John Gretton "Jocko" Willink Jr. (born September 8, 1971) is an American author, podcaster, and retired United States Navy officer. Willink served 20 years in the SEAL Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising to the rank of lieutenant commander. As commander of SEAL Team Three's Task Unit Bruiser during the battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped bring stability to the war-torn city and his unit became the most highly decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War. He is the recipient of the Silver Star and Bronze Star.
Currently, Willink is the co-founder and CEO of Echelon Front, a leadership consulting company, where he teaches leadership principles he learned in the Navy SEALs. He is also the host of the top-rated "Jocko Podcast," a deep exploration of leadership, discipline, and the lessons of war, business, and life. Willink is the co-author of Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, a #1 New York Times Bestseller, The Dichotomy of Leadership, and has also authored Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual and the Way of the Warrior Kid children's book series. The Way of the Warrior Kid series is being adapted into a movie starring Chris Pratt, set to release on November 20, 2026. Willink also serves on the board of directors for the Major League Soccer club San Diego FC.