice, check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide which can be found at https://www.usni.org/press/books/chief-petty-officers-guide-2nd-edition. Check out the Don't Give Up the Ship podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-give-up-the-ship-podcast/id1097336671.

Reflecting on Your Leadership Image Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

You may think you're a good leader, but what do your people think?! Join retired Command Master Chief Richard Curtis, former Director of the U.S. Navy's Senior Enlisted Academy, and Senior Enlisted Advisor for Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets as we talk Implicit Leadership Theory. We'll work to put the theory into real world context to help you understand how your teams and followers make value judgments about your leadership effectiveness. An important insight to help increase your versatility that you won't want to miss! For additional insights and advice, check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide which can be found at https://www.usni.org/press/books/chief-petty-officers-guide-2nd-edition.

Coaching and Performance Feedback Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

Coaching is a powerful communication technique that helps your people identify their strengths and weaknesses while outlining goals for performance improvement. In this episode, Paul Kingsbury and Toby Ruiz discuss the importance of coaching and performance feedback in leadership development. They explore the attributes of effective coaches, the role of coaching in improving efficiency and personal growth, and how the situational leadership model of coaching fits into different leadership styles. Additionally, they differentiate between performance feedback, coaching, and mentoring, highlighting the unique characteristics of each approach.

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