About Barrel Strength Leadership and Multimedia

Welcome to Barrel Strength Leadership, where we blend the art of mentorship with the lessons of history.

"Barrel strength" is a term commonly used in the context of whiskey or other spirits. It refers to a type of whiskey that is bottled directly from the barrel without any dilution with water, which means it retains its natural, higher alcohol content as it was aged in the barrel. The alcohol percentage can be quite high, often around 55-65% ABV (alcohol by volume), depending on how long it has aged and the evaporation that occurs during aging. This term is often used to describe a more intense, robust whiskey that has a stronger flavor profile due to its higher alcohol content. Because it hasn’t been watered down, barrel strength whiskey tends to offer a more concentrated experience with more complex and bold flavors

Barrel Strength Leadership is strong, unfiltered, and authentic—like a whiskey straight from the barrel. It suggests a leader who:

Has a strong presence: They exude confidence and are impactful, much like the concentrated, bold flavors of barrel strength whiskey.
Doesn't dilute their decisions: This kind of leader makes decisions and takes actions that are true to their vision, without watering down their message or compromising on their core values. They are straightforward and unafraid to be authentic, even if it means making tough or controversial choices.
Handles complexity with clarity: Just as barrel strength whiskey retains complexity and depth, a barrel strength leader might navigate complex situations with a sense of clarity and depth, offering strong, decisive direction.
Endurance and resilience: Since barrel strength whiskey is often aged for years, this could imply that the leader has been forged through experience, having grown stronger over time and learned from challenges.

Barrel Strength Leadership understands the unique challenges leaders face, and is passionate about guiding the novice, experienced, or veteran through their journeys to create success in future endeavors. Join us as we explore effective leadership strategies grounded in historical insights, helping you unlock your full potential and that of your organization. Together, let's forge a path to success and resilience in your leadership journey.

BSL-Capabilities Statement

More about Chris

Chris Hossfeld started his Army career after graduating from Washington State University in 1996. He served as a leader across the institutional, force generating, and operational forces - to include four combat deployments. His final job in the Army was teaching at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA where he spent time honing his staff ride thoughts over the Gettysburg Battlefield. Following his retirement, he has worked at The University of Texas at Austin, supporting world class faculty in developing more context aware proposals that conduct national security research.

While at UT Austin, Chris has supported the Army and Air Force ROTC programs and The Clements Center for National Security in conducting staff rides. Barrel Strength Leadership has been born out of his love to mentor, teach, and a commitment to life-long learning.