I'm not waiting to see if the boss's airplane moves or not. Then here's the last thing, and I'll do this for any leader is go, or anybody really, go forward in your day, and I use my calendar, but think about others, not just yourself, and think about, how can I show up in a way that helps somebody else. John Foley:Now, if I get outside of those parameters, let's say I move three feet and I don't clear the formation, but when you move that far off, you have to get out of the way because you're not stable. You can't do it forever. Then the other thing that occurs to me is, as I've taken the deeper dive on the Gucci platform, is this other little side note that I wouldn't have guessed. block. John Foley:I think that's important in anything we're learning. And it's my new mantra. There's a lot of good in that person, in this situation. Erik and I are like old aged salty mountain guys. They're going to be off. Erik Weihenmayer:Yeah, so what Analyze me here. Jeff:I know. So, you have to do well in your landing grades. You don't want to take more than a minute. Then you start all over again because you've just raised the game. Then after that, and I would say that's more the touchy feely part. John Foley:I just said, holy cow, I can do this because it's a value to others. What happened after that? It took me 18 years, and I did. Instead of talking about the psychological stuff behind it, I said, here's what I was thinking, here's how we used it, and here's how we can turn it into success for you. But it was a dream that I remember in my heart. But what's surprising to me is you say the first thing on your debrief is you come at each other with something you feel. I know it'll happen. It's at an angle. Now, what's interesting is, as I was just thinking about the evolution of a trigger, I remember climbing in the jet. Now you can go straight precision, straight clinical once you're in that moment. Because I've never put the work in. That's what I was feeling. The Blue Angels travel at speeds between 120 mph and 700 mph. And you're welcome. This fosters gratitude and new perspectives to recognize opportunities versus simply focusing on challenges. That's the beautiful part is why we can give back now to so many people. I've heard about you, I've seen some of your stuff, and you surprise me the entire time because of so many different facets of you and who you are. You feel yourself start to constrict, and your mind starts to get into this flight or fight mode, which is what we're trained to do. 0:39. So, we come from the instructor ranks usually. This is built around tactical or strategic CenterPoints. I remember, I had to think that night had to do some self-reflection and not get overwhelmed, and just realize, you know what? Part of the equation is diving into the learning process and trying to illuminate the universal elements that exist along the way. The Blue Angels Foundation's mission is to support wounded veterans and provide a path of transition back to the . My manager, Skyler, was always like, "Dude, the audience would've never known. I don't have those all the time. When you were going through that process, John's like 12 years old and he's committed, I'm going to be a pilot, and all Now you're going to be the best pilot, you're going to be this best pilot. And it's different. I don't mind that. There's a lot of emotion in there. Erik Weihenmayer:Now, you can't do that when you're a Blue Angel. Foley has served as an adviser to Fortune 500 corporations, professional athletic teams, venture capital companies, professional associations and educational organizations and successfully connects the high intensity of the Blue Angles with your organization. I land the jet after that and now you-. I mean, that would be the obvious sort of reach on that. That's what it meant while I was a Blue Angel. By a trigger, I mean a positive trigger that told myself, okay, that's done. That's just something I don't want to do. They can't do it forever. True to his word, Foley applied to the military academies but was initially rejected for having too much protein in his urine. You're landing on a runway that happens to be a boat. I'm constantly riding motorcycles. You have to be amazing. And what discoveries does he continue to make today? But you add in bad weather on a ship. Captain Steve Foley, a native of Dolton, Illinois, enlisted in the Navy in 1983 and rose to the enlisted rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. So, you must have those clear mentors, direct mentors, but also maybe some accidental mentors. Erik Weihenmayer:No, I get very excited. Erik Weihenmayer:Yeah, for sure. 605 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, SUITE 101, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524. As we evolve as athletes and precision professionals doing heady shit, that we get to a point where we realize what is my That's the completion of the hero's journey. I was supposed to deploy on the midway, which was a four deployed carrier. John "Gucci" Foley, a U.S. Navy aviator and Blue Angels pilot, John "unpacks" the special mindset and practical framework for achieving High Performance and sustaining a true Culture of Excellence. I'm excited about it. Anyhow, the bottom line is, to answer your question, JB, is I've been doing decent. There's a lot of opportunity here. LINKS TO JOHN FOLEYS SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE:Website: https://www.johnfoleyinc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnGucciFoleyInstagram: @johnguccifoleyTwitter: @johnguccifoleyINTERVIEW TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro1:14 How \"Gucci\" Got His Callsign3:05 Upbringing5:22 Attending the Naval Academy6:48 Jet Training in Beeville, TX8:09 Flying the A7 Corsair12:21 Operational Deployments 13:45 Joining the Blue Angels21:35 Opposing Solo22:20 Lead Solo23:38 New Maneuvers26:35 1992 European Tour32:20 Historic Moscow Visit 47:11 Blue Angel Reunions49:28 Blue Angels Foundation51:30 Glad to Be Here Then just this year, Georgia brought me in. But I would say first off, Erik, we were making tons of mistakes flying. John Foley:Yeah. As long as I'm staying within those parameters, and then I'm in parameters, I'm moving around, but you just can't tell. To me, those can be fear based, they can hold you back, as compared to just saying, I'm going to try this, I'm going to be smart about it, but I'm going to try it. With what you just said, what I generate the most fulfillment and happiness in my life is not that I physically climb the mountains anymore or fly the jets, it's that I can share that in a way that benefits others. $ 30.00. ", - John Foley, Former Lead Solo Pilot, Blue Angels. And then reverse engineer, what are you thinking about? If I'm complacent, that's what I got to worry about. It wasn't the physical side. I'm scared all the time. That means you're not in position. B, that it's out of parameters, so you get to decide as an organization what's in parameters and what's out. Jeff:You got nervous, you and I have known each other for decades, you got nervous a few months ago playing in front of me. It's not happening. What's the pluses? I also ran into, in the speaking world, it was so funny, Erik, I went to an event and they were talking about this power of visualization. I'm scared all the time. I think the hack now is that we're realizing you can get to that flow state through finding that practice and being centered. John Foley:And you learn from them. I think that's a rare combination. John Foley:But you get a chance to voice that. His exciting and unusual life journey knows how to inspire and inspire audiences to take action themselves and rethink what they think is possible. If you enjoy this podcast, we encourage you to subscribe to it, share it, and give us a review. John Foley:I like to put a nuance in there, Erik, and that's about being scared. It absolutely changes the neurons, the neuroplasticity in your brain, and you'll start to have more happy thoughts and you'll perform better. Objective, come at each other at a thousand miles per hour closer. Subscribe 3K views 2 years ago John Foley is a top leadership keynote speaker and former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels that delivers keynote experiences to inspire leadership, improve. Then you climb into the, we call it a water wagon, but you climb into the vehicle that's going to take you out to the jet. John Foley:Okay. To answer your question, from the ground, we've had spectators, they go, "Looks like you guys aren't even moving." Why am I doing something, and why does it matter? They are one of the largest one percenter motorcycle clubs in the United Kingdom. So, you're trying to keep your airplane within a three inch circle on the other airplane. I know they are by two points. To survive in those circumstances he relied on a culture of high trust, leadership and teamwork. John Foley:I'm going to do that. Erik Weihenmayer:How do you handle that, John? We call it a brief room, but really, it's mental preparation before we go flying. John Foley:Right. It was during this same time period that Foley attended a Blue Angels air show and proclaimed to his father that one day he too would be a military aviator. When you get selected for the Blue Angels, you have either a two year tour or a three year tour, and then you know that you will be reassigned to another Navy squadron, and it just won't be the Blue Angels. John Foley:Once you learn how to do it, it's easy. It's moving away from you. It doesn't have to be this intense stuff that the three of us are doing. Jeff:Okay. So, we have the rotation that's planned. March 18 to 19: Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. I still remember this to this day as we're talking, I can visualize it. I do that every morning and only it takes a couple minutes. Not, you were off by one degree or 0.1 degree. I have been training. What is your preparation? Erik Weihenmayer:It's easy to talk about the successes, but what doesn't get talked about enough is the struggle. I mean, there are people who can teach breathing and meditation effectively, that have been doing it for years and years. Erik Weihenmayer:I just imagine that the heart piece might almost get in the way. I think that's what's unique about the Blue Angels and why it's such a great metaphor for a company and a high performance team is we do this every year with new people. They don't know when their last game's going to be. Every organization depends upon the performance of their people and their teams. Visit our updated, Distributor/Logistics Provider of the Year, Food Automation & Manufacturing (FA&M) Conference & Expo. I'm actually seeing things in frames. I mean, you got the energy of the crowd, the noise of the jets going overhead. All Rights Reserved BNP Media. Your brain and your hands aren't that dialed in yet. The significance of these events were not lost on the Blue Angels Lead Solo Pilot, John Gucci Foley, who joins this episode of Blue Angel Phantoms to share insights and behind the scenes stories from that now famous 92 European tour, as well as his naval career that spanned 17 years and saw him ascend to the rank of Commander. As a Blue Angel, John consistently performed in an extreme, high-stakes environment, flying at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour in formations as close as 18 inches apart. You finally get in the airplane and that's totally different. Well, I was going to ask, speaking, I mean, you and I are both out there, and Jeff too, at the highest levels. John Foley is a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, Sloan Fellow at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, leadership expert, speaker and Gratitude Guru. I want to appreciate it. I have what I call my glad to be here wake up, and a glad to be here reboot. High performance teams, how to turn them into business results. I go down there. I mean, you got this jet, it's coming in about 145 miles per hour. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands . And you just go, okay, I'm in the zone. As a Blue Angel, John consistently performed in an extreme, high-stakes environment, flying at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour and in formations as close as 18 inches apart. We learned how to do this without anybody ever teaching it to us. I just want to do something that's personal. Through their interdependence as a team, members are also challenged and stimulated to achieve higher levels of individual performance. 10 Frame Work and 10 Dynamics of Debrief Wallet Cards. Here's the big difference. At first, you're like, I wouldn't say you black out, but everything goes by so fast. I got this meeting after this. I thought on about that for a while, and I went, you know what? So, yes, I think that's the glad to be here. The National Naval Aviation Museum is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. to current Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholders. Because I know that's a big part of your book, talking about how to elevate those belief levels for people doing all kinds of activities and pursuits. As a thought leader on high performance, John created the "Glad To Be Here" Mindset Methodology and the Diamond Performance Framework. During 1992 season, the Blue Angels traveled to Europe for the first time since 1973 to perform 16 air shows in 8 different countries including Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, England, Spain, Italy, Finland and Sweden. A practical model for living out his message that works in other organizations as well as within the Blue Angels. They're gone. You're in the zone. As I contemplate the trajectory of, say my climbing career, my speaking career, the things that I do with my family and everything, I contemplated a whole lot more because all those marbles in the jar, there's just fewer of them. If they're aware, usually it's usually like, they're just not aware. Maybe he didn't understand he was out of parameter, right? It's not even in your control. He shares how to center a team around shared goals, strengthen relationships, and create unity that leads to consistent and effective results. Whoever's the leader got to speak first. Jeff:Like what? It was in Newport, Rhode Island place called Kwanzaa Point. Like me, I'm going to be thinking of you guys' faces, I'm going to be thinking about this conversation. this website. But the point is, is there's a lot more that is intangible, that sits within us, and that's exactly what you captured right there. John Foley:Oh yeah. It's what Shakespeare was talking about when he says, to be or not to be. It's important to know, it's easy to kill yourself. You're upside down, you're rolling. And then what happens? And then, I guess maybe reflect on that flow focus that you had then and how now that perhaps has given you the ability to be able to get in that meditative pocket now. The Navy's really good about debriefs, and the LSO, landing signal officer, walked in that day and he goes, it was very clear, he goes, Gucci, Gucci's my call sign. You know it, every kid does it better than us. John Foley:Because you got some off Georgia defensive lineman who got their butt handed to them. You got a chance to let the whole, we call it, lay it on the table, let the whole team know that A, you're number one, aware that you have made a mistake. Jeff:And I guess, just like so many of us, you've evolved into the new Gucci, the different Gucci that I really think the world benefits from having you. Erik Weihenmayer:I lose my sort of my micro coordination. Reaching that level of excellence required commitment, discipline and trust. First thing I want to acknowledge is, if I have a fear-based belief, what's that causing me, it's usually stuckness. It's really about overcoming the mental side of the equation. They have a mindset, culture and processes that make high performance not only possible but predictable, repeatable, and transferable to any team that aspires to greatness. March 25 to 26: Barksdale Air Force Base . However, not all the jets in the team fly at the fastest speeds. Those are the skills that we can learn. However, if we were to look at success as improvement upon what ever it is you are, whether that be your life, your career, or your business, then there. Maybe we as humans sort of divide those. Jeff:That's sweet of you to talk about me like that, bro. He shows how a culture of thankfulness engages employees on an intellectual and emotional level to create deeper commitment and raise levels of performance. John Foley:Oh, music, just what we're talking about. So, I got to go straight Georgia. Erik Weihenmayer:Over time, you talk about focus, right? How exactly did guest John Foley become a Blue Angel and what was his motivation? But again, that was just academics. My big change came from leaving the Navy. John Foley:Yeah. So, I was thinking of the bigger picture of the flying. Now, to answer that gut feeling JB that you asked about. But since then, yeah, I had a lot of inadvertent mentors. Okay? Sorry. By closing this banner, scrolling this page, clicking a link, or continuing to browse this site, you agree to this use. So, I went heli-skiing yesterday. So, landing jets on aircraft carrier is truly, probably the most challenging thing a pilot can do. Erik Weihenmayer:Hey, everybody. John Foley:Sorry for that little blurb, but that's-. Generally, how did I feel? data. The idea is you got to work way up to it. Here's what's interesting. These are two of the best programs and that's why they're in the finals. I don't know. Now I'm understanding. I remember that. They believe you become part of this team. And they've got a great program too. Then I went out and I tried it. Now I feel a lot closer to you. We can only do so much with ourselves. Yeah. When I snap my fingers, 65 frames hit your eyeballs. I mean, it's just not meant to be. Can you tell yourself, okay, I've got something very challenging to do. In Good Condition. Does the gratitude negate that or overtake that in some way? John Foley:Yeah. John Foley:Yeah. I want a learning loop. John Foley:The human brain will do that naturally. Do you get the same, is that the same for you in front of a big audience? John Foley:Now, having said that, I still get out and do it. For me, the glad to be here has really been the essence of what I've been learning about and trying to teach for the rest of my life here. But is it similar to that? Well, so, how do you teach that though? Our first conversation of the new year is with a former navy jet pilot. Employee Commitment I'll go off there to get very clear on how long I can hold my focus because I need a break. There's also a link to shoot me an email with any suggestions for the show, or any ideas you've got at all. I'll get back there, if I'm still alive, I'll sign some autographs. Jeff:I think you're right. 14K views, 488 likes, 72 loves, 29 comments, 149 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Blue Angels Association: John Foley, #5, USN (Ret.) The very first thing we did was we said, and I was off here, or I was out of parameters on the loop, break cross. We're going to cross within a wingspan, right? This was after the two had a strained pre-flight brief on the tarmac that was famously documented in the film The Blue Angels: Around the World at the Speed of Sound. Because you can't do the middle part without the pre and the post, right? What I've learned is, it's like two sides of the same coin, operational excellence, process, briefs, debriefs, preparation, focus, trust, and then you add in this glad to be here mindset. And it was a light bulb moment, Erik. We brief every Monday mornings on the week and stuff. I'm not going to be distracted by the fight I got with my spouse earlier this morning or about the kids that are waiting there. Mentors come into our lives when we're young, especially for me, it was obviously my dad, and then people I never met, like accidental mentors, like Terry Fox, who was an amputee who lost a leg to cancer and decided he was going to run all the way across Canada, thousands of miles, and he inspired a whole nation. I'll just be very too transparent as I'm closing here. Foley eventually got swept up in the dot-com boom, which had spread to Los Angeles from San Francisco. Grounded by his commanding officer and his letter of recommendation revoked, Foley openly shared his lessons learned from the mishap during his interview with the Blue Angels and was selected as the Teams narrator for the 1990 air show season. You're you're in that focused state. Just stop in the present moment because your mind's taking you somewhere where you don't want to go. I didn't do great, but at least I finished. I don't know the business side. Go join the Air Force. It starts with giving. John Foley:Yeah. Then the same thing in fear, let's use business as an example is, am I going to start my new digital course? With his signature Glad to be Here mantra, Foley discusses the power behind gratitude as a way of thinking, working, and living. In the SEC. I can't teach climbing right now. The Blue Angels announced six new team members overall. Jeff:All right. So Nick Saban and Alabama brought me in a few years ago. Let's make it real. I'm okay with being scared. If I'm complacent, that's what I got to worry about. Because there's a lot of pressure out there not to make a mistake. Erik Weihenmayer:Jeff, Imma slap you on the back. I know Erik, you don't always see this, okay. Then the debrief, what you're specifically asking about, which I think is really critical, is we go through stages, right? Because I said the same thing. We're constantly in a state of training. That's why this podcast is so important. A total of 16 officers voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels. Jeff:My cousin wouldn't want to fight you for that one. So, let's do it. Number one, Alabama, Nick Saban, that program is probably one of the strongest programs I've ever seen. John Foley shares how management can stimulate performance by creating a culture that values expression of gratitude and appreciationfor opportunities, co-workers, and clients. The Blue Angels is a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. You've really tapped into it, and I think this is good news for everybody, right? Let's continue to help others, serve others with that. You have to move on in some way at some point. Erik Weihenmayer:Yeah. We've acquired all these things, and now we want to give it to you, and to you, and to you to be a better version of yourself. During . I'm with you a hundred percent. I think about the aging process a lot now, because I'm all aging, but you don't think about that when you're in your 20s and 30s. If I were to move that far and did not clear the formation, that's a safety. I mean, athletes don't know that. As a Blue Angel, John consistently performed in an extreme, high-stakes environment, flying at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour in formations as close as 18 inches apart. John Foley:All of a sudden, telephone poles are going by quickly. The famed Blue Angels regularly take to the skies for maneuvers that bring their jets within mere feet of each other. Stay up-to-date on new opportunities & community stories. Erik Weihenmayer:Or you get internal with yourself and you start making mistakes or something, like how pitchers in pro baseball get in a slump or something. You're not sick of them dogs? High Performance Climb That's not good. And we have a framework that we teach about that. Actually, the glad to be here is a proactive way to not only snap you out of that downward spiral. I mean, just take the complexity of what some people would think would be hard, which is landing an airplane, which I don't think so. You're not having debriefs where you say like, "Okay, let's talk about our feelings and sing kumbaya.". Like, I was thinking about the folks that work for Apple or something, and they invent the iPhone, and Steve Jobs is hard as hell on this team. Whichever podcast platform you enjoy, were already there. Add to Playlist. I said, I don't need to be an airline pilot. I just said, I bet you, I could be decent, but do I have the natural skills to be a musician? I remember my daytime went well. Guess what? Jeff:Okay, so let's back up a little bit. So, here's the Gucci feel. Climbing, flying jets, that's not hard. 01:18:45. It's been a struggle to live what I call a no barriers life, to define it, to push the parameters of what it means. I climb out of the jet. Team Oneness Jeff:Well, I guess the question I would have is, it's kind of twofold. I'll do stuff that keeps the adrenaline going, but I'm doing it for fun. When people are deeply engaged in their work and feel valued, they are more productive and effective, leading to a positive impact on the bottom-line. Business people, we don't necessarily know. But I do remember that distinct moment. Sir John Foley (British Army officer) (born 1939), former Chief of Defence Intelligence and Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey John D. Foley (1918-1999), American bomber gunner in World War II John H. Foley (1839-1874), American soldier and Medal of Honor recipient John Foley (major) (1813-1881), Irish-born soldier and merchant Religion [ edit] I'm going to guess ask, were you doing breathwork and meditation when you were with the Blue Angels or is this-. Access to NAS Pensacola is limited to Department of Defense (DoD) ID card holders (active duty service members, retirees, and their families). I'm just so excited because you and I got to meet up and Vail at a retreat, and we had some coffee, and you were so nice to talk to my dad who was a Marine. Copyright 2023. We're doing a mile every nine seconds. You're flying small prop planes. Our audience, our community is going to be so impacted by everything you've said, and your life's work, as it's been encompassed in this conversation today. Honestly, JB. I'm thinking about climbing. I could do that. What it really meant at that moment was I'm really appreciative to be part of a team like this.