If you’re serious about winning, you need to be even more serious about your preparation. After all, it’s the work behind the scenes that makes elite performance poetic to watch.
Today, we’re joined by one of the most well-trained individuals on the planet, Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator, Andrew Sullivan.
After watching the events of 11th September 2001 unfold, Andrew enlisted in the Navy, completed BUD/S training, and became a Navy SEAL. After six years at SEAL Team Two, he was selected to screen for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), also known as “DEVGRU,” where he spent the remainder of his time in service.
In an 11-year stint at the NSWDG, Andrew served as Team Leader for a 24-man counter-terrorism unit that conducted numerous missions pursuing high-value targets and conducting hostage rescue operations worldwide. He medically retired from the US military in 2020 after nearly two decades of service in the Special Operations community.
Andrew has been awarded the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals with combat valor, the Purple Heart Medal, and numerous other joint and individual commendations. In addition, he holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership from the University of Charleston, West Virginia.
Following his time in service, Andrew started BlueForce Strategic Action Group, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides tactical, security, and leadership consulting to the U.S. Department of Defense and various law enforcement agencies. Some of the organizations and associations Andrew has worked with, and consulted to, include: the New York Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Air Force Special Operations; and Naval Special Warfare.

In 2021, Andrew founded the Community First Project, a nonprofit organization designed to improve community safety by providing much-needed, no-cost training to police officers. The Community First Project delivers comprehensive, up-to-date tactical and operational training that allows officers to serve, protect, and survive – and keep our communities safe.
In this episode:
Let’s WIN THE DAY with Andrew Sullivan!
0:16 Who is Andrew Sullivan
2:07 Interview starts
3:02 Growing up and developing the dream to become a Navy SEAL
5:58 Attending Navy SEAL training (BUD/S)
7:55 What happens to people who fail Navy SEAL training
9:36 Take it one step at a time
11:02 Who is first to quit Navy SEAL training (BUD/S)
13:29 First deployment and combat mission
15:05 Keeping in touch with loved ones while on deployment
16:13 Finding joy in war zones
17:17 Only complain if you’re ready to solve the problem
19:28 How to prepare your body, mind, and spirit for violence
22:12 Expose yourself to war before you go to war
23:28 The value of teamwork in the Navy SEALs
26:45 Why are Navy SEALs so good
27:47 Difference between SEAL teams and Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
29:47 Change before you fail (DEVGRU mentality)
31:18 Anxiety and fear in DEVGRU
33:42 Do things that make you uncomfortable
34:59 Preferred theater of combat
36:39 Best phase of skill development
38:58 Mindset between first and last combat mission
43:03 Transition to civilian life
45:31 Why Andrew Sullivan is training law enforcement
49:03 Create the stress of war in training
51:44 What to do in an active shooter situation
55:38 Boston marathon bombing
57:44 Suicide in the military and law enforcement communities
1:00:09 How to help a loved one with mental health
1:02:19 The benefits of proper law enforcement training
1:05:49 The danger of comfort in repetition
1:10:24 Work with Community First Project and Boston Police Department
1:12:24 The gift of vulnerability
1:13:40 Affirmation
1:14:34 How to support the Community First Project
1:15:15 Rocket Round
Resources / links mentioned:
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