Ep. 29 - From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: The Attributes That Unlock True Performance with Retired Navy SEAL Rich Diviney
What truly sets high performers apart? Is it skill, experience, or something deeper that reveals itself only when the pressure is on?
In this powerful episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we welcome Rich Diviney—retired Navy SEAL commander, bestselling author of The Attributes and Masters of Uncertainty, and founder of The Attributes Inc. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in one of the world’s most elite military units, Rich offers a rare look into the hidden drivers of optimal human performance and how they can be cultivated in any environment—from the battlefield to the boardroom.
Rich explains why attributes—not just learned skills—determine how we show up in moments of challenge and change. He breaks down what it really means to thrive in chaos, why true leadership is a behavior rather than a title, and how individuals and teams can build resilience, adaptability, and trust when the stakes are highest.
You’ll gain insight into:
The attributes that shape performance under stress—and which are most critical for leaders today
How elite SEAL teams were built for uncertainty and what businesses can learn from their structure
Why adaptability, resilience, and emotional control are more powerful than any hard skill
Practical ways to assess and develop your own attributes, so you can succeed in both predictable and unpredictable environments
We also dive into Rich’s bestselling books:
The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance – an exploration of the innate qualities that define how we perform under pressure
Masters of Uncertainty – a timely guide to thriving in today’s chaotic, unpredictable world
This conversation is more than just theory—it’s an actionable guide to becoming more self-aware, more adaptable, and more effective in a world that feels increasingly complex.
Listen now and discover how to lead yourself and others through any challenge.
About CivilTalk:
At CivilTalk, we help leaders and teams grow through emotional intelligence, intentional communication, and real-world tools for human-centered leadership. Explore our resources, podcast episodes and AI Assisted ORGTALK designed to bring more civility, presence, and clarity into the workplace and beyond.
Learn more: www.civiltalk.com