Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
Welcome to Passing The Torch, a personal development podcast that’s about the journey, not just the destination.
This show is a conversation with people who inspire me — thought leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, and others who are constantly evolving and learning about themselves. I’m not pretending to have it all figured out, and that’s what makes this podcast different. As I navigate my own personal growth and discover new tools, insights, and stories that are helping me, I’m bringing you along for the ride.
I believe that when it comes to self-improvement, we don’t always need to hear from someone who has already "arrived" at their ideal self. Instead, we can find power in connecting with people who are in the trenches alongside us, figuring things out as they go. Passing The Torch is an opportunity for both of us to learn, grow, and share in real-time.
Every episode, I sit down with individuals from all walks of life — from CEOs and best-selling authors to Special Forces Operators, friends, and elite athletes — and we dive deep into the lessons they’ve learned, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the wisdom they’ve gained. Along the way, I’ll be sharing my own experiences and insights from my personal development journey.
Whether you’re someone who’s looking for guidance or simply enjoy hearing raw, honest stories of transformation, Passing The Torch offers something for everyone. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about sharing what we’ve learned and helping each other move forward.
Join me on this adventure. Let's pass the torch together.
Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
#97 - Scott Stalker - Left of Leadership
Welcome back to "Passing The Torch," where we dive deep into the stories behind remarkable leaders, their journeys, and the lessons they have to share. In this episode, host Martin Foster sits down with Scott Stalker—a man whose military career defies conventional expectations.
Despite finishing last in his intelligence school training, Scott went on to spend 31 years in the United States Marine Corps, becoming the first and only Marine to serve as the command senior enlisted leader at not just the Defense Intelligence Agency, but also at the National Security Agency, United States Cyber Command, and United States Space Command.
Since retiring, Scott has founded a company devoted to national security and leadership development, and has authored "Left of Leadership," a book distilling wisdom from decades at the front lines of service and strategy. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Scott reflects on his troubled youth, his path to redemption and leadership, and the power of small, consistent efforts to effect lasting change.
You'll hear Scott’s unfiltered thoughts on discipline, the importance of personal growth, facing ethical dilemmas, and why helping others is the ultimate key to success. With stories ranging from shoplifting as a kid, to being banned by name from Russia, to finding inspiration in his own family—this episode is packed with humor, humility, and actionable insight.
Why Listen:
This episode offers genuine wisdom, humor, and vulnerability. Anyone interested in leadership, personal growth, or military stories will walk away feeling empowered to take action, build resilience, and lead with heart—regardless of where they start.
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Quick Episode Summary:
Scott Stalker shares leadership lessons, resilience, and life inspiration.
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SEO Description:
Marine veteran Scott Stalker shares leadership lessons, resilience, military stories, and personal growth on Passing The Torch with host Martin Foster.
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Chapters:
00:00 "Why Life Feels Great Now"
09:56 Golf Fitness and Marine Corps Story
15:27 "Wounded Warrior Project Commitment"
16:25 Support for Returning Veterans
21:44 "Growth Through Words Perspective"
29:32 "Negativity Doesn’t Solve Anything"
34:52 "Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth"
39:06 "Prioritizing Presence as a Parent"
44:37 "Preparation Changes Everything"
52:21 "Fascinated by Tech's Future"
58:50 Ethics in Combat Decision-Making
59:56 "Strategic Wisdom in Decision-Making"
01:10:02 Growth, Values, and Respect
01:12:57 "Lt Gen Van Riper's Legacy"
01:17:51 "Focused Planning for Long-Term Success"
01:21:43 Name Game
01:31:07 "Tragedy, Loss, and Honor"
01:34:11 "Billboard Message"
Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin
More Amazing Stories:
Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure
Episode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way
Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel
Scott Stalker is someone who finished dead last in their intelligence school training, but went on to serve 31 years in the USMC. Eventually, he was the first and only Marine to serve as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Defense Intelligence Agency.
After this tour, he served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the National Security Agency, while concurrently serving as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Cyber Command, the first and only Marine to serve in that position at Cyber Command.
He ended his career as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Space Command, again the first and only Marine to lead in this strategic position.
Since retiring, he has started a company that focuses on national security and leadership and team development.
Lastly, his new book Left of Leadership is the culmination of a lifetime spent on the front lines of strategy, service, and leadership.
Despite all his military success and titles, today he simply goes by Scott.
Why Listen:
This episode offers genuine wisdom, humor, and vulnerability. Anyone interested in leadership, personal growth, or military stories will walk away feeling empowered to take action, build resilience, and lead with heart—regardless of where they start.
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Quick Episode Summary:
Scott Stalker shares leadership lessons, resilience, and life inspiration.
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SEO Description:
Marine veteran Scott Stalker shares leadership lessons, resilience, military stories, and personal growth on Passing The Torch with host Martin Foster.
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🌟 Torch Takeaways:
Redemption & Growth
From finishing last in his intelligence school to leading at the very top levels of U.S. national security, Scott’s career is living proof that it’s not where you start, but where you’re willing to go. He shares how his troubled youth—and a memorable trip back to a 7/11 to make amends—shaped his belief in personal growth and paying it forward.
Post-Traumatic Growth
Scott is candid about the challenges of coming home from service, the importance of seeking help, and the concept of “post-traumatic growth”—finding strength and new perspective after adversity.
The Power of Words and Actions
Scott dives deep into how small gestures—like remembering someone’s name or expressing genuine kindness—can transform relationships and open doors in unexpected ways.
Discipline On & Off the Field
Whether in leadership, the gym, or family life, Scott and his wife (a competitive powerlifter herself) embody disciplined action and leading by example. His advice? Consistency and daily efforts outweigh flashy, short-term wins.
Leadership Gems
He recalls critical mentors, “aha” moments, and the mindset shift to focusing on substance over symbolism—plus a few words on being authentic in the world of professional image and social media.
Lightning Round: The Name Game
Get Scott’s quick takes on key people who influenced his life—from mentors and Marines to mountain goats (yes, really). His answers are heartfelt and often hilarious.
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Scott's Resources:
➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstalker/
➡︎ Website: https://www.stalkersolutions.com/
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Episode Mentions:
Todd Simmons
JoAnne Bass
Robert Griffin III (RG3)
Robert Irvine
Lt Gen Van Riper, USMC, Ret.
General Mattis, USMC, Ret.
Peter Singer
Bob Howard
Father Castro
Lt Gen Stewart, USMC, Ret.
Mrs. Hamanaka
Shane Pilgrim
The Famous Mountain Goat
JR Flatter
Michael Quinn
Bryan Singer
Shannon Kent
Joe Kent
Ramón Colón-López (CZ)
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Quotes to open episode:
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier
"If your identity is what you were, you’ll never be what you can become."
Japanese proverb – "Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare."
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Chapters:
00:00 Why Life Feels Great Now
09:56 Golf Fitness and Marine Corps Story
15:27 Wounded Warrior Project Commitment
16:25 Support for Returning Veterans
21:44 Growth Through Words Perspective
29:32 Negativity Doesn’t Solve Anything
34:52 Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth
39:06 Prioritizing Presence as a Parent
44:37 Preparation Changes Everything
52:21 Fascinated by Tech's Future
59:56 Strategic Wisdom in Decision-Making
01:10:02 Growth, Values, and Respect
01:12:57 Lt Gen Van Riper's Legacy
01:17:51 Focused Planning for Long-Term Success
01:21:43 Name Game
01:31:07 Tragedy, Loss, and Honor
01:34:11 Billboard Message
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Full Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch featuring Scott Stalker:
In this inspiring episode of "Passing The Torch," host Martin Foster sits down with Scott Stalker, a retired United States Marine Corps leader who defied the odds—from finishing dead last in intelligence school to becoming the first and only Marine to serve as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader at the Defense Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command, and U.S. Space Command.
The conversation starts with Martin highlighting Scott’s unconventional path, his honesty about youthful mistakes (including a humorous story about making amends for shoplifting as a teen), and his remarkable journey of personal growth and leadership. Scott emphasizes the importance of small, consistent efforts, humility, and the power of owning your story—no matter where you start.
Together, they discuss Scott's new book, "Left of Leadership," which draws on his extensive military experience to share lessons on strategy, resilience, and the human element of leadership. Scott talks about overcoming a challenging upbringing, the pivotal role mentors played in his life (like NCO Bob Howard), and being driven not to repeat the mistakes of his father—especially now as a dedicated, present father himself.
Scott shares current passions and post-military adventures, from ongoing powerlifting with his wife (and her competitive achievements), to traveling and helping fellow veterans with their own transitions out of the military. They also dive into the value of positive self-talk, kindness, and the long-term impact of seemingly small, respectful gestures—showing how “winning the handshake” and using someone’s name can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Martin and Scott also touch on deeper subjects like post-traumatic growth, the importance of mental health support, and Scott’s involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project—motivated by personal family loss and a commitment to helping veterans find renewed purpose.
Scott reflects on lessons learned from briefing legendary leaders, how to handle “ethical tensions” at the highest levels of national security, and why humility, preparation, and authentic connection always beat out symbolic gestures or surface-level success. Listeners get a sneak peek into Scott’s mindset as an "amateur futurist," his thoughts on world events, leadership, and the interplay between history and tomorrow’s challenges.
The episode wraps up with fun rapid-fire questions, memorable stories involving mentors and friends, and heartfelt advice for aspiring leaders: focus on substance, outwork everyone, and “be civil”—seeking connection over division in all areas of life.
Key Topics Covered:
- Scott’s unconventional journey from failing student to national-level leader
- Lessons from childhood and making amends
- The transformative power of mentorship
- Finding purpose and gratitude in retirement
- Powerlifting and the importance of discipline and rest
- The value of positive affirmations and kindness
- Military transition and the Wounded Warrior Project
- Ethical tensions and decision-making in leadership
- Post-traumatic growth and mental health
- "Left of Leadership" and practical leadership wisdom
- The importance of substance over symbolism
- Fun, personal anecdotes about colleagues, friends, and even a mountain goat
Why Listen: This episode offers genuine wisdom, humor, and vulnerability. Anyone interested in leadership, personal growth, or military stories will walk away feeling empowered to take action, build resilience, and lead with heart—regardless of where they start.
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I appreciate all of you. - MF
