Training Ground

Insights from the Conscientious Leadership Speaker series: a former commander of the SEALs, former CEO of eBay, and others.

Each person in Navy SEALs training thinks they’ll make it. Six months later, 25 percent do. The rest quit, mostly in the first month. Admiral Eric Olson, former Commander of Navy SEALs and of USSOCOM, wanted to know why. What he learned was more of a “when.”

Those who quit don’t do it in the field but during breakfast or lunch. “People remove themselves from their greatest dream—in some cases a lifelong goal or ambition— for fear of failure,” Olson says. “Not because they actually fail.” The 25 percent who make it? “People who were thinking past the moment,” Olson says. Or past breakfast.

Olson was one of six highly successful leaders in the Conscientious Capitalism speaker series, sharing insight on how to apply virtue and purpose to personal development and growth as business leaders. Among those joining Olson were David Krane, CEO and Managing Partner, Google Ventures; John Donahoe, former CEO, eBay; and Howard Behar, former COO of Starbucks.

One gem: “Talented people want to follow authentic leaders,” Donahoe says.

For more about the Conscientious Leadership Speaker Series read Conscientious Capitalists.

post-image Illustration by David Plunkert
A Plan For Tomorrow

Santa Clara President Julie Sullivan unveils a new strategic plan, Impact 2030, with a focus on increasing access and opportunity, and, of course, SCU’s Jesuit values and Silicon Valley location.

Hoops of Hope

From pink socks to non-profit outreach, Santa Clara Women’s Basketball hosted their annual Pink Game to honor families impacted by cancer.

Flight and Food

Birds can be the key to understanding the environment and SCU students are taking a closer look.

Freedom Fighter

After 22 years leading the Northern California Innocence Project at Santa Clara Law, Linda Starr starts a phased retirement.