Meet David Sledge

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful David Sledge a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi David, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in a combination of personal upbringing, military training, and a strong sense of duty and service.

Early Influences
I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. My values and principles were instilled in me by my parents, particularly my mother, Marie Simon Sledge, who worked for the state of Alabama for 30 years. She demonstrated unwavering dedication and hard work. Marie Simon Sledge’s commitment to her job and her ability to balance her professional and personal responsibilities profoundly impacted me. I observed her perseverance and resilience, learning early on the importance of a strong work ethic. I also got my work ethic from my father, Nahuman Sledge, Sr., who exemplified dedication and perseverance throughout his career. He worked as a truck driver from 1969 to 2016, demonstrating unwavering commitment and hard work for nearly five decades. His determination to provide for our family and his ability to balance the demands of a challenging job instilled in me the values of diligence, responsibility, and resilience. Watching him navigate the ups and downs of his profession with integrity and a strong sense of purpose has profoundly influenced my approach to work and life.

Military Training and Experience
My journey into the U.S. Navy further solidified my work ethic. Enlisting in October 1990, I embarked on a career that would span over three decades. The Navy’s rigorous training programs and demanding environment taught me discipline, responsibility, and the importance of teamwork. Advancing through the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5), I faced numerous challenges that required me to demonstrate leadership, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Each assignment and promotion reinforced my belief in hard work and continuous improvement.

Leadership and Service
Throughout my career, I held various leadership positions that required me to lead by example. My experiences on multiple ships and at numerous training schools highlighted the necessity of maintaining a high standard of work. The responsibilities of leading and mentoring others underscored my dedication to not only my own growth but also the development of those under my command. My personal awards, including two Meritorious Service Medals and four Navy Commendation Medals, are testaments to my exceptional work ethic and dedication to service.

Personal Philosophy
My work ethic is also driven by a personal philosophy that emphasizes the importance of integrity, perseverance, and continuous learning. My pursuit of higher education, including a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and ongoing studies in a Master of Organizational Leadership program, reflects my commitment to personal and professional growth. This dedication to lifelong learning is a cornerstone of my work ethic, inspiring me to continually strive for excellence in all endeavors.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) from the U.S. Navy, I now dedicate my time to empowering others through various initiatives and creative endeavors. My passion lies in supporting veterans and making a positive impact on their lives. I am also the owner of Sledge Collect, a venture that allows me to explore and share my interests in collecting unique and valuable items. Sledge Collective is not just about the items themselves but the stories and histories they represent, bringing a sense of connection and appreciation for the past.

What excites me the most about my work is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s helping a veteran find stable housing or offering guidance through one of my books, the impact is profound and deeply rewarding.

In addition to these initiatives, I am an author and speaker, sharing my experiences and insights through various platforms. My books, including ‘Navigating Life’s Challenges: A Guide to Stress Management, Independent Living Skills, Relationships, Leadership, and Motivation’, ‘Leadership Alchemy: Forging Great Leaders,’ and Embrace Blessings: Trusting the Process and Finding Purpose, and Embrace the Power of Greetings: A Journey of Connection and Inspiration, offer practical advice drawn from my 33 years of military service and personal growth journey.

Looking ahead, I am excited to announce several upcoming projects. We are expanding our programs to reach more veterans nationwide, launching new wellness retreats, and partnering with additional organizations to provide comprehensive support. In the realm of writing, I am working on several new books, including a self-help guide focused on personal growth and resilience, and a collaborative project with my family members that explores motivation and success.

Through my various endeavors, I aim to inspire and empower individuals to overcome challenges, embrace their potential, and lead fulfilling lives. Thank you for your support and interest in my work.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience
Impact: My ability to remain resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks was crucial throughout my career in the Navy and beyond. Resilience helped me navigate difficult situations and maintain a positive outlook, even when circumstances were tough.
Advice: To develop resilience, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Cultivate a mindset that views setbacks as temporary and solvable. Practice self-care, build a strong support network, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress effectively.

Adaptability
Impact: Adaptability allowed me to thrive in diverse environments and roles. The military, in particular, requires quick thinking and the ability to adjust to new situations and responsibilities rapidly.
Advice: To improve adaptability, be open to new experiences and continuously seek learning opportunities. Embrace change rather than resist it, and practice flexibility in your thinking and actions. Exposure to different cultures, industries, and perspectives can also enhance your ability to adapt.

Leadership
Impact: Leadership was fundamental in guiding teams, making strategic decisions, and inspiring others. Effective leadership helped me build trust, foster teamwork, and achieve collective goals.
Advice: To develop leadership skills, focus on effective communication, empathy, and leading by example. Seek out leadership training and mentorship opportunities. Learn to listen actively and understand the needs and strengths of your team. Continuously reflect on and improve your leadership style.

For those early in their journey, I recommend the following steps to develop these qualities:

Continuous Learning: Never stop learning. Take courses, read widely, and seek feedback to improve continuously.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who exemplify the qualities you wish to develop. Learn from their experiences and guidance.
Embrace Challenges: View challenges as opportunities to test and grow your skills. Don’t shy away from difficult situations; instead, use them as practice grounds for building resilience, adaptability, and leadership.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Partnering and Collaborating Opportunities
I am always looking for opportunities to partner and collaborate with individuals and organizations that share similar goals and values. Collaboration allows us to pool resources, share knowledge, and amplify our impact.
Who I’m Looking to Collaborate With
1. Veterans Support Organizations: Groups that are dedicated to helping veterans transition to civilian life, address PTSD, and combat homelessness. Collaborating with these organizations can enhance our programs and reach more veterans in need.
2. Mental Health Professionals: Therapists, counselors, and wellness experts who can contribute to mindfulness, wellness programs, and mental health awareness workshops. Your expertise can help us provide comprehensive mental health support to veterans and other individuals.
3. Educational Institutions: Schools, universities, and training centers interested in leadership development, personal growth, and resilience training programs. Partnering with educational institutions can help us develop and deliver impactful training and educational materials.
4. Authors and Speakers: Writers and speakers who focus on personal development, leadership, and motivation, and who are interested in co-authoring projects or joint speaking engagements. Together, we can create more compelling content and reach a wider audience.
5. Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits that aim to make a positive impact in the community, especially those focused on veteran services, education, and mental health. Collaborative efforts can help us tackle complex issues more effectively.
6. Businesses and Corporations: Companies looking to support veteran initiatives, provide funding or resources for projects, or collaborate on corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. Corporate partnerships can bring valuable resources and visibility to our initiatives.
7. Artists and Creatives: Individuals in the creative fields who are interested in collaborating on projects related to art, storytelling, and historical preservation through Sledge Collective. Your creativity can help bring our projects to life and engage a broader audience.
8. Community Leaders and Activists: People who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and who can help us organize events, workshops, and outreach programs. Your leadership and local knowledge can significantly enhance our community impact.
How to Connect
If you are interested in collaborating, I would love to hear from you! You can connect with me in the following ways:
• Email: Reach out to me directly at [email protected].
• Website: Visit my website Sledge collective.com to learn more about my work and fill out a contact form.
• Social Media:
o LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-sledge-613679135
o Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.sledge.5/
o Instagram: greet_one_meet_one_teach_one
• Events: Attend one of my upcoming speaking engagements or workshops and introduce yourself. Details about these events can be found on my website or social media pages.
• Networking Groups: Join relevant professional and community groups where I am active. These groups provide a great platform for connecting and collaborating on various projects.
Collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations can create a greater impact and help us achieve our shared goals more effectively. I look forward to connecting and working together to make a difference!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sledgecollective.com/
• Instagram: greet_one_meet_one_teach_one
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.sledge.5/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sledge-613679135