Welcome back to Tools of Fighter Pilots, where lessons from the cockpit sharpen leadership, decision-making, and performance under pressure.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kyle Skalisky retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, former F-15 Eagle driver, F-16 aggressor, F-18 test pilot, and author of A Sky Less Traveled: A Maverick Life of Leadership, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Purpose.

Kyle’s journey goes far beyond flying jets. It’s a deep exploration of what leadership truly means when stakes are high, expectations are clear, and trust is the foundation that holds teams together.

From squadron culture to executive leadership, he shares how unconventional leadership is not about breaking rules, it’s about independent thinking, service to the mission, and the courage to challenge groupthink while offering better solutions.

In this conversation, we explore how elite aviation principles translate into business, teams, and everyday leadership, especially the idea that leadership is not defined by title, but by influence, accountability, and the consistency of actions over time.

Key takeaways from this episode:

-> Why leadership is influence, not position

-> How trust is built through respect, accountability, and active listening

-> The power of character, competence, and commitment in building strong teams

-> Why real debriefing drives growth, and why most organizations still get it wrong

-> How preparation and reflection allow leaders to respond instead of react under pressure

This episode is a reminder that unconventional leadership isn’t about standing apart, it’s about stepping forward when the mission, the team, and the moment require it.

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