KODA Technologies Inc.’s Post

It was my pleasure to co-host Commander John Hiltz at Aurora for our National Safety Month kickoff (along with Andi Poland), last week, which we titled: “Safety at Speed”. We discussed all the things: How to rapidly scale without diminishing quality/safety, making Go/NoGo decisions when the pressure is high, the importance of common-sense leadership, everywhere (from the Blue Angels to AV’s) and more. This anecdote below really struck me as a great principle for effective, humble leadership: “To be successful in Naval Aviation, you need two of three: 1) be the best in the air (technical ability), 2) be the best on the ground (administrative ability) or 3) be a really good person. But if you can only be one, be 3) a really good person. If you're that, then the best people at (1) and (2) will help you be better at those things too.” #safetyculture #leadership #veterans #safetymanagementsystems

Today I had the incredible opportunity to attend a talk by Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost at MIT. Her discussion on the intertwining of courage and supply chain management in military contexts was a true eye-opener. Gen. Van Ovost's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From her early days at the U.S. Air Force Academy to commanding the U.S. Transportation Command, her career is a testament to the power of determination and strategic thinking. With over 4,200 flight hours in a variety of aircraft and a rich history of leadership roles, she brings a unique perspective to the table. What struck me most was her ability to weave her experiences as a command pilot and leader into vital lessons on managing complex supply chains. Her insights into the challenges of sustaining military power globally, while ensuring efficiency and effectiveness, were particularly compelling. Her talk went beyond the technicalities of military logistics; it was a narrative about the essence of courageous leadership in the face of adversity. Gen. Van Ovost's decorated career, marked by prestigious awards and commendations, is a vivid illustration of where courage and commitment can lead. This experience was a powerful reminder of the impact that resilient and strategic leadership can have, especially in fields as demanding as supply chain management. Gen. Van Ovost's story is not just inspiring; it's a call to action for all of us to face our challenges with bravery and a well-thought-out strategy. https://lnkd.in/emn9P9YP #Leadership #SupplyChainInnovation #MilitaryLogistics #MIT

I know I have a number of current and former commanders I've long since connected with here on LinkedIn. Packy Hill is seeking some feedback from the perspective of commanders and their views on how that translates to running a business. Interested in sharing? Hit the jump below and join the conversation! #leadership #command #business

From Rookie to Leader: My Unexpected Journey in the Army Join me as I share my experience of being thrust into a leadership role in the Army without any prior training. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and valuable lessons I learned along the way. #RookieToLeader #UnexpectedJourney #ArmyLife #LeadershipExperience #MilitaryTraining #ArmyStories #ChallengesAndTriumphs #LessonsLearned #LifeInTheArmy #TeamworkMatters

When John Teichert, Brigadier General (ret) “Dragon” took command of legendary Edwards Air Force Base, it was characterized by a choking complacency. It was operating on autopilot when it needed to be in afterburner. It was at this hallowed ground of aerospace history where a different type of test took place, providing the ideal evaluation of a concept that transcended jet planes and rockets. It created a stunning culture of innovation, breaking the barriers of bureaucracy and dwarfing the innovation activity of the rest of the Air Force combined. In this book, Teichert fuses the ubiquitous topics of leadership and innovation, written by a leader to leaders! It powerfully weaves together traditional leadership principles with unorthodox innovation tactics to spur success. It is jam-packed with fascinating aviation analogies, little-known stories of Chuck Yeager, intriguing tales from the highest visibility base on the planet, internationally impactful activities in war-torn Iraq, and compelling real-life applications. It takes the reader along on a massively effective innovation journey while offering a roadmap for replication. Psalm 20:7 Some praise their chariot and some their horses, but we will praise the name of the lord our God. Thank you for sending the team your book and mentorship John! Remember who we give our praise to, for giving us opportunities, if God didn’t put the air in our lungs, we couldn’t be doing what we are doing. God, give us the strength to fight the good fight, and take on the evil in this world. #MavenScouts #Boom #Leadership #Innovation #TeamOfTeams

Definition of character: We must cultivate leaders with character as defined by doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason, and with the right emotion. An excellent podcast every leader should take time to listen.

Message of the day: In the military, it’s important to emulate the changes you desire to see in your peers and subordinates for the betterment of your organization. This is part of being a force multiplier. As senior leaders we must never forget the lessons that we’ve learned along the way, and remain diligent in the mentorship of people; from junior soldiers to seniors officers. Charge of the Week: Mentor from a lighthouse, and not a tower. Be a beacon of wisdom and guidance for those in need of support. This week, elicit honest feedback and reach out to someone that may be afraid to seek professional or personal guidance.

🏋♀️ 💣 Doing digital transformation alone is impossible. Here's what you need in an ally. Victory hinges on strong leadership. You need a champion, a visionary leader to inspire the troops and break through bureaucratic barbed wire. This article outlines the qualities of a winning sponsor and how to secure their buy-in for your digital transformation mission. #leadership #digitaltransformation #defense #NATO

We're off to a great start with our co-host the NATO Defense College, at the 53rd NATO Conference of Commandants! Today we heard from expert panelists on the trends and developments that will fundamentally alter the environment faced by future leaders in NATO. #CoC2024 #FutureLeadership #NDC #NDU

Guy Gibson: A Timeless Lesson in the Essence of True Leadership. Leadership is about more than experience—it's about vision, courage, and the ability to inspire others to achieve the extraordinary. Wing Commander Guy Gibson exemplified these traits in a way that continues to resonate today. At just 24 years old, Gibson led the legendary Dambusters raid in 1943, one of the most daring missions in military history. As the leader of 617 Squadron, he was tasked with breaching the Ruhr dams, a mission that demanded not only precise execution but also immense bravery. For his exceptional leadership, Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross, adding to an already distinguished record with multiple Distinguished Service Orders and Distinguished Flying Crosses. Before the Dambusters, Gibson had already demonstrated remarkable leadership in Bomber Command, completing over 170 missions and contributing significantly to the Allied war effort. His ability to lead under extreme pressure, maintain morale, and achieve success in the face of overwhelming odds makes his story a timeless example of leadership. Today, we often talk about leadership in terms of innovation, empathy, and adaptability. While the world has changed, the essence of leadership remains the same. Gibson’s achievements remind us that leadership is not defined by age or experience, but by the ability to inspire, take risks, and lead others to success.