In a new era marked by the accelerated advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the profound impact it is having on society, cultivating resilience and adaptability in students has become paramount. This study examines how leadership principles derived from Navy SEAL training, as articulated by Brent Gleeson in his book “Embrace the Suck: The Navy SEAL Way to an Extraordinary Life,” can be effectively integrated into educational contexts to prepare current and future students for the new complexities that come with an AI-based future. Gleeson places particular emphasis on transforming problems into opportunities, strengthening and cultivating resilience, and fostering discipline—qualities increasingly important in navigating the complex, unpredictable ethical, societal, and professional issues shaped by advances in AI.

In line with concerns raised by Turing Award winners Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton about the accelerated deployment of under-validated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, this study argues for a paradigm shift in traditional educational models. This shift must transcend the exclusive development of specialized technical skills and move toward a comprehensive diversification of pedagogical approaches. By integrating Navy SEAL leadership principles into educational practices, institutions can better equip students with the resilience, emotional stability, and leadership skills necessary to ethically engage with the transformative potential of AI, responsibly manage risk, manage mistakes, and maintain performance under uncertainty. This interdisciplinary approach not only improves student adaptability, but also promotes responsible and informed engagement with emerging technologies, thereby bridging the gap between technological advancement and human readiness.

Keywords: AI Ethics, Leadership, Leadership Education, ChatGPT, Educational Innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Intelligence Education, Educational Technology.