Jocko Willink is a figure within military circles and in the wider domain of leadership cultivation and enhancement. His experience as a former Navy SEAL, one of the most exacting and elite military units in the world, makes up the foundation of his philosophy regarding leadership.

Willink transitioned from a commander in a SEAL team to a civilian leadership mentor and writer. He has experience in both military endeavors and the strategic, often complex realm of organizational leadership. This dual background informs his written works. As a leadership counselor and podcaster, he applies his military experience to non-military contexts.

Willink’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, accountability, and practical problem-solving. His military experiences, notably his deployments in Iraq, provide backdrops that illustrate his leadership theories. His leadership approach underscores Decentralized Command and adaptability, and draws from his time as a SEAL officer under high pressure. Willink illustrates how making the wrong decision can have serious consequences. In Leadership Strategy and Tactics, Willink describes the leadership he refined in the SEALs to a broader audience.

In addition to being an author, Willink also has a podcast, “The Jocko Podcast.