.png)
Commander's Intent
Commander's Intent with Derek Oaks
When the pressure’s on, can you make the call? Commander's Intent helps leaders at every level make confident, timely decisions that drive real results. Hosted by Colonel (Ret.) Derek Oaks, former Air Force fighter pilot and leadership mentor, this podcast blends stories from combat and business to teach you how to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose. Learn to define your mission, empower your team, and execute with confidence.
Commander's Intent
Latest Episodes
Maverick or Iceman: Who Do You Want on Your Team?
Would you rather have Maverick or Iceman on your team?In this episode of Commander’s Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks and co-host Rob Powell explore one of leadership’s toughest challenges: balancing dependa...
.png)
Is Confidence Overrated? What Great Leaders Should Build Instead with Heather Jo Kennedy
Is confidence really the secret to great leadership, or are we spending too much time chasing something that should be the result of other things?In this episode of Commander’s Intent, Derek Oaks sits down with author, speaker, consultan...
Who Is Garcia and Why Does His Message Still Matter to Leaders?
What does a leadership essay written in 1899 have to teach today’s leaders?In this episode of Commander’s Intent, Derek Oaks and Rob Bau unpack A Message to Garcia, the famous essay written by Elbert Hubbard in 1899 about personal initia...
How to Lead When the Budget Changes but the Mission Doesn’t with Max J. Stitzer
How do you lead a team when budgets change, contracts disappear, or rapid growth forces you to rethink who does what?In this episode of Commander’s Intent, Derek Oaks sits down with retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Max J. Stitze ...
Why Great Leaders Ask for Input Instead of Having All the Answers: Lessons from a U.S. Navy Attack Submarine Commander with William Spears
What can business leaders learn from commanding a U.S. Navy attack submarine?In this episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel Derek Oaks sits down with Commander William Spears, a career submariner and U.S. Navy officer, ...