The Warrior's Path: Ramon 'CZ' Colón-López's Journey from Poverty to Highest Ranks in the U.S. Military

In a world often defined by fleeting success and momentary triumphs, the life story of Ramon "CZ" Colón-López stands as a testament to enduring resilience, unwavering commitment, and transformative leadership. From the humble surroundings of Puerto Rican poverty to reaching the zenith of military leadership as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, known as the SEAC, Colón-López's journey encapsulates the very essence of an 'Everyday Warrior.' His narrative is not just a personal story of rising above adversity but a blueprint of leadership and service for men everywhere.

Born into a low-income family in Puerto Rico, CZ's early years were marked by financial struggles. Yet, these challenges laid the foundation for traits that would define his character and leadership style – humility, humor, family, and community. The hardships of his youth instilled in him a deep sense of humility, a quality he credits for his ability to listen, understand, and effectively lead.

The Call to Service: Pararescue and Beyond

CZ's foray into the military world began as a transportation specialist, coordinating military moves for Air Force service members. However, leaders quickly recognized that his character and leadership prowess were being underutilized in that role. He eventually discovered the Special Operations community and joined the ranks of the elite U.S. Air Force Pararescue (PJ) community, where problem-solving in chaotic situations and technical rescue expertise are paramount. The PJs' unique role – to save lives in the most tumultuous conflict zones – resonated with CZ's intrinsic desire to serve. CZ eventually ascended to the elite Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), known as the National Mission Force, known for taking on the nation’s most dangerous and asymmetric national security challenges. This period honed not only his physical abilities but also his mental resilience, laying the groundwork for his future leadership roles.

CZ's journey into leadership was marked by a balance of hard-earned tactical prowess and strategic acumen. Mentored by world class leaders in the military, he learned the importance of prioritizing the welfare of troops before his own and especially over personal beliefs. 

A testament to his beliefs, CZ displayed his profound love for his fellow soldiers during his last and final act after 33 years of service in the military. Without hesitation, on November 3rd, 2023, while mid-speech in his final address to the military, he ran to the aid of a U.S. Marine who had fallen out of formation (a military term for collapsing or fainting). 

Additionally, this approach became particularly crucial as he navigated the complexities of political landscapes and media narratives, emphasizing the significance of filtering noise and focusing on facts – a vital trait for effective leadership.

Despite leaving college to join the military, CZ never undervalued the power of education. He immersed himself in learning tactical and operational expertise through extensive reading and hands-on experiences. This pursuit of knowledge, coupled with practical skills, led him to eventually achieve academic degrees, highlighting the synergy between education and experiential learning. For CZ, education doesn’t rival the coaching and mentorship of great leaders and peers. CZ always carries a small notebook, taking notes on things he learns from everyone he meets. Every human interaction is an opportunity for learning and personal growth. He views leadership as a continuous journey, where empathy and understanding play crucial roles. This perspective is essential for effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of connecting with and understanding those you lead.

Military Service: A Platform for Personal and Community Growth

CZ views military service as a transformative platform, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, travel, and cultural exposure. He advocates for the military to develop key life skills – open communication, confidence, independence, and decisiveness. His experience illustrates how service transcends personal development, impacting communities and fostering a collective strength.

As the SEAC, in charge of 2.4 million service members and civilians within the U.S. Depart of Defense, CZ redefined the role, bringing a unique blend of empathy, strategy, and hands-on leadership. He engaged directly with service members and organizations, always striving to balance the demands of professional duties with personal commitments. His leadership style, characterized by directness, compassion, and a bias for action, set a new standard for the position.

Moral Courage and Character in Leadership

One of CZ's most emphasized leadership qualities is moral courage – the ability to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. His time at the Pentagon was marked by steadfast adherence to his principles, showcasing the importance of character in leadership while balancing the politics that comes with that level. He believes that true leadership means not yielding to external expectations or agendas but rather upholding truth and integrity.

As CZ looks toward retirement, his dedication to service remains unwavering. He plans to continue his work through writing, consulting, and philanthropy, particularly focusing on youth and community development, especially in Puerto Rico. His commitment to inspiring future generations ensures that his legacy of service and leadership will endure.

Carnivore Leadership Theory

Throughout his career, Ramon "CZ" Colón-López has championed a unique approach known as 'Carnivore Leadership,' a term he attributes to Jim Hintzke, a Navy SEAL Master Chief and teammate from the early days of Afghanistan. This concept is rooted in the distinction between being proactive and assertive, akin to carnivores, as opposed to adopting a more passive, reactive stance likened to grass eaters. The metaphor perfectly encapsulates CZ’s philosophy: it emphasizes the need for leaders to be decisively action-oriented, taking the initiative rather than waiting for events to unfold. This style of leadership resonated deeply with the troops, who appreciated the candid discussion about their roles and the conduct expected of them.

Colón-López embraced the carnivore model, finding it aligned well with his own experiences and the dynamic demands of military leadership. This approach isn't just about being aggressive; it represents a broader spectrum of traits including open-mindedness, humility, and honesty, balanced with the assertiveness and decisiveness characteristic of carnivores. His commitment to this style is reflected in his daily practice of documenting interactions and lessons learned, an exercise that has significantly sharpened his leadership acumen.

The essence of "Carnivore Leadership" lies in fostering a decisive, action-oriented, and operations-focused model. It’s a leadership paradigm that encourages taking the lead, being at the forefront of challenges, and proactively seeking solutions. This perspective has not only been crucial in Colón-López's successful military career but also serves as a powerful example for leaders in all fields seeking to cultivate a more dynamic and impactful leadership style.

A Call to Action for Men:

Ramon "CZ" Colón-López’s extraordinary journey from poverty to the Pentagon is a masterclass in leadership and resilience. 

His life story offers profound lessons for men seeking to forge their path in today's complex world. As we reflect on CZ's narrative, it prompts us to ask: How can we apply the principles of humility, resilience, and moral courage in our lives? How can we, like CZ, transform our challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership?

Let us take inspiration from CZ's journey and strive to be leaders in our own right – whether in our families, communities, or workplaces. Let his story be a reminder that our beginnings do not define us; rather, it is our actions, our commitment to growth, and our dedication to serving others that truly shape our legacy.