What does it take to go from Navy SEAL operations in Iraq to building a tech company that’s transforming how leaders grow?

In this episode of Point of Impact, Aaron Hale sits down with Brent Gleeson—combat veteran, author of Embrace the Suck, and founder of EXCELR8—to explore the brutal truths and timeless principles behind leadership, resilience, and impact.

Brent shares how SEAL training taught him humility, teamwork, and emotional intelligence—and how those same lessons now drive his work helping organizations blend human leadership with AI-powered performance. From personal loss to professional reinvention, he opens up about what it means to truly go “all in” on life, love, and purpose.

If you’ve ever faced adversity and wondered how to turn it into strength, this conversation is your roadmap.

0:00 Intro 1:22 From Dallas finance guy to Navy SEAL 7:00 9/11 and the mission that changed everything 11:35 Inside SEAL culture: humility, teamwork, and the psychology of leadership 15:50 Nature vs. nurture—are leaders born or built? 18:13 Why the best leaders crave feedback and discomfort 20:11 How SEAL training forges humility and resilience 25:16 The real meaning behind Embrace the Suck 29:29 How to build mental calluses and turn pain into progress 33:10 The lessons behind his new book All In and losing his father 36:32 Breaking bad habits and designing a life that matters 41:22 Learning from Jason Redman, David Goggins, and Shackleton’s endurance 45:21 How Brent’s company, EXCELR8, uses AI to accelerate human leadership 51:02 Blending tech with the human touch: building teams that thrive 55:52 Leadership, data, and the power of human connection 1:00:11 Countdown to Impact – Brent’s books, quotes, and inspiration 1:06:39 Closing thoughts and where to find Brent

📚 Embrace the Suck – Brent Gleeson 📚 All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence – Brent Gleeson (coming December 2025) 📚 Atomic Habits – James Clear 📚 The 5AM Club – Robin Sharma 📚 Team of Teams – Gen. Stanley McChrystal 📚 Endurance – Alfred Lansing 📚 Overcome – Jason Redman

🌐 https://www.exlr8.ai/ - Brent’s AI-powered leadership platform 🌐 http://www.brentgleesonspeaker.com/

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