Mike Ettore | Lead Like Your Legacy Depends On It

What’s your mindset when the battle chooses YOU?

Do you shrink back and start counting your losses? Or do you stand up, lock in, and fight like hell to WIN — no matter how unfair it feels?

Let’s be real…

Most guys crumble when in battles they didn’t sign up for — cancer, career setbacks, family struggles, you name it. They start seeing defeat as inevitable instead of optional.

That’s why I had to get retired Marine Corps Officer, C-Suite Executive, and battle-tested cancer warrior, Mike Ettore, on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show. Hands down, Mike’s story is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and leading a life with legacy in mind.

Mike’s faced real enemies on the battlefield…and now he’s facing one in his own body. But the way he’s handling it is beyond inspiring.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to adopt a “World’s Greatest” mindset when facing battles you didn’t choose — and why it could save your life (and leadership).
• Mike’s powerful strategy for mastering internal vs. external friction — and how it can immediately boost your resilience and focus.
• A practical reframe to help you stop shrinking in adversity and start leading yourself and others with unshakable confidence.
• Why building a lasting legacy requires daily, intentional action — and how Mike writes and leads with his “grandchildren’s grandchildren” in mind.
• The secret to balancing leadership and management without losing clarity, impact, or mission focus.
• A life-tested reason why “as goes the leader, so goes the team” — and how your daily example multiplies across generations.

Key Quotes

• “Any single thing that you can do to stack the odds in your favor – even a slight odd increase – do it.” – Mike Ettore
• “This cancer may in fact kill me, but I’ll never die from it.” – Mike Ettore
• “As a leader, you’re either getting better or you’re stagnating.” – Mike Ettore
• “As goes the leader, so goes the team — always.” – Mike Ettore

Connect with Mike

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeettore/
• Website: https://www.fidelisleadership.com/
• Podcast: https://www.fidelisleadership.com/podcast
• Books: https://www.fidelisleadership.com/books

Connect with J.R.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.