1. Personal Information
1.1. Email Address
1.1.1. jjmann4@gmail.com
1.2. Social Media
1.2.1. LinkedIn
1.2.1.1. https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mann-8a02552/
1.2.2. Instagram
1.2.2.1. https://www.instagram.com/insightphotoatf8/
1.3. Bio
1.3.1. John attended Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies to facilitate executive coaching for leaders to achieve the results most important to the long term success of their organizations.
1.3.1.1. Career naval officer and fighter pilot with a history of working in the military and aviation industry.
1.3.1.2. Skilled in organizational leadership, Navy, aircraft carrier-based aviation, operational planning, team building, process improvement, tactics and commercial aviation.
1.3.2. John Mann is a native of Westport, Connecticut. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and three years of Navy flight training, he was stationed in Lemoore, CA.
1.3.2.1. Over the course of his career, John flew from eight aircraft carriers on eleven deployments and patrols, including five combat tours in the Middle East, with one as a squadron commanding officer. His career culminated with command of one of the U.S. Navy’s nine carrier air wings-the fleet’s core striking power-comprised of over 2,000 personnel and 75 aircraft. He is a Top Gun graduate and one of only thirty aviators worldwide to have flown more than 4,000 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet.
1.3.3. John’s non-flying experience included three assignments in Washington, DC. He worked in the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Actions Group, crafting the service chief’s message and as a part-time speechwriter; legislative advisor to the chief of the Navy’s human resources bureau; and as branch chief for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Additionally, John served as Battle Director of the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in Doha, Qatar overseeing all military air operations in the Middle East. He also earned an MA at the Naval War College.
1.3.4. John transitioned from active duty in September 2017. He is currently a pilot at a major airline.
1.3.4.1. Drawn to the west coast by his military career, John resides next to the front range of the Rockies in the Denver area.
2. Talking Points
2.1. How my leadership philosophy was derived
2.1.1. Naval aviation as context for the Navy
2.1.2. Unique nature of air combat as a naval offficer
2.2. My Values
2.2.1. Authenticity
2.2.2. Gratitude
2.2.3. Moral obligation
2.2.4. Individual performance
2.3. Team vs Self
2.3.1. Team leadership stemmed from the stark reality that you cannot hide in a single-seat fighter.
3. Promote
3.1. Completing writing a leadership and growth-focused memoir, using vivid "put-the-reader-in-the-cockpit" flying and combat experiences to underscore the work.
4. Previous Interview
4.1. **1. Early Life & Upbringing**
4.1.1. * His love for aviation began at a young age, sparked by books and pictures of WWII aircraft.
4.1.2. * John Mann grew up in Westport, CT with deep roots in blue-collar, first-generation American families.
4.1.3. * He was raised with a strong sense of patriotism, service, and humility, inspired by relatives who were “citizen soldiers.”
4.2. **2. First Flight Experience**
4.2.1. * At age 8 or 9, John had a transformative moment when his Sunday school teacher, a pilot, let him fly a small tandem aircraft.
4.2.2. * That flight left a lasting emotional and sensory memory, fueling his dream to become a pilot.
4.3. **3. Decision to Join the Navy**
4.3.1. * Inspired by a photo of a modern-day fighter pilot in West Germany, he decided at 15 to pursue military aviation.
4.3.2. * He considered both Air Force and Navy, but a campus visit to the U.S. Naval Academy made him feel immediately at home.
4.4. **4. Naval Academy Experience**
4.4.1. * Inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy just four days after high school graduation.
4.4.2. * Faced immediate pressure, high structure, and a complete immersion into military culture.
4.4.3. * Developed resilience, discipline, and teamwork by enduring rigorous physical, academic, and psychological training.
4.5. **5. Adapting Through Pressure**
4.5.1. * John faced intense challenges but quickly adapted with his fellow midshipmen, building bonds across diverse backgrounds.
4.5.2. * The Academy taught him to make decisions under pressure, with scenarios like simulated missile strikes used for mental training.
4.6. **6. Flight School & Fighter Pilot Journey**
4.6.1. * After graduating, he spent seven years training to become a Navy fighter pilot.
4.6.2. * Progressed through competitive ranks to earn the F/A-18 Hornet — flying for 23 of his 26 years of active duty.
4.6.3. * His path was shaped by constant pressure, rigorous evaluations, and commitment to service.
4.7. **7. Combat & Leadership**
4.7.1. * Served in five combat tours, eventually commanding a carrier air wing.
4.7.2. * Emphasized humility, gratitude, and stewardship as core leadership values.
4.7.3. * Saw the cost of service firsthand, including the loss of comrades and exposure to tragedy.
4.8. **8. Personal Sacrifice & Reflection**
4.8.1. * John spoke openly about identity loss and emotional struggles after leaving the Navy.
4.8.2. * Faced personal challenges, including divorce and rediscovering purpose post-military.
4.9. **9. Faith & Service**
4.9.1. * Raised Christian and reconnected with his faith during and after his military journey.
4.9.2. * He sees divine providence and a larger force guiding his life path.
4.10. **10. Transition to Civilian Life**
4.10.1. * Now works as an airline pilot, bringing calm, empathy, and leadership to every flight.
4.10.2. * Engages in pro bono executive coaching and focuses on powerful, generative conversations.
4.11. **11. Leadership Philosophy**
4.11.1. * Leadership begins with gratitude, leads to humility, and is grounded in service.
4.11.2. * Believes every sailor and citizen deserves respect and acknowledgment.
4.11.3. * Sees himself as a steward in a lineage of great leaders who’ve come before.
4.12. **12. Purpose Moving Forward**
4.12.1. * Wants to inspire the next generation with a renewed appreciation for America.
4.12.2. * Feels compelled to serve the country in new ways — possibly through writing, speaking, or engaging in education.
4.12.3. * Desires to be a voice for unity, patriotism, and the preservation of America’s foundational values.
4.13. **13. Final Reflections**
4.13.1. * John’s journey is marked by resilience, discipline, love of country, and a deep commitment to legacy.
4.13.2. * Joseph emphasized John’s ability to connect the past to the present with humility, power, and intention.
4.13.3. * They agreed that storytelling, mentorship, and values-based leadership are key to the next chapter of service.