What does it really take to lead in today’s uncertain, high-stakes world? According to General James “Spider” Marks—a West Point grad, decorated U.S. Army intelligence leader, and former CNN national security analyst—it’s not titles or talk that define a leader. It’s behavior.
In this powerful two-part conversation, Spider joins Dr. Foster Mobley on Step Wise to share hard-earned leadership truths from over 40 years at the highest levels of military and corporate life. In Part 1, they dig into why real leadership often begins with pain—not pleasure, the role of vulnerability in effective executive leadership, and how accountability, sacrifice, and integrity build trust and impact.
This episode is for current and aspiring leaders, executives navigating change, and anyone committed to leading with purpose and action—not just words.
🎧 Listen now to explore:
- Why “behavior over beliefs” is Spider’s north star
- The danger of a “comfort crisis” in modern leadership
- How to lead turnarounds and earn trust—starting on Day One
- The overlooked power of vulnerability in command
- What it really means to show up for your team
New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe to Step Wise wherever you get your podcasts.
#Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #CareerGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #StepWisePodcast #SpiderMarks #FosterMobley
Learn more about Foster at fostermobleymt.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at Foster Mobley.
www.instagram.com/fostermobley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fostermobley/
To purchase Dr. Foster Mobley's book, Leadersh*t: Rethinking the True Path to Great Leading, click here.
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