Submarine command - achievement, the responsibility, and the humility that must follow

This picture shows two Perisher Teachers (Royal Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy Command courses) and the Captain of the host submarine HNLMS Bruinvis off the coast of Norway.......and the Ship Controller. As a Teacher, I always used to think about the weight of that responsibility – not only to the student captains being assessed, but also to the crews they would eventually lead if they passed. The crew of the hosting submarines endured the brutal, endless training at sea to make it all possible - they were always remarkable.

Passing Perisher is an extraordinary achievement. It tests everything – your decision‑making, your resilience, your ability to lead in an extreme environment where there is no way out. The investment is staggering: submarines, simulators, helicopters, frigates, special forces – all to make it as realistic and unforgiving as possible. Fail it, and that’s it – no second chance. Pass it, and the sense of achievement is like no other.

But here’s the danger: success can quietly plant the seed of invulnerability. The belief that you can’t be touched. That you’re invincible – “the best of the best.” And while pride in what you’ve accomplished is deserved, ego can creep in.

So how do you stay grounded?

You remind yourself that leadership is a privilege, not a right. That humility – often misunderstood – is not weakness. Humility is strength with perspective. It’s being confident in your ability, but open to learning from others. It’s knowing you don’t have all the answers, and that your success is built on the collective efforts of the team around you.

The moment you think you’ve “made it” is the moment you stop growing. Staying humble is what keeps you sharp – and worthy of the trust others place in you.

So the question we should ask is How do you stay grounded when you’ve reached a career milestone? What keeps your ego in check and your focus on serving others?