Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Fighter Pilot: What It Takes to Perform Under Pressure | Commander Kristen Findlay

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May 15, 2024

Commander Kristen Findlay, experienced in landing F/A-18 Super Hornet on an aircraft carrier, discusses high-stakes decision-making, mental toughness, and leadership insights. She shares her experiences in combat sorties, challenges of flying in rough seas and the dark, and the importance of teamwork in the military. Kristen also delves into the transition of legacy Hornets to super Hornets, coping mechanisms under pressure, and the thrill of being a female fighter pilot and participating in 'Top Gun' movie filming.

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INSIGHT

Preparation Defines Performance

You never rise to an occasion but fall back to your prepared level.
Sustained superior performance relies on consistent, reliable preparation rather than momentary peak effort.

ADVICE

Master Knowledge for Flexibility

Drill foundational knowledge to autopilot level for better focus in dynamic situations.
Use checklists and mental rehearsal to flex and adapt under pressure.

ANECDOTE

Nerve-Wracking Carrier Landings

Landing on a carrier at night induces intense fear and physical shaking.
Kristen manages adrenaline by singing to herself and using tough, task-focused self-talk.

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Imagine what it takes to land an $80 million fighter jet on a moving target — in the middle of the ocean — at night.

The extreme precision, split-second timing, and unwavering focus required for such a feat are beyond the grasp of ordinary experience.

Our guest today, Commander Kristen Findlay (née Hansen), knows precisely what it takes to land an F/A-18 Super Hornet on an aircraft carrier – in rough seas and in the dark, where every decision can have monumental consequences.

Kristen is a distinguished Naval aviator whose career spans two decades of sustained high performance in military service. She’s accumulated over 2,700 hours of flight time, 66 combat sorties over Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, and just under 500 carrier landings.

As a prior TOPGUN instructor - yes, just like the movie - and current Commanding Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 122 (The “Flying Eagles”) she leads and trains some of the Navy’s most elite pilots.

Kristen's career experience now extends to Hollywood, where she served as a technical consultant and pilot for the hit film, "Top Gun: Maverick.” Epic.

Kristen offers a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, and mental toughness. In this conversation you’ll hear valuable insights into high-stakes decision-making and the lessons we can all learn from a life lived at full throttle.

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