Shows
The CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 016: Emotional Intelligence––The Weapon Most Sailors Never Learn to UseSummaryIn this episode of CultureKeeper, Jessica Hardemon delves into the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership, particularly within the Navy. She emphasizes that many leadership failures stem not from a lack of knowledge but from a deficiency in emotional intelligence. Jessica argues that emotional intelligence is not a sign of weakness but rather a form of discipline under pressure, essential for effective leadership. She shares personal experiences and insights on how uncontrolled emotions can undermine leadership effectiveness, even when corrections are technically correct. The episode serves as a call to action for leaders to develop...
2026-01-1713 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 015: The Mindf*ck Of LeadershipSummaryIn this episode of Culture Keeper, Jessica Hardemon discusses the critical issues surrounding leadership under pressure within the Navy. She emphasizes the importance of genuine leadership, the dangers of delegating without authority, and the need for leaders to remain engaged and accountable. The conversation introduces the 'stand-in test' as a practical tool for leaders to assess their effectiveness and ensure they are not abdicating responsibility. Ultimately, the episode calls for a cultural shift towards more responsible and engaged leadership.TakeawaysLeadership fails when people stop caring about their roles.It's a...
2026-01-0811 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 014: Your Leadership Reset–3 Habits for 2026SummaryIn this episode of the CultureKeeper podcast, Jessica Hardemon emphasizes the need for leaders to change their habits to foster growth and accountability. She outlines three essential habits: daily self-checks, consistency in small actions, and strategic honesty. These practices are crucial for building trust and ensuring effective leadership in 2026 and beyond. TakeawaysIf 2025 didn't change your leadership, 2026 won't either.Daily self-checks help leaders avoid drift.Silence doesn't mean approval; it often means observation.Consistency in small things builds credibility over time.Your sailors trust patterns, not potential.S...
2026-01-0209 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 013: The Gift Every Sailor Can Give Their TeamSummaryIn this episode of CultureKeeper, Jessica Hardemon emphasizes the importance of presence in leadership, especially during the holiday season. She argues that the best gift leaders can give their teams is their presence, which fosters connection and trust. Jessica shares practical examples of how leaders can show up for their Sailors, highlighting that small acts of presence can have a significant impact on morale and culture. She concludes by encouraging leaders to prioritize presence over perfection and to actively engage with their teams. Keywordsleadership, presence, c...
2025-12-2607 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 012: Fix The Culture? Start with Your DivisionKeywordsNavy culture, leadership, accountability, communication, culture reset, division standards, sailor engagement, cultural clarity, leadership behaviors, culture changeSummaryIn this episode of Culture Keeper, Jessica Hardemon discusses the importance of understanding and shaping culture within the Navy. She emphasizes that culture is not broken at the command level but at the division level, and that leaders play a crucial role in influencing the culture through their actions and behaviors. The conversation covers key behaviors that can lead to cultural change, the steps for implementing a culture reset plan...
2025-12-1915 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 011: The Seasons of LeadershipSummaryIn this episode of CultureKeeper, Jessica Hardemon explores the concept of leadership as a series of seasons, each presenting unique challenges and lessons. She discusses the seasons of endurance, ego, and letting go, sharing personal experiences that highlight the importance of recognizing one's limits, the dangers of ego, and the necessity of self-care. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own leadership journeys and the seasons they are currently navigating. 👉DOWNLOAD: THE LEADERSHIP SEASONS REFLECTION WORKSHEETTakeawaysLeadership isn't one long grind; it's a serie...
2025-12-1118 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 010: Your Career is Your Responsibility–Not the Navy'sYou can have a roadmap and still end up lost. Here’s why.Most junior Sailors think the Navy will track their career for them — their quals, their schools, their opportunities. But the truth is simple:LaDR shows the lane. You still have to drive the vehicle.In this episode, Jessica breaks down the mindset shift that changed her entire career after missing a critical opportunity early on — and the four tools every Sailor needs to take ownership now, not “someday.”You’ll lea...
2025-11-2012 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 009: Why Good Sailors Leave (And How We Let Them)In this episode of Culture Keeper, Jessica Hardemon discusses the critical issue of sailor burnout and the systemic failures in leadership that contribute to it. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout, understanding the pressures faced by top performers, and implementing effective leadership strategies to support sailors. The conversation highlights the need for proactive care, realistic gratitude, and the importance of mentorship in retaining valuable personnel. Jessica provides practical tools and strategies for leaders to create a supportive environment that fosters retention and well-being among sailors. DOWNLOAD Episode 009 Reflection: The Load Balance W...
2025-11-1316 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 004**RE-RELEASE** You Can't Fake It On The Deckplates–Jay'e Bell on Authentic LeadershipSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Command Master Chief Jay'e Bell shares his insights on authentic leadership within the Navy. He emphasizes the importance of being genuine, the value of honesty, and how to effectively engage sailors. The discussion also touches on the significance of command culture and maintaining excellence despite challenges. Bell's personal anecdotes and experiences provide a relatable context for his leadership philosophy, making it clear that authenticity is crucial for building trust and respect among sailors.DOWNLOAD The 3 Questions Every Junior Leader Should Ask
2025-11-0736 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 008: A Leadership ConfessionSummaryIn this episode of CultureKeeper, Jessica Hardemon shares personal experiences that highlight the importance of humility and mentorship in leadership. She reflects on her past mistakes and the assumptions she made about sailors, emphasizing the need for understanding and support rather than judgment. Through her stories, she illustrates how addressing underlying issues can lead to positive transformations in individuals and team culture. TakeawaysEven leaders make mistakes and must own them.Humility is essential for fostering a positive culture.Assumptions about others can lead to misunderstandings.Mentorship c...
2025-10-3015 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 007: How to Deal With Leaders Who Don't LeadSummaryIn this episode of CultureKeeper, Command Master Chief Jessica Hardemon discusses the challenges of dealing with bad leadership in the military. She emphasizes the importance of not suffering in silence and encourages sailors to utilize available resources for support. Hardemon shares personal experiences and offers actionable strategies for personal growth and leadership development, urging listeners to take control of their responses to toxic leadership and to model the leaders they wish to have. Keywordsleadership, toxic leaders, mentorship, sailor support, personal growth, military culture
2025-10-2312 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 006: The Unspoken Rules of AssignmentSummaryIn this episode of CultureKeeper, Jessica Hardemon discusses the critical aspects of the Navy assignment process, emphasizing the importance of clarity, initiative, and ownership in career advancement. She provides actionable strategies for sailors to enhance their applications, maximize their resumes, and take charge of their career paths. The conversation highlights the significance of detailed comments and proactive communication in the selection process, ultimately encouraging sailors to present themselves as undeniable candidates for their desired positions.TakeawaysAssignments are not random; they are based on merit.
2025-10-1618 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 005: 3 Things I Wish I Knew as an E-4KeywordsNavy, leadership, junior sailors, clarity, consistency, credibility, trust, E4, Command Master Chief, mentorshipSummaryIn this episode of Culture Cooper, Jessica Hardemon addresses the unique challenges faced by E4 sailors in the Navy. She emphasizes the importance of clarity, consistency, and credibility in leadership, sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice to help junior sailors navigate their roles effectively. The episode serves as a guide for building trust and influence within the Navy, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards improving their leadership skills.👉DOWNLOAD: The 3 Questions Eve...
2025-10-0913 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 004: You Can’t Fake It on the Deckplates (Jaye Bell)Keywordsleadership, authenticity, Navy, Command Master Chief, sailor dynamics, honesty, positivity, command culture, personal accountability, mentorship SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Command Master Chief Jaye Bell shares his insights on authentic leadership within the Navy. He emphasizes the importance of being genuine, the challenges of early naval experiences, and the necessity of honesty and reliability in leadership roles. The discussion also covers the dynamics between sailors and leaders, the significance of maintaining a positive environment, and the need for a supportive command culture. Bell highlights that excellence i...
2025-10-0136 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 001 Why CultureKeeper ExistsThis is the beginning. Command Master Chief Jessica Hardemon shares why she built CultureKeepers: to bridge the silence between junior and senior Sailors. You’ll hear her backstory, the moments that shaped her, and what this movement promises every week—real talk, sea stories, and leadership tools you can use today.
2025-10-0106 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 002 The Leadership Lesson That Nearly Broke MeEvery leader has a moment they’d rather forget. Jess opens up about the mistake that nearly wrecked her credibility early in her career—and how it reshaped the leader she became. Vulnerable, raw, and brutally honest, this episode shows why failure doesn’t define you—your recovery does.
2025-10-0110 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastEP 003 What Your Leaders Aren’t Telling You (But Should Be)What do the Leaders really notice? Why don’t Chiefs always say what they see? Jess pulls back the curtain on how senior leaders evaluate Sailors, why some truths go unspoken, and what you can do right now to earn investment from the Mess. No politics. No sugarcoating. Just the truth you’ve been waiting to hear.
2025-10-0112 minThe CultureKeeper™ PodcastThe CultureKeeper™ Podcast Trailer | Launching October 1stWelcome to the CultureKeeper™ Podcast — where leadership gets real.I’m Command Master Chief Jessica Hardemon. I rose from E-1 to CMC, and I built this podcast for the Sailor who feels invisible, the leader who refuses to coast, and the Mess that needs honest conversation.Here’s what you can expect:⚓ Real sea stories with lessons that stick⚓ Zero-fluff leadership tools you can use tomorrow⚓ Candid conversations that bridge the gap between senior and junior SailorsBecause leadership doesn’t start with a collar device — it starts with you.The CultureKe...
2025-09-1701 min