"Leading By Example"
Read time: 8 minutes
"Conversations in Leadership: Navigating Life's Challenges and Embracing Growth"
In this engaging Q & A session, Kevin and Briton delve into the intricacies of leadership, drawing from their personal experiences and reflections. Briton shares insights from his upbringing in Southern California, highlighting the importance of embracing diversity and the values instilled by his parents.
Join us as we navigate through discussions on leadership transitions, personal challenges, and cherished relationships, their dialogue underscores the significance of resilience, empathy, and continuous learning. Join them on this enlightening journey as they explore the intersections of leadership, personal growth, and community impact.
Kevin: Where did you grow up and how did that environment shape you to prepare for your journey?
Briton: I grew up in various different cities in Southern California. There were many different cultures in those cities, so I learned the necessity of embracing diversity early in life. My parents also treated everyone as their equal and ingrained those same values in my brother and I.
Kevin: I can relate to your value of a diversity mindset, and that your parent’s modeled that for you at an early age. One of my favorite writers, Maya Angelou, once said, “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” It’s also interesting that those different cultures in different cities helped to create a space for those values to grow.
Throughout your military career, at different locations and positions there has been a transition between leadership and followership in your professional life. What is your earliest memory of leadership prior to joining the military?
Briton: I grew up in the church. As a congregation we were to look to the pastor and deacons for leadership and guidance. Also, I went to Elementary School at Neil Armstrong Elementary in Diamond Bar, California. In 4th grade I was the school treasurer, and in 6th grade I was the president. My mother was my campaign manager both times.
Kevin: Those are great examples of followership & leadership and how they play out in how we approach different positions. Speaking of different approaches, can you share a challenging time in your personal life and the steps you took to overcome this challenge.
Briton: On December 2nd, 2021 (12022021) my father passed away from cardiac amyloidosis. He was my best friend and I like to tell myself I was his favorite son. His passing left me devastated, broken, and empty.
My wife urged me to seek help with my mental health. In doing so, I was able to transform my pain into a tool to help others cope with loss and grief, adjusting to their new normal.
Kevin: Sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your loved one. Thank you for sharing
that difficult time and how you channeled it into a way to help others. Your vulnerability can be a strength to others.
Many times our recovery and growth involves relationships. What’s one personal relationship that you attribute extreme value to and why?
Briton: Besides the obvious answer being my wife, I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it hadn’t been for my father. He was my biggest cheerleader and a man I consistently strive to emulate. I tell others, “I can’t fill the hole my dad left in my heart, but I can strive to fill the hole he left on this earth”. His mission was to help people, mine is as well.
Kevin: Well said. I often think there’s no success without a successor. Your Father prepared you well and personified leading by example. Our inspirations can come from a variety of places. We share an affection for turtles. What’s your connection to turtles?
Briton: This question has a few different answers: First, my last name “Hurdle; earned me the nickname “Turtle” in basic training. My MTI (Military Training Instructor) was clear in letting the flight know that I was the ONLY Airman allowed to have a nickname.
Second, I am a HUGE fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. When I taught Airman Leadership School I used and created leadership lessons with TMNT references. Lastly, turtles are my favorite animal. All turtles and tortoises are amazing.
Kevin: I think I would have enjoyed Airman Leadership School lessons with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle references in the curriculum flow. Very creative indeed. Let’s switch seats for a moment, is there something you’d like to ask me?
Briton: Where do you find the motivation to keep doing all the amazing things you’re doing for your community, and THE community?
Kevin: Reflecting on your response about the origins of your influences and values, I will say my parents led by example and got me going on this journey. My Father and Mother were exactly who they said they were, they stood on a set of principles and values until they both transitioned life.They were goodwill ambassadors in the community, they always looked for the good and tried to promote that.
My parent’s modeled the things I value and that I align with because I value their contributions. They both provided the foundational structure and I have committed to paying it forward in my own way, my own community, and beyond. Thanks for the question and opportunity to highlight them both.
Kevin: I appreciate your contributions to kevbrown360.com on Facebook with your motivation content and I’ve witnessed your journey to the present. What lies ahead for you?
Briton: Whenever I retire from the military I intend on pursuing a career in motivation and team building. I am already a motivational speaker, master life coach, and team dynamics coach. I need to finish one more.
Kevin: Outstanding! In my opinion, you enjoy learning and growing. It’s great that you use that knowledge and experience to share with others. You are the king of acronyms. Please share one with our audience to take away as a morning motivation.
Briton: One thing I have learned in this arduous yet rewarding journey that is my life is when times get challenging, it’s important to LEAN in.
L- Leave your pride at the door and have an open mind to new experiences
E- Embrace expectations
A- Ask for help from someone who has gone through what you’re going through
N- Never cry on the ground. You can cry, but do it on your feet and keep moving forward
Kevin: Outstanding! LEAN IN that's one of many jewels that I hope our audience takes away from our conversation.
Always a pleasure to converse with you.
How can people tap into your content, journey, and resources?
Briton: Search HurdleTurtle Motivation on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok and
you’ll find my work. I can also be booked for a keynote speech, team building consultation, or
life coaching session via email at hurdleturtlemotivation@gmail.com