Admiral Vern Clark | Retired Chief of Naval Operations of the United States Navy | The Power of Covenant Leadership | Part 2
Release Date: 04/09/2025
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info_outlineAdmiral Vernon Eugene Clark is a retired four-star admiral who served as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for the United States Navy. He retired on July 22, 2005, after five years in the role—making him the second-longest serving CNO in history, after Arleigh Burke. During his distinguished military career, Admiral Clark received numerous awards, including four Defense Distinguished Service Medals, three Navy Distinguished Service Medals, and three Legions of Merit. Following his retirement, he was further recognized with the Eisenhower Award from the Business Executives of North America, the Distinguished Sea Service Award from the Naval Order of the United States, and the Distinguished Service Medal from the Military Order of the World Wars.
He holds an undergraduate degree from Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, and an MBA from the University of Arkansas. He has also received honorary doctorates from the University of Toledo, Old Dominion University, Northwest University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Today, Admiral Clark continues to share the leadership insights gained throughout his Navy career. He reflects on major challenges—such as the Navy’s high attrition rates when he became Chief—and the steps he took to address them. He unpacks what “alignment” means in a leadership context and why it became one of his top priorities. He also discusses the importance of vision in leadership, and how that principle shaped his actions in the aftermath of 9/11.
“It's been said before that I bring a little bit of passion to the game.” - Admiral Vern Clark
“Alignment is really about communication.” - Admiral Vern Clark
“More is caught than taught.” - Admiral Vern Clark
This Week on The Wow Factor:
- The five principles on which Admiral Vern founded his leadership
- The importance of culture in a large organization
- The importance of getting buy-in from the sailors and how Admiral Vern brought his Master Chiefs on board with his plans
- Admiral Vern’s goals of equipping and empowering the whole team
- How Admiral Vern and his team solved the problem of attrition
- Where Admiral Vern was when the tragic events of 9/11 occurred and his immediate response to deploy loaded aircraft carriers and destroyers to strategic positions
- When Admiral Vern first met President Bush at his inauguration and the promise he made him
- The story of Admiral Vern’s relationship with Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense
- The importance of listening as a leader
- Why Admiral Vern feels that the Lord was watching over him throughout his career
Admiral Vern Clark’s Word of Wisdom:
Having a strategic communications plan that moves you forward as a team or organization is vital.
Connect with Admiral Vern Clark:
- Any questions for Admiral Clark can be sent to Brad
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