How Saying “Yes” Changed My Career Forever

November 16, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes)

When the Door of Opportunity Opens – Walk Through It

Nuclear Power

I had been selected for navy nuclear power school—and I declined. They pushed; I kept saying no. This went on for two days.

Finally, I found myself standing at attention in front of my Boss at the time, Vice Admiral “Black” Nathman, famous for his ability to slice you to ribbons with encyclopedic knowledge and deft argument. As I entered his office, Black launched a full-throated verbal broadside at me, filled with F-bombs and passion.

“Nasty, why don’t you want to F-ing lead!? Are you an F-ing idiot!? What are you F-ing thinking!?”, he yelled at me.

By the time I crossed the fifteen feet of carpet and reached his desk, I was nodding. “Yes, sir. I will go to nuclear power school. Yes Sir. Happily, sir.”

That’s how I got “voluntold” into one of the most grueling challenges of my career. And, the very best [heavily assisted] decision I ever made.

Just Another Way to Boil Water

After my first squadron command, I was sent to the Pentagon—the second of what would become five tours. My record went before the nuclear command screening board, a process that could open the path to commanding a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

But there was a catch: it meant giving up flying for years to study the physics, chemistry, and mechanics of a nuclear reactor. I wanted to fly—not boil water. So when the call came, I said,

“No thank you.”

Then came another call—from Admiral Tim “Timbo” Keating: “Congratulations, Nasty! We’re selecting you for nuke. Give me a call.” That launched days of back-and-forth between me and a parade of admirals who all thought I was wrong. The final round belonged to Admiral Nathman—“Black.”

He didn’t ask. He ordered: “Get out of here and call Timbo immediately with your acceptance.” I did. And years later, when I commanded the USS Nimitz, Black came aboard as a guest. He smiled, eyes twinkling: “I was right, wasn’t I?” He was.

The Hardest School I Ever Loved

Nuclear power school is where engineering meets endurance. Physics, thermodynamics, chemistry, reactor core dynamics—it’s mental boot camp for leaders. I was forty-two, learning again like a midshipman, grinding through exams that could make a PhD sweat. When I passed my final oral with the four-star Admiral in charge of Naval Reactors, I walked out of the Navy Yard feeling like a man set free from federal prison!

My next assignment: Executive Officer of USS Carl Vinson, followed several years and two tours later by command of USS Nimitz, the culmination of the navy nuclear power path. That path—one I had strongly resisted—became the defining arc of my leadership life.

Leadership Lesson: Mentors Matter. When the Other Door Opens, Walk Through It

This story isn’t about nuclear power. It’s about the power of mentorship—and having people who believe in you enough to push you past your own hesitation through a door that you don’t want to go through. Admirals Nathman and Keating didn’t see a reluctant pilot. They saw a future carrier commander. They opened the door—and when I hesitated, they kicked me through it.

Years later, I became the one telling my story to other reluctant officers at the Pentagon—those staring down the same choice. I told them how being forced through that door made me stronger, wiser, and grateful.

Bob Proctor once said, “A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself and helps bring it out.” That’s exactly what Black and Timbo did for me. And what I’ve tried to do for every leader I’ve mentored since.

So when the door opens—and a trusted mentor says, “Walk through it”—listen. They just might be steering you toward your destiny.

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P.S.

If this message stirred something in you—share it. Forward it to a friend, colleague, or your leadership team. Better yet—let’s talk.

Let’s raise up a generation of leaders who know how to Lead to Win.

Mike Manazir
Bestselling Author | Navy Admiral | Fighter Pilot | Leadership Coach

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