Jon Macaskill

As the Director of Talent Optimization at CEC Facilities Group, I partner with our leaders to enhance performance, foster growth, and maintain a strong focus on psychological safety. My role is about unlocking potential and equipping our team to thrive in a dynamic, high-pressure environment while ensuring the well-being of our people.

What I Do:
• One-on-One Coaching: I meet with leaders to assess performance, address challenges, and provide tailored strategies that prioritize psychological safety alongside leadership excellence.
• Goal Setting and Alignment: I help executives set actionable goals aligned with personal growth, company objectives, and fostering a culture where team dynamics encourage collaboration and trust.
• Overcoming Obstacles: I identify barriers—whether mindset, habits, or external factors—and develop strategies to create environments that support success and emotional well-being.
• Building Confidence and Resilience: I empower leaders by reinforcing strengths and introducing tools to stay calm and focused under pressure while fostering environments where teams feel safe to innovate, collaborate, and grow.
• Accountability and Follow-Up: Regular check-ins help track progress, adjust strategies, and ensure psychological safety and trust are consistently upheld and improved.

My Goal:

I strive to build a culture of trust, growth, and high performance. By optimizing talent and embedding psychological safety into our leadership practices, I aim to drive individual and organizational success while safeguarding the well-being of our team.

Director of Talent Optimization

Men Talking Mindfulness Podcast

Podcast Co-founder, Co-host, and Producer

Frogman Mindfulness

Jon Macaskill (pronounced Muh-KAS-kill) is a retired Navy SEAL Commander turned mindfulness teacher.  He’s taking what helped him excel in his professional life and heal in his personal life and now sharing this with others to help them do the same!

Owner / Keynote Speaker / Mindfulness, Wellness, and Leadership Mentor

Calm

Consultant / Content Creator / Keynote Speaker

The Outlier Project

Advisor

Movement Rx

At Movement Rx, we're on a mission to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve lifelong physical and emotional freedom. We firmly believe that an organization's health, well-being, and growth are rooted in its leadership. That's why we partner with companies that prioritize their employees' health, well-being, and satisfaction.

To effect lasting change within an organization, we take a holistic approach. We start by understanding each organization's unique needs and challenges, and then provide practical and inspiring solutions that support their goals. These solutions may include leadership training, interactive workshops, wellness classes, customized programming, one-on-one health coaching, and team-building retreats.

As a veteran-led company, we hold the values of leadership, teamwork, and service in high regard. We love working with fellow veteran leaders but are committed to partnering with any organization that shares our passion for prioritizing people.

Our overarching goal is to help organizations create a culture of physical freedom, where movement and leadership are integrated into every aspect of work and life.

Private message me if you want to connect and see how we can help your company grow.

Mindfulness Coach

3D Media

Member of the Board of Advisors

Partner / Special Projects and Leadership Advisor

Partner / Director of Business Development

UVA Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning

Adjunct Faculty

My Steady Mind

Partner

Veteran's PATH

Deputy Executive Director

Retired Navy SEAL Leader | LinkedIn Top Voice | Podcaster | Mindfulness Coach | I Post About Leadership, Wellness, & Humans being Good Humans | Subscribe to my newsletter below to get my 21 Day Mindfulness Course 4 FREE!

• Who am I?

I’m Jon Macaskill—a retired Navy SEAL Commander turned mindfulness teacher, leadership coach, and resilience expert. My journey? From leading elite teams in the chaos of the battlefield to helping individuals and organizations thrive in the complexity of today’s boardrooms.  

• What do I do?

I help people and teams unlock their full potential by blending mental toughness with emotional intelligence. Through my work—whether it’s coaching top executives, guiding teams at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and PepsiCo, or hosting impactful workshops—I show how resilience, mindfulness, and strategic leadership are the keys to not just surviving but excelling in high-stakes environments.  

• Why connect with me?

What sets me apart isn’t just my Navy SEAL background or my leadership experience—it’s my belief that grit and compassion are two sides of the same coin. I bring a unique combination of discipline and empathy to the table, teaching leaders how to balance resilience with self-awareness, navigate stress, and inspire their teams to perform at their peak.  

• Beyond the office…

As the co-host of the Men Talking Mindfulness podcast, where we cover topics that matter—leadership, mental health, and how to embrace challenges with clarity and purpose. I also speak at conferences and events, sharing insights that inspire action and transformation.  

Let’s connect if you’re:  

- A leader looking to build a high-performing, resilient team.  
- Someone striving to navigate stress and make better decisions.  
- An organization seeking to unlock its full potential through mindful leadership.  

Ready to transform your approach to leadership and performance? Let’s start the conversation.

As the Director of Talent Optimization at CECFG, I work closely with our executive team to enhance their performance both professionally and personally. My role is all about unlocking potential, fostering growth, and ensuring our leaders are equipped to handle the challenges of a dynamic and high-pressure environment.

What I Do:

	•	One-on-One Coaching: I regularly meet with our leaders to assess their current performance, explore any emotional or psychological barriers, and help them overcome challenges. My focus is on providing tailored strategies that help them excel.
	•	Goal Setting and Alignment: I collaborate with our executives to set clear, actionable goals that align with both their personal aspirations and our company’s objectives. Together, we break these goals into manageable steps to ensure consistent progress.
	•	Overcoming Obstacles: I help identify and address any resistance or self-doubt that might hinder performance. By developing personalized strategies, I support our leaders in overcoming these barriers, whether they stem from mindset, habits, or external factors.
	•	Building Confidence and Resilience: I work to empower our leaders by reinforcing their strengths and past successes. I also introduce techniques like mindfulness and visualization to help them stay focused, calm under pressure, and resilient in the face of challenges.
	•	Accountability and Follow-Up: I establish a routine of regular check-ins to track progress, adjust strategies, and maintain momentum. I encourage our leaders to take ownership of their growth, ensuring they remain the driving force behind their success.

My Goal:

My mission is to foster a culture of trust, growth, and high performance within CECFG. By optimizing our talent, I aim to contribute to both individual and organizational success.


“You should take ‘Commander’ off your LinkedIn after ‘’Retired Navy SEAL.’ It’s not relevant anymore.”

That’s what a young doctor messaged me recently.

He wasn’t being rude… I guess he was just offering advice.

But that title, Commander, isn’t something I hold onto out of pride. It’s something I carry because it shaped who I am and it keeps me accountable. 

I spent 24 years in the Navy, and it took me 21 of those years to earn that rank. There are countless others who’ve reached that level and far higher but like them, it was earned. Through challenge, failure, growth, and the privilege of leading within one of the most committed communities on earth… the SEAL Teams.

To me, “Commander” isn’t about hierarchy. It’s a reminder of responsibility. Of being entrusted with people’s lives, of learning to lead under pressure, and of never forgetting the weight that comes with both.

We don’t tell doctors to drop “MD” when they retire.

We don’t tell professors to stop using “PhD.”

Those titles represent years of dedication, sacrifice, and service. The same is true for those who’ve worn the uniform.

I understand where that young man was coming from… titles don’t define us. But they can remind us of where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and who we still strive to be.

So no, I won’t be removing “Commander.”

We all carry something we’ve earned… something that reminds us of the standards we set for ourselves and the people who helped us get there. The goal isn’t to cling to the title… it’s to live up to what it represents.

My journey has been a wild ride and things haven’t gone quite as planned (do they ever?) but they definitely appear to be working out for the best!  

I have been privileged to work alongside some of the most remarkable people on the planet, experiencing sights and moments that many can only fantasize about or read about in books. I've been honored to serve my nation faithfully and uphold the liberties of my fellow Americans. 

My passion lies in paving the way for others to achieve their fullest potential and lead satisfying lives. I find joy in understanding the aspirations of people, inspiring them to be agents of change for themselves and those around them.

My goal is to undertake meaningful work true to my core values, allowing me to express these values and contribute positively to society. I've become known for my team contributions, often finding myself entrusted with leadership roles.

Storytelling is a cherished pursuit of mine; I enjoy sharing personal anecdotes, the emotions they stir, and the lessons they convey. Engaging in deep conversations about personal and professional goals with team members is another aspect I relish, always encouraging them to chase their dreams.

Understanding the challenges that teams and organizations encounter is crucial. I strive to gain comprehensive insight into these issues, enabling me to help devise effective solutions.

Always looking towards the horizon, I envision what the future might hold and the path we must take to reach it. I seize every chance to mentor others, imparting wisdom gleaned from my experiences and accomplishments. In essence, you can count on me to be reliable, committed, and diligent in delivering quality results.

So, what do I do?

I teach mindfulness, vulnerability, resilience, compassion, grit, and leadership through our Men Talking Mindfulness podcast, keynote speeches, workshops, personal coaching, and a partnership with MovementRX. I’ve taught and spoken to audiences at PepsiCo, Microsoft, FedEx, Samsung, PenFed, Texas de Brazil, Darden Business School, Palo Alto Networks, the Customs and Border Protection Leadership Institute, UNC Charlotte, and others.

Now, how may I serve you?

***
Is that my baby in the background banner?  Yes, it’s my now 6 year old little girl.  I thought the image was symbolic of the rebirth service members go through when they transition out of the military and have to reinvent themselves. 

MBTI: ISTJ

Top 5 Values: Honesty, Gratitude, Love of Learning, Hope, Leadership 

Gallup Strengths: Input | Significance | Futuristic | Relator | Responsibility

Dad First 🔹 Men Talking Mindfulness Podcast Cohost 🔹 Keynote Speaker 🔹 Entrepreneur 🔹 Retired Navy SEAL Commander

There’s a part in many veterans that sometimes wishes they’d died in war...


Not because they want to die.

But because there’s a part of them that once believed that dying in battle would’ve meant they fulfilled their destiny.

Many have lost friends who did make that ultimate sacrifice... brothers and sisters whose names, faces, and laughter still echo in their minds.

And sometimes, it’s hard to reconcile being the one who came home when they didn’t.

That feeling isn’t about glory.

It’s about grief… confusion… and a longing for the kind of clarity that existed when the mission was everything.

To the families who’ve lost someone in uniform... please know: this reflection comes with reverence. Your loved ones are the heroes we carry with us.
And every day we get to live, lead, and raise our kids in freedom is a debt we can never repay... to them or to you!

For many veterans, the hardest part of coming home isn’t the noise... it’s the silence.

Because what they miss isn’t war itself… it’s purpose.
But purpose doesn’t only live on the battlefield.

It lives in how they show up now:
for their families,
for their communities,
and for those who no longer can.

Maybe the best way to honor those who didn’t make it home…
is to live a life that proves their sacrifice still matters.

Military Programs Coordinator and Soldier for Life

I’m sure most of you have seen this meme… but let’s be honest, it’s painfully accurate.

I loved the military — but when it was over, it beat me like I owed it money.

#veteranCommunity #OperationTBIFreedom #CraigHospital

Don’t be nice… be kind.  They are NOT the same thing.

Being nice is often self-serving.
We’re nice so others will like us.
We avoid hard truths to protect our comfort.
We smile to keep the peace.

Being kind, on the other hand, is about serving others.
We tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable.
We hold boundaries because we care.
We step into hard conversations with love, not fear.

Being nice comes from fear… fear of rejection, fear of conflict, fear of being misunderstood.

Being kind comes from love… love for people, for truth, for what’s right.

Being nice is easy.
Being kind is hard.
Being nice is weak.
Being kind is strong.  
Being nice is fake.
Being kind is authentic.

Kindness takes courage.
It means choosing honesty over harmony, compassion over comfort, and long-term trust over short-term approval.

This hangs in my home gym. I love it and…  I don’t … 

You see, in everything we do, there’s always that quiet back-and-forth between:

   •   The part that wants to slow down, take a breath, or call it a day…

and

   •   The part that wants to push harder, prove yourself, and keep going no matter what.

And here’s what a lot of folks won’t tell ya… BOTH voices matter.

Because success isn’t just about pushing through … it’s also about knowing when to pause.

The strongest people I know can do both:

They know when to grind and when to rest.

When to lead from the front and when to recharge in the back.

Sometimes resilience means refusing to quit.

Other times, it means giving yourself the grace to recover  so that you can come back sharper, steadier, and stronger.

What argument is your brain having today and what would it look like to listen to both sides?

I’ve seen brotherhood at its best and at its most fragile. We talk a lot about loyalty and service, but this is where it matters most: not just when it’s convenient, but when someone needs to be reminded that their life still holds meaning.

If you’re a veteran, or if you’ve ever served alongside those who have, you know what that silence in the hospital room can feel like. Let’s not let Kevin sit in that silence alone.

Presence is the most powerful form of gratitude there is.

Gianna Varrati Christopher Paquet

Military Liaison at Katie’s Way Plus | Founder, National Warrior Foundation | Champion for Holistic Mental Health & Veteran Support | Empowering Mission-Driven Nonprofits | VP, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1

For everyone asking which MD in HoustonThe MD Cancer Center in Houston.  

Sgt Kevin Lee Lloyd, MD Anderson, PO Box 300206, Houston TX 77230. He is currently in Room G2154

Mailing:

The Kevin Lloyd Project
3636 Old Spanish Trail STE B-1
Box 304
Houston, TX 77021


No one should die feeling like they’re all alone. 💔 

Nearly blind, weak, and in pain, Kevin isn’t asking for money. He’s asking for presence. For someone to show up. For someone to remember that “no man left behind” still means something.

Sgt. Kevin Lee Lloyd, a 40-year-old Marine veteran, lies in a hospital bed at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, his body ravaged by what his family says is 100% service-connected stage 4 colorectal cancer — caused by exposure to burn pits during his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sadly, the father of 3 has been left without the very brotherhood he once would’ve died for. His morale is fading. His family is breaking.

If you’ve ever said you stand with our troops, now’s your moment to prove it. Visit him. Sit with him. Let him know his service mattered.  

If you can’t travel there, tell him what his sacrifice means to you — right here. 

🕊 Sgt. Kevin Lee Lloyd
📍 MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

⏰ Visiting hours end at 10 p.m.

It’s live!!  My new website is up! → jonmacaskill.com

I couldn’t be more grateful to Goran and Bela Jevtovic for building something that feels like me … simple, grounded, and purpose-driven. They took my story, my mission, and turned it into something that looks and feels alive.

This isn’t just another website.
It’s a space to share the tools, lessons, and resources that helped me go from chaos to calm and from combat to clarity.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:
✅ Free mindfulness and leadership resources to help you lead and live with purpose.
✅ My story … from Navy SEAL to mindfulness teacher.
✅ Services I offer today: keynote speaking, leadership workshops, and coaching built around authenticity and service.
✅ Links to our Men Talking Mindfulness podcast … real, unfiltered conversations about mental health, performance, and being a better human.
✅ A direct link to my Substack … where I share reflections and stories that go a little deeper than social media ever allows.

If you’ve followed my work, you know this isn’t just a career for me, it’s a mission to help others find balance, resilience, and peace through service and self-awareness.

Take a look → jonmacaskill.com
I’d love to hear what resonates most with you.

⸻

Follow me (Jon Macaskill ) for leadership insights, wellness tools, and real stories about humans being good humans.
And yeah… feel free to repost if someone in your life needs to hear this.

What if the fastest way to live more fully is to think about your death ... every single day?

Check out this week's Thursday Three Things Newsletter...
You’ll learn:
🔹 The 7 values that make you regret-resistant
🔹 A monthly ritual that makes time tangible
🔹 How to live your life with the end in mind ... and joy at the center

ALI vs. FOREMAN … A Masterclass in Leadership, Patience, and Belief

In 1974, Muhammad Ali stepped into the ring against George Foreman … a man younger, stronger, and feared across the boxing world.

Everyone thought Ali was done. Too old. Too slow. Too late.

But what they didn’t see was his strategy. His stillness. His mind.

Ali leaned back on the ropes, took the hits, and waited.

He conserved energy while Foreman burned his out.
He absorbed, observed, and trusted the process.

And then …when the moment was right … Ali struck.

Foreman fell.
And the world witnessed more than a fight.
They witnessed faith in self, mastery of emotion, and the power of patience.

That’s leadership.

Sometimes it’s not about charging forward.
It’s about staying calm when chaos comes at you.
It’s about trusting your preparation.
It’s about knowing when to absorb… and when to act.

In life, business, or relationships …you’ll face your own “Foreman.”

Don’t lose your center.
Breathe. Stay mindful.
Trust your training.

And when your moment comes, deliver the knockout.

⸻

Follow me (Jon Macaskill ) for leadership insights, wellness tools, and real stories about humans being good humans.
And yeah… feel free to repost if someone in your life needs to hear this.

Great team doing great things to help veterans in the northern Colorado area!  Thanks Jason Miller for bringing this to my attention. 

If you're able, any support would be greatly appreciated.

VP of Physical Security

Stillwater Ranch is making an impact for veterans in need. I've been on the board of directors for over three years now, and this is the first time our benevolence fund has been completely drained (due to all the requests we're helping with). So I'm humbly requesting my network will come through so we can keep helping our veterans through difficult times. Thank you!

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