Episode 70: Authentic Leaders Are Not Afraid To Be Vulnerable
In this special Reel Leadership episode, Professor G and Kev-Innovation are joined by Dennis “Irish” O'Donoghue, a former Marine Corps fighter pilot and Boeing exec, to break down the leadership dynamics in Gettysburg — the epic 1993 war film chronicling the pivotal three-day Civil War battle.
Leadership Themes Explored
Authenticity and Commander's Intent:
Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, played by Jeff Daniels, demonstrates how clarity, empathy, and personal integrity forge trust under fire — and may have saved the Union at Little Round Top.
Conviction vs. Hubris:
General Robert E. Lee's unwavering confidence becomes a liability. His refusal to recalibrate despite strong evidence from Longstreet exposes the thin line between principled leadership and fatal arrogance.
Speaking Truth to Power:
Longstreet’s calm, data-backed pushback is a masterclass in disagreeing with a superior — even when it fails. It’s leadership with conscience, not compliance.
Servant Leadership in Action:
Chamberlain walks with his men, feeds the disillusioned 2nd Maine prisoners, and leads by presence, not rank. As Irish notes, he “leads from the head, through the heart, to the hands.”
The Cost of Silence:
The film echoes a haunting truth still relevant today: “We didn’t talk about it…until we couldn’t talk about it.” Leadership demands the courage to speak — before division becomes destruction.
Bonus Discussion
Command under 19th-century communication constraints
Whether Longstreet was the better leader
The danger of fighting the last war with outdated tactics
Sam Elliott’s ‘Seminary Ridge’ moment and why physical presence matters in leadership
Quotable Moments
"He made it personal. And this is what authentic leaders do. They put themselves out there — and they're not afraid to be vulnerable." (Dennis “Irish” O'Donohue on Chamberlain's speech to the 2nd Maine)
"Leadership isn’t about riding in front for glory — it’s about walking beside your people when it matters most." (Kev-Innovation on Chamberlain’s refusal to stay on his horse)
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