The Wise Warrior: Commanding a Resilient Team with Adam Kahnke

Be the Sun, Not the Salt

In this episode, Commander Adam Kahnke, a highly accomplished (yet incredibly humble) naval officer, shares his 30-year journey in the U.S. Navy and the teams he’s built along the way. Currently serving at the Pentagon, Kahnke discusses his unique experience in developing the command of the USS Arkansas from scratch while applying the principles of 'Be the Sun, Not the Salt' to create a positive and high-performing culture. Kahnke emphasizes how focusing on interpersonal skills and mental health is essential in both the military and business environments. He introduces his approach to leadership that's built on respect, accountability, and understanding, discussing his successful methods of fostering trust and feedback within his team. Through anecdotes and personal insights, Kahnke showcases how to balance high standards with kindness, ultimately highlighting the importance of taking care of people both in the professional world and at home, even in the highest of pressure situations.

The views presented in the following interview are those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Defense or U.S. Navy.

About Commander Adam Kahnke, U.S. Navy

Commander Kahnke enlisted in the Navy in 1993 as a Submarine Sonar Technician from Waseca, Minnesota. He began his officer career path in 1997 through the Navy BOOST (Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training) program, one of several commissioning programs offered by the Navy to develop leadership and management teams within its ranks. He attended NROTC at the University of Minnesota where he graduated in December of 2001 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Upon Commissioning, Commander Kahnke reported onboard the USS ALEXANDRIA, where he served as the Reactor Control Assistant, Main Propulsion Assistant, and Communicator. During his tenure, he conducted an around the world deployment serving in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (PACOM) and the Mediterranean via the North Pole. His department head tour was onboard the USS LOUISIANA where he conducted four Strategic Deterrent Patrols as the Ship’s Navigator and Operations Officer. He served as the Executive Officer onboard the USS RHODE ISLAND where he conducted one Strategic Deterrent Patrol and an Extended Refueling Overhaul. CDR Kahnke’s Command Tour was spent as the first Commanding Officer of the PCU ARKANSAS in Newport News, VA, where he built his entire command for the nuclear submarine with a focus on open and empathetic communications across the entire team.

His shore tour assignments include Naval PG School where he earned a MBA in Financial Management, a tour on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations as a Major Contingency Operations Analyst. In January of 2017 he reported to the Secretary of the Navy’s Office of Legislative Affairs and worked in the office of Congressman Pete Visclosky. In January of 2018 he worked on the staff of the Commander of Submarines Atlantic as the Career Development Officer. In July of 2021 CDR Kahnke reported to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as a Service Chief Fellow.

Commander Kahnke is a CONRAD Scholar, Certified Information Security Professional, and Certified Defense Financial Manager. His personal awards include two Meritorious Service medals, six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals along with various unit and service awards. Commander Kahnke and his wife, Sarah, have six children and reside in Smithfield, Virginia.

To explore the book, or for more episodes, information, tips and tools to live a more heliotropic life, visit us at bethesunnotthesalt.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Chapter

1. Introducing Commander Adam Kahnke (00:00:00)

2. Building a Positive Culture in the Military (00:02:33)

3. Building a Unique Submarine Culture (00:04:35)

4. Challenges and Leadership in the Shipyard (00:08:11)

5. The Importance of Trust and Feedback (00:10:21)

6. Lessons from Admiral Rickover (00:17:28)

7. Building Culture with a Longterm Vision (00:22:18)

8. Mission Critical: Assuming Positive Intent and Effective Listening (00:26:12)

9. Introducing a Book of Soft Skills to the Military (00:28:59)

10. Applying Leadership Lessons at Home (00:31:37)

11. The Wise Warrior Mentality (00:35:28)

12. Resiliency and Mental Health in the Military (00:36:00)

13. Leadership Training vs. Real-Life Applications (00:42:36)

14. Simple Steps to Effective Leadership (00:49:19)