Some leaders talk about pressure—others have lived it. In this episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc Koehler sits down with Mark Fava—former naval flight officer, aviation lawyer, Boeing executive, and best-selling author—to uncover the hard truths about leadership when every decision matters.

They discuss the high-stakes world of Cold War submarine tracking and the invaluable leadership lessons Mark carried from the cockpit to the corporate boardroom. Mark shares gripping stories from his time flying P-3 Orions, the intense cat-and-mouse games with nuclear submarines, and his experience navigating crisis leadership—including his time as Chief Operations Attorney for Delta Airlines on 9/11.

Throughout the conversation, Mark reveals the core principles that shaped his leadership approach: clear communication, trust in your team, and the ability to adapt under pressure. He also discusses his bestselling book, Lessons from the Admiral, offering practical takeaways on how to lead with confidence and resilience in any environment.

Listeners will walk away with valuable insights, including:

• Why execution, trust, and mentorship are critical in leadership.
• How military leadership principles translate to business success.
• The importance of preparation and training in high-pressure situations.

Join us for this fascinating discussion and learn how to sharpen your leadership skills from someone who has led in the air, in the courtroom, and the corporate world.

Connect with Mark Fava:

Website

LinkedIn

Book