Who is Navy Bob?
Commander, US Navy
Over a distinguished 28-year career in the Nuclear Navy, Navy Bob commanded the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Texas, led the largest submarine squadron in the Pacific - overseeing 323,000 personnel, vast assets, and budgets exceeding $25 billion - and excelled in high-stakes environments where safety, reliability, and decisive leadership were non-negotiable.
His service was defined by strategic vision, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to his crew and mission.
Military Aide to the President of the United States
Handpicked for one of the most trusted roles in the U.S. military, Navy Bob served as Military Aide to President George W. Bush - entrusted with carrying the “nuclear football,” the briefcase containing the nation’s nuclear launch codes.
In this role, he stood at the intersection of national security and presidential decision-making, maintaining constant readiness and absolute discretion to ensure the continuity of command in any crisis.
Healthcare Executive
As Executive Director of High Reliability and Unit Culture at AdventHealth, Navy Bob supported 48 hospitals across seven states, championing patient safety and organizational excellence.
Applying the proven safety principles of the Nuclear Navy, he built systems and cultures that minimized risk, strengthened reliability, and empowered healthcare teams to perform flawlessly - because in medicine, just as at sea, lives depend on it.
Author, Speaker, and Founder of Leading with Love
Navy Bob is the author of Beyond the Sea and High Reliability Healthcare, sharing lessons from his Navy service and demonstrating how they can transform leadership and healthcare.
Today, as founder of Leading with Love, he inspires leaders across corporations, non-profits, and academic institutions worldwide - using real-life experiences and the
Leader–Member Exchange framework to elevate organizations through a powerful, people-first approach: LOVE.
What People are Saying about Navy Bob
Bruce Grooms, VADM (Ret), USN
Dr. George Bernard Graen, Chief Scientist, LMX Project
Dr. George Bernard Graen, Chief Scientist, LMX Project
"Dr. Bob Roncska’s book, Beyond the Sea: Leading with Love, is an enthralling study of practical leadership. I have read countless leadership books, most of which are formulaic, mechanistic, or simply experiential. This is a significant paradigm shift, rightly premised on the importance of ‘love first.’ If your heart is right, inspirational leadership and organizational success will follow. Although Navy Bob credits many leaders for their influence on his leadership style, I believe the attributes he highlights
in this book have been a deep-rooted part of his DNA his entire life. This book is a must-read for those who are serious about improving their leadership skills."
Dr. George Bernard Graen, Chief Scientist, LMX Project
Dr. George Bernard Graen, Chief Scientist, LMX Project
Dr. George Bernard Graen, Chief Scientist, LMX Project
“Dr. Navy Bob, my favorite heaven sent apostle of Leader Member Exchange “LMX” Leadership Theory, paints a boldly colored story of his adventures as a hero with the heart of a Top Gun Maverick toward loyal companions who are loved much like Goose. Bob's adventures illustrate our theory of following the second law of innovative leadership by collaboration.”
Anita McBride, former Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush
Dr. George Bernard Graen, Chief Scientist, LMX Project
Anita McBride, former Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush
"Our country is blessed by patriots and people of integrity like "Navy Bob" Roncska. Molded by examples of leadership, sacrifice and love throughout his personal life and career, Bob Roncska is a man of character and compassion and the epitome of a servant leader. His heartfelt and beautifully written book reminds us that a good life is about service and caring for the well being of others. I am delighted he has shared his lessons learned about different styles of leadership. His experiences will surely encourage readers to approach personal and professional decisions the way he did - with humility and courage and love."
Dan Silva, New York Times Bestselling Author
Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush
Anita McBride, former Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush
“This is a book everyone should read. A true behind the scenes story about leadership, humility and duty in the Navy and in life. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska is a real life American hero and role model.”
Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush
Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush
Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush
“I remember well President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush teaching us that government can help a person out, but it can never heal a person’s heart. They led with love and principles, and our favorite Navy Bob has captured their approach well in his must-read book on the best way to lead.”
Steven C. Preston, President and CEO, Goodwill Industries International
Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush
Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush
"From the first time I met “Navy Bob,” it was evident he was a special breed of leader, living out of his heart. In Beyond the Sea, he has moved well beyond the typical lists of leadership traits and how-to’s to invoke the most powerful force in humanity—love. Reminding us of the essential needs of the people we lead and enriching his guidance with compelling and relatable real-life stories, Bob shows the power of love in building a rich culture, getting results, and changing lives. He shows that love shapes our own motivations and awakens the commitment of others. It is what we need in our leaders today."
Redefining Leadership Worldwide
We don’t just teach leadership - we build it. Backed by Dr. George Graen’s decades of academic research, and lessons drawn from Navy Bob's experience, from the Nuclear Navy to the White House, our programs help leaders foster relational strength, live their values, and lead with love - even when it’s hard.
