It was in Nuclear Power School that I first learned about the nuclear navy standards, which were created and rigidly upheld by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover. “The Father of the Nuclear Navy,” Rickover’s philosophy would come to influence my own throughout my entire career.

Not every circumstance on a submarine presents a life-or-death situation. That doesn’t mean small matters are not important, though. I was fortunate to serve under Bruce Grooms who had a profound impact on my life.

Love alone isn’t enough. Trust, standards, purpose, and accountability all play a role. Individually, these foundational principles cannot yield success; they need each other to flourish. Building a culture with all of them is in itself an act of love.

If only we embraced the model of the Nuclear Navy, we could increase transparency, trust, and ultimately, save lives.