Uncertainty In Medicine
Season
1
Episode
5
|
May 8, 2025
Navigating Uncertainty with Admiral Mike Lefever
When a 7.6 magnitude earthquake leveled entire villages in Pakistan, retired U.S. Navy Admiral Mike LeFever was thrust into the heart of the disaster with no playbook and a simple directive: provide humanitarian aid and strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations. In this episode, LeFever recounts what it was like to lead a massive relief effort in the chaotic aftermath—coordinating aid, rebuilding schools, and navigating diplomacy in a country where his presence was politically charged. As his mission evolved from emergency response to the long-term relationship building, including during the fallout of the Bin Laden raid, LeFever shares hard-won lessons on leadership, humility, and decision-making in extreme uncertainty.
0:00/1:34
Illustration by Eleni Debo
Uncertainty In Medicine
Season
1
Episode
5
|
May 8, 2025
Navigating Uncertainty with Admiral Mike Lefever
When a 7.6 magnitude earthquake leveled entire villages in Pakistan, retired U.S. Navy Admiral Mike LeFever was thrust into the heart of the disaster with no playbook and a simple directive: provide humanitarian aid and strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations. In this episode, LeFever recounts what it was like to lead a massive relief effort in the chaotic aftermath—coordinating aid, rebuilding schools, and navigating diplomacy in a country where his presence was politically charged. As his mission evolved from emergency response to the long-term relationship building, including during the fallout of the Bin Laden raid, LeFever shares hard-won lessons on leadership, humility, and decision-making in extreme uncertainty.
0:00/1:34
Illustration by Eleni Debo
Uncertainty In Medicine
Season
1
Episode
5
|
5/8/25
Navigating Uncertainty with Admiral Mike Lefever
When a 7.6 magnitude earthquake leveled entire villages in Pakistan, retired U.S. Navy Admiral Mike LeFever was thrust into the heart of the disaster with no playbook and a simple directive: provide humanitarian aid and strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations. In this episode, LeFever recounts what it was like to lead a massive relief effort in the chaotic aftermath—coordinating aid, rebuilding schools, and navigating diplomacy in a country where his presence was politically charged. As his mission evolved from emergency response to the long-term relationship building, including during the fallout of the Bin Laden raid, LeFever shares hard-won lessons on leadership, humility, and decision-making in extreme uncertainty.
0:00/1:34
Illustration by Eleni Debo
About Our Guest
Mike LeFever
Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mike LeFever is a seasoned national security leader currently serving as Executive Vice President for National Security at Concentric, where he delivers strategic security and intelligence services. With over 38 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy—including roles as Director of Strategic Operational Planning at the National Counterterrorism Center and commander of U.S. forces in Pakistan—he has led a wide range of operations from disaster relief and humanitarian efforts to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. Additionally, Mike has applied his extensive experience to the private sector as a senior advisor, mentor, and speaker for various organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to building high-performance teams and fostering enduring international partnerships.
About The Show
The Nocturnists is an award-winning medical storytelling podcast, hosted by physician Emily Silverman. We feature personal stories from frontline clinicians, conversations with healthcare-related authors, and art-makers. Our mission is to humanize healthcare and foster joy, wonder, and curiosity among clinicians and patients alike.
resources
Credits
About Our Guest
Mike LeFever
Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mike LeFever is a seasoned national security leader currently serving as Executive Vice President for National Security at Concentric, where he delivers strategic security and intelligence services. With over 38 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy—including roles as Director of Strategic Operational Planning at the National Counterterrorism Center and commander of U.S. forces in Pakistan—he has led a wide range of operations from disaster relief and humanitarian efforts to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. Additionally, Mike has applied his extensive experience to the private sector as a senior advisor, mentor, and speaker for various organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to building high-performance teams and fostering enduring international partnerships.
About The Show
The Nocturnists is an award-winning medical storytelling podcast, hosted by physician Emily Silverman. We feature personal stories from frontline clinicians, conversations with healthcare-related authors, and art-makers. Our mission is to humanize healthcare and foster joy, wonder, and curiosity among clinicians and patients alike.
resources
Credits
About Our Guest
Mike LeFever
Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mike LeFever is a seasoned national security leader currently serving as Executive Vice President for National Security at Concentric, where he delivers strategic security and intelligence services. With over 38 years of distinguished service in the United States Navy—including roles as Director of Strategic Operational Planning at the National Counterterrorism Center and commander of U.S. forces in Pakistan—he has led a wide range of operations from disaster relief and humanitarian efforts to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. Additionally, Mike has applied his extensive experience to the private sector as a senior advisor, mentor, and speaker for various organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to building high-performance teams and fostering enduring international partnerships.
About The Show
The Nocturnists is an award-winning medical storytelling podcast, hosted by physician Emily Silverman. We feature personal stories from frontline clinicians, conversations with healthcare-related authors, and art-makers. Our mission is to humanize healthcare and foster joy, wonder, and curiosity among clinicians and patients alike.
resources
Credits
The Uncertainty in Medicine series is generously funded by the ABIM Foundation, the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, and the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation. The Nocturnists is supported by The California Medical Association and donations from listeners like you.
Transcript
Note: The Nocturnists is created primarily as a listening experience. The audio contains emotion, emphasis, and soundscapes that are not easily transcribed. Our transcripts are produced using both speech recognition software and human copy editors, and may not be 100% accurate. Thank you for consulting the audio before quoting in print.
Transcript coming soon!
Note: The Nocturnists is created primarily as a listening experience. The audio contains emotion, emphasis, and soundscapes that are not easily transcribed. Our transcripts are produced using both speech recognition software and human copy editors, and may not be 100% accurate. Thank you for consulting the audio before quoting in print.
Transcript coming soon!
Transcript
Note: The Nocturnists is created primarily as a listening experience. The audio contains emotion, emphasis, and soundscapes that are not easily transcribed. Our transcripts are produced using both speech recognition software and human copy editors, and may not be 100% accurate. Thank you for consulting the audio before quoting in print.
Transcript coming soon!
0:00/1:34
Humanizing healthcare through storytelling.
podcast
Humanizing healthcare through storytelling.
podcast