SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA)– It’s a scandal that could have been from a made-for-TV movie. Retired U.S. Army General David Petraeus resigned in 2012 from his position as director of the CIA after admitting he had an extramarital affair with his biographer.
Petraeus was in Sarasota for a speaking engagement on Tuesday. He told WFLA News Channel 8 that he’s learned a lot from the mistake and is now sharing the lessons he’s learned with others.
Petraeus served a lengthy and distinguished military career that included leading US Central Command based at MacDill AFB, and also served as commander of the US forces in Afghanistan. After his retirement, Petraeus served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
However, in 2012 he resigned his post after it was revealed he had an extramarital affair with biographer Paula Broadwell. It later emerged that Petraeus had given Broadwell classified information.
Petraeus pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of removing and retained classified materials. He was sentenced to two years’ probation and a $100,000 fine.
Petraeus explained to News Channel 8 what he’s learned from the incident:
“Look, I’ve said that I have turned the page if you will, and I’ve focused forward. I’ve made mistakes in life, beyond those, missteps if you will, professionally, on the battlefield…life is not without setbacks and I think when you encounter a setback whether it’s of your own doing or not…what you do is what you do in the military which is conduct an after action review, look at what took place, strive to learn from it, and then pick up your rough sack and then drive on. And that’s what I’ve sought to do, and I’ve been very fortunate frankly, to have a portfolio of activities that is very stimulating, very rewarding, and frankly fun.”
Since leaving the CIA, he has served as a chairman of a global investment firm and also serves as a professor at the City University of New York and the University of Southern California.
“People sometimes forget that I have an academic background,” said Petraeus.
He believes learning and growing from your mistakes is a lesson in leadership, and it’s a lesson he’s sharing with others.
Petraeus mentioned he unveiled a strategic leadership website and added, “[The website] conveys lessons learned…some the hard way.”STORIES OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON-
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