Missions, Mistakes, and Manhood | Mike Lanouar
What do you do when things fall apart — all at once? Maybe it’s a mistake that cost you more than you expected. Maybe it’s standing in the middle of chaos, realizing no one’s coming to save you. Or maybe it’s waking up one day and realizing you don’t know who the hell you are anymore.
In this series of podcast shorts, we discuss emotional control when rockets are flying overhead. Taking full responsibility after screwing up big. Building trust through action, not talk. Finding your identity when it’s been stripped down. And doing the work — every damn day — even when no one’s watching.
No ego. No excuses. Just the kind of wisdom you earn the hard way.
3 Keys to Owning Your Life
Identity, Ownership, and Growth. Mike outlines the three fundamentals of manhood: being unapologetically yourself, taking full ownership of your actions, and refusing to let your failures define you. It’s a reminder that courage isn't about having it all together — it's about showing up honestly, especially when life gets hard.
Testing Yourself in Chaos
Who you are is proven under pressure. Mike shares how going to war wasn’t just about serving—it was about testing himself. He didn’t want to wonder who he was; he wanted to find out for real. This segment explores how chaos doesn’t build character—it reveals it—and how true identity is forged when you're pushed to your limits.
Control Your Emotions
Staying calm when everything’s exploding around you. In a story about being rocketed on Mother’s Day overseas, Mike explains how emotional control saved lives. When everything felt out of control, he focused on what he could control—his presence. This mindset carried him through countless dangerous situations and shaped how he leads today.
Owning Mistakes & Moving On To Success
Own your mistakes. Then Build something better. Mike reflects on a DUI that cost him his spot on the SWAT team—and how taking full ownership of it changed everything. He shares how moving forward without shame gave him freedom, and how sharing his story now helps others do the same.
The Mantra for Success in Any Field
Don’t wait. Find the next thing and get to work. Whether in chaos or transition, Mike lives by one rule: find work. From his time in SWAT to entrepreneurship, he shares how staying in motion—solving problems, stepping up, helping others—has been the key to his success and peace of mind.
Great Teammate Qualities
Responsibility, openness, and hard work. Mike recalls a flawless SWAT operation where even after perfect execution, his teammates still took personal accountability. He highlights how owning mistakes, accepting feedback, and working hard for your team are the hallmarks of people worth trusting under pressure.
Control Yourself, Impact Your World
Emotional control isn’t weak — it’s power. Mike expands on how emotional control can shape not just outcomes, but your entire reality. Whether facing danger or dealing with everyday setbacks, choosing a positive mindset and focusing on what you can control becomes a powerful tool for leadership and personal success.
Shut Up & Do Your Job
Humility, respect, and execution. A formative moment with a pro-level teammate taught Mike a life lesson: no excuses, just do your job. He shares how this mindset shaped his leadership approach—listening, learning, and expecting excellence through action, not words.
