Rob Jones: Surviving Hard Hits and Leadership in the Field

What does it take to survive the hardest hits, recover when life knocks you flat, and lead others through it? Host Dr. Kevin Rindal sits down with Rob Jones, a U.S. Marine Corps combat engineer, double above-knee amputee, Paralympic bronze medalist, endurance athlete, author, and Echelon Front leadership instructor, to translate battlefield-tested lessons into practical job-site tools for workforce athletes. Rob breaks down his "Survive, Recover, Live" framework, how to flip "I can't" into "I can't yet," and why the best field leaders proof the lane by going first, surfacing hazards early, and building trust through humility and humor. From clearing IEDs in Afghanistan to rowing for Team USA at the 2012 London Paralympics, biking 5,180 miles across America, and running 31 marathons in 31 consecutive days across 31 cities, Rob Jones is the definition of extreme ownership in action. Whether you're a lineman, operator, gas tech, T&D crew member, or warehouse leader, this conversation gives you the mindset and tools to perform at your best, lead without a title, and go home strong for your family. ✅ Field leadership that works: Laws of Combat for crews, Cover and Move, Simple, Prioritize and Execute, and Decentralized Command ✅ Resilience you can use today: Survive, Recover, Live, the "I can't to I can't yet" mindset shift, and recovery habits that help you finish strong and be present at home ✅ Proof the lane on the job: Go first, surface hazards early, keep tailboards honest, and build team trust with humor and humility 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:00 Why this show exists (workforce athletes, leadership, family) 14:50 From fixed mindset to possibility thinking 18:35 The funny hat story: caring for family in crisis 24:05 Survive, Recover, Live: discovering Paralympic rowing 45:20 31 marathons in 31 days in 31 cities 50:10 I Can't to I Can't Yet 54:20 Everyone's a leader: speaking up without a title 57:10 Laws of Combat for field teams 01:01:00 Extreme Ownership in safety and performance 01:04:30 Final takeaways: perform, lead, go home strong 41:05 Identity after a big win: thinking long-term about purpose 45:20 31 marathons in 31 days in 31 cities — leading by example 50:10 “I Can’t” → “I Can’t Yet”: the journal entry that changes the game 54:20 Everyone’s a leader: speaking up when you don’t have the title 57:10 Laws of Combat overview for field teams 01:01:00 Extreme Ownership in safety, relationships, and performance 01:04:30 Final takeaways: perform, lead, and go home strong 📍Show Resources & Links Born Standing Up (Steve Martin)- https://amzn.to/4paLbue Brotherhood of Heroes (Bill Solan)- https://amzn.to/4nwGeKS 👋 Connect with Host Dr. Kevin Rindal: • WorkReady Hub: https://www.kevinrindal.com/ • LinkedIn:   / kevinrindal   • Instagram:   / workready_kevin   • Facebook:   / 61586160030451   • Subscribe to Field Notes: https://www.kevinrindal.com/connect 👋 Connect with Rob Jones • Website: https://www.robjonesjourney.com/ • Echelon Front Instructor Page: https://echelonfront.com/ • Documentary — Comedy Warriors: Healing Through Humor (IMDb):https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2419530/ 🎉 Sponsors Vimocity- The Workforce Readiness Platform vimocity.com Vimocity Community - First online community built for field professionals where key people from the trades share behind-the-scenes insights and practical strategies to help you move better, prevent injuries, and feel your best. Sign Up for FREE at https://www.vimocity.com/workready-co... 🔧 Field Athlete Discounts & Tools These are products we trust and use to help you perform, recover, and stay ready for the job. • Function Health: Get advanced lab testing and take control of your health. 👉 https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?... Use code: KRINDAL10 • Thorne (Supplements): High-quality supplements to support performance and recovery. 👉 https://www.thorne.com/u/PR889833 • AiresTech (EMF Protection): Support recovery and reduce exposure in high-tech environments 👉 https://airestech.com/workready • WHOOP (Recovery & Sleep Tracking): Track strain, recovery, and sleep so you can perform at your best 👉 https://join.whoop.com/us/en/98024C53/ • Saatva (Mattress & Pillows): 15% discount. Recovery starts with sleep. 👉 https://partners.saatva.com/ypdg8ii1cdh8 • PHP Prescription (Hydration Systems): Better water, better recovery, better performance. 👉 https://www.phprescription.com/?ref=w... Use code: workready5 Note: 5% discount. Coupon code does NOT apply to Aquapellis, Vital Impact Shower Systems, or Genesis Tubs. • Greens First (Greens Powder): 15% discount on science-backed daily nutrition that supports energy, recovery, and overall wellness. 👉⁠ https://greensfirst.com/discount/Work... Use code: WorkReady