How To Navigate Your Career Like An Air Force Pilot

Have you ever piloted a plane?

You have?

Okay.

But have you ever refueled an Air Force F-16 jet flying at 500 knots?

And, not just any F-16 fighter jet, but one of the elite Air Force Thunderbirds squadron you may have seen at air shows?

I haven't. 

But, that would be so cool!

Today's guest, Aaron Stark, has done those amazing things in his career. 

And a whole lot more.

Aaron no longer flies planes for a living. Instead, he helps his clients get where they want to go with their money.

He made the career switch from Air Force pilot to wealth management advisor.

The same skills he learned at the Air Force Academy and used in combat have served him well in every stage of his successful career.

Aaron shares those lessons in today's episode so you too can learn how to navigate your career like an Air Force pilot.

Even if you never see the inside of a cockpit.

Today's Guest

Aaron Stark

Aaron Stark is the founder of HSI Wealth Strategies, a financial advisory team comprised of former United States Air Force pilots.

Aaron and his team work primarily with professionals in the aviation industry: airline pilots, aviation business owners and executives as well as those who own and operate aircraft. 

Their aim is to provide a flight path that alleviates anxiety and empowers their clients to live out their dreams through financial and retirement planning, tax-efficient strategies and investment management. They specialize in helping reduce marginal retirement tax brackets through tax efficient strategies for many clients.  

Aaron graduated from the Air Force Academy with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering. After graduation, Aaron went on to fly the KC-135 R/T.  He earned his MBA in 2011 from Webster University in St Louis.  During his flying career, Aaron instructed in both the KC-135 and T-6.  He’s flown over 150 combat missions in the KC-135 over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. 

Aaron spent 13 years on active duty, and upon separating founded and built one of the fastest growing and most successful financial practices and has been recognized at a national level. 

You'll Learn

• How the checklist discipline of a pilot will help you deliver results in your career and business
• How to eliminate risk and fear by applying flight safety practices
• The value of perseverance in your career and life
• Why grit may be more valuable than talent and skill
• The strength in admitting weakness and being vulnerable and authentic
• How an F-16 fighter jet crash brought Aaron and me closer together

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

1. Be tenacious

Develop the skill of not quitting. Build grit.

The majority of results come from the last bit of effort. So don't give up when things get hard.

2. Drive to be the best at what you do

Successful people find satisfaction from getting better.

There's no substitute for persevering and consistently improving over time.

3. Be strong enough to admit weakness

Recognize you need support. Seek help and advice from those who have done what you're trying to do.

Learn from the best if you want to be the best you can be.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Contact Aaron on the HSI Wealth Strategies website (hsiwealthstrategies.com)

Connect with Aaron Stark on LinkedIn.

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.