Nimitz-The Consummate Leader with special guest Admiral James Stavridis-Episode 104

This week very special guest Admiral James Stavridis joins Seth and Bill to discuss the leadership qualities and character of the greatest Admiral in US Navy history, Chester W. Nimitz. Join us as we unpack the legacy of the Fleet Admiral who was instrumental in the ultimate defeat of Imperial Japan.

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[TomSmith-lftr]

After the war, Nimitz was in Japan playing golf with commander of Commonwealth Occupation forces in Japan, Horace Robertson (nicknamed Red Robbie). Robertson was a member of The Metropolitan Golf Club in Australia and told this story in the 1950’s to a young Brian Twite (new professional who was formerly from Sunningdale). Nimitz was hacking in the scrub around the coastal golf course and Robbie told him he was in charge of the land and Nimitz should stop damaging it. When Robbie hooked a tee shot into the ocean, Nimitz told Robbie he was in charge of the waters around Japan and Robbie should stop hitting balls into it. Australians who know their history, appreciate the role that Nimitz played in our country’s survival.

[johnfleet]

An aircraft carrier pilot off the Enterprise served under Admiral Kimmel and Admiral Nimitz. He described the difference between the two men. Kimmel gave you his support, but Nimitz made each officer and enlisted man feel like he was part of Nimitz's team and that he transferred a lot of positive energy to his subordinates. Spruance described the first staff meeting with Nimitz as if the windows were opened and fresh air came into the room.

[timothyreilly]

This is a timeless, authentic and candid series. Taking my time, sipping it like a fine wine that it is.

[Scott-kcfg]

A's hire A's. B's hire C's.... Great line!

[randywarren]

I honestly believe the biggest morale boost was the fact that Nimitz kept everyone on the staff in place upon taking command in Pearl Harbor! If anyone had been fired I don't believe the Navy would have won the Battle at Midway because Commander Edwin Layton wouldn't have been there to emphasize that the Japanese were coming in June 1942!

[nancygrote]

I am a huge Nimitz fan; he was one of the greatest leaders of WW2.

[dcl]

An excellent channel, Gentlemen. Well documented and well narrated. A real pleasure to follow and get more properly documented on what (in today’s language) largely boils down to an in-depth study of WWII senior Human Resource Management.
The learnings from past leaders such as Chester Nimitz are totally actual, especially when it comes to his soft skills.

Grateful greetings from Switzerland.

[Bpilot]

VADM Willis A. Lee…most underrated, and overall most intelligent fleet commander in the US Navy. Regrettably, he died in a backwater command in Casco Bay, ME. Having said that, Fleet Admiral Nimitz was an amazing leader and a great man…

[mencken]

Seeng the clip at the outset with Adm. Nimitz in his khakis evoked nostalgia in me for the years after WWII when I grew up. I miss the passing of the khaki uniform, have a picture of my daughter-in-law in her khakis, which she wore and had her picture taken in on the last day they were regulation. All those leather-skinned admirals in their khakis who led the fight across the Pacific- Spruance, Mitscher, Fletcher, Halsey. All things must pass, I suppose, but I don’t have to like it.

[lawrencemyers]

Army vet here...and a great admirer of Adm. Nimitz.
I've been a student of the Pacific War since the 1960s and love your podcast. Are there going to be future episodes on Spruance, Fletcher, Mitscher, etc?

[shoofly]

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to Admiral Stavridis.

[AndrewGivens]

Fantastic episode - thanks from this viewer to ADM Stavridis.
A very sobering discussion, with perfect content and the parallels with our two panellists' 9/11 experiences could not have been more relevant and illustrative. Two very humble gentlemen.
Props to Seth for sitting back and allowing the conversation to flow.
I wish YouTube was like this more often.

[jonrettich]

Any competent review of Nimitz is invaluable especially from such capable and dedicated professionals. I am especially moved at your accounting of your 911 experiences in that context. It means much to me as a citizen of this nation. Thank you

[jamesthompson]

That was absolutely wonderful! Love the channel!! Keep it up guys!

[Vito_Tuxedo]

I'm a relatively new subscriber, gleefully jumping around between episodes and playlists across the three (and now, in August 2024, four) seasons of content. The upside of being "late to the party" is binge-watching these superb episodes. After watching this very early (fourth, in fact) episode in the channel's history it strikes me that there has been remarkable consistency of quality from the very start.

It took YouTube a long time to recommend this channel (stupid algorithm), even though I'm a long-time subscriber to Drachinifel and other related channels. I would encourage all those who enjoy this content and appreciate the stellar work of Seth and Captain Bill to "like and subscribe" and leave a comment (if you haven't already done so) to make it easier for others to find this great channel.

[Full disclosure: Seth and Bill don't know me from Adam, and likely don't even know I exist. I'm posting this initiatively because the channel's content is valuable, and deserves a much wider following.]

[craigjones]

I figured the small statue Admiral would be eaten up by little man complex. Very refreshing to see how he’s super confident and used his ability for the betterment of our nation. Thank you Admiral.

[gravitypronepart]

I happen to know of a signed phorograph of Adm. Nimitz. The one on board USS Missouri at the surrender. Its in a auto repair shop in San Diego of all places!

[stevewaldschmidt]

Great to hear the personal stories of 9-11 at the Pentagon! Thanks for being real educators with your work!!

[johnschuh]

Eisenhower and McArthur, of course, parted ways. But Ike was the one who put Mark Clark in his command and also Bradley,

[kennethcox]

Nimitz was the right man, at the right time, in the right place.