Guest– Blayne Smith and Brandon Young

Apr 16

Ep. 93: Blayne Smith and Brandon Young Explain Why Perseverance Is Greater Than Endurance

Blayne Smith and Brandon Young are two US Army combat veterans who came together in civilian life to start their own company. They’ve now published a new book, Co-Authors of Perseverance > Endurance: Lead with Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together., in which they describe invaluable lessons that they’ve learned from their training, the battlefield, and life since their time in the service.

Resources:

Applied Leadership Partners
Check out their book on our Blue Sky Bookshelf

Chapters
01:04 Introducing Blayne Smith and Brandon Young
Bill introduces the guests, Army Combat veterans Blayne Smith and Brandon Young, who co-authored the book Perseverance >Endurance and discuss their impressive backgrounds and experiences.

04:04 How They Met and Bonded
Blayne and Brandon share the story of how they met after their military service while working at a company that actively sought to hire veterans, highlighting their initial feelings of being out of place.

06:26 Transitioning from Military to Nonprofit
The conversation shifts to their early experiences in the nonprofit sector, where they both contributed to helping veterans transition back into civilian life and the challenges they faced.

10:00 Founding Applied Leadership Partners
Blayne and Brandon discuss the founding of Applied Leadership Partners, a consulting firm aimed at helping organizations navigate growth and adversity through effective leadership.

14:00 The Importance of Leadership in Organizations
The duo emphasizes that many challenges in organizations stem from leadership issues, and they aim to provide practical frameworks to enhance leadership effectiveness.

15:21 Exploring Their Book: ‘Perseverance is Greater Than Endurance’
Blayne and Brandon delve into the key themes of their book, discussing the critical distinction between endurance and perseverance, especially during times of uncertainty.

18:35 Training for Perseverance
The conversation focuses on how to cultivate perseverance, contrasting it with endurance training and discussing practical ways to adapt and grow through challenges.

24:44 The Role of Optimism in Leadership
Blayne and Brandon reflect on the importance of optimism and hope in leadership,discussing how these qualities can inspire teams and foster resilience during difficult times.

30:02 The Power of Perspective
In this chapter, the guests discuss how extending our time horizon can foster optimism, reminding us that difficult moments are temporary. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the mission rather than the discomfort of the present.

33:03 Frameworks for Perseverance
The conversation shifts to the five factors that define perseverance: change, uncertainty, acceptance, choice, and growth. The guests delve into how these elements interconnect and provide a roadmap for navigating challenges.

37:25 Training for Perseverance
Here, the guests explore the role of hope and purpose in developing perseverance, sharing personal anecdotes and insights. They discuss how understanding one’s character and values can guide individuals through tough times.

41:01 Integration Over Balance
The discussion turns to the concept of life integration versus work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of being a whole person in all aspects of life. The guests encourage listeners to manage their energy and presence rather than merely their schedules.

46:14 Facing Challenges with Clarity
In this chapter, the guests reflect on the significance of having a clear mission and priorities during crises. They share a powerful story about a leadership decision made during a critical moment, illustrating the impact of purpose on navigating adversity.

54:03 The Veteran Perspective
The episode concludes with a reflection on the resilience and perseverance of veterans, highlighting their unique experiences and insights.