“Your altitude is someone else’s floor. Learn from the best, start where they left off—and stop trying to figure it all out alone.” - Carl Sharperson

In this episode, Rick Meekins interviews Carl H. Sharperson, Jr., Marine pilot turned leadership coach, to unpack how adversity, discipline, and feedback form the foundation of authentic leadership. Learn how to lead with purpose, build trust, and create high-performing teams that thrive through challenge.

Leadership isn’t about barking orders or having all the answers—it’s about knowing when to shut up, when to step up, and who to listen to. In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, I sit down with Carl H. Sharperson, Jr.—Naval Academy grad, former Marine Corps pilot, corporate exec turned coach, cancer survivor, and the author of Sharp Leadership.

Carl shares powerful stories from navigating racism in rural Virginia, earning his wings when the odds were 6-to-1, and running high-performing plants at companies like Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive. He talks discipline, blind spots, and why listening is the most underused leadership skill in your toolkit.

From boardrooms to battlefields, Carl’s life is a masterclass in what it means to lead authentically—and why adversity may be the very thing that sharpens your edge.

• Feedback isn’t optional—it’s oxygen: If you're not actively seeking feedback, you're already losing.
• Discipline is about honoring your word: Do what you say, show up on time, and build trust through consistency.
• Adversity reveals leadership character: Carl’s cancer battle, combat training, and corporate challenges each shaped a mindset that refuses to quit.
• Great leaders are great listeners: You don’t need to have all the answers. You need to ask better questions.
• Diversity sharpens execution: Varied backgrounds create better decisions—but only if you build a culture that listens first.

Bio:

Carl Sharperson Jr. is a Leadership Innovation Strategist, author, speaker, and coach with a mission to elevate leaders from mediocrity to peak performance. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Marine Corps pilot, Carl blends military discipline, corporate leadership experience, and entrepreneurial insight into a transformative coaching approach. His book Sharp Leadership: Overcome Adversity to Lead with Authenticity has inspired countless leaders to embrace servant leadership and unlock their full potential.

With executive roles at Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay, and Colgate-Palmolive, and consulting engagements with brands like BMW, Chick-fil-A, and Lockheed Martin, Carl brings deep experience in leadership development and operational excellence. As a cancer survivor, he speaks with passion about resilience, purpose, and character-driven leadership. Carl resides in South Carolina with his wife and is committed to mentoring the next generation through community and faith-based initiatives.

Giveaway:

Click the link below to get access to the Sharp Leadership Toolkit, featuring the first two audio chapters of Sharp Leadership: Overcome Adversity to Lead with Authenticity. As a bonus, you’ll be entered to win a one-on-one coaching session to sharpen your leadership or navigate career hurdles with clarity.

Click Here