THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST Podcast Por U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation arte de portada

THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST

THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST

De: U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
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Leadership stories told by the leaders who live them.© 2025-2026 | U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation | All Rights Reserved Desarrollo Personal Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • A Leader's Five F's - Col. (Ret.) Michael Black ’85

    A Leader's Five F's - Col. (Ret.) Michael Black ’85
    Oct 7 2025
    What does leadership look like at the highest levels of service? SUMMARY In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black ’85 discusses his journey from pilot to leading the White House communications team. He reflects on what it means to be a calm, steady presence in high-pressure environments — and how small daily practices can shape a lifetime of leadership. The full episode is now available. SHARE THIS PODCAST FACEBOOK | LINKEDIN MICHAEL'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Develop a personal leadership philosophy that guides your actions (like Michael's 5F's: Family, Fitness, Flying, Fairness, and Fun).Always be aware that people are watching you and learning from your example, even when you don't realize it.Nurture relationships continuously - they are critical for long-term success and mentorship.Practice empathy and compassion, especially during difficult moments like delivering challenging newsMaintain a holistic approach to fitness - physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are interconnected.Take pride in leaving organizations better than you found them and focus on developing future leaders.Be fair and be perceived as fair - understanding different perspectives is crucial to effective leadership.Incorporate fun and balance into your professional life to maintain team morale and personal resilience.Stay connected to your roots and be willing to mentor the next generation, sharing your experiences and lessons learned.Continuously practice self-reflection and ensure you're living up to your core values and leadership principles. CHAPTERS Chapter 1 - 0:00:00 - 0:08:55: Family and Military Roots Michael Black shares his background as a military brat and the educational legacy of his family. Chapter 2 - 0:08:55 - 0:12:10: Delivering a Difficult Notification A profound leadership moment where Black sensitively delivers news of a combat-related death to a staff sergeant's family. Chapter 3 - 0:12:10 - 0:18:40: The 5F Leadership Philosophy Introduction Col. Black explains the origin and core components of his leadership framework: Family, Fitness, Flying, Fairness, and Fun. Chapter 4 - 0:18:40 - 0:25:59: Detailed Exploration of 5F Philosophy In-depth breakdown of each leadership principle, including personal anecdotes and practical applications. Chapter 5 - 0:25:59 - 0:32:21: Family Legacy and Academy Experience Discussion of his son's Air Force Academy journey and the importance of nurturing relationships across generations. Chapter 6 - 0:32:21 - 0:38:36: Mentorship and Relationship Building Michael shares his approach to mentoring cadets and the significance of maintaining long-term professional connections. Chapter 7 - 0:38:36 - 0:40:13: Leadership in Civilian and Nonprofit Sectors Reflection on applying military leadership principles in private and nonprofit environments. Chapter 8 - 0:40:13 - 0:41:28: Personal Reflection and Leadership Advice Final thoughts on leadership, self-improvement, and the importance of continuous personal development. ABOUT COL. BLACK BIO Michael “Mike” B. Black, vice president, Defense, joined AFCEA International in July 2022. He is a senior cyber/information technology leader with more than 40 years of experience in communications, cyber operations, project/program management, organizational development and leadership disciplines. As the vice president, Defense, Mr. Black builds strong professional relationships with government, industry, academia partners to further position AFCEA International as a leader in the cyber, defense, security, intelligence and related information technology disciplines. He leads defense operations in support of planning and executing global, large-scale, technically focused, trade shows/conferences supporting Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Operations, Cyber and Homeland Security. Mr. Black is focused on providing opportunities for engagement between and among government, industry and academia, where training and education are hallmarks of AFCEA International events and continuous learning is a highlight of each individual event. Prior to joining AFCEA International, Mr. Black served as the chief operating officer (COO) at Concise Network Solutions (CNS) for 4 years, where he directly supported the CEO in developing, executing and managing CNS’s master business plan. Prior to joining CNS, he served as the COO and chief corporate development officer at JMA Solutions for 2.5 years, where he worked in concert with senior executives to lead operations and the planning and execution of strategies to meet organizational objectives. Prior to joining JMA Solutions, he served as the COO at Premier Management Corporation for 4 years, where he was directly responsible for day-to-day operations, all business units and the company’s profit and loss. Prior to joining the private sector, Mr. Black spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force holding various communications and ...
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    42 m
  • The Gratitude Edge - Capt. Garrett "Kap" Kauppila ’19

    The Gratitude Edge - Capt. Garrett "Kap" Kauppila ’19
    Sep 23 2025
    As a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, now-Capt. Garrett “Kap” Kauppila ’19 experienced a life-changing moment involving his older brother. SUMMARY That trial taught him success doesn’t involve rank — it’s about being present, showing gratitude and supporting others. Hear his powerful story on Long Blue Leadership. Listen today and be a better leader tomorrow! SHARE THIS PODCAST FACEBOOK | LINKEDIN "KAP'S" LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Never take moments with loved ones for granted - cherish every interaction. Treat everyone with equal respect, regardless of rank or position. Find your authentic leadership style - don't try to imitate others. Root yourself in gratitude to increase your overall happiness. Fill your own "glass" first before trying to pour into others - self-care is crucial. Wake up early and accomplish tasks to get ahead of your day. Pursue what truly matters to you, not what others expect. Be willing to invest in yourself and sometimes work for free to prove your value. Ask "why" to understand the root cause of people's challenges and needs. Leadership is about showing genuine care, being consistent, and helping others increase their opportunities. CHAPTERS 00:00: A Life-Changing Moment 01:04: Lessons from Adversity 08:30: The Importance of Gratitude 11:07: Finding Purpose in Leadership 11:28: The Journey to Teaching 17:57: Building Authentic Relationships 24:50: The Power of Self-Discovery 33:47: Investing in Yourself ABOUT CAPTAIN KAUPPILA BIO Capt. Garrett “Kap” Kauppila ’19 is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. A native of Rocklin, California, he played defensive back for the Falcons and maintained strong academic performance throughout his time at the Academy. After graduation, Capt. Kauppila has served in the Air Force in various capacities, including as an instructor. His leadership approach is informed by both the discipline of his military career and his commitment to continual self‑improvement. One of the pivotal moments in Capt. Kauppila’s life was when his older brother, Kyle, suffered a near‑fatal motorcycle accident leading to a stroke. During that time, Garrett balanced intense emotional and physical challenges—on top of his duties and studies—taking time off, helping with his brother’s care, and eventually returning to finish strong at the Academy with a 3.85 GPA. This period deeply shaped his philosophy of leadership: the idea of the “glacier theory,” which emphasizes looking beneath the surface to understand people’s motivations and struggles, and recognizing that many uphill battles are won by small, consistent adjustments. CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor: Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org <---> Ryan Hall | Director: Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor: Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer: Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org ALL PAST LBL EPISODES | ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Capt. Garrett "Cap" Kaupilla ’19 | Host, Lt. Col. Naviere Walkewicz ’99 Naviere Walkewicz As a cadet, Kap had just began his first season as a defensive starter for Air Force football when his world was turned upside down by a crucible moment. Capt. Garrett Kauppila Sept. 17, 2017, will forever stay with my family. I ended up getting a call that my brother, that he's not breathing, and it appears that he's no longer with us. I had about 45 minutes to an hour window where I thought that was completely the case. Again, the last I heard he was evacced on a helicopter. He got in a motorcycle crash and didn't know the extent of the details. Was in the Sierra foothills in northern California, and that's all I knew. That changed the trajectory of our entire lives. Naviere Walkewicz My guest today is Capt. Garrett “Kap” Kauppila, United States Air Force Academy Class of 2019 — a man whose leadership journey was shaped in a way few of us can imagine. Kap learned about the fragility of life, the danger of taking even a single conversation for granted, and the importance of showing up with passion and gratitude every day. That perspective now defines Kap as a leader and as a mentor to our cadets at the Air Force Academy. In this episode, he shares the lessons learned in the hardest of circumstances, the power of authenticity, the discipline of not taking life's moments for granted, and the conviction that true leadership begins with respect for others, no matter their title nor rank. So stay with us, because Kap's story is more than a testimony of persistence and staying power. It's a call to live and lead with purpose. Kap, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Capt. Garrett Kauppila Thank you very much. Naviere...
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    42 m
  • One Leader - One Million Acts - Lt. Col. Steven "Meathead" Mount ’08

    One Leader - One Million Acts - Lt. Col. Steven "Meathead" Mount ’08
    Sep 9 2025
    People matter more than position, and leadership starts with taking care of others. Doing that right means a million acts. SUMMARY Those are lessons Lt. Col. Steven “Meathead” Mount ’08 shares with listeners in the Season 4 premier of Long Blue Leadership. For Col. Mount, becoming a pilot was a major milestone, but becoming a husband and father had the biggest impact. Don’t wait, listen today and become a better leader tomorrow. SHARE THIS PODCAST FACEBOOK | LINKEDIN COL. MOUNT'S TOP LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Adoption shaped my understanding of support and love.Leadership is about lifting others to achieve their best.Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth.Balancing family and career is a continuous challenge.It's important to have tough conversations as a leader.Resilience is key to overcoming setbacks in life and career.Listening more than talking is essential for effective leadership.Recognizing the importance of support systems can enhance leadership effectiveness.Leadership is defined by consistent, everyday actions.The military community thrives on teamwork and mutual support. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Lessons 06:43 The Impact of Adoption on Leadership 14:53 Navigating Challenges at the Academy 22:49 Career Path and Opportunities in Aviation 33:31 Balancing Family and Military Career 44:18 Continuous Improvement as a Leader ABOUT COL. MOUNT BIO Lt. Col. Steven “Meathead” Mount is a decorated officer in the United States Air Force with a career marked by leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation. A command pilot with thousands of flight hours, he has served in a variety of demanding roles across multiple aircraft and theaters, bringing a wealth of experience in both combat and peacetime operations. Beyond the cockpit, Lt. Col. Mount is widely recognized for his ability to lead diverse teams through complex challenges, foster innovation, and develop leaders at every level. His career reflects not only technical expertise but also a people-first leadership philosophy that emphasizes accountability, resilience, and service. Known by his call sign “Meathead,” he brings both humility and humor to the serious business of leading Airmen. His story is one of dedication to mission and country, but also of shaping culture, inspiring others, and leaving a lasting impact on the Air Force community. CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor: Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org <---> Ryan Hall | Director: Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor: Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer: Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org ALL PAST LBL EPISODES | ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Lt. Col. Steven Mount ’08 | Host, Lt. Col. Naviere Walkewicz ’99 Naviere Walkewicz Welcome to the first episode of Season 4 of Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of ’99. We're kicking off this season with a story that shows how our earliest experiences can shape the kind of leaders we become. Lt. Col. Steve Mount, Class of 2008, call sign “Meathead,” didn't fully realize that truth until later in life. Adopted as an infant, he came to understand that love and support aren't guaranteed. They're gifts. Over his 17-year career, Col. Mount has flown missions across a wide range of aircraft, from the C-130 to special operations to the U-2. And today, he's in command. But through every stage, one belief has stayed with him: People succeed not only through their own efforts, but because someone believed in them. In this conversation, we'll talk about how those early lessons have shaped criminal mom's approach to leading airmen, mentoring the next generation of pilots, balancing mission and family and building teams that are rooted in trust. His story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about the me game, it's about lifting others so they can achieve their best. So what better way to start our new season? Col. Mount, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Lt. Col. Steven Mount Thank you so much, ma'am for having me. I really do appreciate this opportunity to at least try to share some of my stories, experiences and honestly, if anything touches base with those who listen in and resonates, that's why I'm glad to be here. Naviere Walkewicz Well, let's start right with a way for them to connect with you. You mentioned your call sign is Meathead. Let's start there. Lt. Col. Steven Mount OK, I'll do my best to tell the story as quickly as I can. And the fun thing about being a pilot — but also I think this plays true in any type of storytelling environment — is,...
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    53 m
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