Episode 172: Grandpa’s Adventures with Jerry Werner

February 15, 2023

When Jerry Werner retired, he found himself in an unexpected slump. Getting hit by the retirement blues was a surprising experience for someone as goal-oriented and optimistic as the former Navy SEAL. Thankfully, a nudge from his son reignited his enthusiasm to finish a book project he’d started to write.

The driving force behind Jerry’s book was his desire to leave a lasting and meaningful legacy for his grandchildren. From his exciting Navy career to his transition into business leadership, Jerry’s path has been rich with diverse experiences. 

Today, he reflects on the adventurous journey that has brought him to this point. I came into this conversation with high hopes, and I can honestly say that Jerry exceeded every expectation. As we dive into his story, he candidly shares the highs and lows of his journey. 

What’s truly inspiring is how Jerry’s resilience shines through as he shares what it takes to craft a fulfilling post-career life.

In this episode, we discussed:

  • How a childhood dream to visit Mars ignited a lifelong journey that shaped Jerry’s life
  • What lessons he learned from being tortured in a prisoner-of-war camp
  • The biggest life lesson Jerry wishes to impart to his grandchildren
  • Why the intensity of reliving difficult memories put Jerry off from writing his book
  • Jerry’s best advice for crafting a meaningful post-career life 

 

Connect with Jerry

Read Grandpa‘s Adventures in the US Navy: Soul-Searching on the Way to Mars

Follow on LinkedIn