Guest appearances
Stanley McChrystalEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop
retired general, author of Team of Teams, frequent leadership podcast guest
- Episodes
- 57
- Shows
- 45
- Hours
- ~52
Tracked from 12 Feb 2015 to 17 Dec 2025
Stay in the loop
Get Stanley McChrystal's next appearance by email
No app to install. We email you as soon as a new guest spot drops.
Prefer it in your podcast app? Add a private feed →
GuestVine has tracked 57 episodes across 45 shows, with links to the original publisher audio.
Podcasts Stanley McChrystal has appeared on
The shows with the most detected Stanley McChrystal guest appearances.
- The Burn Bag PodcastLatest appearance: 9 Jun 20254 episodes
- Freedom Pact | Joseph and LewisLatest appearance: 12 Sept 20252 episodes
- Above The BusinessLatest appearance: 8 Sept 20252 episodes
- The Daily StoicLatest appearance: 23 Aug 20252 episodes
- Masters of ScaleLatest appearance: 13 May 20252 episodes
- Rapid ResponseLatest appearance: 13 May 20252 episodes
- The Hard Way With Joe De SenaLatest appearance: 21 Oct 20212 episodes
- The Tim Ferriss ShowLatest appearance: 30 Sept 20212 episodes
Appearance timeline
How often Stanley McChrystal has guested over time — by year, from tracked appearances.
Recent guest appearances
Show 57 episodes — hide
- S4:E126 Live with General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army (Ret.)
S4:E126🎙️ Live with General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army (Ret.) Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ — Season 4:Episode 126 📅 Wednesday, December 17, 2025 ⏰ 6:00 AM PT (San Francisco, CA) | 9:00 AM ET (Alexandria, VA) 📍 LIVE on LinkedIn → [RSVP & Join the Discussion] ⸻ 🪖 Meet My Guest: General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army (Ret.) General Stan McChrystal is one of the most consequential military and leadership thinkers of our time. A retired four-star general, he led Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) during the most transformative era in U.S. counterterrorism history—commanding elite teams responsible for the capture of Saddam Hussein and the operation that eliminated Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He later served as Commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan and NATO ISAF, leading over 150,000 troops from 45 allied nations, and reshaping how coalitions operate in complex, rapidly evolving environments. After retiring from the Army, he founded the McChrystal Group, advising Fortune 500 CEOs, global organizations, and government leaders on adaptability, shared consciousness, and building cohesive “Teams of Teams.” He is also the New York Times bestselling author of 📘 Team of Teams 📙 Leaders: Myth and Reality 📕 My Share of the Task 📗 On Character: Choices That Define a Life — his 2025 instant bestseller exploring how convictions and discipline shape a life of purpose. General McChrystal is a master teacher, national servant, and champion of character-driven leadership—and it is my profound honor to welcome him to the Leadership & Success Podcast. ⸻ 🎧 What You Will Learn… 🔹 How elite teams build trust, speed, and unity under pressure 🔹 Why “shared consciousness and empowered execution” outperform hierarchy 🔹 Leadership lessons from JSOC, Afghanistan, and Special Operations culture 🔹 Why character is the true measure of a leader—and how to develop it daily 🔹 How to lead in complexity, uncertainty, and rapid technological change 🔹 The habits, routines, and disciplines behind a world-class leader 🔹 Insights from his bestselling new book On Character This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of America’s most respected strategic leaders. ⸻ 💬 Join the Conversation! 🗺️ Where are you tuning in from? Drop your city, region, or country in the comments! 🙏🏽 What is one thing you are grateful for today? 💬 Got leadership or national service questions for General McChrystal? Post them below — we will answer them LIVE! ⸻ ⸻ 👇 Your Turn ➡️ What are your top three takeaways from this episode? ➡️ What’s one leadership insight you’re applying this week? ➡️ Tag a colleague, junior officer, or teammate who needs to hear this ❤️🙏🏾
- #388: General Stanley McChrystal - America Could Face Civil War
General Stanley McChrystal is a retired four-star U.S. Army General and former commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.In this episode, General McChrystal and Joe discuss modern times, the potential of civil war, how civil war could start in America, who really holds decision-making power in the US, America's role in global affairs, and more.Buy General McChrystal's book: ‘On Character’ Here: https://www.mcchrystalgroup.com/about/books/detail/2025/01/04/on-character--choices-that-define-a-life00:00 - These Are Dangerous Times03:54 - Risk In Modern Society07:14 - A Power Outage Could Spark Civil War10:13 - We've Lost Personal & Institutional Character15:43 - How Much Influence Does President Trump Really Have On War?21:02 - Where True Power Lays In America27:57 - Civil War & How It Starts32:45 - How We Prevent A Civil War34:41 - The Lesson That America Is Yet To Learn38:40 - Should America Get Involved In Foreign Affairs?41:25 - Will Militaries or Economics Decide The Future of Warfare?43:46 - America Need British & Canadian Forces48:15 - Being Played by Brad Pitt49:55 - How General McChrystal Wants To Be Remembered51:24 - A Conversation About CharacterConnect with us:https://freedompact.co.uk/newsletter (Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Newsletter)www.Instagram.com/freedompactwww.twitter.com/freedompactpod Email: freedompact@gmail.com https://Tiktok.com/personaldevelopment
- Episode 495: Recast of General Stanley McChrystal - Risk: A User's Guide
In this special recast episode, host Bradley Hamney revisits one of his most memorable interviews from the Above The Business podcast archives. Originally recorded several years ago, this conversation with retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal remains as relevant and impactful as ever. This recast episode offers timeless wisdom from a legendary leader that's just as valuable today as when it was first recorded. Bradley admits this was "by far the most nervous I have ever been on a podcast" - and for good reason. General McChrystal literally reported to the President of the United States and is considered one of America's greatest military leaders. Despite Bradley's nerves, General McChrystal couldn't have been more kind and gracious throughout the interview. About General McChrystal: Retired four-star general Stanley A. McChrystal has lived a life associated with the deadly risks of combat. Called "one of America's greatest warriors" by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, he's a transformational leader who revolutionized modern warfare by leading a comprehensive counter-terrorism organization that fused intelligence and operations. Special Announcement: Don't forget to register for Bradley's quarterly planning event for small business owners! Join him on Tuesday, September 23rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time to reflect on Q3 and plan for a fantastic Q4. Register at https://www.blueprintos.com/assets. Thanks to our sponsors... BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks. Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass when you visit www.blueprintos.com! Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch. Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee! Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions. More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business po
- General Stanley McChrystal - Retired Four Star Army General & CEO McChrystal Group On Character, Risk, & Leadership
#226: General Stanley McChrystal, a retired four-star general, is best known for his leadership as commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan and as head of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), where he reshaped counterterrorism efforts and interagency collaboration. Over his decorated military career, he commanded elite units such as the 75th Ranger Regiment and spent more than six years deployed to combat following 9/11. In 2009, he was appointed Commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan and NATO ISAF, leading over 150,000 troops from 45 allied nations until his retirement from the Army in 2010. After retiring from military service, McChrystal founded the McChrystal Group in 2011, a leadership advisory firm that works with global businesses to help them navigate complexity and build stronger, more adaptive teams. He has also served as a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, where he taught courses on leadership. In addition, he sits on the boards of several major companies, including JetBlue Airways, Siemens Government Technology, and Navistar International, and is a highly sought-after public speaker on leadership, organizational culture, and team dynamics. McChrystal is also a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, with works including My Share of the Task , Team of Teams , and Leaders: Myth and Reality, Risk, & On Character . A strong advocate for service and veteran affairs, he chairs the Board of Service Year Alliance, promoting national service opportunities for young Americans. A graduate of West Point and the Naval War College, McChrystal has also completed fellowships at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and the Council on Foreign Relations, further shaping his perspective on leadership, strategy, and civic responsibility. His newest book On Character: Choices that Define a Life can be found in the link below as well as www.mcchrystalgroup.com , Amazon, and where all books are sold. For more on General McChrystal check out www.mcchrystalgroup.com Enjoy the show!
- Your Character Defines Your Life | General Stanley McChrystal (PT. 2)
The test of character is simple: what do you do when you have nothing to lose… or everything? Ryan and General Stanley McChrystal continue their conversation about what true leadership demands, why “later” never comes, how parenting tests your values, and the lessons McChrystal carried into life after the military. General McChrystal is a retired United States Army general best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command in the mid-2000s. He established a consultancy firm, McChrystal Group, in 2011 and advises senior executives at multinational corporations on navigating complex change and building stronger teams. 📚 You can grab signed copies of On Character: Choices That Define A Life by General McChrystal at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/ 🎙️ Listen to General Stanley McChrystal’s first interview on The Daily Stoic Podcast | Apple Podcasts , Spotify, & YouTube 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dailystoicpodcast ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail 🏛 Get Stoic inspir
- General Stanley McChrystal on Character
What does it mean to have character in a world that doesn’t care? Or even worse: platforms and incentivizes a LACK of character? If anyone should know, it’s a retired four-star General whose career ended in resignation. In this episode, Russell talks with General Stanley McChrystal, former commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan and author of On Character: Choices That Define a Life . They discuss the Rolling Stone article that ended McChrystal’s military career, why his wife’s single-word reaction changed the trajectory of his life, and how character is shaped over decades by family, mentors, mistakes, and moral decisions under pressure. Along the way, McChrystal shares his thoughts on why the U.S. needs a mandatory service year as a way to heal divisions, how leadership choices prevented a hostile environment toward Islam in the United States, and his process for making difficult decisions of national importance. Plus, hear a retired four-star general give his take on the tensions in the Middle East and what should be done to ease them. You don’t need to be weighing options of national security to appreciate this conversation — If you’re weary of living in an era that excuses a lack of integrity and honor in its leadership, this conversation may give you hope that it’s possible to bring those back. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: On Character: Choices That Define a Life by Stanley McChrystal Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Carl Sandburg’s six-volume biography of Abraham Lincoln Listener question: Where are all the mature single Christian men? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- The Hard Truth About Character | General Stanley McChrystal (PT. 1)
We control who we are. We control what we do. We control the standards we hold ourselves to. Ryan sits down with retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal to talk about the thing that makes or breaks every person: character. They explain what character actually is, why discipline matters more than raw talent, and how great leaders can lose their way. General McChrystal is a retired United States Army general best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command in the mid-2000s. He established a consultancy firm, McChrystal Group, in 2011 and advises senior executives at multinational corporations on navigating complex change and building stronger teams. 📚 You can grab signed copies of On Character: Choices That Define A Life by General McChrystal at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/ 🎙️ Listen to General Stanley McChrystal’s first interview on The Daily Stoic Podcast | Apple Podcasts , Spotify, & YouTube 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dailystoicpodcast ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail</a
- Stanley McChrystal: Four-star General (Ret.) on character and leadership
General Stanley McChrystal is a retired four-star general and former commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan and the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), where he led the nation's most elite counterterrorism efforts. With 34 years of military service, he's recognized for reshaping modern warfare and pioneering team-based leadership approaches in high-stakes environments. Today, he is the founder and CEO of the McChrystal Group, a leadership advisory firm that helps organizations adapt and thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. He is the author of multiple bestselling books, and his most recent work, On Character: The Choices That Define Us , explores how leaders are remembered—not just for what they achieve, but for who they are. Summary In this conversation, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal reflects on the qualities that define meaningful leadership, focusing on character, culture, and personal growth. He shares how he almost got expelled from West Point for disciplinary issues and poor study habits, and how that period of immaturity helped shape his evolution as a leader. He talks about his famously intense morning routine, including waking up at 4 a.m. and working out for 90 minutes, and how these habits are rooted in self-discipline and clarity of purpose. McChrystal defines character as a combination of convictions and the discipline to live by them. He makes the case that it's not enough to believe in the right things if you don't act on them. He also challenges the idea that someone can be one kind of person in private and another in public. To him, character is consistent, and integrity either holds up across all domains or it doesn't hold up at all. He speaks openly about moral ambiguity in leadership, including moments when he disagreed with decisions made by the administration but chose to follow orders because they were legal and within the boundaries of his role. He warns of the dangers of rationalizing small compromises over time, which can slowly erode a person's values. McChrystal also explains why elite military units like the Rangers are not necessarily made up of elite individuals. What sets them apart is a shared commitment to high standards. He believes the same principle applies in business and argues that a strong organizational culture drives performance more than talent or strategy. The conversation touches on charisma, humility, and how leadership style evolves over time. McChrystal admits he wasn't always consistent in his early years and had to learn to lead in a way that built trust and clarity. He also discusses the importance of critical thinking, especially in an era where media narratives often distort reality. Finally, he reflects on the abrupt end to his military career following the Rolling Stone article and how he chose to move forward rather than dwell on the past. He credits his wife and close friends for helping him shift his focus and find new purpose in civilian life, including launching a leadership advisory firm, teaching at Yale, and writing multiple books. His latest, On Character , is a deep exploration of what it means to live by your values and be someone others can count on. Takeaways <p style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; background: white; margin: 6.0pt 0in 6.0p
- General Stanley McChrystal, Army, Retired
[Archive Interview from Dec 17, 2020] Moral leaders must have a strong sense of purpose and must be willing to put personal desires aside to achieve shared goals, says retired General Stanley McChrystal. “Things only matter if they link to a purpose that we've all looked at and we've all accepted, and we are committed to. As a leader I have to keep pointing where we want to be going,” Stan told Dana H. Born, HOW Institute Fellow on this episode of HOW Conversations. The two also discussed transparent leadership, being intentional within leadership and moral decision making. Gen. McChrystal spoke about leadership built on values and the importance of active citizenship. Stan is the CEO and founder of the McChrystal Group in Alexandria, VA. READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority. We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever and in ways it never has before. Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/
- General Stanley McChrystal: Choices That Define a Life
“When I die, how will I be measured?” For Stanley McChrystal, the answer could be obvious. As a retired four-star general, McChrystal might be measured by his stars (four), commands held, wars fought, or awards and medals received (numerous). But when McChrystal looked back on his life and his current status, he focused on the importance of character, a topic he explores in his new book aptly titled On Character: Choices that Define a Life . Character is, he says, the key to living with purpose and integrity. He says character isn’t something you are born with, nor do you automatically accrue it through education, position, or experience. Instead, he says it is the result of a succession of choices, sometimes mundane ones, sometimes hugely important ones, that together reveal our capacity for virtue. At a time when virtue and character are sometimes hard to identify in leaders, come hear McChrystal in his return to Commonwealth Club World Affairs for a rallying cry to become our best selves—as individual people and as Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Ret. General Stanley McChrystal on Character, Fear, Leadership, Polarization, and More
In this episode, A’ndre speaks with retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal, former commander of Joint Special Operations Command and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Widely recognized for revolutionizing modern counterinsurgency strategy and interagency counterterrorism operations, McChrystal reflects on a lifetime of leadership, failure, resilience, and personal growth through the lens of his new book, On Character: Choices That Define a Life . The conversation begins with McChrystal’s reflections on the defining moment of his resignation from the military and how it reshaped his understanding of identity, accountability, and integrity. He speaks candidly about navigating fear and how it presents itself in warfare and political polarization. General McChrystal also discusses leadership and accountability, drawing on the examples of prior military leaders such as General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Topics covered include: The personal reckoning after his resignation and how it redefined his understanding of character Leading through fear, uncertainty, and moral complexity How belief systems and perception shape conflict, politics, and leadership Bridging division in a polarized society and restoring trust through integrity You can purchase On Character here .
- 426. General Stanley McChrystal explains why WHO we become means more than WHAT we become, with Host Dan Hesse
In this episode of The Mentors Radio, host Dan Hesse talks with General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army General (Ret.), Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan, Leader of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), co-founder and CEO of McChrystal Group, and noted, best-selling author of several books. A one-of-a-kind leader with a new perspective on collaboration and teamwork, General Stan McChrystal is known for helping organizations tap into the potential of their people to better compete in a complex and interconnected world. Following thirty-four years of service in the U.S. Army—including as commander of U.S. and International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) Afghanistan and commander of the nation’s premier counter-terrorism force— General McChrystal delivers his unique blend of on-the- ground experience with decades of leadership to provide practical insight and wisdom to help organizations transform and succeed in challenging, dynamic environments. General McChrystal now leads the McChrystal Group as its founder and CEO, which helps organizations of all types transform how their people, processes, and technology work together to unlock greater speed and adaptability. As the author of several best-selling books, General McChrystal latest examines the character of leaders and what makes someone who they are and, importantly, how they will be remembered. Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO broadcast on Salem Radio in San Francisco, via live-streaming on iHeart Radio worldwide or anytime, on ANY podcast platform, including Apple Podcast, Spotify, iTunes, TuneIN, Stitcher, Google Play and all the others. Sign up for the podcast here . SHOW NOTES: GENERAL STANLEY “STAN” McCHRYSTAL, General Ret., U.S. Army : BIO : https://leadershipheights.org/speaker-series/stanley-mcchrystal/ https://www.boldbusiness.com/human-achievement/stanley-mcchrystal-founder-mcchrystal-group-bold-leader/ BOOKS: NEWEST BOOK: On Character: Choices that Define a Life , by General Stanley McChrystal My Share of the Task: A Memoir , by General Stanley McChrystal Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World , by General Stanley McChrystal Leaders: Myth and Reality , by General Stanley McChrystal Risk: A User’s Guide , by General Stanley McChrystal WEBSITE: McChrystal Group
- On Character with General Stanley McChrystal
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful conversation, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal joins Joe to discuss his new book, On Character: Choices That Define a Life . Drawing from decades of military leadership and personal reflection, General McChrystal breaks down why character is more than just a word—it's a daily practice rooted in conviction and discipline. In this episode, they explore: Why journaling would have made him a better leader A practical method he used to align his time with his priorities in Afghanistan How reading shaped his thinking both in and out of uniform The subtle but dangerous effects of power on rising leaders Why leaders must continuously test their convictions under pressure Whether you're in uniform or leading in another capacity, this episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, courage, and character. Stan McChrystal retired in July 2010 as a four-star general after over 34 years of service in the U.S. Army. His final assignment was as the commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force and all US forces in Afghanistan. He had previously served as the director of the Joint Staff and almost five years in command of the Joint Special Operations Command. General McChrystal’s memoir, My Share of the Task, was a New York Times bestseller in 2013. He is also the author of New York Times bestseller Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World and wrote the forward for the sequel, One Mission:How Leaders Build a Team of Teams. He is a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and a partner at McChrystal Group, where he transforms organizations into adaptable teams. He and his wife, Annie, live in Virginia. A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Veteran-founded Adyton . Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here ! Meet ROGER Bank —a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.
- Four-Star General Stanley McChrystal: What War Taught Me About Resolving Conflict
In this episode, we are honored to have a conversation with General Stanley McChrystal, a legendary military leader. We delve deep into his thoughts on the importance of negotiation in the military, his experiences leading JSOC operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the crucial role of character in leadership. General McChrystal shares valuable insights from his new book, 'On Character: Choices That Define a Life,' and discusses the intricate art of negotiation, from dealing with heads of state to commanding elite special forces, and the value of relationships in both military and civilian spheres. Read the General's New Book: https://bit.ly/3F1aGfx 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:36 General McChrystal's Book: On Character 03:46 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Special Operations 06:34 The Hunt for Al-Qaeda Leader Zarqawi 12:12 Building Trust and Managing Risk in Military Operations 20:00 Interagency Collaboration and Negotiation 34:17 Challenges of Leading International Forces in Afghanistan 36:14 Navigating International Military Partnerships 38:53 The Importance of National Character 42:23 Building Trust with President Karzai 47:41 Challenges in Command and Communication 51:22 Reflections on Leadership and Negotiation 51:56 The Need for Character in Politics 01:01:52 Negotiating with Difficult Parties 01:10:23 Lessons from Military History 01:11:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Host Stan Christensen has spent his career working as a professional negotiator in a variety of arenas. He has also taught a popular course on negotiation at Stanford University for over twenty years. #Negotiation #Stanleymcchrystal #StanChristensen
- S10 E20: Manny Arango, Dr. Emily Anhalt, and General Stanley McChrystal
In this episode, meet self-described “bible nerd” Manny Arango, clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Anhalt, and retired four-star United States Army general General Stanley McChrystal. Hear Manny Arango on addressing modern anxieties through bible study, Dr. Emily Anhalt on what it means to do “emotional push-ups,” and General Stanley McChrystal on how recording his audiobook spurred new reflections on the writing process. Crushing Chaos by Manny Arango https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760932/crushing-chaos-by-manny-arango/9780593950357/ Flex Your Feelings by Dr. Emily Anhalt https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743602/flex-your-feelings-by-dr-emily-anhalt/9798217019496/ On Character by General Stanley McChrystal https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/767689/on-character-by-general-stanley-mcchrystal/9798217080403/
- General Stanley McChrystal's On Character
#ads Stream any unabridged audiobook of your choice with premium access by starting your trial on: https://booksreader.space/al-1944/ Title: On Character Author: General Stanley McChrystal Narrator: General Stanley McChrystal Format: mp3 Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins Release date: 05-13-25 Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 73 ratings Genres: Motivation & Self-Improvement Publisher's Summary: How to measure a life? After a career of service, retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal had much to contemplate. He pondered his successes and failures, his beliefs and aspirations, and asked himself, Who am I, really? And more importantly, who have I become? When I die, how will I be measured? In the end, McChrystal came to a conclusion as simple as it was profound: the reality of who we are cannot be recorded in dates or accomplishments. It is found in our character—the most accurate, and last full measure, of who we choose to be.
- The one trait every leader needs today, with General Stanley McChrystal
Amid polarization, AI disruption, and eroding trust in institutions, retired four-star general, Stanley McChrystal, argues that what leaders need now more than ever, is character. Head of the business consulting firm McChrystal Group, Gen. McChrystal returns to Rapid Response to discuss his new book on the subject of character. From AI ethics and modern warfare to hot-button issues like Signalgate and transgender service in the military, McChrystal explains why character is the foundation of lasting leadership. Drawing from decades of experience, he urges today’s leaders to start standing up for what matters and “be not afraid”. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ More details about On Character: Choices that Define a Life here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
- The one trait every leader needs today, with General Stanley McChrystal
Amid polarization, AI disruption, and eroding trust in institutions, retired four-star general, Stanley McChrystal, argues that what leaders need now more than ever, is character. Head of the business consulting firm McChrystal Group, Gen. McChrystal returns to Rapid Response to discuss his new book on the subject of character. From AI ethics and modern warfare to hot-button issues like Signalgate and transgender service in the military, McChrystal explains why character is the foundation of lasting leadership. Drawing from decades of experience, he urges today’s leaders to start standing up for what matters and “be not afraid”. More details about On Character: Choices that Define a Life here . Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
- #75 Spec Ops General on Leadership Ft. General Stanley McChrystal
How can we incorporate leadership skills into bridge building? What can we learn from a former spec ops general's 'Team of Teams' framework? Join us this week as Manu sits down with General Stanley McChrystal to receive a crash course in leadership skills! General McChrystal's info: Twitter: / Gen_McChrystal McChrystal group website: https://www.mcchrystalgroup.com/about/ PODCAST INFO: Website: thehopefulmajority.com Spotify: spoti.fi/42GYjec Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Youtube: https://bit.ly/youtube-hopefulmajority Instagram: / manumeel_ Twitter: / manumeel_ OUTLINE: 0:00 Intro 2:15 Leadership Development 5:10 The Correct Bedrock 8:55 Convictions in Divided Times 13:50 Overcoming Challanges 19:40 Developing a Resilience Mindset 22:14 Building Trust and Earning Respect 27:50 How Can Leaders Rebuild Trust 33:00 Most Important Presidential Leadership Traits 37:30 Election Incentives 41:30 Building a Shared Purpose 45:05 David Gergen Glazing 47:40 The Role of Service 50:06 Favorite Military Leader 51:56 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Retired 4-Star General Stanley McChrystal: From Military to Business Leadership
Retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal says at the core of good leadership is communication and clear direction, whether commanding troops in battle or leading your team on a business project. He speaks with host Gene Marks on the Paychex THRIVE podcast about good leadership qualities such as self-discipline, adjusting your approach as you gain more experience, getting your hands in the mix regardless of title, and surrounding yourself with people whose skillsets and thought processes augment yours – not duplicate them. Topics Include: 00:00: Opening quote on leadership 01:01: Introduction of General Stanley McChrystal 02:19: Discussion on leadership 08:05: How do age and experiences impact leadership 11:37: Building a team around a good leader 16:02: Demonstrating leadership through actions 20:48: Comparison of running a military outfit vs. a civilian business 21:43: Setting clear standards and expectations in business 24:15: The importance of transparent communication 25:22: Lessons learned and appreciating successes 26:14: Implementation of effective training 27:44: Identifying key influencers and driving changes 30:39: Wrap-up DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
- Four-Star General: Leadership Tactics from Battlefields to Boardrooms | General Stanley McChrystal
What does leadership look like in the middle of a war zone—one of the most dynamic, agile, and consequential environments on the planet? General Stanley McChrystal knows intimately what it’s like – and is committed to teaching his hard-earned leadership insights to others. Heading up the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), he led the U.S. military’s most elite special ops teams against Al-Qaeda in Iraq, and from there was commissioned to command the war on terror in Afghanistan. That mission in itself is treacherous… and General McChrystal also crashed head-on with a political controversy – one that led to the end of his military career but opened the door to teaching leadership at Yale university, authoring multiple bestsellers, founding the McChrystal Group (his well-known management consulting company) and even being portrayed by none other than Brad Pitt in the movie War Machine . What General McChrystal teaches isn’t about battlefield maps and tactics, it’s about building a team that’s informed, committed and focused. And even when the mission isn’t immediately successful, it’s about teaching the importance of risk, failure, and ultimately marching forward. It's a fascinating discussion, rich with gems and insights. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. _________________ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/ Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset Follow us on Instagram , LinkedIn , and X . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
- 348. Host Dan Hesse talks with General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal about Leadership, Building Teams and Risk Management
In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Dan Hesse talks with General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal about his career, leadership, building teams, risk management and more. A one-of-a-kind commander with a new perspective on organizational dynamics, Ret. General Stan McChrystal is known for helping elite teams tap into the potential of their people to better compete in a complex and interconnected world. Few can speak about leadership, teamwork, technology and international affairs with as much insight can he. Ret. General McChrystal is the former Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan, former leader of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and co-founder of The McChrystal Group. His exceptional and innovative understanding of organizational dynamics has led to remarkable achievements in both military and business applications. McChrystal is the author of several best-selling books on leadership, building teams, engagement and risk management. After retiring from the U.S. Army as a four-star general, General McChrystal turned his expertise to the business world. He is the Founder and CEO of the McChrystal Group, which helps Fortune 500 Companies strike the right balance between hierarchical and decentralized team mindsets and structures. He and his firm focus on the power of network analysis and machine learning to strengthen how companies connect, internally and externally. As the author of several best-selling management books, General McChrystal offers a battle-tested system for detecting and responding to risk. Listen to episode below, or on ANY PODCAST PLATFORM here . BE SURE TO LEAVE US A GREAT REVIEW on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share with friends and colleagues! SHOW NOTES: GENERAL (RET.) STANLEY A. MCCHRYSTAL: BIO : https://www.mcchrystalgroup.com/people/stan-mcchrystal/ BOOKS : My Share of the Task: A Memoir , by Stanley McChrystal Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World , by Stanley McChrystal Leaders: Myth and Reality , by Stanley McChrystal Risk: A User’s Guide , by Stanley McChrystal WEBSITE : www.mcchrystalgroup.com/
- Best of: General Stanley McChrystal Applies the Risk Guidebook to Afghanistan
In this "Best of" episode from November 2021, A'ndre and Ryan speak to retired Four Star General Stanley McChrystal about his new book Risk: A User's Guide , applying the principles of risk management to the War in Afghanistan -- a situation the General is very familiar with. We ask General McChrystal to discuss what he defines as the 'Risk Immune System', and to explain the 'Risk Control Factors' that he outlines in the book. General McChrystal, famed for creating a comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan, applies those Risk Control Factors to the situation in Afghanistan, talking about how factors such as narrative, bias, leadership, why we shouldn't fall for the 'Myth of Helplessness' in assessing our performance and failures in Afghanistan. General McChrystal also touches on the issue of diversity -- not necessarily simply diversity in identity, but rather diversity of thought, experience, perspectives, skillsets, and expertise -- and why the U.S. Government and U.S. military were not using diversity on the battlefield. The retired General is also candid about his own successes and failures during his service in Afghanistan, while also offering thoughts on solutions for better risk management -- and whether it was ever too late to apply these solutions to Afghanistan. You can check out General McChrystal's new book Risk: A User's Guide here .
- #132 Ret. Gen. Stanley McChrystal - The Essence of Leadership
Retired United States Army General Stanley McChrystal calls on more than three decades of military experience to discuss the fundamental tenets of leadership, and practical advice for taking calculated risks and making important decisions. This wide-ranging conversation includes insights on mitigating risk, making decisions under uncertainty, why civilian leadership is tougher than military leadership, developing mental toughness, teaching discipline, and so much more. A veteran of four U.S. wars in the Middle East, McChrystal was a four-star general best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command from 2003-08, when he oversaw special operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. His troops were responsible for both the capture of Saddam Hussein in 2003 and the 2006 death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq. After retiring from the military in 2010 he joined Yale University as a Jackson Institute for Global Affairs senior fellow, and in 2011 he founded a consultancy firm, McChrystal Group, which helps organizations tap into human potential in service of stronger business outcomes. -- Want even more? Members get early access, hand-edited transcripts, member-only episodes, and so much more. Learn more here: https://fs.blog/membership/ Every Sunday our Brain Food newsletter shares timeless insights and ideas that you can use at work and home. Add it to your inbox: https://fs.blog/newsletter/ Follow Shane on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/ShaneAParrish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- General Stanley McChrystal (Ret.) On Changing Perception of Risk
What does it mean to be a leader in the modern world? All leaders must contend with challenges and risks, but how you deal with them can set good leaders apart from great ones. Someone who knows this all too well is retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal. General McChrystal is our first-ever guest on the brand new A Healthier Future podcast. In this podcast, Intermountain Healthcare CEO Marc Harrison interviews innovative leaders and explores big ideas around transforming the future of healthcare. General McChrystal is someone who has seen the thick of combat and gained invaluable wisdom about risk and leadership. Now the Founder and CEO of McChrystal Group, McChrystal helps organizations tap into the potential of their people to become better leaders. In episode one, General McChrystal shares his fantastic insights and advice for others on risk, leadership, and much more. Listen to the full episode to find out: How Stanley’s background led him to where he is today What growing up in a military family taught him Why you should always “focus forward” Why redemption and a belief in change are so important How to think about risk in a different way Why old leadership styles don’t work anymore Why leaders have more responsibility these days The trick to being optimistic Key Links McChrystal Group Risk: A User’s Guide Intermountain Healthcare
- 057 | Stanley McChrystal and Anna Butrico | Building your risk immune system for resilience
This episode is a real gem, filled with wisdom. Co-authors General Stan McChrystal and Anna Butrico join me to talk about leadership, risk, resilience, adaptability and what they call our risk immune system. We discuss the risks associated with a global pandemic, special military operations, and how to navigate a complex changing environment in corporations. Show notes: General McChrystal was a green beret, ranger and paratrooper during his career. He is perhaps best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in the mid-2000s. As you might guess, he was no stranger to risk. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates described McChrystal as "perhaps the finest warrior and leader of men in combat I ever met." After retiring from the military, McChrystal founded the McChrystal Group in January 2011 to deliver innovative leadership solutions to businesses globally in order to help them transform and succeed in challenging, dynamic environments. Anna Butrico is an Associate at McChrystal Group where she focuses on thought leadership. Currently, she is the co-author with General Stan McChrystal’s for their newly released book, "Risk: A User's Guide" https://www.amazon.com/Risk-Users-Guide-Stanley-McChrystal/dp/0593192206/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1639525798&sr=8-1 "Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World" https://www.amazon.com/Team-Teams-Rules-Engagement-Complex/dp/1591847486/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1639526621&sr=8-1 Both Stan and Anna can be reached through the McChrystal group at www.mcchrystalgroup.com
- Stanley McChrystal and Anna Butrico, "Risk: A User's Guide" (Portfolio, 2021)
Today's guest is former US Army general, Stanley McChrystal. A retired four-star general with 34 years of service, Stanley was the commander of all US and coalition forces in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. Previously, he served as commander of JSOC or the Joint Special Operations Command, overseeing the US military’s most elite units including Delta Force and SEAL Team 6. According to journalist Sean Naylor, in his Book, Relentless Strike, McChrystal was, “the general whose vision and intensity transformed JSOC into a global man-hunting machine.” His tenure included the capture of Saddam Hussein and the killing infamous terrorist, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Today Stanley is founder and CEO of the McChrystal Group, a strategic consulting firm. He is also a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. His new book is, Risk. A User’s Guide, published by Portolio in October of 2021. Colin Miller and Dr. Keith Mankin host the popular medical podcast, PeerSpectrum . Colin works in the medical device space and Keith is a retired pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/medicine
- Stanley McChrystal and Anna Butrico, "Risk: A User's Guide" (Portfolio, 2021)
Today's guest is former US Army general, Stanley McChrystal. A retired four-star general with 34 years of service, Stanley was the commander of all US and coalition forces in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. Previously, he served as commander of JSOC or the Joint Special Operations Command, overseeing the US military’s most elite units including Delta Force and SEAL Team 6. According to journalist Sean Naylor, in his Book, Relentless Strike, McChrystal was, “the general whose vision and intensity transformed JSOC into a global man-hunting machine.” His tenure included the capture of Saddam Hussein and the killing infamous terrorist, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Today Stanley is founder and CEO of the McChrystal Group, a strategic consulting firm. He is also a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. His new book is, Risk. A User’s Guide, published by Portolio in October of 2021. Colin Miller and Dr. Keith Mankin host the popular medical podcast, PeerSpectrum . Colin works in the medical device space and Keith is a retired pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Stanley McChrystal and Anna Butrico, "Risk: A User's Guide" (Portfolio, 2021)
Today's guest is former US Army general, Stanley McChrystal. A retired four-star general with 34 years of service, Stanley was the commander of all US and coalition forces in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. Previously, he served as commander of JSOC or the Joint Special Operations Command, overseeing the US military’s most elite units including Delta Force and SEAL Team 6. According to journalist Sean Naylor, in his Book, Relentless Strike, McChrystal was, “the general whose vision and intensity transformed JSOC into a global man-hunting machine.” His tenure included the capture of Saddam Hussein and the killing infamous terrorist, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Today Stanley is founder and CEO of the McChrystal Group, a strategic consulting firm. He is also a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. His new book is, Risk. A User’s Guide, published by Portolio in October of 2021. Colin Miller and Dr. Keith Mankin host the popular medical podcast, PeerSpectrum . Colin works in the medical device space and Keith is a retired pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/national-security
- Army General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal: "The Greatest Risk Is Us" - So What is the Solution? (#69)
Former Commander of Afghanistan General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal shares lessons from Afghanistan, the impact of the withdrawal, what makes a great leader and what he is most proud of in his career. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates has described General McChrystal as, "Perhaps the finest warrior and leader of men in combat I have ever met." Learn what General McChrystal believes to be the biggest risk facing the U.S. and the solution. Gen. McChrystal rose to four-star general in the U.S. Army and Commander of both the International Security Assistance Force and Commander of the U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. He previously served as Director of the Joint Staff and as Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command. He is the author of several books, including Leaders and Risk, and is currently a senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and co-founder of the McChrystal Group, a leadership consulting firm.
Stanley McChrystal has appeared on 57 recent podcast episodes across 45 different shows. GuestVine keeps this list complete and up to date — new appearances are added automatically and delivered to the podcast player you already use.
Frequently asked
- What podcasts has Stanley McChrystal been on?
- Stanley McChrystal has appeared on 57 recent podcast episodes across 45 shows, including The Burn Bag Podcast, Freedom Pact | Joseph and Lewis, Above The Business.
- What is Stanley McChrystal's latest podcast appearance?
- The latest detected appearance is “S4:E126 Live with General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army (Ret.)” on Leadership and Success with Coach BZ, published 17 Dec 2025.
- How many hours of Stanley McChrystal podcast interviews are there?
- GuestVine has tracked about 52 hours of Stanley McChrystal guest appearances across 57 episodes, going back to 12 Feb 2015.
- How does GuestVine keep this list updated?
- GuestVine tracks delivered guest appearances, excludes own-show episodes where possible, and links back to the original publisher audio. New appearances are added automatically as they are detected.
Are you Stanley? Add your live appearances to your site →
This page updates automatically every time Stanley guests on a podcast. Link it from your site or bio so your audience always finds your latest appearances — and share it anywhere:
Paste this link into your site
<a href="https://guestvine.fm/p/stanley-mcchrystal">Stanley McChrystal — podcast appearances</a>





