Is your leadership making a positive impact on those you lead? How do you achieve leadership that makes a difference and changes people for the better?
Scott Robison knows all about investing in people and their talent to make a better version of themselves and how to lead a powerful force, but this knowledge hasn’t come easy; it’s taken years of experience and learning.
In this episode of the Veteran Led podcast, Scott shares with us his top lessons on becoming a leader who harvests positive impact and helps people in the community.
Scott Robison is not only a retired officer, but he is also an entrepreneur and started a non-profit organization.
From a quiet, sports-loving child to rubbing shoulders with Owen Wilson to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Scott Robison’s life story is nothing short of intriguing.
Robison spent 22 years serving as an Army Special Forces officer. This wasn’t merely a career choice for him; it was a commitment to a cause greater than himself.
His transition from the military didn’t mean the end of his leadership career; instead, it marked the beginning of a new chapter.
He embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, establishing Cadet Holdings, a consulting group that now has over 50 clients.
The leadership skills and strategic thinking cultivated during his military service were key drivers behind the success of this venture.
In 2016, Robison also founded Robison Ranch. This isn’t just any ranch; it’s a place that offers equine therapy as a form of treatment for PTSD and other physical and medical conditions for veterans and first responders.
This initiative underscores Robison’s enduring commitment to community service and his desire to give back to those who have served this country.
Scott’s transition from military service to the business world wasn’t a shot in the dark. It was all part of the plan.
He knew what he wanted, and he laid out the steps he needed to take to make his entrepreneurial dreams come true and reach his goals.
Along his journey, there were some tempting job offers that could’ve made anyone think twice. But Scott? He didn’t waver.
His crystal-clear understanding of his values and his goals kept him on track. He turned down these offers because he had a different endgame in mind – one that aligned with his burning desire to give back to his community.
While working at Operational Test Command, Scott often visited the warrior transition unit at Fort Hood.
It was here that he encountered soldiers in their most vulnerable states – injured or shot, waiting to learn if they would continue serving in the military or be discharged.
Witnessing their struggles deeply moved him, and he felt compelled to do something that would aid in their healing process.
So, Scott started inviting these soldiers to his office for an hour or two. They would explore new technologies, particularly those relevant to the conflict zones they had recently returned from, like Iraq and Afghanistan.
This not only provided them with a distraction from their physical and emotional pain but also gave them a sense of purpose and involvement in the ongoing fight.
He began to bring the soldiers out to his ranch, introducing them to a completely different environment.
At the ranch, they found a space where they could heal, reconnect with themselves, and gradually regain their strength.
This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the support of several key individuals. Tony Cole, a five-time Purple Heart recipient, was instrumental in operationalizing Scott’s vision at the ranch.
Larry Mahan provided invaluable guidance, and Suzanna Hupp lent her expertise as well. Together, they launched the first class at Robison Ranch in 2016.
Today, Robison Ranch stands as a testament to Scott’s vision and his unwavering commitment to supporting those who have served.
“We do 390 day classes a year at the ranch, which I’m very excited about. My son took
over two years ago as the director of Camp Cowboy,” said Robison.
After the dust settled from the Cowboy Camp, Scott Robison didn’t stop at just one philanthropic venture.
He expanded his vision and began hosting charity balls. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill fundraisers; they are events where community members wear their finest attire and come together in a spirit of camaraderie and generosity.
So, after an impressive journey in the military as an entrepreneur and owner of a successful ranch, these are the tips from Scott Robison to become a successful leader.
In reflecting on his military service, Scott often says that his proudest achievements aren’t tied to his career milestones, medals, or victories.
Instead, it’s the people he’s met along the way – his comrades, mentors, and friends – that hold a special place in his heart.
Scott’s leadership style is deeply rooted in his belief in the potential of people. He’s always had an eye for spotting talent.
What do you do today to make a difference? For Scott Robison, the answer lies in his everyday actions.
The true measure of his success in running the ranch and his entrepreneurial journey is not gauged by the financial gains or professional milestones but by the value he adds to people’s lives.
His mission is simple yet profound – to enhance the quality of life for individuals and make a difference in their communities.
In any professional setting, regardless of its size, the way you interact with others plays a pivotal role.
It’s not about the position you hold or the company you work for; it’s about how you treat people and connect with them.
Relationships matter. They open doors to deeper understanding, mutual respect, and genuine care for others.
Respect is the cornerstone of all interactions. Treating people as you wish to be treated forms the basis of all successful relationships.
This principle applies universally, irrespective of who you’re speaking to, what they do, or where they come from.
Scott was never one to blindly follow the crowd. His rebellious nature often led him to challenge authority and question orders from his NCOs and officers.
Now, he understands that authority is valuable not because of the ranks they hold but because of what they know.
Authority figures hold a wealth of knowledge and experience. Whether it’s NCOs in the military or financial authorities and acquisition experts in a corporate setting, their insights can prove invaluable.
By listening to these experts, leaders can gain a better understanding of the bigger picture, enabling them to make well-informed decisions.
In essence, Scott’s journey underscores the importance of respect, relationship-building, and active listening in leadership. It’s about making a difference, fostering a sense of community, and leading with empathy and understanding.
It’s about recognizing that every interaction, every decision, and every day presents an opportunity to create positive change.
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