Usually on How Success Happens, we speak with founders and creators who use words like “battle” and “fight” as metaphors describing what it takes to build a business. But this week’s guest has lived those words quite literally.
Former SEAL Team Two Commanding Officer Mike Hayes joined the show to discuss his journey from elite military leader to executive and author, offering practical wisdom that anyone can apply toward a fulfilling, purpose-driven career.
Mike spent two decades as a Navy SEAL, leading a 2,000-person special operations task force in Afghanistan, serving Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and paying it forward by helping pay off mortgages for Gold Star widows through The 1162 Foundation. His newest book, Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose, channels his leadership lessons into actionable guidance for navigating doubt, building teams, and serving a cause greater than oneself.
You can watch our conversation here or listen to it below. And read on for three success takeaways from Hayes that can apply to any industry or area of your life.
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1. Train Yourself to Thrive Under Stress
Mike emphasizes that success comes from learning how to be comfortable in uncomfortable circumstances. “No SEAL that goes into a gunfight that has fear. You’re just in execution mode because you’ve been trained so well,” he says. “Whenever anything negative happens in your life, if you spend your energy on that hypothetical potential negative thing that could happen, you are spending energy and bandwidth on the hypothetical thing that hasn’t yet happened.”
Takeaway: Spend your energy fixing problems — and capitalizing on opportunities — that are right in front of you.
2. Invest in Your Team’s Mission, Not Just the Job
Instead of barking orders, Mike rallies people around a shared vision. He believes true leaders define the “who” — the character and purpose that unite a group — not just the “what,” like titles or tasks. “When you converge people around that goal, then it’s not work. It’s a mission. It’s enjoyment. It’s a passion.”
Takeaway: Strive to bring your team together around a genuine sense of purpose for longer-lasting, more meaningful success.
3. Serve Others to Find Your Own Purpose
For Mike, legacy means uplifting others: “Unlocking other people’s ability to be amazing and therefore unlocking the nation’s ability to be amazing.” He teaches that the best way out of personal lows is to help someone else, and that real networking is about investing in others without expectation.
Takeaway: Whether you’re at a career crossroads or facing doubt, seek ways to serve and inspire — you’ll find strength and purpose in lifting up those around you.
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