Gen. Kevin "Gumby" Schneider leads U.S. Air Force activities in the Pacific, a responsibility that encompasses more than half the globe. In this episode of "Building Better Leaders," Schneider shares leadership lessons on how to effectively manage an organization of such enormous scale, especially one that's centerstage in geopolitical tension. He offers insights on building culture, staying flexible while managing risk, and fostering upward and downward trust across an organization of more than 46,000 personnel. The Doolittle Leadership Center's podcast, Building Better Leaders, features candid conversations with a wide range of influential leaders about their stories— and how they have learned to lead. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC's on-location leader development workshops.

Perhaps no modern organization understands the symbiotic relationship between leadership and culture better than the U.S. Space Force, which was founded in 2019 and saw thousands of military personnel (mostly Airmen and Pentagon civilians) transition into its ranks. So just how did the Space Force establish a culture unique from its sister service—and what can leaders learn from this ongoing cultural construction project? Chief Master Sgt. Tina Timmerman (or “T2” as she’s known among her Guardians) joins us on “Building Better Leaders” for an inside scoop on how the Space Force is building strong culture by building strong leaders. The Doolittle Leadership Center's podcast, Building Better Leaders, features candid conversations with a wide range of influential leaders about their stories— and how they have learned to lead. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC's on-location leader development workshops.

Fresh off the release of their new book “Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership,” the 24th Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Heather Wilson and the 21st U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein, USAF (Ret.) join “Building Better Leaders” for an incredible breakdown of cooperative leadership. They tell stories—from death-defying combat operations over Serbia, to navigating the culture and personalities of the Pentagon—and translate these tales into practical habits for young leaders serving in the military, as civilians, or still discerning their career. The Doolittle Leadership Center's podcast, Building Better Leaders, features candid conversations with a wide range of influential leaders about their stories— and how they have learned to lead. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC's on-location leader development workshops.

Gen. John Raymond joined “Building Better Leaders” to share behind-the-scenes stories about building the identity and culture of America’s first new military branch since the WWII era, and how the monumental project transformed his leadership philosophy.

What’s happiness? A high salary? Raw power? Rainbows and unicorns? Or something far deeper? It might sound trite, but happiness is more definable and objective than some would have you think—and knowing what happiness looks like professionally might just be the key to leading others well. Jackson Kerchis is the co-founder of Happiness Means Business, which helps business and military leaders identify the intersection of work and happiness. Kerchis joined this episode of “Building Better Leaders” to share everything he’s learned about happiness from cultural transformations at institutions like the U.S. Army National Guard, research studies on the science of happiness, and even his brief stint as a Zen Monk. The Doolittle Leadership Center's podcast, Building Better Leaders, features candid conversations with a wide range of influential leaders about their stories— and how they have learned to lead. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC's on-location leader development workshops.

Nearly 30,000 people come to work through the gates of Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma every day. For the last two years, the safety, security, and wellbeing of those thousands of personnel have been in the hands of two leaders: Col. Abby Ruscetta, the commander of the 72nd Air Base Wing, and Chief Master Sgt. Chris Gradel, the wing’s command chief and Ruscetta’s right-hand man. Ruscetta (who retired shortly after this episode was recorded) and Gradel joined us on “Building Better Leaders” to give a candid (and often funny) glimpse into the Commander/Command Chief relationship, how they enable up-and-down feedback with one another and their teams, and why they believe communication is the foundation of leading well. The Doolittle Leadership Center's podcast, Building Better Leaders, features candid conversations with a wide range of influential leaders about their stories— and how they have learned to lead. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC's on-location leader development workshops.

21-year-old Tap was one vote away from being kicked out of the U.S. Air Force for a litany of violations, a long record of bad behavior, and even an apprehension—when one leader spontaneously put his own reputation on the line to give this “bad Airman” yet another chance to prove his worth. That leader’s risky act of faith transformed Tap’s life of delinquency into a decorated 31-year career of military service, culminating in his promotion to Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. In this episode of “Building Better Leaders,” retired Chief Master Sergeant Gerardo Tapia shares intensely personal stories of leadership throughout his life, which should inspire everyone to lead with newfound compassion, mentorship, and faith in those who need a second chance. The Doolittle Leadership Center's podcast, Building Better Leaders, features candid conversations with a wide range of influential leaders about their stories— and how they have learned to lead. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC's on-location leader development workshops.

How is a leader supposed to balance mentorship with authority? And how should they balance professional duties with family responsibilities without sacrificing one or the other? Space Force Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess—who leads thousands of joint-service personnel—has learned a lot about these seemingly contradictory dimensions of leadership in his 33-year career in the military. He joined “Building Better Leaders” to share some of those lessons, particularly in the realm of consciously developing and improving the individuals who depend on you to lead them. The Doolittle Leadership Center's podcast, Building Better Leaders, features candid conversations with a wide range of influential leaders about their stories— and how they have learned to lead. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC's on-location leader development workshops.

Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton is the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, one of only 11 combatant commands in the Department of Defense. That makes him one of the highest-ranking individuals not just in the Air Force, but across every branch of our entire nation’s military: he leads 41,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and civilians in global nuclear operations and strategic deterrence. Cotton is an incredible first guest on “Building Better Leaders,” where he candidly presented current and aspiring leaders at every level—inside the military and outside—with astonishing insights into the nuts and bolts of leadership. The Doolittle Leadership Center's podcast, Building Better Leaders, features candid conversations with a wide range of influential leaders about their stories— and how they have learned to lead. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC's on-location leader development workshops.

Listen to select moments from upcoming conversations with fighter pilots, guardians, CEOs, and wide range of influential leaders. Dr. Patrick Donley, Director of the DLC, hosts episodes at a variety of exciting locations across the globe as he tours with the DLC’s on-location leader development workshops.