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Commander Desmond Walker (USS Stout) checked into the pod for a conversation that we\u2019d been waiting to have. In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, they touch on the importance of mental health awareness, going into a very stressful holiday season. They also discuss the disconnect between some Navy policies and their implementation at the command level. Commander Walker discusses his personal experience of joining the Navy and whether his upbringing in Mississippi had an impact on his outlook as an African American Sailor. Damo asks him about any experiences with racism in Mississippi. He discusses his enlisted life, including his deployments and the challenges of being separated from his wife. Cdr. Walker also talks about his transition to becoming an officer and the importance of mentorship and teamwork. He highlights his various assignments and leadership roles, emphasizing the need for empathy and open communication within the command structure. CDR Walker details his leadership philosophy. Damo opens up a discussion on the \u201cus versus them\u201d mentality and the importance of seeing leaders as part of the team. What are the biggest differences between an XO tour and a CO tour? They also touch on the importance of using social media to celebrate and engage with sailors, as well as the different standards of accountability for khaki and junior enlisted personnel. Damo highlights his appreciation for the growth of the podcast\u2019s audience. Are Khaki and junior enlisted Sailors held to different standards when it comes to corrective actions for disciplinary issues? The pod has a convo about the need for leaders to make timely decisions, have difficult conversations, and take appropriate action to maintain discipline and uphold standards. CDR Walker details what a \u201closs of confidence\u201d means for a Commanding Officer. They also touch on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the Navy and the challenges faced by African-American officers. Cdr. Walker reflects on a mentor who inspired him in his early as an enlisted Sailor. Cdr. Walker honors the hard work of his crew on the USS Stout. He emphasizes the need for transparency, communication, and mentorship in creating a positive and inclusive culture. As a CO, how does he prepare his crew and family for deployment? Cdr. Walker reflects on the mentors and leaders who have influenced his career, from his early days in the Navy to his current command. He highlights the importance of investing in others and the impact that strong leadership can have on personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the need for leaders to see and appreciate the individuality of their team members and to assess their performance based on a known metric. Cdr. Walker concludes by sharing his motivation to continue serving in the Navy and the responsibility he feels to be an example and representation for others. Remember to follow the \u2018Permission to Speak Freely\u2019 podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.\n\xa0\nTo have your \u201cDo Better\u201d reviewed on a future episode please contact us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com.\n\xa0\n\xa0\nKeep up with the \u2018Permission to Speak Freely\u2019 podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast\n\xa0\nCdr. Walker\u2019s Book Recommendations:\nThe Right to Lead (John C. Maxwell) - https://lifeandleadership.com/book-summaries/maxwell-the-right-to-lead/\nBlack Officer, White Navy (Reuben Keith Green) - https://www.kentuckypress.com/9781985900295/black-officer-white-navy/\nIt Worked For Me (Colin Powell) - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/it-worked-for-me-colin-powell?variant=32129897431074\n\xa0\n\xa0\n\xa0\nSuicide Prevention Month Resources:\nThe following resources are available 24/7 for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support:\n\xa0 - National Suicide Hotline:\nDial 988\n\xa0 - Veterans/Military Crisis Line:\nDial 988 (press 1) or Text 838255\n\xa0 - Psychological Health Outreach Program (PHOP):\n1-866-578-PHOP (7467)\xa0\n\xa0 - Military OneSource:\n80