Just Some BS

I’m Nothing Special — And That’s Why This Works

Brandon Stanchock Episode 94

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“I’m nothing special.”
 Mike Stern says that early in the conversation — and then spends the next hour proving why that mindset might be the most powerful leadership advantage there is.

In this episode of the Just Some BS Podcast, Brandon sits down with Mike Stern, CEO of Preventus, Navy veteran, and former tech executive operating in high-pressure, military-adjacent environments where decisions actually matter.

This conversation goes deep into:
 • Why ego quietly destroys teams and organizations
 • What Navy SEALs really understand about leadership
 • Making decisions with incomplete information
 • Getting comfortable with failure — before it finds you
 • Why accountability isn’t saying “my fault,” it’s making things right
 • Chain of command vs. real collaboration
 • Why ordinary people are capable of extraordinary impact
 • Building trust without rank, titles, or authority
 • Knowing when leadership means stepping back
 • Why succession planning should start on day one

This isn’t motivational fluff. It’s a raw, honest conversation about humility, fear, decisiveness, and what leadership actually looks like when lives, teams, and outcomes are on the line.

🔗 Connect with Mike & Preventus

Preventus:
 👉 https://www.preventus.life

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