Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact

In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact, Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean of the United States Military Academy, engages in a compelling discussion with Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graves. A 2003 West Point graduate, LTC Graves shares his extensive military career journey from the infantry to special forces, his significant research and leadership roles, and his experience in Ukraine supporting the Commander of the Security Assistance Group Ukraine. Back at West Point as the Civil Engineering Program Director, he discusses his award-winning research on assessing critical infrastructure using photogrammetry and remote sensing to enhance military operations. The episode further explores the integration of academic rigor with practical military applications, the importance of integrity and humility in leadership, and the unique mentorship and developmental experiences provided at West Point.00:00 Introduction to Inside West Point00:24 Meet Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graves01:14 Personal Anecdotes and Family Connections02:33 Military Career Highlights02:56 Passion for Civil Engineering03:56 Favorite Bridges and Engineering Marvels05:23 Journey from Infantry to Special Forces07:33 Teaching and Mentoring at West Point08:25 Lessons from the Field12:22 Deployment and Adaptability15:06 Developing Future Leaders17:13 Teaching Problem-Solving Skills17:41 International Collaboration and Support for Ukraine19:04 Research on Military Infrastructure26:05 Mentorship and Development at West Point28:44 Leadership Lessons and Humility32:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing RemarksLoved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others.Resources found in this episode:Learn more:Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academicsInterested in Teaching at West Point? Join us: https://bit.ly/TEACHWPBooks Mentioned in the Episode:Ukraine Symposium: https://press.westpoint.edu/books/ukraine-symposium/Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dean.USMA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usmadean X: https://www.twitter.com/deanusma Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dean.usma YouTube: https://bit.ly/INSIDEWP-YOUTUBECredits:Guest: Lieutenant Colonel Chris Graves - https://www.westpoint.edu/directory/william-c-gravesHost: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual InformationProduction: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com) Publisher: West Point Press (

Winning Culture with Coach K: Leadership Lessons on Building Teams and Champions

05/11/2025 | 47 mins.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, featuring the legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski, also known as Coach K. With an illustrious career spanning nearly five decades, Coach K shares insights from his time as the head coach at Duke University and the United States Military Academy. Discover his unparalleled achievements, including five national championships and three Olympic gold medals. Coach K discusses his leadership philosophies, the values instilled at West Point, and the importance of adaptability, character, and preparation in effective leadership. Don't miss this deep dive into the life and career of one of NCAA's most successful coaches.00:00 Introduction to Coach Mike Krzyzewski00:20 Coach K's Legendary Career Highlights03:36 The Importance of Team and Family04:28 West Point and Bobby Knight07:32 Leadership Lessons and Values12:42 The Role of Character in Leadership16:44 Adapting to Change and Continuous Learning23:53 Encouraging Innovation and Risk-Taking25:28 Building a Team of Elite Athletes26:27 Creating a Culture of Ownership29:18 Managing Pressure in High-Stakes Environments31:03 Learning from Wins and Losses36:24 The Importance of Being Coachable38:10 Rapid Fire Questions with Coach KLoved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others.Resources found in this episode:Learn more:• Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academicsInterested in Teaching at West Point? Join us: https://bit.ly/TEACHWPBooks Mentioned in the Episode:• Leading with the Heart: Coach K's Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business, and Life - by Mike Krzyzewski (Author), Donald T. Phillips (Author), Grant Hill (Contributor)Connect with us:• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dean.USMA • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usmadean • X: https://www.twitter.com/deanusma • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dean.usma • YouTube: https://bit.ly/INSIDEWP-YOUTUBE Credits:• Guest: Mike Krzyzewski: https://coachk.com/ • Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)• Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information• Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)• Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.

Join Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean at the United States Military Academy at West Point, for an insightful discussion with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, on Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact podcast. They explore the history and future of West Point, the indispensable role of its graduates in global defense, and the evolving strategic landscape. Highlighting NATO's commitment to democracy, freedom, and security, the conversation delves into recent geopolitical challenges, the importance of transatlantic alliances, and the increasing interconnectivity of global threats. Learn about NATO's strategic initiatives, defense spending commitments, and the critical importance of trained and well-equipped military personnel in maintaining peace and stability worldwide. 00:00 Introduction to West Point's impact 00:30 Historical significance of West Point 01:41 NATO and global security 06:10 Support for Ukraine 10:09 Personal insights and leadership 14:04 NATO's role in the Indo-Pacific 19:47 NATOs shift in focus from counterterrorism to large scale combat operations 23:27 Advice for future military leaders preparing to work with coalition partners 27:02 NATO's purpose and challenges 32:25 Managing NATO's diverse membership and defense spending 36:34 NATO's response to Russian and Chinese threats 42:00 Valdimir Putin's Endgame in Ukraine 43:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Loved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others.Learn more:• Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics• Interested in Teaching at West Point? Join us: https://bit.ly/TEACHWPConnect with us:• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dean.USMA• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usmadean• X: https://x.com/deanusma• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dean.usma• YouTube: https://bit.ly/INSIDEWP-YOUTUBE Credits:• Guest: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/who_is_who_229125.htm• Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)• Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information• Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)• Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.

Join Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean at the United States Military Academy at West Point, for an insightful discussion with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, on Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact podcast. They explore the history and future of West Point, the indispensable role of its graduates in global defense, and the evolving strategic landscape. Highlighting NATO's commitment to democracy, freedom, and security, the conversation delves into recent geopolitical challenges, the importance of transatlantic alliances, and the increasing interconnectivity of global threats. Learn about NATO's strategic initiatives, defense spending commitments, and the critical importance of trained and well-equipped military personnel in maintaining peace and stability worldwide. 00:00 Introduction to West Point's impact 00:30 Historical significance of West Point 01:41 NATO and global security 06:10 Support for Ukraine 10:09 Personal insights and leadership 14:04 NATO's role in the Indo-Pacific 19:47 NATOs shift in focus from counterterrorism to large scale combat operations 23:27 Advice for future military leaders preparing to work with coalition partners 27:02 NATO's purpose and challenges 32:25 Managing NATO's diverse membership and defense spending 36:34 NATO's response to Russian and Chinese threats 42:00 Valdimir Putin's Endgame in Ukraine 43:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Loved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others.Learn more:Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academicsInterested in Teaching at West Point? Join us: https://bit.ly/TEACHWPConnect with us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dean.USMAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/usmadeanX: https://x.com/deanusmaThreads: https://www.threads.net/@dean.usmaYouTube: https://bit.ly/INSIDEWP-YOUTUBE Credits:Guest: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/who_is_who_229125.htmHost: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual InformationProduction: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.

In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, we welcome Colonel John Gregory, Deputy Head of the West Point Department of English and World Languages. Colonel Gregory shares his extensive background, including his roles at West Point, his education, and his experiences in Taiwan and China. Ever wondered how studying 18th‑century Chinese law feeds into modern military insight? To draw these connections, Gregory shares stories of his Voice of America Mandarin media debut and archival discoveries at Academia Sinica.The conversation delves into the differences between Chinese and American legal and military systems, the impact of historical narratives on military strategy, and the importance of critical thinking in the U.S. Army. Gregory also provides insights into China's military modernization efforts and offers advice for new professors. The episode concludes with Gregory sharing his views on the perception of West Point in China and his best leadership advice.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:11 Colonel John Gregory's Background 00:53 Understanding Philology 01:41 Media Encounters and Gitmo Discussion 02:38 Fulbright Experience in Taiwan 04:22 Research on Chinese Law and Archives 06:55 US-China Legal System Comparison 12:40 Cadet Development and Language Studies 16:15 Cultural Differences in Military Practices 21:03 China's Historical and Political Context 23:03 US-China Competition and Modernization 38:08 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion Loved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others.Resources found in this episode:Learn more:Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academicsInterested in Teaching at West Point? Join us: https://bit.ly/TEACHWPBooks Mentioned in the Episode:Stillwell and the American Experience in China by Barbara TuchmanThe Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich EngelsTruth and Method by Hans-Georg Gadamer