“CZ’s extraordinary journey from poverty to the Pentagon is a master class in leadership and resilience.”

—William H. McRaven, Admiral, US Navy (Retired), New York Times bestselling author

“From the moment I met ‘CZ’ Colón- López, I knew he was someone I wanted on my team. He has such a deep knowledge of so many subjects, but he is blessed with a humility that belies his vast life experience—experience that took him from some of the most dangerous combat zones on earth to the very highest corridors of power. In other words, CZ is not the kind of person who will ever tell you that he knows more than you or has done more than you. He doesn’t have to. That’s the thing about great leaders who have walked the walk. For men like CZ, boasting is pointless. Men like this communicate with such surety and clarity that their capabilities are self- evident. So when CZ told me he was writing a leadership book, my expectations were sky-high. Carnivore Leadership, naturally, exceeds all of them and offers readers the chance to do the very same and very wise thing that I did some years ago: welcome CZ into your life and heed his advice. It’s made me a better person and can do the same for you.”

—Chef Robert Irvine, entrepreneur and philanthropist

“Carnivore Leadership is a great and easy read for anyone serious about self- improvement and the art of leadership. I’ve known CZ for years, working with him during the toughest of times at the Pentagon. The stories he tells are not just insightful ; they reflect the leader he is—interesting, authentic, and inspiring.”

—Dr. Mark T. Esper, twenty-seventh US Secretary of Defense

“I was blessed with great leaders in both pararescue and the CIA, and I learned by their example. However, most readers will not have access to this mentorship I enjoyed. That is why I highly recommend Carnivore Leadership. CZ has led several generations of warfighters and groomed them for success—and survival. Whether in a kinetic mission or clinching a corporate contract, CZ would be my go- to guy. Even now, I learned a bit more via this wonderful book.”

—Ric Prado, New York Times bestselling author of Black Ops, CIA Senior Operations Officer, and Chief of Operations at CIA’s Counterterrorist Center (Retired)

“SEAC Ramón Colón-López embodies leadership in every sense of the word. In a world crowded with leadership buzzwords and empty slogans, CZ delivers the real thing: raw, honest, and forged through decades of experience where lives, missions, and trust were on the line. This isn’t theory—it’s battle-tested truth with hard-earned lessons that apply whether you lead on the battlefield, in the boardroom, or anywhere in between. If you’re serious about leading with purpose, resilience, and clarity, this book will challenge you to take charge—and get to work.”

—Matthew O. Williams, Medal of Honor recipient

“SEAC Ramón Colón-López has always led with integrity, grit, and purpose—and this book is no different. It cuts through the noise and delivers real leadership lessons forged through decades of service at the highest levels. No fluff, no ego—just the truth from someone who has lived it. A must-read for anyone serious about leading. This book is a master class in leadership from one of the best to ever wear the uniform.”

—Flo Groberg, Medal of Honor recipient

“As someone rescued by SEAL Team Six, I understand that missions like mine are only possible because of exceptional leadership behind the scenes. Carnivore Leadership is a powerful look into the mindset of those who lead from the front—decisively, humbly, and with unwavering integrity. Ramón ‘CZ’ Colón- López embodies what it means to take radical ownership and lead with purpose under pressure. His story is both inspiring and deeply instructive for anyone seeking to lead with clarity and courage. This book is a master class in action-oriented leadership that the world desperately needs right now.”

—Jessica Buchanan, New York Times bestselling author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

“CZ is the kind of leader who doesn’t just raise the bar—he redefines it, and this book shows you how he does it. There are few leaders I hold in the highest regard—SEAC Ramón Colón- López is one of them. He’s the rare kind of man whose presence raises the performance of everyone around him, not by title but by the strength of his integrity, humility, and unwavering standards. This book isn’t just a leadership guide—it’s a blueprint forged by a warrior who’s led with honor at the highest levels and continues to shape organizations and leaders into elite teams.”

—Mike Sarraille, Navy SEAL (Retired) and Chief Talent Officer of Overwatch Mission Critical

“Ramón ‘CZ’ Colón-López is the embodiment of no-nonsense leadership. His words carry the weight of decades at the sharpest edge of global operations, and this book distills those hard-earned lessons into actionable truth. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about leadership, accountability, and impact. I’m proud to support CZ and this mission.”

—Louis Skupien, host of the TALK4 podcast

“Together we recognize those who exemplify leadership and inspire us to become better. CZ is a man who will always strive to see and draw out the best in all who surround him. He will always put his first (best) step forward for others. He strives for greatness because he knows we must every day if we want to be and have the best opportunities our lives have to offer. Good people are our greatest assets that we try to hold on to as long as we can. CZ knows a commitment of our time for others is needed to grow relationships and a team. He’s a true friend, one who will fight and defend you because you share common values and character, even when you don’t share common ground. He embodies the word trust through his honesty and example. I highly recommend that any opportunity you get to read his words, you listen and learn. His experiences in life are vast but his time, like ours, is not infinite. Take the opportunity to be a better person or leader and learn what you can from a great example.”

—Leroy Petry, MSG (Retired) and Medal of Honor recipient 

“SEAC Ramón Colón-López is the definition of a warrior-leader. His integrity, humility, and relentless service to our nation’s heroes set the bar for all of us. I’ve witnessed firsthand his dedication to our veterans and warriors, and I’m honored to stand behind him and this important work. This book will no doubt be a powerful guide for leaders who are ready to step up and lead with purpose.”

—Tom Satterly, CSM (Retired), bestselling author, and founder of All-Secure Foundation

“The word carnivore is associated with predators who aggressively devour others using directed violence. Carnivore also connotes a kind of ruthlessness. Make no mistake. SEAC Ramón ‘CZ’ Colón-López is a warrior’s warrior. But Carnivore Leadership is about a different kind of ‘hunting capability’ and a different kind of hunger. Colón-López calls to those who hunger for uncertainty, who crave opportunities to put themselves to the test, and those willing to make sacrifices others won’t in the service of values they hold sacred. A carnivore without a moral compass is a dangerous psychopath. A carnivore who acts from the warrior’s creed is a warrior for the ages. To appreciate the true meaning of a Carnivore leader, consider this example: when asked, ‘How many people have you killed?’ Colón- López instinctively responds, ‘Wouldn’t you be more interested in how many lives I’ve saved?’ CZ lives out the value of self- sacrifice with a ‘no-fail mindset’ because ‘falling short . . . could mean the inability to save someone’s life, to bring them back home to their families, or not being ready when the call to danger came.’ In my years of experience supporting our nation’s elite warriors, I’ve seen that CZ sets the highest standards for leadership. He is ruthlessly self-determined to sharpen himself, and in so doing, to remind warriors of who they should be. Carnivore Leadership is a decisive answer to the mealy- mouthed advice promoted in other leadership books.”

—Shauna “Doc” Springer, PhD, author of Warrior and Relentless Courage

“War is the ultimate competition. There is no respawn. It requires less theory and more application. Tactics, techniques, and procedures are relentlessly improved. CZ brings a ‘lifestyle approach’ to leadership and improvement. His ethos ensured our battlefield success!”

—James J. Hintzke, SOCM (Retired)

“Carnivore Leadership is a must-read for anyone serious about leveling up their leadership capabilities. Ramón Colón-López—a thirty-three-year veteran of the US Air Force—spent most of his career in elite special operations units, where leadership isn’t about titles or rank, but about earning trust in the most high- stakes environments imaginable. Drawing from his front-line experience in the global war on terror, Colón-López delivers hard-won lessons that are as relevant in the boardroom as they are on the battlefield. Carnivore Leadership is equal parts inspirational and practical—a blueprint for those who want to lead with courage, conviction, and a sense of humor. I have the pleasure of working with Colón-López on several current projects and can attest that he ‘walks the talk’ of his leadership principles. It’s no surprise he rose to become the highest- ranking enlisted service member in the US military, the SEAC. Now buckle up and get in the fight!”

—Tom Davin, US Marine Corps Infantry and Reconnaissance Officer, former co- CEO of Black Rifle Coffee Company, and CEO of 5.11 Tactical

“SEAC Ramón Colón-López doesn’t just write about leadership; he lives it in every aspect of his life. Whether working on a business venture, handling his personal life, or enthusiastically supporting the military community, he attacks everything with relentless passion, drive, commitment, and no-nonsense leadership. Highly ethical and inspirational, Colón-López sets a personal leadership example for others to follow. No matter how long you’ve led or how many people, anyone who reads this book will find something of value.”

—Mark Steffe, President/CEO of First Command Financial Services, Inc.

“Ray ‘CZ’ Colón-López is not just a warrior—he is a leader whose integrity, strength, and humility have lifted our nation’s most sacred communities, including the grieving families of our fallen at TAPS. I’ve stood beside him as he’s comforted survivors with quiet resolve and inspired action with fierce compassion. In Carnivore Leadership, CZ doesn’t just teach us how to lead—he reminds us why we must. He speaks from the heart of experience, with wisdom forged on the battlefield and tested in the highest halls of power. This book is a rare and necessary gift: a raw, unflinching call to lead with moral courage, clarity of purpose, and service above self. It is the legacy of a leader who never backed down—and a road map for those bold enough to step up.”

—Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

“Having had the distinct privilege of serving alongside CZ for over twenty years across multiple demanding assignments, I can attest to his exceptional leadership. Together, we tackled some of our nation’s most complex challenges. I witnessed firsthand that he is an inspirational leader of character and integrity, a man of action, not just words, always holding himself to the highest standards as a humble professional. CZ didn’t just write the words in this book; he lives by them every day. The principles and insights he shares are applicable at every level of leadership, from tactical to strategic, and are invaluable whether you are leading yourself or others. This book is a testament to the leader I know, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.”

—Jason France, CMSgt (Retired); former CSEL, US Transportation Command; and author of Five Million Steps: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after Three Decades of Service to Our Nation

“Carnivore Leadership transcends military and industry. CZ brings out the best in everyone, cuts through distractions, and gets directly to what matters. I have experienced CZ’s authentic and proactive leadership through a friendship that began thirty years ago as classmates in the Army Combat Diver Qualification Course. His leadership principles continue to impact those who serve and impact leaders in industry dedicated to supporting those who serve. CZ’s lessons are a must for anyone committed to individual and team development with the self-awareness to know that you can never stop learning. If you do, you risk becoming irrelevant.”

—Ryan Angold, CEO of ADS Inc.

“As a retired Tier 1 operator, I am honor-bound to defend the integrity and uphold the values of the SOF community— there’s no room for valor merchants. CZ is the furthest thing from that. He is a man of unwavering character who shouldered our nation’s call with uncommon resolve and humility. Carnivore Leadership reflects that same spirit, delivering raw, unfiltered truths about what it takes to lead with courage, conviction, and integrity. If you’re serious about becoming a better human and leveling up your leadership skills, you need to consume this book.”

—Edward C. Byers Jr., Medal of Honor recipient and Navy SEAL Master Chief (Retired)

“CZ doesn’t hand out leadership lessons—he drops battle-tested truth bombs. Carnivore Leadership is what happens when discipline, danger, and duty collide with purpose. This isn’t for people looking for motivation—it’s for those ready to move. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to lead without a playbook, this is what you need, straight from a man who has lived it, led it, and bled for it.”

—Mick Hunt, the Voice of Modern Leadership and host of Mick Unplugged

“CZ is a humble, credible, approachable leader who brought calm to chaotic situations throughout his military career. He’s the first in line to roll up his sleeves and get dirty. CZ never asked anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself and used his successes and failures to grow our next generation of military leaders. As you read Carnivore Leadership, you’ll be immersed in CZ’s lessons of how to lead with a pure heart and deliver a clear vision for your team, in the boardroom or on the battlefield. The fresh and inspiring lessons will give you a road map for creating a working environment where the men and women in your organization will feel a sense of purpose and pride. CZ is a fire-and-forget problem solver that always finds a way to yes. He answered the call and was the first in line to deliver solutions for the nation’s hardest problems. During my thirty-two-year military career and over two decades in special operations, I had the privilege to serve alongside thousands of amazing men and women. CZ is absolutely one of the best. His fierce dedication to our people, our mission, and our country is evident in everything he touches. I’ve flown thousands of combat hours in the AC-130 SPECTRE and U-28 DRACO and witnessed missions not go as planned. When the shit hits the fan, you rely on quiet professionals like CZ to answer the call. He is a trusted operator and advisor whose passion is contagious. I’m proud to call him a friend.”

—Allison Black, Colonel, US Air Force (Retired), a.k.a. Angel of Death; former Commander, 1st Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations, Hurlburt Field, Florida

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