Episode 45: Tony Negron - Business and combat-tested leader, Retired Air Force Pararescueman

Today’s guest is one of my jiu-jitsu teammates, Tony Negron. After a highly decorated 26-year career in the Air Force, Tony has dedicated his post-military career to aiding both active duty veterans as well as those who have separated from the military through business ventures and charitable organizations. While on active duty, Tony served as a Pararescueman and rose to the level of Pararescue Functional Manager of Air Combat Command, overseeing policy, manpower, and readiness. His work as an operator with Joint Special Operations Command saw him overseeing some of the most critical and strategic missions in our War on Terror from 2000 to 2006. After leaving the military in 2015, Tony took over the SEI business. In leading SEI, Tony works directly with the Department of Defense in providing training to active duty special operations personnel through customized Leadership, Medical, Tactical, and Mountaineering courses. Tony is also a Principal at Fusion Cell, a Windham, NH based company whose mission is to assist transitioning veterans with job placement by matching their unique skill set and talents to the civilian workforce. Lastly, Tony serves on the Board of Directors of the Pararescue Foundation and helps lead their mission in preserving and supporting the Pararescue community. In this interview, we get into Tony’s decision to join the Air Force and become a Pararescueman, his career in the Air Force, his current work in aiding both active duty veterans and those who have transitioned out, and his thoughts on leadership and managing high performance teams.

Timestamps

00:03:20 Growing up in Indiana and interest in the military

00:09:50 Road to becoming a Pararescueman

00:12:25 What is a Pararescueman?

00:15:25 Pararescue training

00:20:40 Moving up the ranks in the Air Force

00:22:48 His journey in the Air Force

00:25:46 Lessons learned about leading teams from his time in the Air Force

00:29:35 Applying those lessons to business

00:33:50 His experience transitioning out

00:38:06 Opportunity to own SEI

00:41:11 SEI overview

00:44:18 What makes SEI trainings unique?

00:45:51 Professor Kevin Landry's role in SEI

00:48:03 Growing SEI over the coming years

00:50:25 Inspiration to start Fusion Cell

00:56:38 The name "Fusion Cell"

00:59:53 How they help veterans more easily find jobs

01:05:18 Ultimate vision for Fusion Cell

01:07:43 Formalizing the relationship between the military and companies

01:17:06 Some of the keys to becoming a high performer

01:20:59 His daily routine

01:23:41 His driving force

01:27:45 Parting words of wisdom around leading teams