The Secret to Building Unstoppable Teams

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What separates good teams from great ones? The answer: the ability to adapt, communicate, and trust one another under pressure.

In this episode of the No Limits Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Matt Van Epps, former aviation commander in the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) and now Commissioner of General Services for the state of Tennessee. From leading high-stakes military missions to driving efficiency in state government, Matt shares powerful insights into what it takes to build teams that don't just function—they thrive.

Leading Yourself: The Power of Perspective

Self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership. Matt Van Epps learned this firsthand as a commander in the 160th SOAR, where clear thinking and personal discipline were critical to mission success.

However, one of his most memorable lessons came during a Christmas Eve mission in Iraq. Matt was piloting an Apache helicopter, flying a night patrol over Baghdad, scanning for potential threats amidst the darkened city below. Amidst the unpredictability of war, his team experienced an unexpected moment of peace as the sun rose on Christmas morning. From his vantage point in the cockpit, he saw the city bathed in soft golden light—a stark contrast to the tension that usually filled the air.

That moment, etched in his memory, reinforced how perspective can transform even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for gratitude. Leaders who embrace gratitude, according to research, are more resilient, adaptable, and better equipped to lead through uncertainty.

Action Steps

1. Practice Daily Gratitude: Start each day by listing three things you're grateful for to build resilience.

2. Conduct a Personal After-Action Review: At the end of the week, reflect on lessons learned and identify areas for growth.

3. Embrace Discomfort: Challenge yourself with tasks that push you out of your comfort zone to develop mental toughness.

Leading Others: Building a Culture of Trust and Collaboration

Building high-performing teams requires more than just hiring talented individuals—it demands a culture of trust and shared understanding. Matt applies General Stanley McChrystal's 'Team of Teams' model in his current role in Tennessee state government, emphasizing the importance of breaking down silos and fostering cross-departmental collaboration. He gave each member of his leadership team a copy of Team of Teams to establish a shared language and vision. By focusing on open communication and empowering team members to take ownership of their roles, Matt has driven remarkable improvements in efficiency and morale.

The 'Team of Teams' concept hinges on decentralizing decision-making and creating shared consciousness across an organization. Instead of relying on top-down directives, it encourages teams to share information in real-time, allowing them to act quickly and autonomously. Matt described how this approach helps his state government teams align on key objectives while empowering individuals at every level to solve problems without waiting for orders. This method not only accelerates progress but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability across the organization.

Action Steps

1. Communicate the Mission Clearly: Regularly share the team's mission and objectives to ensure everyone is aligned.

2. Build Cross-Functional Teams: Identify opportunities for collaboration across departments to leverage diverse perspectives.

3. Foster a Learning Culture: Implement after-action reviews to capture lessons learned and continuously improve.

Becoming a No Limit Leader

Leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about service, trust, and learning from every experience. As Matt’s journey illustrates, great leaders embrace the lessons of hardship, foster environments of open communication, and stay relentlessly focused on the mission.

So, how will you apply these lessons? Start by fostering gratitude, practicing clear communication, and building a culture of continuous learning. Lead yourself, lead others, and unlock your potential as a No Limit Leader.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode now and take your leadership to the next level.

UNLEASH LEADERSHIP, UNLOCK POTENTIAL

-Sean Patton

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Let's connect if you’re looking for a dynamic speaker, personalized executive coaching, or group leadership training!

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