Thoughts on the Bear, the Dragon, and Leadership Under Duress: A Conversation with Sandy Winnefeld

Notre Dame International Security Center

Episode summary – In this episode of Students Talk Security, Notre Dame senior and NDISC Undergraduate Fellow Benjamin Erhardt sits down with retired Navy fighter pilot, admiral, and fellow podcaster James A. “Sandy” Winnefeld, Jr. Their discussion covers topics ranging from the Admiral’s storied career – including his time as unit commander of the USS Enterprise during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and his tenure as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – to his insights on the crisis in Ukraine, the U.S.’s great power competition with China, the future of American innovation in defense, TOPGUN, Top Gun (yes, both!), and more. All throughout, Adm. Winnefeld imparts noteworthy wisdom and leadership advice for both budding and seasoned professionals in military, political, and business disciplines. He also provides timely advice on how to handle stressful decisions in today’s volatile world. Interviewee bio – Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr. is a retired four-star admiral and was the ninth vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His 37-year U.S. Navy career includes having served as commander of U.S. Northern Command and of NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command. His operational commands include having served as commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, and of Allied Joint Command Lisbon. He also is a graduate of and former instructor at Navy Fighter Weapons School (a.k.a., TOPGUN). His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and five Battle Efficiency awards.