In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, host Linda Anderson reconnects with her longtime friend and classmate, General Gustave F. Perna—a retired four-star general who served 38 years in the United States Army with honor, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to mission and people.

From their shared roots on an 8th-grade student council to leading at the highest levels of the military and national response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gus reflects on the values that guided his life: character, accountability, mentorship, and purpose.

Now, as the Founder and CEO of Perna Consulting and a board member across multiple industries—technology, health, defense, and beyond—he continues to apply his leadership philosophy to help organizations move from evolutionary to revolutionary.

Together, Linda and Gus explore the meaning of service, the importance of defining your “why,” and the hope that comes from building strong, principled communities—whether on the battlefield, in business, or in everyday life.

Takeaways

• Leadership begins early—the seeds of character are planted long before titles or promotions.
  

• Mentorship matters—being guided by others and paying it forward is how leadership sustains itself.
  

• Hope fuels resilience—even in crisis, staying anchored in purpose allows us to keep moving forward.
  

• Culture and accountability—great organizations are built on trust, shared values, and integrity.
  

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about authority—it’s about authenticity, service, and compassion. From student council to the Pentagon, General Perna’s story illustrates how culture, identity, healing, and hope all intersect in the journey toward purposeful leadership.

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez