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Author and researcher Dr. Colin Fisher joins Joe to unpack the invisible forces that shape teams—and why leaders ignore them at their own risk.

From his book The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups Dr. Fisher shows how group dynamics are always at play, whether in a locker room, a boardroom, or on the battlefield. Together, he and Joe explore why the myth of the lone genius persists, why synergy is real but rare, and how leaders can deliberately build trust, structure, and norms that drive high-performing teams.

In this episode, Joe and Colin explore:

• Why the Sorting Hat—not Voldemort—might be the real villain of Harry Potter
• How the “lone genius” narrative hides the reality of collaboration behind breakthroughs
• What synergy really means and why structure—not speeches—is the leader’s most powerful tool
• The difference between relational trust and task-based trust, and why the latter makes teams excel
• How group norms emerge, and why they can drive both excellence and dysfunction
• Why psychological safety is about the freedom to disagree, not surface-level harmony
• How power changes leaders’ relationships with others—and why who you surround yourself with matters

Whether you’re leading a squad, running a company, or just trying to understand the groups you’re part of, this episode will change how you see teamwork—and give you tools to lead with intention.

Since his days as a professional jazz trumpet player, Dr. Colin M. Fisher has been fascinated by group dynamics. As Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at University College London’s School of Management, Colin’s research has uncovered the hidden processes of helping groups and teams in situations requiring creativity, improvisation, and complex decision-making. He has written about group dynamics for both popular science and management audiences, and his work has been profiled in prominent media outlets such as BBC, Forbes, NPR, and The Times. Originally from Redmond, Washington, he now lives in North London with his wife and two children.

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Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.

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Military strategist and author George M. Dougherty joins Joe to unpack how robotics, AI, and precision weaponry are reshaping the future of warfare—and what history can teach us about navigating this transformation.

From his book Beast in the Machine, George traces the roots of military robotics back over a century and shows how concepts like remote-controlled systems and autonomous weapons aren’t new at all—they’ve simply advanced with technology. Together, he and Joe explore the implications of universal precision, weapon–target asymmetry, and what it means for maneuver warfare in an era where small drones can neutralize tanks.

In this episode, Joe and George explore:

• Why today’s robotics and AI revolution mirrors the onset of mechanization in World War I
• How “universal precision” is disrupting maneuver warfare and creating a new no man’s land
• The concept of weapon–target asymmetry: why cheap drones can outmatch billion-dollar platforms
• The role of networks, ISR, and electromagnetic warfare in shaping the kill chain
• Historical lessons—from Tesla’s 1898 robot to Kursk’s remote-controlled vehicles—that frame today’s challenges
• The ethical and societal stakes of democratizing lethal technology
• Why leaders must avoid over-empowering AI and remain smarter than the algorithms they use

Whether you’re a junior officer rethinking tactics or a senior strategist wrestling with AI’s role in warfare, this episode offers a sobering yet hopeful look at how leaders can outthink adversaries and shape the future fight.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.

Red Threadx is a team of industry leaders and veterans. As a follow-on to the conversation, Joe Byerly will join George Dougherty and a panel of experts at the Red Thread House during the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. on 14 October 2025. The invitation-only event will explore Beast in the Machine and the ethics of killing in war, alongside critical topics such as artificial intelligence, contested logistics, layered protection, and 21st-century command and control. To learn more about attending, contact info@theredthreadx.com

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Army officer and Harvard-trained scholar Laura Weimer joins Joe to unpack leader identity—how it’s formed, why it matters, and what happens when we never stop to question it.

From leading Soldiers in the field to earning a PhD in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, Laura has navigated both the operational Army and academia. Along the way, she’s learned that one of the most important questions a leader can ask is: Do I want to do this job—or do I just want to be selected for it?

In this candid conversation, Laura and Joe explore how ego, purpose, and values shape career decisions. They share how small changes—like moving one swim lane over—can dramatically improve fit and fulfillment, and why leaders must help their subordinates figure this out before life forces the question.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why separating ego from purpose is critical in career decision-making
• The “swim lane” approach to finding a better fit without leaving the Army
• How coaching and reflection can clarify your leader identity
• Practical exercises for uncovering your values and reframing your work
• Why helping others find the right role strengthens the whole organization

Whether you’re a junior leader at a crossroads or a senior officer mentoring the next generation, this episode offers tools and hard-earned wisdom for building a leader identity that lasts beyond any rank or title.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!

Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it’s banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind.