So There I Was...

Powerful, real-life leadership stories from those who never lead with bravado, but always deliver when it counts.

So There I Was brings you behind the scenes of tough decision-making, resilience, and true influence. These stories are told in the authentic words of retired U.S. Army Warrant Officers, and each one includes insights and reflections by Emilio Natalio. In these stories that happen on the frontlines and in the skies, you'll discover the mindset, humor, and tactical expertise Warrant Officers bring to every challenge they meet.

You don't need military experience (or even an interest in war stories) to get enormous value from this collection of stories.

• Entrepreneurs: Learn what it means to lead from within, adapt on the fly, and build trust when stakes are high.
• Thought leaders & Executives: Find lessons on influence, courage, and humility delivered through stories, not lectures.
• Veterans & Service Members: See yourself and your colleagues reflected in these moving, often hilarious, and always honest accounts.

The leadership lessons inside are immediately relatable, whether you're running a business, leading a team, or simply guiding your own life through uncertainty.

• Firsthand tales of taking action under pressure, overcoming failure, and changing lives quietly and persistently.
• A wide range of real-life situations told by a diverse group of Warrant Officers who led, taught, innovated, and lived by their motto, FITFO ("Figure It the F* Out"), through it all.
• Practical wisdom for every one of us who must make decisions, solve problems, and support others, no matter what the circumstances may be.

This isn't leadership from the top down. It's leadership from the middle out where the real work gets done.

Mission-ready. No filters. Just real stories. Real lessons. And a whole lot of heart.

Story Contributors:

• Emilio B. Natalio
• Victor Soler
• Justin Maxwell
• Eric Radford
• John Alderete
• James J. Holmes
• Jon King
• Juan Guzman
• Nate Craig
• Rich Puza
• Clyde "Bill" Coggins, Jr.