Major Dial shares his journey from growing up in a military family to attending the Air Force Academy and becoming a leader in the Air Force. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, approachability, and accountability in leadership. He's kept his connection to the Academy through mentoring cadets and serving on the Association of Graduates board. He is continuously learning and contributing to the discourse through research and writing. Major Dial also discusses the challenges and responsibilities of leadership, including the need to practice what you preach and prioritize personal development, controlling the controllables and dealing with adversity. Finally, the conversation concludes with a discussion on whether leaders are born or made.

CHAPTERS

00:00: Introduction and Background

01:32: Early Life and Influences

03:06: Choosing the Air Force Academy

05:04: Journey at the Academy

09:08: Leadership Development at the Academy

12:50: Staying Connected to the Academy

18:05: Leadership Principles

20:20: Giving Back to the Academy

24:06: Navigating Highs and Lows

27:40: Influence of Background on Leadership

29:37: Making Time for Others

34:06: Contributing to the Discourse

36:35: Challenges and Responsibility of Leadership

38:52: Practicing What You Preach

39:24: Personal Development and Growth

40:24: Balancing Personal Interests

41:00: Controlling the Controllables

42:18: Dealing with Adversity

43:20: The Talk: Passing Down Wisdom