Rob “Waldo” Waldman

Known as “The Wingman,” Lt Col (ret.) Waldo Waldman is the author of 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.

Decorated Fighter Pilot. New York Times Bestselling Author. Hall of Fame Speaker. 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.

Never Fly Solo! The Power of Partnership to Reach New Heights in Business

Flying solo? You might think so. But take a good look around. You have support staff. You have managers. You have suppliers, vendors and distributors. And you have colleagues, family members and significant others. Today in our super charged, highly competitive world of constant change, those who build trust and work as a team will dodge the missiles and win. By committing yourself to excellence and placing your trust in those around you, you can overcome obstacles, adapt to change and break performance barriers during adverse times.

Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, The Wingman, overcame a lifelong battle with claustrophobia and a fear of heights to become a combat decorated Air Force fighter pilot and highly successful businessman, entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author.

Discover how to prepare diligently for every mission; employ loyal wingmen to promote integrity and mutual support and lead your team with courage, compassion and conviction. Be inspired to take to the skies knowing that you have wingmen to help you face challenges and change with confidence while maximizing your potential in all aspects of your life.

“Wingman 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 performing 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 principles based on his experience as a graduate of the Air Force Academy, seasoned Air Force officer and combat decorated fighter pilot and experienced businessman.

Wingman Safety

A keynote or half day seminar that focuses on building a courageous culture of operational excellence, safety, and trust.

In the world of the fighter pilot, complacency kills. A failure to adhere to standards, maintain discipline and follow procedures not only can cause aircraft mishaps, but it can also cost lives.

The same holds true on the factory floor or a dangerous worksite. Employees who lack attention to detail, focus, and discipline are prone to make mistakes that can impact safety, productivity, operational excellence…and lives.

Waldo will share proven leadership principals based on his experience as an Air Force safety officer and as a combat flight lead where his wingmen’s lives were on the line.

Following his program, the audience will learn peak performance leadership and safety enhancing tools based on three key concepts:

• Commitment to Excellence – Everyone must know exactly what and who they are fighting for. They should emulate excellence on and off the job, and understand that their role is essential to safety, morale, and culture.
• Values Based Culture – Integrity, accountability, mutual respect, and teamwork must serve as the foundation for all relationships.
• Effective Communication – Leaders listen intently and communicate their safety vision with passion. They promote open two-way communication.