Combat Ready: Leadership as the Key to Freedom
Over the past three years, Combat Ready has grown into one of Estonia’s most renowned training companies, teaching leadership skills and teamwork based on the experience of special forces. Their partnership with Echelon Front has provided them with a world-class training system adopted by numerous companies and leaders.
This article is based on Combat Ready podcast in Estonian.
“Our story began when the founders, Remo Ojaste and Martin Jõesaar, refused to wait for someone to notice them,” says sales manager Priit Lilleväli. “They took the initiative, flew to the U.S., and approached the right people—proving that they were serious.” This mindset is embedded in Combat Ready’s DNA: proactivity, responsibility, and persistence.
A defining aspect of Combat Ready training is its practicality. Participants are placed in challenging and dynamic scenarios that require decisiveness, quick adaptation, and teamwork. “Our training is not just about listening to theories but about facing real situations where people can apply their knowledge and refine their leadership skills,” explains Mia-Alexandra Aidla, Combat Ready’s marketing specialist.
Priit adds that the company’s biggest challenges have not been financial but rather internal team dynamics and relationships. “In the beginning, we lacked a clear onboarding system, which meant we couldn’t always ensure that new members shared our values. This created challenges in our growth phase and forced us to rethink how we build our team.”
One of the most valuable lessons learned has been the importance of continuous feedback. Combat Ready trainers believe that feedback is not just a tool for fixing mistakes but also an opportunity to see the real impact of their work. “We encourage people not only to celebrate their achievements but also to learn from their mistakes,” Priit notes.
Mia-Alexandra adds that leadership and freedom are closely connected. “If a person feels that they are not in control of their life or not making good decisions for themselves, it becomes difficult to find satisfaction and balance. Leadership skills are not just for business executives—they help in daily life to communicate, understand others, and build better relationships.”
Combat Ready believes that every person should be the leader of their own life. Therefore, their training programs are designed to be practical and hands-on. Participants are placed in scenarios that demand quick thinking and strategic planning to help them better understand their strengths and areas for development.
“Our goal is not just to increase numbers but to create long-term value for both individuals and organizations,” Priit emphasizes. “If a person leaves our training feeling empowered with the tools to better lead their own life, we know we have achieved our mission.”
Combat Ready continues its mission to help people become more confident, self-aware, and responsible. Leadership is not just the key to business success—it is the foundation of true freedom.
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sTARTUp Day is turning 10 next year, and now is the perfect time to grab your super early-bird ticket at the best price! Join us in Tartu on January 28–30, 2026, for an unforgettable anniversary edition filled with inspiring speakers, game-changing networking, and next-level opportunities. Get your ticket today and be part of the celebration!
“Our story began when the founders, Remo Ojaste and Martin Jõesaar, refused to wait for someone to notice them,” says sales manager Priit Lilleväli. “They took the initiative, flew to the U.S., and approached the right people—proving that they were serious.” This mindset is embedded in Combat Ready’s DNA: proactivity, responsibility, and persistence.
A defining aspect of Combat Ready training is its practicality. Participants are placed in challenging and dynamic scenarios that require decisiveness, quick adaptation, and teamwork. “Our training is not just about listening to theories but about facing real situations where people can apply their knowledge and refine their leadership skills,” explains Mia-Alexandra Aidla, Combat Ready’s marketing specialist.
The Importance of relationships and real leadership challenges
Combat Ready’s approach to leadership is not just theoretical or focused on numbers—it is fundamentally about understanding people and relationships. “For us, teamwork and relationships always come first,” emphasizes Mia. “If relationships are not in order, company processes will not function effectively either.”Priit adds that the company’s biggest challenges have not been financial but rather internal team dynamics and relationships. “In the beginning, we lacked a clear onboarding system, which meant we couldn’t always ensure that new members shared our values. This created challenges in our growth phase and forced us to rethink how we build our team.”
One of the most valuable lessons learned has been the importance of continuous feedback. Combat Ready trainers believe that feedback is not just a tool for fixing mistakes but also an opportunity to see the real impact of their work. “We encourage people not only to celebrate their achievements but also to learn from their mistakes,” Priit notes.
Leadership = Freedom
Combat Ready’s focus is on freedom—both for individuals and organizations. “Freedom means the ability to take control of your life and make conscious decisions,” Priit explains. “It starts with self-leadership—the ability to manage emotions, make tough decisions, and take responsibility for your actions. If people can lead themselves, they can free themselves from both limitations and their environment.”Mia-Alexandra adds that leadership and freedom are closely connected. “If a person feels that they are not in control of their life or not making good decisions for themselves, it becomes difficult to find satisfaction and balance. Leadership skills are not just for business executives—they help in daily life to communicate, understand others, and build better relationships.”
Combat Ready believes that every person should be the leader of their own life. Therefore, their training programs are designed to be practical and hands-on. Participants are placed in scenarios that demand quick thinking and strategic planning to help them better understand their strengths and areas for development.
Future plans
Over the past three years, Combat Ready has doubled its revenue and expanded both in Estonia and internationally. Their next goal is to broaden their training offerings and provide even more practical sessions for leaders and teams across various fields.“Our goal is not just to increase numbers but to create long-term value for both individuals and organizations,” Priit emphasizes. “If a person leaves our training feeling empowered with the tools to better lead their own life, we know we have achieved our mission.”
Combat Ready continues its mission to help people become more confident, self-aware, and responsible. Leadership is not just the key to business success—it is the foundation of true freedom.
_____________________________________________
sTARTUp Day is turning 10 next year, and now is the perfect time to grab your super early-bird ticket at the best price! Join us in Tartu on January 28–30, 2026, for an unforgettable anniversary edition filled with inspiring speakers, game-changing networking, and next-level opportunities. Get your ticket today and be part of the celebration!
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