Author Archives: schoultz

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About schoultz

CEO of Fifth Factor Leadership - Speaker, consultant, coach. Formerly Director, Master of Science in Global Leadership at University of San Diego; prior to that, 30 years in the Navy as a Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) officer.

The Beauty of a Darker Soul, by Joshua Mantz

Why this book:  I met Josh Mantz several years ago when he was a guest speaker at an event I was organizing.  He came, he spoke, he impressed all of us.  Josh and I connected, became friends and have stayed … Continue reading

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Descarte’s Error, by Antonio Damasio

Why this book: Selected by Jay H’s reading group – an eclectic group of about 10 fascinating and curious people – baseball coaches, teachers, businessmen, veterans, consultants.  We met weekly to discuss this book – one chapter at a time. … Continue reading

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Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel

Why this book: Selected by my literature Reading Group based on excellent reviews and having won the Man Booker Prize.  Summary in 3 Sentences:  Historical novel set in the early 1500s in England, built around King Henry VIII’s desire to divorce … Continue reading

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Make Your Bed, by Admiral Bill McRaven

Why this book: Selected as a book to discuss by the group of young men I meet with who are preparing to begin SEAL and SWCC basic training.  One of them had read it and said it would be a really … Continue reading

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Waiting for Eden, by Elliot Ackerman

Why this book: Suggested by my friend Janar in my reading group, as a short and powerful book.  We selected it as an optional addition to our longer selection for August. Summary in 3 sentences: Two good friends and lance corporals … Continue reading

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Stillness is the Key, by Ryan Holiday

Why this book: Strongly recommended by Peter Attia on his podcast and I’ve listened to interviews with Ryan Holiday (author of The Daily Stoic, Obstacle is the Way, Ego is the Enemy) on other podcasts and he impressed me. Attia … Continue reading

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A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving

Why this book: I’ve heard about it for years. I had enjoyed reading Cider House Rules a few years ago and wanted to read another John Irving novel.  Finally my reading group selected it for our August 2020 discussion. Summary … Continue reading

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Rubicon, by Steven Saylor

Why this book: I was looking for a “light” and enjoyable read and this book had been recommended to me many years ago.  I have also listened to Dan Carlin’s fantastic series “Death Throes of the Republic” which covers the … Continue reading

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David and Goliath – Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, by Malcolm Gladwell

Why this Book: Selected by my young SEAL gonnabes reading group for our group selection Summary in 3 sentences:  The title tells the story – an amazing collection of stories of people who overcame great odds to succeed – sometimes … Continue reading

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Sea Stories – my life in Special Operations, by Adm Bill McRaven

Why this book:  I know and admire Adm Bill McRaven  – we were contemporaries in the SEAL community and I was looking forward to reading his story. Summary in 3 sentences This is not an autobiography nor a memoir – it is … Continue reading

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