The Ed Mylett Show
He Was in the Pentagon on 9/11 | The Truth About Real Leadership Feat. Vice Admiral James Crawford
Episode Summary
AI-generated · Apr 2026AI-generated summary — may contain inaccuracies. Not a substitute for the full episode or professional advice.
Ed Mylett hosts Vice Admiral James Crawford, the former highest-ranking attorney in the U.S. military (JAG) and current President of Texas Southern University, for a profound discussion on what true, servant leadership entails. Crawford, who was present in the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks, distills his decades of experience leading through conflict and transformation, arguing that authentic leadership is built on a foundation of character, humility, and unwavering dedication to people and a mission greater than oneself. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a leader forged in the crucible of national service and committed to empowering others.
Crawford recounts his harrowing experience inside the Pentagon on 9/11, emphasizing how crisis reveals true character and the importance of reverting to one's training and core values. He explains his post-military decision to pivot to higher education, specifically Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), driven by the pillars of "faith, family, and service" instilled by his parents. His goal was to "enable others to have the same rich and vibrant life" he had, a continuation of his deep-seated desire to serve.
He introduces the concept of humility as a leader's "greatest shield against the leader's greatest enemy… that leader's ego and the arrogance," advocating for a leadership style that fosters an environment where others can innovate. Citing John C. Maxwell, Crawford reinforces that "leadership is about people and for people," illustrating this with the Navy Admiral's philosophy: "mission first, people always." He also stresses the critical impact of a leader's "unguarded moments" – actions when they believe they are unobserved – on team trust and consistency.
The conversation also delves into the future of education, with Crawford asserting the necessity for institutions to cultivate "constant learners" who are "agile" in the face of rapid technological advancements like AI. He advises young people to embrace "external trends" as a "tailwind" for growth rather than fighting against them, and to overcome fear to take the first step in any new venture. He no longer believes the sharpest intellect is the most important attribute for a leader, instead emphasizing the critical need to identify one's "reservoir of strength"— a deep well of resilience and faith — to withstand inevitable storms.
Listeners will walk away with a transformative understanding of leadership that transcends superficial markers of success, emphasizing the profound impact of values, authenticity, and a steadfast commitment to elevating others in every role, whether in uniform, academia, or business.
👤 Who Should Listen
- Aspiring and current leaders looking for a values-driven, authentic approach to leadership.
- Anyone interested in how to lead effectively during times of crisis and significant change.
- Individuals considering career transitions, especially from military service to civilian leadership or education.
- Entrepreneurs seeking insights on building trust, fostering innovation, and the dynamics of partnership.
- Educators and administrators pondering the future of higher education and preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.
- Listeners seeking inspiration on resilience, humility, and finding a deep purpose beyond personal achievement.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- 1.True leadership is revealed in times of crisis, where individuals revert to their training and core character, highlighting the importance of having strong foundational values.
- 2.Vice Admiral Crawford’s personal ethos of "faith, family, and service" guided his career choices, leading him to higher education after military service to continue enabling others.
- 3.Humility is paramount for leaders, serving as a shield against ego and arrogance, allowing leaders to embrace self-awareness and foster innovation among their teams.
- 4.The principle of "mission first, people always" emphasizes that mission accomplishment is inextricably linked to prioritizing the well-being and development of the people executing it.
- 5.A leader's "unguarded moments" — their actions when they believe they are unobserved — are profoundly more impactful than their scripted messages in building trust and demonstrating authenticity.
- 6.In a rapidly changing world, leaders and individuals must cultivate "strategic patience" while maintaining a "sense of urgency," constantly learning, and embracing agility.
- 7.The most crucial attribute for a leader is not being the "sharpest tool" or possessing the most intellect, but rather understanding and drawing upon their "reservoir of strength" to navigate unforeseen challenges.
💡 Key Concepts Explained
Servant Leadership
This leadership style prioritizes valor, service, and dedication to a mission greater than oneself, focusing on enabling others. Vice Admiral Crawford exemplifies this by choosing to lead in higher education to empower students after a decorated military career.
Mission First, People Always
A leadership mantra that balances the criticality of accomplishing the mission with the unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of the people involved. It highlights that the mission cannot succeed sustainably without prioritizing the human element, as articulated by a senior Navy leader.
Unguarded Moments
Refers to a leader's actions and behavior when they believe they are not being observed. This episode emphasizes that these moments are often more powerful and impactful than scripted messages, as they reveal a leader's true authenticity and character, profoundly influencing team trust and perception.
Reservoir of Strength
This concept describes an internal wellspring of resilience, values, or faith that a leader draws upon during challenging times. Vice Admiral Crawford argues that this is more critical than intellect or talent alone for withstanding significant adversity and consistently leading forward.
Strategic Patience with a Sense of Urgency
A leadership approach that acknowledges that significant, lasting change takes time, thus requiring patience. However, it also demands a continuous, underlying sense of urgency to ensure progress is made and momentum is not lost, balancing long-term vision with immediate action and accountability.
⚡ Actionable Takeaways
- →Identify your core values and use them as guiding pillars for all major life and career decisions, similar to how Vice Admiral Crawford prioritizes faith, family, and service.
- →Cultivate humility by recognizing what you don't know and actively seeking solutions from those around you, giving your team space to think and innovate.
- →Practice the "mission first, people always" philosophy by ensuring that while you focus on objectives, you consistently prioritize and integrate the needs and development of your team.
- →Be acutely aware of your "unguarded moments" and strive for consistency between your public vision and your private conduct, knowing that authenticity builds profound trust.
- →Commit to continuous learning and agility, actively monitoring "external trends" in your field to ensure you and your organization are prepared for rapid change, like the advent of AI.
- →Overcome fear by taking that crucial first step in any new endeavor, remembering that every journey begins with action and not allowing theoretical limits to define your potential.
- →Deliberately identify and nurture your personal "reservoir of strength" (e.g., faith, community, personal resilience) to draw upon when facing significant challenges, as intellect and talent alone may not suffice.
⏱ Timeline Breakdown
💬 Notable Quotes
“"In times of challenge, you become who you are truly."”
“"Humility is the leader's greatest shield against the leader's greatest enemy... that leader's ego and the arrogance."”
“"Mission first, people always."”
“"Leaders must know you're never unobserved. Someone's always watching you."”
“"You will face many defeats in life, but you must never let yourself be defeated."”
“"You do not get to choose your time of testing, but you do get to choose how you're going to respond at that moment of testing."”
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Vice Admiral James Crawford
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