I am speaker, mentor, pilot and student of leadership. I speak, write and teach about leadership and decision-making.
WHO I AM
I am no hero. But I have often served in the company of heroes, stood in awe of their willingness to sacrifice and lay down their lives for strangers. I first put on a uniform at the age of 18, having admired the heroes of my dad’s generation (including my dad), then learned of so many amazing people that fought and too often died for the freedoms we all enjoy. With those feelings from an early age, I started my military career knowing that I could not stand the idea of sitting on the sidelines while someone else fought for my freedoms.
My dad once said “freedom has a taste, is a tangible reality.” I have seen, tasted, felt that tangible reality all over the world. I’ve felt the constriction of freedoms taken, of the hopelessness that comes from never knowing what true agency is.
My passions are people, purpose and planes. My aim is to help people get the most out of themselves, to push their personal envelopes, and fill their lives with meaningful purpose.
WHAT IS MY MESSAGE?
I’ve had years of leadership experience as the ‘decision-maker’, but a lifetime of watching both good and bad leadership. Embedded in key tenets of leadership at all levels is the ability to govern oneself, to make and act on sound decisions, and train your replacements. My message is aimed at both leaders and followers to help them govern themselves, focus on what matters, and become a confident decision-maker in any walk of life.
BIO
Derek is a senior executive with over thirty years of operational and leadership experience in Defense, aviation, charitable organizations and small business development. A 24+ year Air Force Veteran and Colonel, Derek led at multiple levels of command during peacetime and combat operations. Additionally, Derek managed billion-dollar programs while a Headquarters Air Force staff officer in the Pentagon. In the private sector, Derek has worked with small businesses as an organizational leadership consultant and director of business development and programs, while serving multiple Defense contractors in Business Development efforts. Derek is a published aviation author. He has amassed over 5,200 hours of flight time, many in combat, in over 30 different types of aircraft. He as his wife Preot are the parents of 4 children.
REASONS TO BOOK DEREK
He brings REAL world experience. Derek offers versatile insight from all over the spectrum. From his own leadership in combat to his experience growing small businesses, leading youth organizations, and teaching at the individual, team and organizational level, Derek's experience will benefit every level of your team.
What you see is what you get. No clinging to titles or grasping at positions. While he has held a few titles, He is simply "Derek", "Woody", "Dad", or "Preot's husband", and likes it that way.
Zero drama. A middle child, "Smack", "doolie", UPT student, co-pilot, "blue four", and a few other roles that gave him many opportunities to absorb ridicule, humility and being forgotten, he is easy to work with and knows he is never the reason you are there.
You will learn together. He is a perpetual student. Growing up at the feet of some of the true servant leaders of the 20th Century (his parents), Derek firmly believes that he is never the smartest person in the room and can always get better.
Derek will help you find a way to "Yes". His approach will get your team looking for the path instead of the obstacles.
HOW IS DEREK DIFFERENT?
· INSTRUCTIONAL ·
Derek’s content is lasting, universal, and inspiring. Your participants will come away from the event with a better understanding of their “why”, clarity of purpose, and empowering, actionable how-to’s to help them perform at their next level as well as lead more extraordinary lives.
· RELATABLE ·
Our world – and workforces – are in a constant state of change. As leaders, and as people, the way we manage, communicate, and connect has to have the flexibility to change as well. Derek helps audiences create the mindsets and skill sets they need to meet the demands of an ever-shifting world with more agility and ease!
· ENGAGING ·
An incredible combination of humor, stories, strategy, and relevant messaging, Derek reaches and connects with every member of your audience. Whether they are in leadership, management, or the brand new intern, he’ll have them captivated, inspired, and eager to take positive action!
CONTACT DEREK!
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Members of the press are welcome to contact us regarding any requests at [email protected] ;
(385) 777-6285