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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.
Episodes
24 episodes
Why Great Leaders Step Outside Their Role
What if the biggest thing holding you back… is thinking “that’s not my job”?In this episode, we dive into the real difference between leaders and employees—and why growth happens when you step beyond your role, not stay inside i...
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35:02
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The Golden Rule of Leadership: Why Great Teams Put People First
In this episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks explores how the Golden Rule—treating others the way you want to be treated—creates stronger leaders and more powerful teams.Derek explains why...
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11:12
Why Integrity Is the Foundation of Great Leadership
In this episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks explores the true meaning of integrity in leadership—and why it becomes most important when the pressure is highest.Through powerful real-life ...
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19:21
Never Leave Them Behind: Leadership in the Face of Loss
In this episode, retired Air Force Colonel Derek Oaks, special operations veteran Dan Laguna shares raw, unforgettable stories of leadership under fire.From choosing between saving a wounded soldier or a dying child in Iraq… to landing i...
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46:37
You Don’t Control the Plan — But You Own the Outcome
In this episode, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks tackles one of the toughest leadership realities: What do you do when your boss makes a bad decision — and you still have to execute?Through a powerful combat story ...
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12:13
Risk Is Not Certainty: How Leaders Decide What’s Worth It
In this episode, Derek Oaks sits down with retired Air Force General Jim Slife to answer a critical leadership question: Who actually owns risk? From young pilots who believe they’re bulletproof to senior leaders managing global ope...
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45:32
From Fighter Pilot to Strategist: Applying Covey’s 7 Habits to Leadership
In this episode of Commander’s Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks and Rob Powell explore a powerful question: Can Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People actually make you a better strat...
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39:19
What’s the Point of a Plan? Why Planning Still Wins When Everything Falls Apart
In this episode of Commander’s Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks breaks down a hard leadership truth: plans rarely survive first contact—but planning is still essential.Drawing from real combat missions and l...
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8:22
Facing Risk with Clarity, Not Fear
In this episode of Commander’s Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks and co-host Rob Powell break down how leaders should think about risk—and why fear-based decision-making quietly destroys momentum, trust, and mission...
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37:03
Is Hesitancy Costing You Results?
Hesitation isn’t harmless—it’s expensive.In this episode of Commander’s Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks breaks down how decision hesitancy is quietly killing momentum, confidence, and results in toda...
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13:39
A Daily Roadmap to Triple Your Productivity and Success
In this episode of Commander’s Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks challenges a question many people secretly ask: Why even bother setting goals when most people quit anyway? Derek and co-host Rob br...
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23:16
How Chaos Destroys Teams and How to Get Them Together Into the Jet Stream of Success
In this episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and leadership mentor Derek Oaks breaks down one of the most overlooked but critical leadership skills: creating a shared vision with your team. Drawing f...
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11:15
Why With Bombs, Bullets, and a Raging War Was Rescuing One Person So Important
In this powerful episode of Commander’s Intent, Derek Oaks and his guests unpack the true significance behind the rescue of Private Jessica Lynch—and why it was never just about military tactics. This wasn’t a mission driven by efficienc...
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36:48
What Being Deployed for Christmas Taught Me That Will Last a Lifetime
In this heartfelt episode of Commander’s Intent, Derek Oaks and Rob reflect on choosing gratitude even during holiday separation—whether caused by military service, demanding careers, leadership responsibilities, or life circums...
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24:01
Why Making a High Stakes Decision is the Difference Between Success and Disaster
In this episode of Commander’s Intent, Derek Oaks and former senior diplomat Bart Marcois break down how high-stakes leaders make decisions knowing they’ll be second-guessed. Using the 2003 Iraq invasion as a case study, they explore c...
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41:37
AI is Disrupting the Future Of Work – What are Your 5 Keys to a Successful Career?
In this episode, Derek Oaks breaks down the five essential keys to building a successful career—no matter your field. Drawing from his experience as an Air Force squadron commander, Derek reveals why technical competence, communication, ...
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10:20
Can You Trust AI With Your Important Decisions?
In this episode, Derek and Rob break down what AI really is, how it functions as a decision-support system, and why leaders must be cautious about trusting it blindly. They share real examples—from aviation to law—showing how AI can bo...
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35:15
Are You a Narcissistic Leader or an Empathetic One?
In this episode, Derek Oaks unpacks one of the most defining traits of great leadership—empathy. Through a deeply personal story about nearly losing his son while preparing for deployment, Derek reveals how empathetic leadership from his...
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10:06
Can I Really Make Better Decisions Faster?
This episode dives into the life and legacy of Colonel John Boyd—the fighter pilot and strategist behind the revolutionary OODA Loop. Derek Oaks breaks down Boyd’s unmatched brilliance, his role in shaping modern fighter aircraft like the F-16 ...
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11:44
What Should Be the Chief of Staff’s Commander’s Intent?
“The money goes to the trusted and prepared.” In this candid conversation, Colonel Derek Oaks and General Mike Minihan dissect what it truly takes to rebuild and resource the U.S. Air Force for the threats of tomorrow. From the br...
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48:24
What Is a Fighter Pilot Debrief & Why Would I Use It?
In this episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks reveals the real reason U.S. fighter pilots stay at the top of their game—and it’s not the jets, the gear, or the swagger. It’s the
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14:50
Are You More of a Commander or Follower?
True leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about responsibility. In this episode of Commander’s Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and Fighter Pilot Derek Oaks breaks down the real meaning behind the word Commander — to entrust, empower, and t...
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12:16
Are You a Wimpy Leader or a Confident One?
In this episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and leadership mentor Derek Oaks reveals what it truly means to be a confident leader — not one driven by ego or control, but by clarity, competence, and calm under pressure. Draw...
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20:52
What Is Commander’s Intent & Why Should You Care?
In this premiere episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks shares how confident decision-making separates great leaders from the rest. Drawing from real-life combat and leadership experiences, Derek r...
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14:30