President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Ret. Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis to head the Department of Defense.
The revered military strategist is known for leading the 1st Marine Division's drive into Baghdad during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. He is also known for his blunt tough talk and pithy quotes.
CNBC rounded up some of the four-star general's most powerful statements on leadership and success.
'I don't lose any sleep at night over the potential for failure. I cannot even spell the word.'
TIM SLOAN | Getty Images
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune
'I spent 30 years getting ready for that decision that took 30 seconds.'
Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis listens during his confirmation hearing July 27, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong | Getty Images
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune
'By reading, you learn through others' experiences, generally a better way to do business.'
Source: Strife
'PowerPoint makes us stupid.'
Source: The New York Times
'Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.'
Expert Infantry | Flickr
'Be the hunter, not the hunted.'
US Embassy Kabul Afghanistan | Flickr
'It's very hard to live with yourself if you don't stick with your moral code.'
Bryan Steffy | Getty Images
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune
'The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.'
Mario Tama | Getty Images
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune
'Thanks to my reading, I have never been caught flat-footed by any situation, never at a loss for how any problem has been addressed. ... It doesn’t give me all the answers, but it lights what is often a dark path ahead.'
USGLC | Flickr
Source: Strife
'You cannot allow any of your people to avoid the brutal facts. If they start living in a dream world, it's going to be bad.'
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune
'Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit.'
