In this episode, Major General Bill Bowers, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, shares powerful leadership lessons from his time as a young lieutenant to a two-star general, reflecting on mentorship, peer accountability, recruiting challenges, and the evolving responsibilities of military leadership.

Welcome to the first Moments in Leadership episode of 2025! This episode marks four years of the podcast, and we’re honored to feature Major General Bill Bowers, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. A longtime friend of host David B. Armstrong, General Bowers reflects on his leadership journey, the critical role of mentorship, and how peer accountability shaped his career from his early days as a young lieutenant to his current role leading Marine Corps recruiting.

In this engaging and insightful conversation, General Bowers and Dave discuss:

• The power of peer accountability and why young leaders need idealism
• Lessons from early leadership mistakes and the importance of learning from failure
• How mentorship from senior enlisted leaders can shape careers
• The challenges of recruiting and retaining the right Marines in today’s environment
• The role of awards and recognition in motivating Marines
• How young officers can prepare for command and build lasting relationships

General Bowers also shares incredible stories from his time in the field, including a mess night surprise that changed a Marine’s future and how recruiting is more than just numbers—it’s about changing lives.

Whether you’re a junior officer, an aspiring leader, or someone interested in the inner workings of Marine Corps leadership, this episode delivers practical leadership lessons, personal anecdotes, and deep insights from one of the Marine Corps’ top generals.

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Welcome to another powerful episode of Moments in Leadership. In this episode, host Dave Armstrong delves deep into the experiences and insights of our distinguished guest, Fleet Master Chief Dave Isom. Join us as we explore the changing dynamics of leadership in the military, the culture of questioning among junior personnel, and the integral role mentorship plays in shaping great leaders.

Fleet Isom shares his journey through the ranks, from his initial service in the regular Navy to his esteemed position in the Navy SEALs, highlighting the unique leadership challenges within SEAL teams. He reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from mentors and discusses the balance between formal authority and personal connection in effective leadership.

We also uncover the importance of the Chief's Mess, the impact of diverse career experiences, and practical advice for junior officers and enlisted leaders. Fleet Isom opens up about his career decisions, the significance of taking care of team members, and the essential nature of planning for retirement.

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on building a leadership culture that thrives on trust, learning from failure, and fostering a supportive network. Whether you're in the military or seeking leadership insights, Fleet Isom's experiences and advice will leave you inspired and equipped for your own leadership journey. Tune in as we honor the journey of a remarkable leader and explore the defining moments that shaped his career.

Welcome to “Humans Are More Important Than Hardware"– let's dive in.

SgtMaj Cuadro is my first female enlisted leader and was a recommendation from several other SgtMajs, so I knew this would be a good one. And it is.

Support this project on Supercast: Moments In Leadership Supercast
Visit the Moments in Leadership website:
Follow on Instagram:
Email: themiloffice@gmail.com