In this inaugural episode of Navigating Leaders, host Gabriel Griess invites listeners to pause, reflect, and step fully into the present moment. Beginning with a simple but powerful question, “Can you accept that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be right now?” Gabriel sets the foundation for a journey of self-awareness, leadership, and emotional honesty.
Drawing from his background as a retired Air Force veteran, business owner, husband, father, and leadership coach, Gabriel introduces the idea that triggers are not obstacles to avoid, but gifts to explore. When something irritates, frustrates, or stirs emotion within us, it offers a window into our inner world: our beliefs, wounds, values, and formation.
Through personal stories, practical metaphors, and moments of vulnerability, Gabriel challenges listeners to move beyond reaction and instead pause, feel, and respond with intention. He shares how early experiences can shape lifelong patterns, and how taking responsibility for our emotional responses leads to greater authenticity, empathy, and freedom.
Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation, to connect head and heart, to honor your story, and to courageously explore what surfaces when you are triggered. Navigating Leaders is a space for growth, healing, and becoming more fully yourself, one moment at a time.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:58 What You Can Expect From Me
03:50 Triggers are Gifts
06:25 Ask Yourself, “What am I Feeling?”
09:11 The Window into Ourselves
09:43 Your Kids are Your Greatest Therapists
12:31 Be Honest With Yourself
Come as you are. Stay curious. And let the adventure begin.
RESOURCES
CONNECT WITH GABRIEL
🎥 YouTube: @navigatingleaders
📸 Instagram: @navigatingleaders
👍 Facebook: @navigatingleaders
🎵 TikTok: @navigatingleaders
🗣️ LinkedIn: @navigatingleaders
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ABOUT GABRIEL
Gabriel Griess is a retired US Air Force officer, the CEO of Excel Medical Staffing and MedForceX, and the founder of Navigating Leaders. A graduate of the elite Air Force Weapons School, he has spent decades leading teams in high-pressure environments and equipping others to reach their full potential. As a combat veteran and an entrepreneur, Gabriel helps individuals cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to create lasting impact.
An internationally sought-after keynote speaker, he addresses audiences on personal transformation, strategic leadership, and veteran empowerment. The Results Tree is the framework he lives by, and when applied, it will unearth your destiny.
