CEO John S. Berry – Don't Rambo - Build an Army

John S. Berry is a decorated Army Veteran and CEO of Berry Law who has built a mission-driven legal powerhouse from the ground up. With deployments to Bosnia and Iraq, Ranger School under his belt, and a career culminating as a battalion commander, John shares how military leadership forged his no-BS approach to building elite teams. As an example, John breaks down how he revamped Officer Candidate School – ditching pointless hazing for laser-focused training – and turned it into an award-winning institution. From leading troops in combat to leading lawyers in the courtroom, John talks about hiring A-players, creating a culture of accountability, and why tough love gets results. If you want to learn how to build a team that wins, this one’s for you.

#BYAT #veteranowned #leadershipdevelopment #executivesearch
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🪖 Veteran-led. Mission-focused. Results-driven.
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⏱️ CHAPTERS:
01:20 – Meet John Berry
Decorated trial lawyer, Army Ranger, Iraq commander, and leader of a 150+ person law firm.

03:18 – Infantry Lessons in Leadership
John reflects on writing his book and how leadership is earned "an inch at a time."

04:08 – Iraq Deployment: The Call to Lead
John shares how a surprise deployment shaped his resolve and command experience.

05:05 – Finding Purpose After Chaos
From trial losses to payroll fears, John leaned on his military roots to endure and rise.

05:56 – Building a Real A-Team
John overhauls Officer Candidate School, wins streamers, and proves discipline can scale.

07:01 – Inducted Into the Hall of Fame
John’s leadership earns him a place in the Nebraska National Guard Hall of Fame.

07:47 – What Berry Law Stands For
Veteran-focused, Constitution-defending legal warriors, not your average law firm.

08:48 – Why Veterans Win in the Workplace
Veteran values like accountability and selflessness are the foundation of Berry’s hiring.

11:18 – Military Culture, Civilian Success
John shares how military org structure drives performance—even for non-veterans.

14:10 – Veterans Must Lead Again
John issues a rally cry: veterans should step up as America’s next community leaders.

15:06 – Championship Mindset Only
Berry Law hires for performance. The best play—others move to the bench.

16:49 – From Chaos to Command
John recounts inheriting a law firm in disarray and rebuilding it into a thriving force.

18:18 – The Moment That Changed Everything
A soul-searching experience at Trial Lawyers College sets John on a mission to scale.

19:32 – Don’t Be Rambo—Build an Army
Why John focused on hiring, not heroics, and built a legal force to dominate.

21:28 – How He Built His A-Team
John’s pivotal hiring story: recruiting his first “lucky general” started a domino effect.

24:38 – Results Over Personality Tests
Forget profiles—Berry hires for action, not theory. Prove it or move on.

28:24 – Leadership Failures and Hiring Red Flags
The cost of keeping the wrong hire: accountability dodgers, financial illiterates, and ego-driven lawyers.

34:28 – Play to Strengths, Not Weaknesses
Military habits can be limiting—John focuses on maximizing strengths in every teammate.

39:37 – Challenge is Care
Tough love is real love. Berry pushes his people toward growth, not comfort.

43:16 – Leading with Authenticity
Be who you are—military grit, flaws, and all—and people will follow.

45:07 – Talent Acquisition: Predator Mode
John shares how he stalks top talent like a sniper—timing is everything.

47:23 – Hire Early, Fire Early
Biggest mistake? Hiring late. The second biggest? Keeping the wrong person.

50:26 – Non-Traditional Hiring Tactics
Drip campaigns, cold emails, and alumni networks: John's battle-tested recruiting strategies.

55:21 – Final Rally Cry to Veterans
Veterans already know how to lead—now it’s time to rise and build the future.