Creating a Culture of Extraordinary Trust & Gratitude with Blue Angel, Greg “Boss" Wooldridge 

Welcome to this special episode of the podcast where I talk to a true high-performer and the former flight leader of the Blue Angels, Greg “Boss” Wooldridge. Greg is the only commanding officer to have led the Blue Angels on three separate tours. He’s an accomplished aviator and an exceptional leader who knows how to bring out the best in others and build a culture based on trust, camaraderie, and gratitude.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Greg Wooldridge on;
- The debrief. We chat about the legendary Blue Angels debrief, and Greg describes the special ‘cheesehead’ hat, which team members who owned up to mistakes or misdemeanors were required to wear in planning meetings. On a more serious note, he explains why the honesty, transparency, and commitment to constant improvement that characterize the Blue Angels debrief provides a proven recipe for success that can be equally beneficial in a corporate environment.
- Gratitude, respect, and teamwork. Greg emphasizes the importance he placed on showing appreciation and respect for all the members of his team. As the flight leader, he was understandably proud of the performance excellence of the Blue Angel pilots, but he also took the time to recognize the hard work of the men and women behind the scenes.
- Second chances. Greg expresses his gratitude for all the second chances he’s been given in his life. What’s more, he explains how they strengthened his resolve to make up for his previous shortcomings, helped to improve his performance, and enabled him to move purposefully and successfully forward.
- The Blue Angels’ Trip to Moscow. We reminisce about the historic 1992 tour to the former Soviet Union where the Blue Angels became the first U.S military flight demonstration team to perform in Russia and fly with The Russian Knights aerobatic display team.
- How to keep calm in a crisis. As a commanding officer responsible for leading flight teams in situations where even a tiny error could prove fatal, Greg knows the importance of holding your nerve when things get tough. So, when confronted with a crisis, he advises against overreacting and recommends taking the time to figure out what’s going on before taking any radical action.