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From Eagle Scout to Navy SEAL to Congressional Medal of Honor: Meet Britt Slabinski, GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award Winner for Global Impact
Britt Kelly Slabinski, the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, is a retired United States Navy SEAL who received the Medal of Honor on May 24, 2018, for his actions during the Battle of Takur Ghar. He also participated in the highly publicized rescue mission to recover Army PFC Jessica Lynch. His life has been dedicated to service, integrity, and honor, and to inspiring those around him, especially youth.
What is your personal story? How did you find your purpose and passion?
I was introduced to the concept of honor at an early age, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at 14. This early exposure to leadership principles shaped the beginnings of my journey. The Boy Scout oath, which begins with “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty,” has served me well throughout my life. The early rote memorization of that oath became a guiding light in the darkest of times.
However, it was the contrasting lessons from my family life that began to forge my character. My father, unfortunately, served as an example of how not to act and treat others, fostering in me a resolve to choose a different path. In contrast, my mother exemplified resilience and grace, steadfast in her commitment to our family. She instilled in me the virtues of patience and perseverance.
Upon graduating from high school, I seized the opportunity to escape a tumultuous home life and joined the U.S. Navy. This decision marked the beginning of my transformation. The Navy not only provided discipline but also surrounded me with individuals who would shape me into the person I am today. When our nation was attacked in 2001, I was already in uniform, ready and determined to defend our homeland. The realities of conflict taught me invaluable lessons about myself, the human condition, and leadership—lessons that no classroom could ever impart.
Inspired by these experiences, I committed myself to being the leader I always wanted to follow. Through continuous service, both in and out of uniform, my life’s work has become about upholding the values of honor and integrity, leading by example, and ensuring that the sacrifices of my brothers and sisters in arms are remembered and honored.
What led you to the leadership role for which you are being recognized? Who was instrumental on your path to success?
The path to this leadership role was paved with countless challenges and lessons learned in the most demanding environments. Early in my career, I learned the importance of resilience and integrity from my service in uniform where I served for 25 years. These experiences taught me the true meaning of leadership: the responsibility to protect, guide, and inspire others, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
My leadership philosophy has always been rooted in the principle of ‘leading at the point of friction’. This means not just directing others but sharing in their hardships, listening to their concerns and ideas, and fostering a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. This approach has been crucial in both combat situations and in advocating for veterans’ rights and welfare in my role as the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Several figures have been instrumental in my path. Firstly, my fellow servicemen and women, whose courage and dedication under fire have continuously inspired me to strive for excellence in leadership. Additionally, a good friend and mentor, I’ll call Tim, epitomized the art of leadership with his courage, conviction, and compassion. His guidance was invaluable, showing me how effective leadership is not just about making decisions but about embodying the values you wish to see in your team. Furthermore, the Gold Star families, who have endured the ultimate loss, have taught me what true strength is. Their resilience and grace under such profound grief have deeply influenced my understanding of sacrifice and fortitude.
Each of these influences has reinforced my commitment to serving and protecting the values we hold sacred.
What does inclusive leadership mean to you and what would you like others to know and do as inclusive leaders?
There are several core principles leaders should know and apply. Leadership is deeply rooted in integrity, involving every thought, action, and communication within an organization. It is a delicate balance between the art and science of managing people, recognizing that team members bring their whole selves to their roles—complete with their hopes, dreams, and life experiences. I urge leaders to foster a culture where integrity is more than a value—it is a daily practice involving transparent decision-making, courageous communication, and holding everyone to exacting standards.
Moreover, the pace of today’s world demands continuous learning and adaptability. Leaders should stay open to novel ideas and have the courage to admit and visibly learn from their mistakes. It is essential to acknowledge our biases—recognizing that we all have them—and to remain vigilant as they can significantly influence how we interpret the world and communicate within it. Additionally, keep an eye on your ego; it can easily get in the way of success.
Leaders make decisions using two processes: emotion and logic. Part of the art of leadership is knowing which process we are leaning on at any given time. Too much emotion can lead decisions astray, while too much logic can ignore the crucial human component. By actively managing these personal biases and their ego, leaders can see situations more clearly, and develop strategies that are more likely to succeed. This practice does not just enhance decision-making it also creates an environment where empowerment and creative problem-solving thrive, building a resilient and committed team ready for operational excellence. I hope leaders embrace these ideas, as they are crucial for guiding teams successfully in this complex and ever-changing landscape.
How can the GlobalMindED Inclusive Success Network inform, advance, and/or multiply your mission and goals?
Joining the GlobalMindED Inclusive Success Network will broaden the impact of the Medal of Honor ecosystem, especially in promoting character development among all citizens, not just our nation’s youth. This collaboration provides a platform to connect with a diverse and inclusive community, enhancing our mission to impart the core values of courage, sacrifice, and integrity that the Medal of Honor embodies. Utilizing the network’s resources and educational opportunities will further enrich our programs and initiatives, allowing us to disseminate these values more effectively. By leveraging this network, we aim to inspire a wider audience, motivating every citizen to embrace these principles and make a positive impact in the world. This aligns perfectly with the Medal of Honor’s mission to foster a culture of character-based leadership.
What legacy would you like to leave to the world?
The legacy I would most like to leave the world is one rooted in integrity, courage, and, most importantly, honor—a virtue that is infrequent these days. My life has been about facing challenges straight on with conviction and ethical resolve. I like to think I have been a contributor to the world around me rather than a consumer of it. In a world increasingly filled with people more inclined to take than to give, I have strived to make a meaningful difference, advocating for integrity that is firm and constant, not selectively applied based on convenience, benefit, or a perceived station in life. I hope my legacy encourages others to live with unyielding honor, to contribute positively to the world around them, and to uphold integrity without compromise.
You can meet Britt Slabinski and the 14 other Honorees at the Inclusive Leader Awards Dinner on June 16th in Denver.
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