Like many Americans, I’ve worn the uniform. Deployed. Rebuilt broken systems.
Not for politics. Not for parties. But for something bigger than all of us.
When I raised my right hand in 1993, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That oath didn’t expire when I took off the uniform. Leadership doesn’t either.
What We Celebrate—And Why It Matters More Than Ever
July 4th isn’t just a date. It’s a reminder of what it took—and still takes—to build and defend a free nation.
Freedom isn’t guaranteed by speeches or slogans.
It’s earned. Protected. Reinforced—by how leaders show up every damn day.
We often think of freedom as a battlefield sacrifice. But it’s also a boardroom decision. A hospital call. A whistleblower’s risk. A leader’s choice to do the right thing when no one’s watching.
Leadership Is How We Earn Freedom—Again and Again
In Rebel Leaders GSD, I don’t define leadership by rank or charisma. I define it by this: “Leadership is the willingness to bleed first, fix fast, and own the consequences.”
Here’s what that looks like in action:
- Speak hard truth—not hide behind jargon
- Bleed first—so your team doesn’t have to
- Fix the mission—not just the optics
This isn’t theory. It’s your test. Every day. And it’s how we preserve what this holiday stands for.
The Fireworks Are Loud—But Integrity Is Louder
Every generation faces its own July 4th moment.
A crisis that calls for clarity.
A decision that separates performative leadership from real courage.
Whether you lead a team, a company, a family, or just yourself, this holiday is a gut check. These questions are revealing:
- What are you really protecting?
- Who are you showing up for?
- How are you earning freedom with the way you lead?
This July 4th, Don’t Just Celebrate It. Lead Like Hell to Protect It.
Let’s stop pretending integrity, accountability, and service are optional.
It’s the price of freedom.
Now more than ever, we need leaders who GSD.
Not just on holidays—but every single day.
Who do you lead for? Who are you protecting with the way you show up?
Drop it in the comments, or send this to someone you think leads with honor.
Want to go deeper? Learn more and get early access to Rebel Leaders GSD → www.RebelLeadersGSD.com — preorder + exclusive content drop
If you liked this topic check out my other blog: HERE