Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

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

16 snips

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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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Sustaining Superior Performance in High-Stress Environments

02:27 • 9min

Preparation and Performance in High-Pressure Situations

11:50 • 5min

Flying F-18 Jets in the Navy

17:07 • 17min

Innovative Exercise Equipment and Quality Supplements

33:38 • 5min

Navigating Errors in High-Pressure Situations

38:13 • 10min

Exploring Teamwork and Competitiveness

48:09 • 5min

Redefining Competition and the Debriefing Process

52:56 • 8min

Precision Bombing and Coordination Challenges

01:00:26 • 20min

Breaking Barriers: Female Fighter Pilot Experiences

01:20:23 • 6min

Flying High with Top Gun: A Thrilling Experience

01:25:55 • 17min

Gratitude and Support for the Community

01:42:45 • 2min

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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