Waldo Waldman
Decorated Fighter Pilot. New York Times Bestselling Author. Expert on Teamwork & Trust
Featured Topics
Fee Range
$35,000Travels From
Atlanta, GA, US
Waldo Waldman
Biography
Known as "The Wingman," Lt Col (ret.) Waldo Waldman is the author of the National Bestseller Never Fly Solo. He helps organizations build collaborative cultures of trust, courage, and commitment in order to adapt to change, break performance barriers, and overcome adversity. In addition to his time in the military, Waldo has real world corporate sales experience and is an expert on change management and resilience - having overcome a fear of heights and claustrophobia to achieve his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. His compelling stories and tactics on overcoming adversity, performing under pressure and servant-based leadership are extremely relevant to organizations who are going through disruptive change and seeking to build a "One Team, One Mission" culture of excellence and trust. Waldo is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and also holds an MBA with a focus on Organizational Behavior. He is an inductee into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and is the founder of The Wingman Foundation whose mission is to build funds and awareness for veterans and their families in need. He has been featured on CNN, Fox News, Inc. Magazine, and The Harvard Business Review, and his clients include Verizon, American Express, GE, The Denver Broncos, ExxonMobil, New York Life, Siemens, Merck, and dozens of national associations.
Waldo Waldman
Featured Videos
Current: Speaking Reel
Time 06:31
More Videos From Waldo Waldman
Waldo Waldman
Featured Keynote Programs
Never Fly Solo!
Known as “The Wingman,” Lt Col Waldo Waldman is a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, a combat decorated fighter pilot, New York Times bestselling author, and executive coach. An expert on change management and resilience, he helps leaders build collaborative cultures of trust and courage in highly competitive, turbulent conditions.
During his interactive in-person (or virtual) leadership program, Waldo shares combat-tested tools and techniques on managing change, performing under pressure, and building trusting relationships to help build courage, commitment, and revenue during challenging times.
Leaders will learn:
• How to leverage one’s mindset to maintain focus amidst uncertainty
• The three steps peak performers take to face adversity with courage
• Tactics to cultivate resilience and confidence to lead under pressure
• How to grow influence and impact with coworkers, clients, and partners
Waldo’s message inspires a “One Team, One Mission” culture and reminds leaders that winners Never Fly Solo®.
"Top Gun Leadership" How to Build a Culture of Courage in Business and Life
• How can you instill a climate of ownership in your organization so that every person feels like they are accountable and responsible for its success?
• What tools can you employ to motivate the members of your organization to focus on the mission rather than themselves?
• How can you help create an organization where change and innovation are not met with fear, but embraced with courage and respected as a tool to beat the competition?
The key to building a high powered organization that encourages innovative thinking, loyalty to the mission, effective communication, and a relentless commitment to excellence lies with its leadership. In this high energy, multimedia workshop, Waldo highlights the difference between managing people, and leading them to be responsible, empowered and confident wingmen! What results is a more productive and efficient organization with superior morale that can rapidly overcome challenges in a competitive marketplace.
Waldo discusses proven leadership principals based on his experience as a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, as a seasoned Air Force officer and combat decorated fighter pilot, and experienced businessman. Relentless self-discipline, passion for the mission, dedicated teamwork, and a commitment to excellence are just a few key elements of this engaging and highly interactive seminar.
Following this highly interactive and fun session, audiences will learn peak performance leadership tools based on 4 key concepts:
I. Shared Vision
a. Each and every wingman in your organization must know exactly what they are fighting for. They must be committed to the mission, and understand exactly how their unique role in the organization is essential to its success.
II. Values Based Culture
a. Integrity, accountability, mutual respect, and teamwork must serve as the foundation for all relationships between employees, and with partners and clients as well.
III. Effective Communication
a. Leaders listen aggressively and communicate their vision with passion. They promote open communication and connect with the heart and soul of their wingmen.
IV. Train to Win Mindset
a. Successful leaders command flawless preparation, not flawless execution. They encourage their wingmen to expand their capabilities, and consistently reward high performers who take calculated risks and ‘push the envelope’ in order to grow.
Waldo Waldman
Featured Book
Never Fly Solo: Lead with Courage, Build Trusting Partnerships, and Reach New Heights in Business
by Waldo Waldman
The New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling book on building powerful, effective teams!
"An amazing book that bucks the old paradigm that maverick leaders and self-made entrepreneurs set the bar. It will forever change the way you look at leadership."
--Marshall Goldsmith, author of The Wall Street Journal #1 business bestseller What Got You Here Won't Get You There
"In Never Fly Solo, Rob 'Waldo' Waldman shares potent, personal leadership lessons on what it takes to access the power of your wingmen. If you want a former fi ghter pilot with 65 combat missions as your wingman and if business success is your target, take flight with Waldo's book and earn your wings. You'll never fly solo again."
--Jeffrey Gitomer, bestselling author of The Little Red Book of Selling
"If you are serious about building trusting relationships and launching your business and life to new heights, then invest in yourself and buy this book."
--Keith Ferrazzi, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Who's Got Your Back
"Authentic and inspirational, Never Fly Solo is a winning formula for successful leadership that everyone in business should read."
--Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest Airlines and author of The Winds of Turbulence
"Waldo does a superb job of applying to the business world the lessons he learned in his military career. His excellent use of vignettes shows how standards and values are applicable to leading an honorable life."
--General Ron Fogleman, U.S. Air Force Retired, former Chief of Staff, USAF
"Waldo the Wingman knows the value of relationships and how to build real partnerships that benefit everyone involved."
--Mark Sanborn, speaker and bestselling author of The Fred Factor and You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader
Rob "Waldo" Waldman understands one thing better than most businesspeople: You can't reach your highest potential alone. You need wingmen--trusted partners--who can help you overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and prepare for success. A decorated former combat F-16 fighter pilot and now a successful entrepreneur, Waldman lives his life by this rule.
Whether you're a senior executive, mid-level manager, or new hire fresh out of college, your success depends on the mutual support of trusted associates. In Never Fly Solo, Waldo helps you maximize your relationships to reach your greatest potential. You'll learn how to:
- Commit to the core wingman values of integrity, accountability, service, and excellence
- Transform your relationships with colleagues into interdependent partnerships for success
- Take courageous action and ask for help when adversity strikes
- Communicate effectively in high-stress situations
- Connect with your coworkers and customers on a deeper level
Through compelling, real-world stories, Waldo relates how his Air Force wingmen helped him overcome challenges and become successful by teaching him lessons that work in an offi ce as well as in a cockpit.
Like the world of aerial combat, today's high-stakes business world operates faster than the speed of sound. Teamwork and trust are critical for thwarting the missiles of fear, change, and risk that too often send even the most seasoned professional into a downward spiral.
You can't dodge these missiles alone. Never Fly Solo is your flight plan for taking positive action that leads to greater success.
Find out more at www.neverflysolo.com.
The author will donate a portion of the book's proceeds to veterans charities.
Waldo Waldman
Featured Articles & Resources
Unconditional Service
Acts of kindness and the life lessons they teach us can appear in the most unlikely of places.
I was recently flying from Atlanta to Phoenix and became friendly with my...
"Wingman" Waldo Waldman Stops by Premiere's Office
We had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Waldo Waldman and, wow! Waldo is as sharp as the wings of an F16 fighter jet.
Waldo is able to blend the importants of...
Find Similar Speakers Astronauts & Aviation
How Do You Choose the BEST Speaker for Your Event?
We’ve had 30 years and 40,000 events to perfect the process—and we’ll do it for free.