Objective Arete Podcast | Episode Title: No MBA, No Ego, No Excuses – The Leadership Legacy of Terry Peters

Terry Peters is more than a retired Green Beret—he’s the embodiment of authentic leadership. As a legendary Senior Enlisted Leader in the U.S. Army Special Forces, Terry wasn’t a man who just spoke about values—he lived them. He led from the front, always placing character before comfort and people before personal gain.

After an elite military career, Terry traded camouflage for strategy, founding Leader Solutions and Decision Support (LSDS)—a company that’s quietly dominated its space for over 14 years. No MBA. No shortcuts. Just relentless integrity, clarity of mission, and leadership that delivers.

In this episode, we go beyond the resume. We dive into Terry’s core leadership philosophies, the failures that shaped him, and the lessons every aspiring leader needs to hear. Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or trying to lead at a higher level—this conversation is a masterclass.

This podcast episode goes hand in hand when a series of recent articles we have publish on the Leadership of Terry Peters. Links to these articles can be found below!

LSDS Website: Here

No MBA, No Ego No Excuses Article: Here

You Aren't That Special - I Promise Article: Here

Live With Purpose, Embrace Adversity, and Relentlessly Pursue Excellence!

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A powerful and deeply personal episode. Special Forces Command Sergeant Major Rob Richards opens up about a hidden battle he didn’t even know he was fighting—emotional numbness after a decade of high-stakes deployments. He and Chuck dive into what self-efficacy means, how experiential learning shapes elite operators, and why ignoring what’s “under your bed” can quietly erode your joy, leadership, and life.

Rob shares how therapy, medication, and innovative treatments like the stellate ganglion block helped him reconnect with his emotions, his family, and his purpose. They also tackle leadership across generations, the evolving demands of service, and why fulfillment—not just success—is the true north.

This episode is a lesson in resilience, emotional honesty, and redefining strength.

Please support our show! Please help us continue our mission and produce more shows that will impact society in positive ways! The link below allows for small donation support. All proceeds go towards the mission.

buymeacoffee.com/objectivearete

Live With Purpose, Embrace Adversity, and Relentlessly Pursue Excellence!

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Become Legendary!

Join us on our journey of being more valuable, fulfilled human beings by learning and applying life lessons learned through a community of like minded people.

#objectivearete #embraceadversity #livewithpurpose #pursueexcellence #podcast #mindset #wellness #selfdevelopment #leadership #bethefulcrum

Want to level up—like, truly level up?
Most people hit the gym but ignore the one muscle that drives everything: the mind. Mental performance isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s the foundation for showing up strong in every part of life. But what is mental performance, really?

In this episode, we dive deep with Ceci Craft, Director of Mental Performance, Life Skills, and Education for the Philadelphia Phillies, and founder of Edge Mentality. Ceci breaks down what it means to train your brain, how to build real resilience, and why sharpening your mental edge can change everything.

You’ll learn:

• What mental performance actually is—and why it matters
• Tools for navigating adversity like a pro
• The surprising power of always carrying a pencil
• The difference between a side hustle and a side piece (yes, seriously)

Whether you’re chasing big goals or just trying to show up better each day, this conversation is your next step forward.

Sponsors:

Edge Mentality: https://edgementality.com/

Atomic Athlete: https://atomic-athlete.com/

Project Sapient: https://projectsapient.com/

Crispian Consulting: https://bethefulcrum.com/

Contact Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-clark-craft-a6479170/

Email: ceciclark@gmail.com

Edge Mentality: https://edgementality.com/

Please support our show! Please help us continue our mission and produce more shows that will impact society in positive ways! The link below allows for small donation support. All proceeds go towards the mission.

buymeacoffee.com/objectivearete

Live With Purpose, Embrace Adversity, and Relentlessly Pursue Excellence!

Visit our site and follow us:

www.objectivearete.com

X: @Objectivearete

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573917185676

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/objective_arete/

YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560002445446

Become Legendary!

Join us on our journey of being more valuable, fulfilled human beings by learning and applying life lessons learned through a community of like minded people.

#objectivearete #embraceadversity #livewithpurpose #pursueexcellence #podcast #mindset #wellness #selfdevelopment #leadership #bethefulcrum

Dominate your fitness levels. Work around injuries, train for longevity, and accomplish your goals in life. Mike Leraio sits down with Chuck Ritter and Greg Walker in the famous Falcon Snail Pub to discuss how to program your fitness programs intelligently and with purpose. We talk about important references everyone should have on their bookshelves and how to train past severe injuries.

Our first bonus episode and episode with video! Check it out on YouTube here.

Books From Episode:

Power Speed Endurance

Supple Leopard

Training for the New Alpinism

The Lore of Running

Check out Atomic Athlete Here

Please support our show! Please help us continue our mission and produce more shows that will impact society in positive ways! The link below allows for small donation support. All proceeds go towards the mission.

buymeacoffee.com/objectivearete

#fitness #overcoming #training #programming #health #physical #livewithpurpose #embraceadversity #objectivearete #arete #excellence #bethefulcrum #balance #bemore

Live With Purpose, Embrace Adversity, and Relentlessly Pursue Excellence!

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YouTube: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560002445446

Become Legendary!

Join us on our journey of being more valuable, fulfilled human beings by learning and applying life lessons learned through a community of like minded people.

#objectivearete #embraceadversity #livewithpurpose #pursueexcellence #podcast #mindset #wellness #selfdevelopment #leadership #bethefulcrum

Episode #6: Combat Veteran Ayman Kafel on Mental Health, Stoicism, and Breaking the Stigma for Veterans and First Responders

In this powerhouse of an episode, Mike (Who has fabulous hair) sits down with Ayman Kafel (Who has an intimidating shaved head)—a U.S. combat veteran, seasoned law enforcement officer, and editor-in-chief of Objective Arete—to discuss the mental health crisis facing veterans and first responders. A respected writer for the Havoc Journal and co-founder of Project Sapient, Ayman shares powerful insights into PTSD, suicidal ideation, and the internal battles many in uniform face long after the mission ends.

From his time in Iraq to the front lines of American streets, Ayman opens up about the emotional toll of service and how stoic philosophy, self-awareness, and peer support have played key roles in his healing journey. This episode offers a raw, honest conversation about breaking the stigma around mental health, promoting resilience, and providing essential resources for those who serve.

Whether you're a veteran, police officer, mental health advocate, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode delivers a deep, meaningful dialogue you won’t want to miss.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:28 Project Sapient: Origins and Mission

01:28 Mental Health Challenges in Law Enforcement

03:05 Comparing Stress: Soldier vs. Cop

04:42 The Reality of Domestic Disputes

06:30 Suicide by Cop and Mental Health Issues

15:19 The Importance of Self-Awareness

15:30 Finding Purpose and Helping Others

18:30 Coping Mechanisms and Stoic Philosophy

22:11 The Role of Ego in Self-Development

26:31 Overcoming Dark Times During COVID

30:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

Follow Ayman:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/projectsapient/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/alexanderaljenub

X: https://x.com/akafel9

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayman-kafel-msc-919b4322/

Objective Arete: https://objectivearete.com/team/ayman-kafel/

Note:

23:25 to 23:30 we call the book The Bruce Lee Code by Thomas Lee The Bruce Lee Way. If you look for the book it's the Bruce Lee Code.

Please support our show! Please help us continue our mission and produce more shows that will impact society in positive ways! The link below allows for small donation support. All proceeds go towards the mission.

buymeacoffee.com/objectivearete

#projectsapient #aymankafel #leadership #stress #mentalhealth #mentalperformance #leo #military #lawenforcement #objectivearete #arete #excellence #embraceadversity #livewithpurpose #pursueexcellence

Live With Purpose, Embrace Adversity, and Relentlessly Pursue Excellence!

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Become Legendary!

Join us on our journey of being more valuable, fulfilled human beings by learning and applying life lessons learned through a community of like minded people.

#objectivearete #embraceadversity #livewithpurpose #pursueexcellence #podcast #mindset #wellness #selfdevelopment #leadership #bethefulcrum

Unlock the power of clear and concise communication. Learn how to communicate effectively, minimize noise and distractions, and engage in "Deep Work." In this discussion, Mike Lerario speaks with Joe McCormack, the author of the books "Brief," "Noise," and "Quiet Work." Joe also leads the Brief Lab in Southern Pines, NC, where he teaches U.S. Special Operations forces how to become the most effective communicators bin the world.

Check out the Brief Lab Here.

Check out Joe's books Here.

"Make a bigger impact by saying less."

Please support our show! Please help us continue our mission and produce more shows that will impact society in positive ways! The link below allows for small donation support. All proceeds go towards the mission.

buymeacoffee.com/objectivearete

#brief #communication #brieflab #communicator #arete #objectivearete #livewithpurpose #embraceadversity #pursueexcellence #talk #speaking #writing #email #discussion

Live With Purpose, Embrace Adversity, and Relentlessly Pursue Excellence!

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Become Legendary!

Join us on our journey of being more valuable, fulfilled human beings by learning and applying life lessons learned through a community of like minded people.

#objectivearete #embraceadversity #livewithpurpose #pursueexcellence #podcast #mindset #wellness #selfdevelopment #leadership #bethefulcrum

Use failure as a stepping stone to achieve greatness. Understand that failure and defeat are not synonymous. Embrace challenges, be open to failure, and distinguish between acceptable risks and mere attempts to avoid risk. Winning often requires taking informed risks.

Chuck Ritter, Deputy Director/COO of Objective Arete and a retiring Special Forces Sergeant Major, emphasizes the importance of using failure as a path to becoming legendary. He discusses the necessity of making the best possible decisions, even when they are not ideal, and highlights that success involves identifying acceptable risks.

Guest Bio

Charles “Chuck” Ritter is a retiring Army Special Forces Sergeant Major with 27 years of service. He recently completed his tenure as the Deputy Commandant for the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s (USAJFKSWCS) Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Before this, He served for over 18 years in the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

During his time in the Army, he held roles as a light infantryman, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant, Special Forces Team Sergeant, and Special Forces Sergeant Major.

Chuck’s military career spans the globe, including seventeen deployments, twelve of which were to combat zones. His service has earned him a Silver Star Medal, a Bronze Star for Valor, an Army Commendation Medal for Valor, three Purple Heart Medals, and numerous other military awards. His work has taken him to Japan, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and more, giving him extensive experience in tackling challenges alongside international partners, the United States Department of State, and various government organizations regarding U.S. national strategic interests.

In addition to his military career, he is the founder and partner of LYCOS Group, LLC, a leadership consulting company based in North Carolina. His portfolio includes work with Lennox, Hibbett | City Gear, Crispian Consulting, and Celebrity Greens. He is a founding partner at Bric R Media Group, which owns Runt Graphic Design, Sandhills Equestrian Magazine, and Sandhills Fairways Magazine. He served on the board of directors for the Talons Reach Foundation from 2022 to 2024 and currently serves on the board of directors for the Dreams4All Foundation. He co-produced and co-hosted the USAJFKSWCS Pineland Underground podcast, helping it reach the number 3 spot on Chartable for government-related podcasts.

He resides in Southern Pines, NC. He recently co-founded Objective Arete, an organization focused on enabling personal excellence and self-efficacy in people, systems, and organizations. He is also a student at Norwich University, completing a B.S. in Strategic Studies and National Defense. In late 2025, he plans to apply for Duke’s MBA program.

Contact Chuck at:

Email: chuck@objectivearete.com

X: @chuck_ritter92

Live With Purpose, Embrace Adversity, and Relentlessly Pursue Excellence!

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Become Legendary!

Join us on our journey of being more valuable, fulfilled human beings by learning and applying life lessons learned through a community of like minded people.

#objectivearete #embraceadversity #livewithpurpose #pursueexcellence #podcast #mindset #wellness #selfdevelopment #leadership #bethefulcrum

"I never lose, I win or I learn" - Nelson Mandela

From being a Special Forces Officer to starting a successful brewing company to being the CEO of Objective Arete, Greg has learned many of life's lessons through failure. When one views failure as a mechanism to become legendary, they can become legendary.

• Greg Walker is the CEO of Objective Arete, the owner of Hatchet Brewing Company, a former Special Forces Officer and a Graduate of West Point. He hold a degree in Engineering and an MBA.

Full Guest Bio:

Greg Walker is the owner and operator of Hatchet Brewing Company, a craft brewery in Southern Pines, North Carolina. He is also the co-founder of Objective Arete LLC, a veteran-owned self-development company.

He is a veteran, having served as an infantry and special forces officer in the United States Army. He Graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the United States Military Academy in Chemical Engineering. He recently applied to Duke’s MBA program to continue his journey of learning and self-development.

Contact: Greg@objectivearete.com

Mike Lerario is a United States Army West Point Graduate and holds a Master Degree in Leadership. He was an Army officer who served with distinction for over 20 years. He helped create the Army's Asymmetric Warfare Group, the Wexford Group, is a researcher for RAND and is the CEO of Crispian Consulting. He has written two bestselling books "Leadership in Balance" and "Management in Balance."

Contact: mike@objectivearete.com

Show Producer: Chuck Ritter

Live With Purpose, Embrace Adversity, and Relentlessly Pursue Excellence!

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Become Legendary!

Join us on our journey of being more valuable, fulfilled human beings by learning and applying life lessons learned through a community of like minded people.

#objectivearete #embraceadversity #livewithpurpose #pursueexcellence #podcast #mindset #wellness #selfdevelopment #leadership #bethefulcrum