231. Retired Airline Captain Chris Smith on Leadership at 43000 Feet, What Makes A Real Leader, and Creating A Legacy

Executive Health and Life

In this episode, retired airline captain Chris Smith shares his unique perspective on what makes a real leader. With decades of experience at 43,000 feet, Chris emphasizes that leadership isn't just about authority but influence, humility, and building a lasting legacy.

He reflects on his career and lessons from aviation and how these apply to life, leadership, and a bevy of other areas. Tune in to hear Chris's inspiring take on how true leaders make a difference in the world and those around them.

— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —

0:00 - Introduction: Slowing Down to Achieve More

0:39 - Music, Influence, and Creativity in Leadership

1:55 - The Role of Inspiration: Chris’s Early Fascination with Flying

3:38 - How Childhood Influences Shape Leadership Aspirations

5:30 - The Romance of Flight and Its Life Lessons

8:07 - Leadership Lessons: Why Every Decision as a Pilot Matters

9:26 - Key Insights on Team Dynamics and Building Trust

12:03 - Altitude + Power = Performance: Leadership Parallels in Life

14:50 - The Decline of Commercial Leadership and What’s Next

17:17 - Building Company Culture and Avoiding Common Mistakes

20:48 - The Importance of Engagement for Top Performance

21:57 - Flat Organizational Structures and True Leadership

23:51 - Encouraging Others to Follow Their Dreams

27:40 - Lessons from Aviation: Influence on Fatherhood and Life

29:39 - Power vs. Influence: The Shift in Leadership Styles

32:15 - Removing the Mask: The Vulnerability of True Leadership

34:12 - A Leader’s Responsibility to Future Generations

37:01 - Is Leadership a Calling or a Natural Development?

38:48 - Key Leadership Qualities in 2024 and Beyond

41:01 - Making an Impact: Leadership Starts with Small Actions

42:10 - What Does Success Mean?

45:00 - Practical Tips to Become a Better Leader Today

— Connect with Chris Smith —

Website: https://www.aculturalleadership.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-0080374b

(Book) Leadership at 43,000 Feet: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-43-000-Feet-leaders/dp/1923007653⁠

— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —

Curious about becoming a concierge client and improving your executive longevity? Sign up for a complimentary Executive Health Meeting — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.executivehealth.io/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/