Episode 58 - General (Ret.) Paul E. Funk II: Talent, Training, and the Future of Warfighting
General (Ret.) Paul E. Funk II joins Tipping Spears to share a leadership journey forged over decades of service at every level of command, culminating in four-star leadership and command. From his early influences and decision to serve, to the defining moments that shaped his approach to leadership, General Funk reflects on the experiences that built his philosophy of leading in “must-win” environments where the stakes are high and failure is not an option.
In this episode, we explore what it takes to lead and transform large, complex organizations in periods of uncertainty and rapid change. General Funk outlines his core leadership principles - Funk’s Fundamentals. He shares hard-earned insights from commanding a 72-nation coalition against ISIS, shaping the Army’s future through TRADOC, and driving initiatives like the Future Soldier Prep Course and Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F). Central to the conversation is his concept of being “positively intrusive” as a leader, mentorship in the military, and the essentialness of effective training.
We also dive into the future of warfare, the challenges facing the military talent pipeline, and what leaders consistently get wrong about recruiting and retaining high-performing teams. General Funk offers direct, actionable guidance for decision-making under pressure, building organizations that can adapt and win, and developing the next generation of leaders. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, accountability, and preparing people and institutions to succeed in the most demanding environments.
Guest Bio
General (R) Paul E. Funk II is a distinguished, results-driven leader known for transforming large, complex, and human-centric organizations. Over a decades-long career, he has shaped performance, culture, and innovation across institutions serving more than 800,000 people. A globally recognized, combat-proven strategist, he led the largest military coalition in history—72 nations—while earning a reputation as a world-class speaker, motivator, and trusted advisor to senior leaders striving for mission-critical outcomes.
A champion of organizational change and workforce development, General Funk has consistently fostered world-class teams built on strategic planning, talent integration, and a deep commitment to veterans and those who serve. Renowned for helping leaders unlock the potential of their people and systems, he brings unmatched expertise in leadership development, operational execution, and crisis management. His proven ability to drive innovation, cultivate future leaders, and enhance institutional readiness has made him a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating complex challenges.
Learn more at: fmrleadership.com and team-funk.com.
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