Show Notes
Captain Stacy Wuthier, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Everett, joins Damo for a conversation about the Green Ribbon Program and how commands can create stronger support networks for Sailors. Captain Wuthier shares her journey from enlisting in the Navy and entering the nuclear power pipeline to earning her commission, serving aboard ships, commanding USS Jackson Blue Crew, and eventually taking command of Naval Station Everett. She and Damo discuss installation leadership, relying on subject matter experts, verifying information, and maintaining standards while leading organizations with multiple programs and responsibilities. The conversation shifts to the Green Ribbon Program, why Captain Wuthier brought it to Naval Station Everett, and the problems it is designed to address. She explains how Green Ribbon representatives are selected and trained, the role of the command chaplain, why junior Sailors and civilians can be valuable participants, and why representatives must genuinely want to help people rather than participate for recognition or evaluation purposes. Damo and Captain Wuthier discuss the Navy's tendency to tell Sailors to ask for help while placing most of the responsibility on the Sailor to initiate the conversation. They talk about recognizing when someone may be struggling, creating additional avenues for Sailors to seek support, confidentiality, knowing when a problem requires professional assistance, and why Green Ribbon representatives are connectors to resources rather than counselors. They also discuss how Green Ribbon complements deckplate leadership, what success looks like when measuring prevention and connectedness, taking care of those who consistently help others, and why Captain Wuthier believes commands should never mandate participation in the program. The discussion expands into the difference between creating another Navy program and building something that becomes part of a command's culture. Later, Captain Wuthier shares some of the books that have influenced her leadership and discusses imposter syndrome, confidence, and lifelong learning. For the Do Better segment, she talks about becoming a better listener and being more present during conversations. Damo shares a recent experience that reminded him that solving a Sailor's problem and making sure the Sailor feels heard are not always the same thing. Before closing, Captain Wuthier reflects on her approaching retirement and answers what Navy memory she would keep if she could only keep one.
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