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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
How to Live With Gratitude When Life Gives You a Second Chance
Fifty-eight years ago, a 23-year-old soldier named Larry Weist was stacked with the bodies of the dead after a helicopter was shot out of the Vietnam sky. Then someone saw his hand move. In this episode of Commander's Intent, retire...
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How High Performers Stay Focused When Everything Feels Urgent
In this episode, Derek Oaks shares powerful lessons from flying combat missions, training fighter pilots, and navigating high-pressure environments where one wrong decision can change everything. Through real stories from the cockpit and everyd...
Mission First or People First? The Leadership Truth No One Tells You
Mission first… or people first? What if that’s the wrong question entirely?In this episode, Derek Oaks dives into one of the most debated topics in leadership and challenges the idea that you have to choose between results and relationsh...
How Robert G. Novotny Makes High-Stakes Decisions: Fighter Pilot Leadership Secrets
Have you ever hesitated in a critical moment—knowing a decision had to be made, but unsure if it was the right one? In this high-impact episode of Commander’s Intent, Derek Oaks sits down with retired Air Force General and fighter pilot Robert ...
From Fighter Squadrons to Ninja Warriors: What High Performance Really Looks Like
In this powerful episode of Commander’s Intent, retired Air Force Colonel Derek Oaks sits down with entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author Ty Bennett to unpack what truly drives high performance in teams and individuals.Drawing from a...