In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Mike Sarraille, retired U.S. Navy SEAL, three-time best-selling author, and one of the world’s top keynote speakers on leadership and performance.

Drawing on two decades of experience leading elite teams in combat and in business, Mike shares powerful lessons on how readiness, resilience, and trust are built, both on the battlefield and in the boardroom. He and Marc explore what it takes to create high-performing teams, why shared adversity fosters emotional intimacy, and how true leadership starts with humility and a relentless commitment to training.

Mike also discusses his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, the principles behind his book The Talent War, and how organizations can develop their own “internal universities” to build cultures of continuous improvement. He offers practical insights for leaders seeking to prepare their teams for uncertainty while staying grounded in purpose and integrity.

Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways:

• Build individual readiness through relentless preparation and mindset.
• Foster collective trust through shared experiences and authentic connection.
• Never stop training: readiness is a lifelong pursuit.

Join us for this powerful conversation on leadership, growth, and the human spirit that drives elite performance.

Connect with Mike Sarraille:

LinkedIn Website Overwatch

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders’ podcast, host Marc Koehler has a captivating conversation with Felipe Gomez, an accomplished pianist, global keynote speaker, and leadership expert.

Felipe shares how his lifelong passion for music has shaped his understanding of leadership, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. Drawing from his signature keynote, Virtuoso, he explores how leaders can achieve “standing ovations” in their own fields by developing virtues such as humility, empathy, courage, and love.

Using the universal language of music, Felipe illustrates how melody, harmony, and rhythm mirror the essential elements of effective leadership: alignment, collaboration, and balance. He also reveals the profound connection between great leadership and great listening, offering practical ways to “tune” your team for peak performance.

Listeners will discover how to lead with heart, find the golden mean between discipline and flexibility, and inspire others through authenticity and love.

Learn more about Felipe Gomez: Website LinkedIn

In this episode of the Surfacing Leader’s podcast, host Marc Koehler has an engaging conversation with Dr. Jacob Vogel, Director of the Spirit of Troy, otherwise known as “the greatest marching band in the history of the universe, “ at the University of Southern California.

They explore the leadership lessons behind one of the most iconic collegiate marching bands in the nation. Dr. Vogel shares his journey from a small California town to leading the Trojan Marching Band, revealing how music, culture, and tradition intersect to create a powerful sense of community and pride.

He emphasizes the values that drive his leadership: routine, resiliency, flexibility, and passion. These principles allow the Spirit of Troy to not only perform at the highest levels on game day but also to build lasting traditions and instill confidence in students who often start with little or no musical background.

Listeners will hear valuable insights on building culture, balancing tradition with innovation, and developing student leaders through intentional mentorship. Dr. Vogel also shares stories of turning setbacks into opportunities, and how honoring legacy while embracing change keeps the Spirit of Troy vibrant for generations to come.

Join us in this episode to discover what it takes to lead with purpose, inspire resilience, and keep the music and spirit alive.

Connect with Dr. Jacob Vogel:

• USC Trojan Marching Band
• LinkedIn