Do you ever feel like life tries to put you in a box? One career, title, or identity?

In this episode of The Navigating Leaders Podcast, host Gabriel Griess sits down with longtime friend, Air Force Colonel, entrepreneur, and public servant Erik “EZ” Brine to explore what it means to live a life that refuses to be defined by a single role.

Erik’s story is a powerful example of how a person can lead in multiple arenas at once. From military service and local government to launching an aviation-inspired whiskey brand and helping veterans find their voice through music with Operation Encore, Erik has embraced a life built around curiosity, service, and purpose.

But the conversation goes deeper than career accomplishments. Erik shares a pivotal moment in his life when he was forced to step away from flying, something that had become central to his identity. That transition forced him to ask a difficult question: If I’m not this role anymore, who am I?

Through that experience, Erik discovered a powerful truth: our jobs are not our identity, they’re simply one part of who we are.

In this episode, Gabriel and Erik explore:

• Why your career should never define your identity
• How embracing multiple passions can create a richer life
• The importance of being a “utility player” in life and leadership
• Why relationships and trust are the foundation of leadership
• How hardship builds resilience and empathy
• The role of mentorship, and why everyone should both seek it and give it
• Why inspiration is the missing ingredient in many leadership models

EZ also shares a leadership framework he’s developed through years of service: leaders must organize, train, equip, and inspire the people they lead.

Leadership isn’t about titles or authority. It’s about building trust, inspiring others, and showing up consistently in the relationships that matter most.

RESOURCES

• Website: navigatingleaders.com
• The Results Tree (Available April 7): shop.harpandswordmedia.com/products/the-results-tree
• Erik “EZ” Brine: linkedin.com/in/erikbrine
  • Operation Encore: operationencore.org
  • Winglore Spirits: winglorespirits.com
  • Brackish Experts: brackishexperts.com

CONNECT WITH GABRIEL

🎥 YouTube: @navigatingleaders
📸 Instagram: @navigatingleaders

👍 Facebook: @navigatingleaders

🎵 TikTok: @navigatingleaders

🗣️ LinkedIn: @navigatingleaders

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ABOUT GABRIEL

Gabriel Griess is a retired US Air Force officer, the CEO of Excel Medical Staffing and MedForceX, and the founder of Navigating Leaders. A graduate of the elite Air Force Weapons School, he has spent decades leading teams in high-pressure environments and equipping others to reach their full potential. As a combat veteran and an entrepreneur, Gabriel helps individuals cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to create lasting impact.

An internationally sought-after keynote speaker, he addresses audiences on personal transformation, strategic leadership, and veteran empowerment. The Results Tree is the framework he lives by, and when applied, it will unearth your destiny.