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A Navy SEAL's Guide to Raising Confident & Joyful Children | Brandon Webb

In a world of constant disruption, resilience is a superpower. In a world of convenience, ease, and growing abundance, building resilience is becoming increasingly difficult - especially among children. Grit, determination, tenacity, and resolve are valued traits, but too few parents know how to build these characteristics in their children through the “ordinary magic” of childhood.

Brandon Webb is a former U.S. Navy SEAL sniper instructor and author of the book “Puddle Jumpers.” In this interview, Brandon shares how true mental toughness is built through calm consistency, emotional safety, and the everyday words our kids hear: “You’ve got this.” “Try again—I believe in you.” Brandon discusses how parents can set high expectations while giving high support—so kids feel safe enough to take risks, make mistakes, and bounce back stronger.

Brandon goes on to discuss the difficult conversations - about sex, drugs, social media, and gun violence - many parents are uncomfortable having and when the appropriate timing is to introduce children to these real-world subjects. Brandon concludes with his advice for parents who want to prepare their children for the future.

After leaving home at sixteen, Brandon Webb went on to become a decorated Navy SEAL sniper turned entrepreneur—but his most meaningful title is still Dad to three young adults who somehow all keep finding their way back home to raid the fridge and leave with clean laundry. As a U.S. Navy Chief, he led the Navy SEAL Sniper School, training some of America’s most legendary marksmen. He’s also a multiple New York Times bestselling author—though his kids like to remind him, “You’re still just Dad.”

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Meet Your Host, Don MacPherson

Don MacPherson is the founder, CEO, and Host of 12 Geniuses

Don MacPherson is host of 12 Geniuses - a podcast for curious and voracious learners. A six-time entrepreneur, Don spent 25 years researching the employee and customer experiences, the attributes of great leadership, and how healthy organizational cultures are created and sustained. Now, Don interviews geniuses from around the world about the trends shaping the way we live and work. From AI to biotechnology, aging to addiction, cybersecurity to privacy, and climate change to space travel, Don uses these insights to help business leaders better understand what these trends are, how they are positioned to disrupt companies and industries, and how new value can be created for those willing to make the necessary changes.

An avid traveler and volunteer, Don has visited every corner of the world and been a Big Brother mentor for more than 20 years. He is the former executive director Think2Perform Research Institute where he helped to create the organization’s Future Leaders Academy. Don is a board member of Leadership Garden, an organization that helps young people develop the life skills needed to make a positive difference in their community. In October 2024, Don co-founded Home at Home - an organization that enables seniors to age gracefully, safely, and vibrantly in the comfort of their own homes.