Commander's Intent

Derek Oaks
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Careers

Commander's Intent with Derek Oaks When the pressure’s on, can you make the call? Commander's Intent helps leaders at every level make confident, timely decisions that drive real results. Hosted by Colonel (Ret.) Derek Oaks, former Air Force fighter pilot and leadership mentor, this podcast blends stories from combat and business to teach you how to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose. Learn to define your mission, empower your team, and execute with confidence. 

  1. 4d ago

    The Decision-Making Principles That Made America Different

    What makes America truly exceptional, and what can today's leaders learn from the principles that shaped a nation? In this thought-provoking episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel Derek Oaks and Rob explore the origins of American Exceptionalism and why its foundational ideas remain essential for effective leadership and decision-making. From the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution to individual liberty, limited government, personal responsibility, and the rule of law, they examine the timeless principles that have driven innovation, prosperity, and organizational success for nearly 250 years. Whether you're leading a business, a team, or your own life, you'll discover why great leadership begins with empowering individuals, protecting freedom, embracing accountability, and creating organizations built on trust, purpose, and shared values. This conversation offers practical leadership insights rooted in history while challenging leaders to think beyond politics and focus on the enduring principles that produce exceptional results. If you're ready to strengthen your leadership, make better decisions, and better understand the ideas that continue to influence organizations and nations around the world, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

    41 min

  2. Jul 2

    Gaming, Strategy, and the Future of Leadership with Gayle Dickie

    What if the world's greatest leadership training ground isn't found in the boardroom but inside the gaming industry? In this fascinating episode of Commander's Intent, Derek Oaks sits down with global media strategist and gaming industry expert Gayle Dickie to explore how gaming has evolved into one of the world's most powerful ecosystems for leadership, strategy, innovation, and decision-making. Gayle shares why gaming is no longer simply entertainment. It is a global economic force where millions of people develop critical thinking, risk assessment, collaboration, communication, and leadership skills every day. Together, they discuss how business leaders can learn from gaming communities, why community has become the new competitive advantage, and how successful organizations build trust before they build products. The conversation also explores leadership, investor pitching, innovation, AI, the future of media, empowering women in technology, and why understanding human behavior is becoming the most valuable business skill of all. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, investor, educator, or simply curious about where business and technology are heading, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and the leadership lessons it has to teach us.

    43 min

  3. Jun 25

    The Power of Human Connection with Jason Wright

    What if one simple conversation could change someone's life? In this inspiring episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel Derek Oaks sits down with bestselling author Jason Wright to explore the profound impact of human connection, empathy, and intentional leadership. Drawing from years of traveling, writing, and meeting strangers from all walks of life, Jason shares powerful stories about seeing people beyond their circumstances, learning the value of listening, and recognizing the dignity that exists in every individual. Together, Derek and Jason discuss leadership, compassion, resilience, childhood influences, and why some of the most important moments in life happen when we simply slow down and acknowledge another human being. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, raising a family, or simply trying to make a positive difference in the world, this conversation will challenge you to look beyond labels, assumptions, and first impressions. Because sometimes the greatest act of leadership is making someone feel seen.

    30 min

  4. Jun 18

    Why Trust Matters More Than Talent with David Bickel

    What happens when trust is the difference between success and failure, or even life and death? In this episode of Commander's Intent, Derek Oaks sits down with retired Air Force JTAC and business leader David Bickel to explore why trust is the foundation of every high-performing team. Drawing from combat deployments, close air support missions, and leadership experience in both military and business environments, David shares powerful lessons on communication, accountability, credibility, and decision-making under pressure. Discover how elite teams build trust through competence, clarity, honest feedback, and a culture of continuous improvement. Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, or navigating high-stakes decisions, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how trust is earned, maintained, and leveraged for success. Because when the pressure is highest, trust isn't just important. It's everything.

    41 min

  5. Jun 11

    The Leadership Secret Fighter Pilots Call "Motherhood"

    What if the key to extraordinary leadership isn't found in the big decisions, but in the small things you do every day? In this episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel Derek Oaks shares a heartfelt tribute to his mother and the powerful leadership lesson she taught him without ever stepping into a boardroom or cockpit. Drawing on the fighter pilot concept of "motherhood," Derek explains why great leaders focus on the essential routines, systems, and habits that make success possible. From aviation and business to sports and everyday life, Derek reveals how mastering the fundamentals creates the foundation for excellence, improves decision-making, reduces distractions, and allows individuals and teams to perform at their highest level. He also explores how effective leaders eliminate unnecessary friction, establish clear standards, and create environments where people can focus on what matters most. If you want to become a stronger leader, improve team performance, and achieve better results, this episode offers a simple but powerful reminder: greatness is built on the fundamentals.

    12 min

  6. Jun 4

    How to Lead Inside a Large Organization

    What does it take to lead effectively when you're caught between executive decisions and the needs of your team?  In this episode of Commander's Intent, Derek Oaks sits down with leadership consultant, author, and former financial executive  Douglas Scherer to explore the realities of leading inside large organizations. Drawing from more than 20 years in a global financial institution, Douglas shares powerful lessons on navigating organizational change, managing different leadership styles, building trust, developing future leaders, and staying true to your values when priorities don't always align.  Whether you're a manager, executive, military leader, or aspiring leader, you'll gain practical insights on leading through uncertainty, empowering your team, handling workplace politics, and creating impact without losing sight of your own vision and purpose. Visit his website: https://www.douglasscherer.com/

    36 min

  7. May 28

    The Most Powerful Leaders Make People Feel Seen

    In this episode of Commander’s Intent, retired Air Force Colonel Derek Oaks sits down with keynote speaker, consultant, and ICU Living founder Julie De Jesus for a powerful conversation about leadership, mental health, trust, and the human need to feel seen. Drawing from her own experience overcoming toxic leadership and burnout, Julie shares how one mentor changed the course of her life simply by making her feel valued, heard, and connected. Together, Derek and Julie explore why human connection is becoming one of the most important leadership skills in today’s workplace and how leaders who create trust, appreciation, and psychological safety consistently bring out the best in their teams. They unpack the impact of appreciation, vulnerability, emotional safety, and meaningful communication while discussing why employees do not leave companies as much as they leave environments where they feel unseen, unheard, and disconnected. This conversation also dives into leadership vulnerability, innovation, mental health after COVID, emotional intelligence, and why creating spaces where people feel safe to contribute, fail, ask for help, and be human can dramatically improve workplace culture, engagement, and performance. Julie shares the core principles behind ICU Living and explains why “happiness isn’t your business, connection is.” This episode is a powerful reminder that when people feel seen, trusted, and appreciated, they do not just work harder, they become deeply committed to the mission, the team, and the leader who helped them feel human again.

    31 min

  8. May 21

    How to Live With Gratitude When Life Gives You a Second Chance

    Fifty-eight years ago, a 23-year-old soldier named Larry Weist was stacked with the bodies of the dead after a helicopter was shot out of the Vietnam sky. Then someone saw his hand move.  In this episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel Derek Oaks shares the story of his friend Larry, and the one decision Larry made when he realized he'd been given a second chance at life. It's a quieter episode than most, and it might be the one you remember longest.  You'll hear why gratitude is a decision rather than a feeling and how to make it daily, the mindset shift that turned 58 borrowed years into a life of impact, what it looks like to lead your family, your work, and your community with love even when life hurts, the question Derek wants every leader to sit with this week, and why the most important decision you make today might have nothing to do with strategy.  If you've been moving too fast to notice what you've been given, this one is your pause button.  Subscribe to Commander's Intent and head to commandersintentpodcast.com for Derek's free leadership guide.

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Commander's Intent with Derek Oaks When the pressure’s on, can you make the call? Commander's Intent helps leaders at every level make confident, timely decisions that drive real results. Hosted by Colonel (Ret.) Derek Oaks, former Air Force fighter pilot and leadership mentor, this podcast blends stories from combat and business to teach you how to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose. Learn to define your mission, empower your team, and execute with confidence. 

Information

  • Creator
    Derek Oaks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Commander's Intent
  • Show Website
    Commander's Intent

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