The Fighter Pilot Mindset Every Construction Leader Needs for Safer, Faster Projects

In today’s episode of Construction Genius, we dive deep into a powerful leadership framework that can transform how you run your construction projects — the Fighter Pilot Mindset based on John Boyd’s legendary OODA loop.

In fast-paced, high-risk environments — whether it’s a fighter jet or a complex construction site — the speed and quality of your team’s decision-making can make or break project outcomes.

 

Yet many construction leaders today face persistent challenges: ✅ Bridging the gap between office leadership and field crews ✅ Balancing safety and productivity under constant schedule pressure ✅ Driving real-time decision-making on job sites that are always changing ✅ Building a job site culture where workers are empowered — not micromanaged ✅ Improving communication between leadership and the front line

That’s where the OODA loop — Observe, Orient, Decide, Act — comes in. Originally designed for fighter pilots in life-or-death combat, this mental model helps leaders and crews think faster and act smarter — without sacrificing safety.

My guest today is Stokes McIntyre, CEO of MindForge, who brings a unique background in both film production and construction technology. Stokes is passionate about helping construction leaders apply OODA loop thinking to close the field-office communication gap and create job sites where safety and speed reinforce each other — not compete.

 

RESOURCES

Website - mindforgeapp.com  

LinkedIn Handle - linkedin.com/in/stokesmcintyre/ 

Insta -  instagram.com/mindforgellc/  

X - x.com/MindForge  

Facebook - facebook.com/mindforgeinc 

Company LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/mindforgellc 

Restaurant Recommendation - giuseppesritrovo.com/