160: Lessons Learned From Two Decades Of Senior Military Leadership | Colonel Ed Arnston

I sit down with Colonel Edward Arntson III, who has 24 years of military service, to unpack what leadership really demands when it counts. We start with self-leadership: how you show up, how you carry yourself, and why humility isn’t optional. We get into competence, intellectual curiosity, and the overlooked power of energy and tone. What you tolerate becomes the standard. Colonel Arntson shares hard-earned lessons from leading in garrison and in combat, including moments that tested his decision-making, confidence, and character. If you’re building a team, leading a family, or trying to lead yourself better, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately. More about Colonel Ed Arntson: Ed Arntson, from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, graduated from Concordia College (2002) and commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate infantry officer through NDSU. He led rifle and company units in Alaska, Afghanistan, and Iraq, was wounded in combat, and later served with The Old Guard, including a landmark deployment to Taji, Iraq. After CGSC and SAMS, he held planning and operations roles with 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Korea and Baghdad, and served on the Joint Staff. He commanded 3-187 Infantry and 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. His education includes Ranger and airborne schools. He’s married with two children. Tone Range Fan: https://fromthegreennotebook.com/2025/09/08/the-tone-range-fan-a-tool-for-leaders-at-all-levels/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 05:07 The Importance of Leadership Development 15:31 The Role of Feedback in Leadership 27:22 The Power of Tone in Leadership 41:59 The Power of Tone in Communication 48:25 Building Effective Teams Through Peer Leadership 52:37 The Importance of Humility and Tone in Leadership 01:06:04 Early Military Career and Deployment Experiences 01:21:01 Dedication and Commitment in the Military 01:39:26 The Impact of 9/11 on ROTC and Military Careers 01:45:54 The Importance of Physical and Mental Readiness 01:52:27 A Formula for Effective Leadership 02:00:06 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Inspiration Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 25% off FOR LIFE ⁠ https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition FOLLOW: IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/ YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness