Welcome to the Victory Podcast, and our limited series: Beyond the Labels. We are excited to share stories and insights from our teammates that go beyond the labels you see at the top of their bios. In our work together, we've discovered common threads to our experiences, and stories that many of us have never shared publicly about how we approach life and leadership. Our name, Victory Strategies, is all about achieving success against all the odds, facing the obstacles along the way and becoming stronger because of it.

In this episode, we are excited to join Jacob Werksman, our CEO and founder, with one of his first teammates, Adam Weiner, as they share not just the origin story, but the story behind the assembly and growth of the team you see today. Jacob and Adam will also share stories from their own personal journeys that were instrumental to their growth as leaders, and to the values that became the foundation for Victory Strategies.

Our host for this series is Angelina "Strike" Stephens, a keynote speaker and leadership coach with Victory Strategies.

Meet Chris Brown…

Coach Chris Brown has spent his career on the biggest international sporting stages, and as a two-time Olympic Coach, Chris is recognized most for leading the U.S. Women's Rugby Team from fifth to first in the World. Chris was awarded World Rugby's "Coach of the Series" upon the completion of his first season in charge.

He’s a native of New Zealand and began coaching in South Africa before moving north to prepare Namibia for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Next up was Kenya, where Chris helped lead their Men's Rugby Team from 13th to 5th in the World. In London two years later, he would be instrumental in helping the U.S. Men's Olympic Rugby Team win their first World Series event.

Chris's international experience and unparalleled coaching instinct have compelled even the most under-resourced teams to victory. Through his unique approach, he ignites the champion within each individual, pushing high achievers to break through their limitations and reach new heights. By fostering unwavering character, amplifying integrity, and cultivating resilience, he empowers individuals to achieve success and sustain it, both on and off the field.

Top three tips for a successful life?

1. Be intentional in who you allow to speak into your life/ who you surround yourself with.
2. Never compromise on the relationships that are most important to you.
3. Know the why and motive behind every decision you make.

Best piece of advice you ever received?

Work hard, be humble and don't quit.

Professional achievement you’re most proud of:

Leading USA Women’s Olympic Rugby Team to number one in the world for first time

What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?

Be careful who you listen to…Who you listen to the most will heavily influence how you think.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

Enjoy the moment. Embrace the process. Understanding what you sow now will either hurt you or accelerate you in years to come.

Biggest regret from a professional perspective?

Compromising on selecting an individual who had talent but not the character yet needed for the Olympic squad. It ended up taking much of my attention and also hurt the power of the unit.

What's the next big project or adventure you’re working towards?

Currently working on a leadership book with the underlying themes of the Heart & How of a Champion

Connect with Chris on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-chris-brown/

Connect with The Victory Podcast:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

Link to Youtube: https://youtu.be/1gPX0uzCQQQ

The Victory Podcast is hosted and produced by Amy Forsythe for Victory Strategies.

Check out the VS Leadership Library: www.victory-strategies.com/podcast

#victorypodcast #victorystrategies #lifeleadershipjourney #accelerateleadership #WhatsNext

Meet Darrell Utt…

From humble beginnings in West Virginia, Darrell Utt overcame great odds by hard work and sacrifice. From earning the coveted Ranger Tab and Green Beret, to leading teams in combat, to becoming the Chief of Operations for The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation and has always put country above self.

Master Sgt. Darrell Utt retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces in January of 2017 and during his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with ‘Valor’ for heroic actions and leadership during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq in 2006.

He was also awarded four (4) Bronze Star Medals for achievement and service in Iraq. As a Special Forces Team Sergeant, his Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) was recognized and awarded the 2006 Larry Thorne Award for best Operational Detachment in 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Darrell was also the Recipient of the Robert T. Frederick Award for military excellence – the only Special Forces Operations Team Sergeant from the seven (7) Special Forces Groups to be awarded this honor in 2007.

Top three tips for a successful life?

1. Invest in yourself

2. Have fun along the way

3. Think Positively

Best piece of advice you ever received?

Work hard, be humble and don't quit.

Professional achievement you’re most proud of:

Being awarded the 2006 Larry Thorne Award for Best Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) in 10th Special Forces Group

What advice would you give someone now who is just starting their career?

Balance Life/Work and have fun!

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

Find what you love to do and do it!

Biggest regret from a professional perspective?

Not successfully learning a foreign language.

What's the next big project or adventure you’re working towards?

-The Grand Opening of The National Medal of Honor Museum in March 2025.

-Big announcement coming soon for an exciting ‘release.’ Stay Tuned!

Causes you care about?

· National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation: https://mohmuseum.org/

· Special Forces Association: https://www.specialforcesassociation.org/

· Special Forces Foundation: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/

Connect with Darrell on social media:

Instagram (@Darrell.Utt)

Facebook (@DUttRowdy7)
Twitter (@DarrellUtt)

LinkedIn (@Darrell-Utt)
Youtube (@DarrellUtt)

Check out Darrell Utt on The Combat Story podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzv6lISLnwA

Connect with The Victory Podcast:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/victory_podcast/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thevictorypodcast

The Victory Podcast Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3VxXMsg

Link to Youtube: https://youtu.be/1gPX0uzCQQQ

Link to Podcast MP3: https://www.buzzsprout.com/958345/episodes/14266800-064-darrell-utt-director-of-business-operations-for-the-nati