Ep. 108 - TOPGUN Pilot Guy Snodgrass Shares Vital Wisdom

The Main Thing Podcast

Welcome back to the Main Thing Podcast! I’m your host Skip Lineberg.

Today you will hear from our special guest, a retired TOPGUN Pilot and TOPGUN instructor. What wisdom will we learn from this top performing, gentleman, so adept at strategy, execution and communication? Someone who knows not just how to handle high pressure situation, but to excel.

Navigating Life with a Fighter Pilot's Precision and Focus

Join us as we dive into the world of strategy, discipline and the art of mastering life's greater lessons with retired TOPGUN pilot and instructor Guy Snodgrass. Listen in as we navigate Guy's journey from an Eagle Scout with lofty dreams to his days at the US Naval Academy, into the cockpit of an F-A-18 fighter jet, and his role as a Top Gun instructor. We'll unpack the realities of military aviation, contrasting Hollywood's depiction with the true rigors and dedication of the job, while extracting the disciplined approach and strategic thinking that propelled Guy to the pinnacle of his career.

More About Our Wise Guest - Guy Snodgrass

Guy Snodgrass is the owner of Defense Analytics, a consulting company focused on international policy, business strategy, and technology policy.

A retired U.S. Navy Commander, Guy served as a F/A-18 fighter pilot and TOPGUN Instructor. He also served as the Pentagon’s Director of Communications and former Secretary of Defense James Mattis’ Chief Speechwriter. He’s the author of two published books, including “TOPGUN’s Top 10: Leadership Lessons From the Cockpit."

Guy joins today from Dallas, TX.

Strap into your cockpit and get ready! In this fast-paced 19 minute conversation, you will discover why Guy Snodgrass is one of the wisest people I know.

Resources

Learn more about Guy via his website

Connect with Guy Snodgrass on LinkedIn

Pick up a copy of Guy’s book “Top Gun’s Top Ten” from our Bookshop

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Marketing, Social Media and Graphic Design Chloe Lineberg

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Episode Chapters

[0:03:02] - Becoming a navy fighter pilot - from dream to reality

[0:04:50] - TOPGUN Hollywood’s version contrasted with the real thing

[0:07:30] - Guy’s transition from military and public service to private sector

[0:09:30] - How Skip and Guy are connected

[0:11:32] - Guy reveals his Main Thing wisdom

[0:15:39] - Advice for those who feel frazzled

[0:18:26] - The importance of continuous learning