I once read a book called The Mission, the Men, and Me. It resonated deeply, not because I have it all figured out—far from it. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, nor am I perfect, and I don’t pretend to be. Some days, the weight of balancing life as an entrepreneur, a Marine officer, and a civilian feels like a fight in itself. But in those moments of struggle, I come back to a lesson from both that book and a mentor of mine, a Marine officer whose wisdom has never steered me wrong. He always reminds me:
“It’s not about you.”
Leadership isn’t about titles, rank, or position—it’s about how you serve. The mission comes first. Always. What is the objective? What must be accomplished? That applies not just in the military but in every aspect of life. Then, it’s about the men and women—those we lead, those we serve alongside, and even those who simply cross our paths. How can you add value? How can you lift someone up? How can you make someone’s life better, even in the smallest way?
And then, there’s you. Not as an afterthought, but as a crucial part of the equation. Who you are—your character, your integrity, your physical and mental resilience—matters. If you fail to take care of yourself, you fail those who depend on you. We say Ductus Exemplo—lead by example. That means showing up, every day, as the standard.
So here’s what I’ve learned: Life is hard. No one has all the answers. But in the midst of the uncertainty, be the reason someone keeps going today. Be the reason someone smiles. Be the light that allows others to be unapologetically themselves. Some say our differences divide us; I say they reveal new perspectives that bring us closer.
Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
Know your Marines and look out for their welfare.
Set the example.
These aren’t just principles. They’re a way of life.
“The most important lesson I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.”
— Gen. Colin Powell
—Lt. Jones
