139 - Fearless Success Beyond High Performance with Blue Angel Pilot John Foley

John Foley is a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, a Sloan Fellow at Stanford Graduate School of Business, a venture capitalist, and an expert in the “how” of high-performance teams. Recognized as one of the top 10 most in-demand keynote speakers, he has worked with over 1,000 organizations across the globe to create and sustain excellence in the face of dynamic change. His new book is Fearless Success: Beyond High Performance.

What does it means to be a Blue Angel? 4,000 climbers have scaled earth’s highest point, Mount Everest. 536 astronauts’ have journeyed to outer space, that’s worldwide. But since 1946, only 257 pilots have worn the gold helmet and flown as Blue Angels, less than .01%.

Top Takeaways: Fearless Success Beyond High Performance with Blue Angel Pilot John Foley

Becoming a Blue Angel in my mind at age 12.
Finding success involves connecting the heart and the head
Life always prevents challenges- I need a plan B to get to my dream
As a leader, instill a culture that extends beyond yourself
A purpose larger than yourself is a center point for leaders
Purpose leadership is teaching in addition to leading
When you are a leader who has actually done it, you increase your level of credibility
Creating a Blue Angel maneuver that has never been done
Just hearing it is awesome, it’s crazy
There is a difference between knowledge, understanding, and wisdom
9 times I have nearly died
Nearly dying creates a recognition of the beauty and miracle of life
“Glad to be here” belief in life
How dangerous is this? “It’s not dangerous, it’s inherently unforgiving”
There is a difference between scared and afraid- I’ve been scared a lot
When you become afraid, you lose focus
At an elite level, fundamentals matter
It’s always “no” until you ask
Small things matter because that is where the strength is located – Mother Teresa
You have to earn trust every single day