Today’s episode is with Chris Petkas, former Navy Seal turned VC investor. It was a powerful conversation around grit, determination and the willingness to fail. Chris’ marriage with Codie Sanchez inspires me, Chris’ well rounded success inspires me and Chris’ calm nature inspires me. I loved this conversation. We also recorded this in a horse stable just out of Austin with 5 real horses behind us. Key Discussion Points: Why calm men are often the most dangerous How military training builds composure under chaos Naivety as a superpower when starting hard things The biggest risk in life: choosing who you marry Jiu-jitsu, humility, and learning through losing Patriotism, perspective, and seeing the world Australia’s tall-poppy mindset vs America Follow Chris Petkas: https://www.instagram.com/chrispetkas/ Follow Chris Griffin: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 00:00 Why Calm Men Are the Most Dangerous 05:20 Military Recruitment 10:40 Naivety, Risk and Starting Before You’re Ready 15:55 Failure, Ego and Learning Through Pain 21:00 Suffering in Training vs Real Combat 26:15 Leaving the Military and Entering Business 30:30 The Competence Ladder 33:45 Long Distance Love 36:50 Choosing a Partner is your biggest risk 39:40 Building Marriage and Business Together 46:30 The Loneliness Myth 49:40 Patriotism, Perspective and Seeing the World 53:50 Australia vs America: Ambition and Tall Poppy Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices