How is a leader supposed to balance mentorship with authority? And how should they balance professional duties with family responsibilities without sacrificing one or the other? Space Force Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess—who leads thousands of joint-service personnel—has learned a lot about these seemingly contradictory dimensions of leadership in his 33-year career in the military. He joined “Building Better Leaders” to share some of those lessons, particularly in the realm of consciously developing and improving the individuals who depend on you to lead them.

Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton is the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, one of only 11 combatant commands in the Department of Defense. That makes him one of the highest-ranking individuals not just in the Air Force, but across every branch of our entire nation’s military: he leads 41,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and civilians in global nuclear operations and strategic deterrence. Cotton is an incredible first guest on “Building Better Leaders,” where he candidly presented current and aspiring leaders at every level—inside the military and outside—with astonishing insights into the nuts and bolts of leadership.

Listen to select moments from upcoming conversations with fighter pilots, guardians, CEOs, and wide range of influential leaders. You’ll hear quick hits on decision-making, trust, and building resilient teams, from the flight line to the boardroom.

The Doolittle Leadership Center's podcast, Building Better Leaders, features candid conversations with a wide range of influential leaders about their stories— and how they have learned to lead. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC's on-location leader development workshops.