Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It's your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I'm your host, King Musa, and today we’re diving into the world of military leadership and education.
We have an extraordinary guest who epitomizes dedication and discipline: Lieutenant Colonel Gilberto Escobedo, head of the Military Science Department at Stephen F. Austin State University. He’s here to share his leadership journey and the insights he’s gained along the way. Let’s dive in!"
Getting to Know LTC Escobedo
King Musa: "Lieutenant Colonel, can you introduce yourself and your role at SFA?"
LTC Escobedo: "Absolutely. I’m Lieutenant Colonel Gilberto Escobedo, the professor of military science here at SFA. I hail from Brownsville, Texas, right along the south border. It’s been a privilege leading the ROTC program, where we develop the next generation of leaders. I’ve been asking for this role for years, and now, I’m here—finally living the dream."
Personal Background and Path to Leadership
KM: "Tell us about your background—how did you get into the military, and what shaped your path?"
LTC Escobedo: "I grew up in Brownsville, Texas, and was part of my high school’s JROTC program. It sparked my interest in leadership and set me on this path. Initially, I pursued a degree in accounting, but I realized it wasn’t for me. I spent 10 years in the Army Reserves before making the leap to active duty in my 30s. Since then, I’ve served over 20 years, traveling to places like Korea, Panama, and even Iraq and Afghanistan."
Personal Passions and Professional Journey
KM: "What are some of your passions and interests outside of the military?"
LTC Escobedo: "I enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and cycling. I used to run marathons, though the knees don’t cooperate like they used to! Most importantly, I cherish spending time with my family whenever I get the chance."
Leadership and Overcoming Challenges
KM: "What’s the primary goal of the ROTC program under your leadership?"
LTC Escobedo: "Our mission is simple: to grow leaders—not just for tomorrow, but for today. We aim to instill character and the courage to lead. At some point, I’ll retire and put away this uniform, so it’s essential to prepare the next generation to step up and lead with integrity."
KM: "What’s been the most significant challenge in your role?"
LTC Escobedo: "Delegation. As a leader, it’s tough to let go of tasks you’re passionate about, but empowering your team is crucial for their growth and for the organization’s success. Another key lesson is listening—truly hearing others and learning from every interaction."
Opportunities in the ROTC Program
KM: "What opportunities does the ROTC program offer to students at SFA?"
LTC Escobedo: "Our program is open to everyone. We offer scholarships, free dormitories, and unique training experiences like survival tactics and rifle marksmanship. We also have exciting student organizations like the Cannon Crew, Color Guard, and Ranger Team, all of which build camaraderie and leadership skills."
Advice and Key Lessons
KM: "What advice do you have for students or those considering the military?"
LTC Escobedo: "Discipline and patience are vital. Strive to get better every day, whether it’s improving your fitness or mastering a skill. In the Army, we focus on finding ways to say ‘yes’ to challenges. It’s all about perseverance and pushing your limits."
Outro by King Musa
"LTC Escobedo, thank you for sharing your incredible journey and wisdom with us today. Your dedication to developing future leaders is truly inspiring.
To our listeners, remember: Success is built on discipline, dedication, and purpose. Stay tuned for more episodes of The CheatSheet, where we help you elevate your game. It’s your man, King Musa, signing off. Stay disciplined, stay motivated, and keep striving for greatness!"
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