In this interview with Diplomatic Watch Magazine, we embark on an in-depth exploration of the remarkable path of Drexil Smothers, a respected military veteran who has smoothly transitioned from frontline service to visionary leadership. From his pivotal role as a Combat Medic offering aid to troops amid conflict to his current position as the dynamic Founder and CEO of Let’s Go Ministries, Smothers embodies resilience, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to empowering others. Join us as we uncover the transformative experiences, profound insights, and forward-thinking aspirations propelling Smothers’ illustrious career.
Drexil Smothers, Founder of Let's Go Ministries Inc. – from combat medic to visionary CEO. Read as he shares insights and inspiration in his interview with Diplomatic Watch Magazine.https://t.co/gavA3I25jK #Leadership #Inspiration" pic.twitter.com/uIOPkWv0te
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) February 18, 2024
Can you provide an overview of your distinguished career journey, from military service to the dynamic leadership role as the Founder and CEO of Let’s Go Ministries, Inc.?
Victor, thank you for the opportunity to share my journey with Diplomatic Watch, its readers, listeners, and distinguished viewers. I began my military service as a Combat Medic in support of the warfighters on the frontlines of the battlefields that protect the most important interest of the American people. I later added Skill Identifier to my career skill set after attending Battle Staff Training which would allow me to assist my Command in strategically tracking medical assets and their capabilities on the very same battlefields that I had supported earlier in my career.
While leading and training Soldiers in the fight against terrorists, I attended various college courses to further my college career and strengthen my leadership abilities. After completing my Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts at Central Texas College, I attended American Military University to obtain my Bachelor’s and Master of Science in Business Administration in May 2012 and May 2014 respectively. I have been blessed to deploy the use of my business management skills in various government positions after retiring from the military with agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Office of Contracting and Procurement.
After five years of military service, I entered the realm of certified speaking and facilitating to explore my passion for educating young Soldiers about the Army’s Medical Mission. I have spent the last 25 years building on that foundation of knowledge, which I learned the principal establishments for training others in a learning environment. That learning and training environment encompassed Soldiers and Civilians from the United States Armed Forces, troops from allied American Forces, and Soldiers from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). I have since augmented my coaching skills by becoming a certified John Maxwell Team Facilitator and a certified Associate Coach of the Dream Releaser Coaching Training Track of the International Coaching Federation.
I have a passion for bringing Social-Emotional Learning Skills, Emotional Intelligence, and Mental Health Awareness to the lives of youth, adolescent males, and men aged 18 to 45 while ensuring their global humanitarian rights are known and protected, which allows them to expand and elevate their growth mindsets.
Congratulations on your new book! What inspired you to pen “The Modern-Day Moses: Growing Up Inside The Palace Walls,” and how do you anticipate the book resonating with readers interested in military experience, leadership, and personal growth?
The birth of “The Modern-Day Moses: Growing Up Inside The Palace Walls,” came from my desire to share transformational knowledge about the maturation process of young men and how to successfully navigate our emotions. I believe that the book will resonate with interested readers with military experience, those in leadership positions and seeking future leadership, and anyone who desires personal growth in that it offers a glimpse into the challenging world of young men navigating life by adhering to rules. Military Soldiers lead lives of structure where their survival often depends heavily upon their abilities to obey and abide by the rules and disciplines that they have been taught and learned. Leaders are those personnel in the organization who are charged with the historical task of training and instilling the culture of an organization into its personnel while driving forth its strategic vision and simultaneously handling the day-to-day mission. People who desire personal growth are those who seek a greater purpose beyond the very moment that they may be experiencing. They are the people who desire to have a life of greater impact and influence beyond themselves. These are all the people that I feel may resonate with my book, “The Modern-Day Moses: Growing Up Inside The Palace Walls.”
How has your extensive experience in military systems, including roles as an operational and combat medic, influenced the ethos and mission of Let’s Go Ministries, making it a compelling option for those seeking leadership insights?
I have taken many of the leadership principles and insights learned from the military to assist me in developing the mission for Let’s Go Ministries. Serving in the military is a noble duty that requires individuals to put their lives on the line for the greater good of their country. It is an act of selflessness that embodies the highest form of patriotism.
One of the primary reasons people join the military is to protect and defend their country. Through their training and expertise, military personnel are prepared to face any challenge that may arise, whether it be defending against acts of terrorism or safeguarding national interests abroad.
The military instills discipline, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic in its members. The rigorous training programs push individuals beyond their limits, teaching them resilience and perseverance. These qualities not only benefit them during their time in service, but they also have a lasting impact on their civilian lives.
Additionally, serving in the military fosters a sense of camaraderie of brotherhood and sisterhood among its members. Soldiers form deep bonds with their comrades, relying on each other for support both on and off the battlefield. This sense of unity creates an unbreakable bond that transcends race, religion, and background. The military becomes a second family, providing an unparalleled support system.
With a diverse educational background spanning liberal arts to an MBA, how have your academic achievements enhanced your effectiveness as a leader and coach at Let’s Go Ministries, attracting individuals seeking a comprehensive approach to personal and professional development?
Thank you for inquiring about education. Having a foundation of education is essential to the success of every desired path. I believe that the diversity in my educational background allows me to identify and connect with a wide range of professional individuals seeking a comprehensive approach to personal and professional growth. I believe that my ability to provide diverse perspectives and vantage points, backed by data, can be critical to assisting individuals in their professional careers.
Can you delve into the core coaching philosophy and principles that distinguish Let’s Go Ministries, making it a sought-after resource for individuals exploring leadership, personal growth, and holistic development?
Yes, I would love to expound on the core philosophies and principles of Let’s Go Ministries which makes it such a sought-after coaching practice. To start, I believe in coaching and inspiring people to achieve their dreams. A Dream with Action requires Faith beyond our ability to achieve blessings that will be released by God at their proper time. Therefore, we must wait in expectation that God is going to do exactly what He promised. In waiting, we must also prepare for our expected blessing.
To know where you desire to go, you must first know where you are. And before you can go anywhere, you must have a plan of how to get there. Therefore, at Let’s Go Ministries, we have a three-pillar philosophy that we live by:
Where Are You?
Where Do You Want To Be?
How Do You Plan To Get There?
Of course, we also add a tool to assist our clients in managing their emotions along the journey:
P – Pause
T – Take
A – A
B – Breath (deep)
P – Pray
What strategic vision guides the future of Let’s Go Ministries, and how do you envision its continued evolution over the years, aligning with the aspirations of individuals seeking a lasting impact on their personal and professional lives?
The strategic vision that guides Let’s Go Ministries bringing Social-Emotional Learning Skills, Emotional Intelligence, and Mental Health Awareness to youth, adolescent males, and men aged 18 to 45 while ensuring that their global humanitarian rights are known and protected. Which also allows them to expand and elevate their growth mindsets. I envision it as a global mission, yet obtained, that extends beyond myself.
Is there a specific message or advice you would like to impart to aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, or individuals seeking guidance, embodying the essence of Let’s Go Ministries and its potential impact on personal and professional journeys?
To be a coach is an amazing gift that God grants us as individuals to speak into the lives of those who are entrusted with inspiring dreams. Coaching is very different from counseling, consulting, and even mentoring in that it is a partnership built between the client and the coach. By using self-discovery techniques exposed through powerful questions, coaches empower clients to achieve their personal goals, realize visions, and overcome obstacles by developing S.M.A.R.T. goals and accountability plans to assist clients in reaching their personal and professional goals.
Each goal is a journey that starts with one’s self. The most difficult part of the journey is getting started. Your purpose will always be the reason you never give up. During the middle of your journey, you will meet some challenges, but again, remember your why! It’s okay to get some rest during your journey, but let’s not stop, shall we? Let’s go!
