The High Performance Zone
Welcome to The High-Performance Zone, where we dive deep into the secrets of achieving unparalleled success and peak performance. I’m John “Gucci” Foley, your host. As a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, global keynote speaker, and founder of the Glad To Be Here® foundation, I’m here to share insights that can transform your life and business.
In The High-Performance Zone, we cover everything from business strategies and team dynamics to personal growth and relationship building. Discover how to become the Blue Angels of your industry by embracing the principles of excellence, trust, and resilience that drive the world’s top performers. Learn how the best get better and how you can apply these lessons to elevate your own performance.
Join me as we explore the Glad To Be Here® mindset, a powerful philosophy that fosters gratitude, positivity, and relentless improvement. Get ready to elevate your mindset, ignite your passion, and soar to new heights. Because in The High-Performance Zone, we don’t just aim for success—we achieve it, fearlessly.
Glad to be here. Let’s get started! 🚀
The High Performance Zone
Healing Heroes: How Top Gun Pilot Matthew ‘Whiz’ Buckley is Fighting Veteran Suicide
In today’s episode, John welcomes Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, a former Navy F/A-18 fighter pilot, Wall Street entrepreneur, and the visionary founder of the No Fallen Heroes Foundation. A man of diverse talents and profound experiences, Whiz has not only soared the skies as a pilot but has also touched lives as a passionate advocate for mental health, particularly in the veteran community. Through his foundation, Whiz addresses the epidemic of veteran suicides by introducing groundbreaking approaches to healing.
Whiz’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. From the cockpit of fighter jets to Wall Street boardrooms and now to life-saving missions, he shares his inspiring story and life lessons, blending wisdom from aviation, trading, and deeply personal healing experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- (00:10:26) The Fighter Pilot Mindset:
Whiz explores how the intense focus and risk management skills from naval aviation seamlessly translate to success in life and business. “Control what you can control. Success is built on preparation and resilience.”
- (00:32:14) The Power of Red Teaming and Debriefing:
Whiz explains how military principles like red teaming and structured debriefs transformed his Wall Street success. “We don’t just celebrate wins or move past failures—we analyze them to learn, grow, and succeed together.”
- (00:37:55) Healing the Hidden Wounds:
Whiz dives into his groundbreaking work with the No Fallen Heroes Foundation, shedding light on the epidemic of veteran suicides and the life-changing power of psychedelic-assisted therapies. “This isn’t just about saving lives; it’s about restoring purpose and connection.”
- (00:49:25) A Divine Encounter:
Whiz shares a deeply spiritual experience during his healing journey, one that reconnected him with faith and brought peace to lifelong pain. “God said, ‘Let me take what you’ve been carrying—it’s not yours anymore.’”
- (01:00:58) Supporting the Unsung Heroes:
The conversation expands to include the families of veterans, emphasizing how trauma ripples through loved ones. Whiz highlights initiatives to support Gold Star families and first responders. “Healing is for everyone touched by service, not just those in the field.”
Key Quotes:
- “Radical trauma needs radical healing. This is how we save lives.”
-“In life and aviation, the brief and the debrief are where success is born.”
Connect with Matthew:
No Fallen Heroes Foundation