The Future of Leadership: How Vanguard XXI is Redefining Executive Excellence

Anthony Randall • March 7, 2025

The Future of Leadership: How Vanguard XXI is Redefining Executive Excellence

Leadership has been defined in many ways over time, but one truth remains constant: Leadership is influence. The U.S. Army’s foundational leadership manual, FM 6-22, has held steady in its definition for over 30 years, stating that leadership is "the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improve the organization." This principle remains the backbone of effective leadership, yet the modern landscape demands a more evolved approach.


Enter Vanguard XXI—a forward-thinking model that is redefining executive excellence through Ethical Leadership, Executive Coaching, Cultivating a Growth Mindset, Internal Coaching Development, Transformational Leadership Coaching, and Adaptive Leadership Strategies. As organizations navigate an era of rapid change and complexity, Vanguard XXI ensures that leaders are equipped with the tools necessary to inspire, adapt, and drive sustained success.


Ethical Leadership: The Cornerstone of Trust


At the core of Vanguard XXI’s leadership philosophy is **Ethical Leadership**—the unwavering commitment to integrity, accountability, and principled decision-making. Leaders set the tone for their organizations, shaping cultures that value honesty and responsibility. Ethical leaders inspire trust, fostering environments where individuals feel secure, respected, and motivated to contribute their best work.


By embedding ethics into daily leadership practices, organizations cultivate resilience and long-term success. The leaders of tomorrow must not only act with integrity themselves but also instill these values into their teams through mentorship and accountability frameworks.


Executive Coaching: Unlocking Potential


Great leaders are not born; they are made. Executive Coaching plays a pivotal role in refining leadership capabilities, enabling individuals to reach their highest potential. Vanguard XXI leverages personalized coaching programs that focus on self-awareness, emotional intelligence (EQ), and strategic decision-making.


Unlike IQ, which remains relatively fixed, EQ can be developed and enhanced through deliberate practice. By mastering EQ’s competencies—such as self-regulation, empathy, and social skills—leaders can effectively navigate interpersonal dynamics, resolve conflicts, and drive engagement. High-functioning executives recognize that investing in coaching not only sharpens their abilities but also strengthens their teams, creating a ripple effect of leadership excellence.


Cultivating a Growth Mindset: The Key to Adaptability


The difference between a stagnant organization and a thriving one often lies in its mindset. Cultivating a Growth Mindset is essential in a world where change is the only constant. Leaders who embrace continuous learning and resilience empower their teams to innovate, take calculated risks, and persevere through challenges.


Vanguard XXI integrates growth mindset principles into leadership training, encouraging executives to view failures as learning opportunities and feedback as a tool for improvement. By fostering a culture where adaptability is celebrated, organizations position themselves to thrive in evolving markets.


Internal Coaching Development: Strengthening Leadership Pipelines


Leadership excellence is not limited to the executive level; it must be nurtured at every tier of an organization. Internal Coaching Development ensures that leadership training is embedded into the company’s fabric, creating a self-sustaining system of mentorship and professional growth.


By equipping internal leaders with the skills to coach and develop their peers, organizations foster a culture of continuous learning and support. Vanguard XXI champions this approach by training senior leaders to serve as coaches, multiplying leadership effectiveness across teams. This not only enhances individual performance but also fortifies the organization’s leadership pipeline for future success.


Transformational Leadership Coaching: Inspiring Change


Leadership is not about maintaining the status quo—it is about transformation. Transformational Leadership Coaching is a key component of Vanguard XXI’s strategy, focusing on inspiring and motivating teams to exceed expectations and drive meaningful change. Transformational leaders do not merely manage; they elevate.


Through visionary thinking, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication, transformational leaders foster environments where innovation flourishes. Vanguard XXI’s coaching programs help leaders refine these skills, ensuring they can mobilize teams, align them with a compelling mission, and sustain high levels of engagement.


Adaptive Leadership Strategies: Thriving in Uncertainty


The modern executive must be prepared for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). Adaptive Leadership Strategies equip leaders with the agility to respond to shifting landscapes with confidence and foresight.


Vanguard XXI emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, strategic flexibility, and decision-making under pressure. By integrating these strategies, leaders can pivot effectively, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities—positioning their organizations ahead of the curve.


Conclusion: The Leadership Revolution


Vanguard XXI is not just redefining executive excellence—it is revolutionizing leadership as we know it. Through Ethical Leadership, Executive Coaching, Cultivating a Growth Mindset, Internal Coaching Development, Transformational Leadership Coaching, and  Adaptive Leadership Strategies, this model ensures that leaders are not just managing, but truly inspiring and transforming their organizations.


Who are you as a leader? Do you lead with trust, agility, and vision? Do you cultivate a culture of growth and innovation? The future of leadership belongs to those who embrace these principles and continuously evolve. Vanguard XXI is the path forward—are you ready to lead the change?


By Phil McKinney June 9, 2025
In today’s dynamic professional landscape, organizations and leaders are seeking morn just technical expertise—they want transformational influence. The Vanguard Professional Coaching Certification (VPCC) is our signature ICF (International Coaching Federation) Level 1 (ACC-path) coaching course, designed to empower leaders at any level to elevate their impact through professional coaching. What Is the VPCC? A foundational Leadership Development and ICF Level 1 coaching course offered in two formats: - 61-hour executive track - 80-hour comprehensive track, aligned with Army credentialing requirements Delivers the targeted 60 (or 80) coach education hours by aligning with the 8 Core Competencies outlined by the International Coaching Federation. Who Is It For? Designed for anyone committed to leadership growth—whether corporate leaders, HR professionals, military officers, coaches, consultants, or entrepreneurs. Ideal for those seeking to coach professionally or introduce coaching cultures within their organizations. What You’ll Gain ICF Credentialing Pathway The VPCC is an ICF Level 1, 80-hour program that meets the requirements for participants to pursue the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential and the Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential. Comprehensive Coaching Training Learn and apply the Vanguard XXI 5-Step Coaching Model while mastering ICF Coaching Competencies and Ethical Standards to become a highly effective professional coach. Flexible Learning Format The course includes virtual and in-person instruction, making it accessible to professionals from different industries and locations. Holistic Leadership Development Participants grow as transformational leaders using David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, ensuring deep learning through real-world experiences, reflection, and hands-on application. Mentor Coaching for ICF Credentialing Includes 10 hours of mentor coaching to refine coaching techniques and ensure participants are prepared for the ICF ACC credentialing process. Practice Makes Permanent Participants will have the opportunity to practice the ICF coaching competencies and the Vanguard XXI coaching model through several coaching triads during the course. Course Overview & Discounts Upcoming Cohorts (Columbus, GA): Sep 15–19, 2025 (VPCC 3‑25) Nov 3–7, 2025 (VPCC 4‑25) Discounts: Early Bird 1 (90 Days Out) – 10% off Early Bird 2 (60 Days Out) – 5% off UM/FUM/VUM – 10% off Buddy Discount (register together with three or more) – 10% off Why Choose the VPCC? Accredited by ICF and approved for Army Credentialing Assistance, including PDSI A3B/A4B credits. Delivered from a world-class leadership environment at the National Infantry Museum—rich with historical and strategic resonance. Supported by seasoned facilitators, including leaders like Dr. Anthony Randall, Dr. Phil McKinney II, Dr. Kim Zovak, Court Whitman, Mike Rauhut, and Brett Funck (all PCC/MCC level coaches), who will guide you through deep experiential learning. Join the VPCC Community Transform your leadership, build critical coaching competencies, and drive organizational impact. 👉 Request a free consultation or register today! https://www.vanguardxxi.com/vpcc  Invest in your leadership—become the coach and catalyst your organization needs.
By Phil McKinney June 2, 2025
Transforming Leaders. Forging Excellence. At Vanguard XXI, we don’t just train leaders—we shape transformative ones. Our coaching team is composed of deeply experienced professionals from the military, business, education, and nonprofit sectors. What unites us is a shared mission: to transform leaders, forge excellence, and win. Meet Our Coaching Team Dr. Anthony Randall President & Founder, ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Dr. Randall is a transformative leader and the visionary behind Vanguard XXI. With over 17,000 professionals coached across the U.S. Army, Special Operations, MLB, Fortune 100/500 companies, and higher education, he brings a rare depth of experience and a commitment to ethical leadership development. Mike Wall Senior Vice President of Business Development, Vanguard XXI Leadership Coach A retired Lieutenant Colonel with 28 years in military and defense industry roles, Mike is a passionate servant leader focused on cultivating high-functioning, cohesive teams. His visionary leadership and relational approach drive business growth and organizational cohesion. Dr. Phil McKinney II Senior Vice President of Operations, ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Executive & Mentor Coach Phil is a seasoned leader in ministry, higher education, and leadership development. With expertise in coaching, spiritual direction, and counseling, he brings 30+ years of experience and certified training in DISC, EIQ, and Prepare/Enrich assessments to support individuals and teams on their growth journeys. Brett Funck (PCC) Former military leader and course facilitator whose post-service work in coaching and talent management reflects his dedication to developing others through tested leadership principles. Rick Mattson (ACC) With 25+ years in global corporate leadership, Rick is an award-winning strategist and instructor, specializing in organizational transformation, strategy management, and high-performance team development. Javier Lopez (ACC) A retired Army battalion commander, Javier brings over 20 years of expertise in leader development, curriculum design, and organizational growth—now coaching leaders to reach peak potential. Damien Mason A dynamic communicator and Special Operations veteran, Damien leverages his 26 years of military experience to empower individuals and organizations in high-stakes environments. Dr. Art Finch An operational and clinical psychologist, Art is a national expert in executive assessment, team optimization, and personality-driven leadership development. His work supports elite teams across military, federal, and corporate domains. Court Whitman (PCC) Director of Mentor Coaching, Court brings 2,000+ hours of coaching experience to help leaders tackle complexity and drive meaningful results in high-performance contexts. Dr. Kim Zovak (MCC) Kim is a global leadership consultant and coach passionate about multiplying impact. Her expertise supports nonprofits in building cultures of coaching and leadership development. Mike Rauhut (PCC) Author, coach, and educator, Mike’s work spans life transitions, executive coaching, and team development. His influence extends to senior leaders in business, government, and the military. Our Collective Expertise The Vanguard XXI team comprises ICF-credentialed coaches (MCC, PCC, ACC) with over 10,000 collective coaching hours. Our diverse backgrounds span corporate leadership, military service, non-profit management, and higher education, enabling us to serve clients in high-performance environments, including executive C-suites, special operations, and professional sports. Why Vanguard XXI? Whether you’re a senior executive, a transitioning veteran, or a mission-driven organization, Vanguard XXI offers unmatched expertise in coaching, leader development, and organizational transformation. Our team is credentialed, combat-tested, boardroom-proven, and purpose-driven. Learn more about our team: vanguardxxi.com/our-team