Every day, executives must be prepared for changes in direction, and unexpected economic events, or risk catastrophic outcomes for their companies. The stakes are even higher when critical decisions require sudden change and you have to realign your teams to keep everyone focused to keep you company moving forward.

Adjusting to unplanned events, or sudden changes in mission, are exactly what military pilots train for when the mission is on the line at 40,000 feet and wrong is not an option. The leadership skills required to keep their teams both in the air and on the ground focused to achieve success, provide effective lessons in today's business environment.

Ben Morley spent more than two decades expecting the unexpected and avoiding potential disasters as a pilot in the US Air Force. The real life lessons he learned in the cockpit at 40,000 feet offer valuable leadership insights for CEO's and Executives navigating the constantly changing markets in today's competitive business environment. Ben traveled the globe, gaining wisdom that helps individuals become the effective and inspiring leaders they aspire to be and today he shares insights on how to successfully lead.

Raised on a small farm in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Washington, Ben made the remarkable decision to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Recruited to play football, he became the first person from his county to attend a military service academy.

His career took him to all seven continents and included leading a highly classified airlift program. These experiences often required time-critical solutions and the ability to adapt to environments with incomplete information, making decisions with global ramifications. After graduation, teaching future leaders in the cockpit as Ben advanced to a new role as an instructor pilot, honorably serving for 27 years in both peacetime and combat.

After completing his distinguished service career, Ben transitioned to coaching businesses-both domestically and internationally-on how to engage their teams, solve problems, and grow revenue. By designing custom solutions, he helps companies emerge stronger and better prepared for the next level.

In addition to his coaching work, Ben is a team member at Nokomis Advisory Services and a mentor with Venture Mechanics, where he provides sell-side representation and exit strategies for business owners. In this role, he offers guidance to foster strong company cultures throughout their organizations' journeys.

Today, Ben serves clients as a business coach and hosts the Achieving Clarity podcast. He has been married for 24 years, during which he and his wife have homeschooled their two daughters and raised guide dogs for the blind.