Never Outmatched

In a world where leadership is constantly tested by change, pressure, and uncertainty, Lee Pepper has built a reputation for meeting every challenge head-on. In his book Never Outmatched, he shares the mindset, discipline, and lived experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and marketing.

Pepper resides in Williamson County and is an Army veteran and seasoned C-suite executive with more than 25 years of experience in marketing and leadership. As a former Army Armor Officer, responsible for strategically directing tanks and heavy armored units to achieve maximum effect, he has held CIO and CMO roles in the healthcare sector, helping scale organizations to more than $1.5 billion. Drawing from this depth of experience, he shares hardwon insights to empower others to navigate challenges, grow confidently, and succeed in their own daily battles in the business world.

In January, I had the opportunity to hear Pepper speak at the Skal International Nashville luncheon, where he shared his hard-won insights to empower others to navigate challenges, grow confidently, and succeed in their own daily battles in the business world. I hope you enjoy this Q&A as Pepper dives into the lessons behind his book and the principles he believes can help anyone show up stronger—both personally and professionally. I also strongly encourage each of you to read his book to learn more about the 12 strategies he discusses in Never Outmatched. It is worth the read!

1. When did you know you wanted to write your book, Never Outmatched,and what was the main inspiration leading you to write it? 

I trace my inspiration back 15 years, when I was asked to present at our private equity sponsors’ conference of portfolio companies. That experience could have been derailed if I had not stood my ground on the data I was sharing and my style of presentation.  I realized that so many young leaders get overwhelmed by bureaucracy and the status quo, so I wanted to share the strategies I learned early in my service.

2. Give our readers a high-level overview of what they can expect to learn about blending marketing with military strategies.

Two aspects of my book come to mind. First, some companies jump from tactic to tactic because the modern social media platforms are easy to navigate, but difficult to build a return on the investment. So, we are always chasing performance. Start with the strategy and those platforms may be appropriate, but they also might now be part of your marketing strategy, don’t let fear of missing out dictate your approach.  Secondly, is commander’s intent. I love working with millennials, Gen Z, and now Gen Alpha. I don’t micromanage, and I serve to remove bureaucracy so they can innovate. Give them your commander’s intent and let them execute the mission.

3. In the modern-day marketing battlefield, what is your number one piece of advice to small businesses?

Force Multiplication! You are already spending time and money on pieces of content like a blog post, photos, social media, or print. You need to force multiply that content across as many platforms as dictated by your initial strategy. You’ve already done the hard work and spent the dollars, now multiply it to further your reach. Don’t wait for your customers to find you, go engage with them.

4. You reference many quotes throughout the book. What are two quotes, one military and one not, that resonate the most with you? 

“Success in war depends on the golden rules of war: Speed, simplicity, and boldness.”
— General George Patton.

“Some leaders stick their heads in the sand and claim they are in a sandstorm.”
— Noah benShea

5. Your book is a wealth of information. What message do you hope readers take away after reading it?

Your success is within you; it is at your fingertips. It will require research, practice, mentorship, and decisions. Your leaders, the Board of Directors, and the C-Suite hired you; the pressure can be high, but they are cheering hard for you to succeed!

6. Being a Franklin resident with a military background, how does the town’s history connect with you?

My father had a 26-year career in the Army. During one of his assignments, he taught Military Science at MTSU, so I grew up visiting battlefields. I passed this along to my two sons, taking them up to Winstead Hill and Fort Granger for explorations from an early age. We are fortunate that the active preservation continues with new markers and sections opening every year.

7. What’s next for you? Are there any other books in the works or new projects? 

I just finished my first TEDx talk in Ocala late last year, so presentations and speaking are keeping me busy. I do have a second book that I am working on, and I continue to consult in behavioral healthcare.

8. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

There are some amazing authors in Williamson and Maury County, and we still have bookstores! With all the disruptions caused by screens in our youth these days, give a young person a book and highlight or write something in the book to spark their interest!

Follow Peper on social media @theleepepper. Find his book Never Outmatched both in physical and e-book/audiobook formats online and at local retailers, so you too can learn to lead, innovate, and win.