In this episode of the podcast, leadership strategist Alan is joined by Brandon Young—Army Ranger veteran, leadership expert, and co-founder of Applied Leadership Partners. Together, they explore how leaders can develop the mindset and skill set to thrive, not just survive, through seasons of high pressure, deep uncertainty, and prolonged adversity.
Brandon brings over 25 years of frontline leadership experience, from elite military operations to scaling nonprofits and navigating complex corporate restructures. This isn’t a theoretical conversation—it’s a grounded, real-world exploration of how mission-focused leaders can build perseverance, resist burnout, and lead with clarity in unpredictable environments.
Brandon’s formative years in the Army and how special operations shaped his leadership foundation
The difference between endurance and perseverance—and why the latter is essential for modern leaders
Why leaders are facing “justification fatigue” and how to build speed to trust using the C.A.R.E. model (Candor, Authenticity, Reliability, Empathy)
How to counter the loneliness of leadership through shared emotional load and intentional relational rhythms
Strategic pauses vs. false finish lines: how tactical rest can save your mission
The five pillars of perseverance: Change, Uncertainty, Acceptance, Choice, and Growth
Why clarity—not certainty—is the real antidote to fear-based decision-making
How to lead others through ambiguity using frameworks drawn from combat-tested leadership models
Practical tips for shrinking your world to reclaim agency and make wise decisions under pressure
Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely—but it does have to be intentional.
False finish lines will break your team. Build tactical halts into your rhythm.
Clarity creates agency. Shrink your focus, extend your vision.
Rest isn't quitting—it's preparation for longevity in mission-critical environments.
The mission is greater than the moment. Don’t mistake pressure for purpose.
Brandon Young is a former US Army Ranger with four combat rotations to Afghanistan. He has spent over 25 years building and leading teams in the military special operations, corporate healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.
He is the coauthor of Perseverance > Endurance: Lead With Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together. Brandon has built partnerships with some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Nike, Walmart, Starbucks, Microsoft, and Amazon. He is the recipient of the Quest Diagnostics Regional Excellence Award for Commercial Leadership for his work in cancer diagnostics.
He’s been published in various magazines and peer-reviewed academic journals; assessed, mentored, and trained more than 1,000 Ranger leaders while serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment; and placed third in the 2006 Best Ranger Competition.
Brandon lives in Littleton, Colorado, with his wife, Kelly. They have two adult children: Jaden is a Soldier in the US Army and Elliot is a student at the University of Colorado Boulder. Brandon holds a master of divinity in leadership from Denver Seminary, and his passions are faith, family, community, and adventure.
Get the book: Perseverance Is Greater Than Endurance
Learn more about Brandon and Applied Leadership Partners
Brandon on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonyoung14/
Follow Stay Forth for more leadership tools and coaching: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCETGsJdac-zQu6yl5XFNJig
Lead a team through uncertain waters
Feel the pressure of constant decision-making without clarity
Want to shift from surviving the week to leading for the long haul
Are seeking practical, real-world leadership insight with military-grade wisdom
Subscribe and leave a review if this episode helps you lead with more clarity, conviction, and calm under pressure. This is the space for leaders who want to grow resilient, sustainable influence in a changing world.
