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Integrity and authenticity build organizations where people thrive, not just survive.
In this dynamic episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Patrick “Paddy” Gough — retired Marine Corps officer, former aerospace CEO, and founder of Poseidon Consulting — for a candid and insightful conversation on what true leadership looks like. Together, they explore Paddy’s “Seven Cs” of leadership: competence, candor, courage, commitment, consistency, compassion, and communication; and how these principles shape successful teams and enduring cultures.
Through stories from the battlefield to the boardroom, Jane and Paddy dive deep into the real challenges CEOs face today: handling toxic employees, fostering collaboration across departments, navigating the growing pains of scaling, and building strategic plans that actually drive results. Paddy’s philosophy of “mission first, people always” resonates powerfully as they discuss why leadership is an attribute, not a title, and why cultivating trust and moral courage is non-negotiable in business.
Episode Highlights
- (06:22) Introduction to Paddy’s “Seven Cs” leadership philosophy
- (10:30) Why moral courage is harder than physical courage — and essential for modern leadership.
- (13:37) The danger of imposing your values on others — and how to build mutual respect across diverse teams.
- (19:07) Leadership vs. management — why people need to be led, not managed.
- (22:21) Why consistency in discipline and rewards builds trust in an organization.
- (25:03) Leadership by walking around: the power of visible, engaged leadership.
- (27:13) How addressing toxic employees can instantly boost engagement, productivity, and culture.
- (37:23) Strategic planning done right: how Paddy turned dusty documents into real operational success
- (44:53) Why true collaboration starts with aligned leadership — and how to get everyone “rowing true.”
- (55:50) Why CEOs must evolve as their companies scale — and what happens when they don’t.
- (60:45) Preparing young professionals: soft skills, mindset, and readiness for the real world.
- (67:01) His two upcoming books: one on resilience, the other on leadership lessons from 45 years of service and business.
Whether you’re leading a startup or a large enterprise, this conversation is packed with hard-won lessons, real-world examples, and timeless advice to help you lead with greater impact and authenticity.
Episode Guest
About Patrick Gough
Patrick “Paddy” Gough is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel and decorated combat aviator with over 30 years of active service, including four combat deployments and more than 4,000 flight hours. A Top Gun–equivalent graduate and instructor, Paddy led at the highest levels of Marine Corps aviation, commanding up to 5,000 Marines and 200 aircraft in combat operations. He holds a BA in History from California State University, Fullerton and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, graduating with distinction. After retiring from the military, Paddy transitioned to the private sector, serving as Executive Director and Interim CEO at the Orange County Transportation Authority before becoming COO and CEO of PKL Services, where he increased corporate value by $67 million.
Today, Paddy is the CEO of Poseidon Consulting LLC. He also serves on several nonprofit and university advisory boards and has been recognized among the Top 10 Most Inspiring CEOs and the Top 20 Dynamic CEOs by leading business publications. His awards include three Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, and multiple national accolades for leadership excellence in both the military and civilian sectors.
