Survival Training: A Catalyst for Leadership - Dr. John Torres ’82 Podcast By cover art

Survival Training: A Catalyst for Leadership - Dr. John Torres ’82

Survival Training: A Catalyst for Leadership - Dr. John Torres ’82

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 In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Dr. John Torres shares his inspiring journey from being the first in his family to attend college to becoming NBC's senior medical correspondent. SUMMARY Dr. Torres discusses the challenges he faced at the Air Force Academy, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership skills, and the influence of his family values. He reflects on his unconventional experiences, including survival training and falconry, and how these experiences prepared him for a successful career in medicine and media. His story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the importance of mentorship in leadership. In this conversation, he shares his journey from dealing with hantavirus outbreaks in New Mexico to becoming a prominent medical correspondent during the pandemic. Dr. Torres discuss the challenges of communicating complex medical information to the public, the importance of empathy when delivering bad news, and the role of family support in his career. Finally, he emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in leadership and the value of instilling positive values in the next generation. SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK DR. TORRES' TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS - Lead with empathy: Understand where people are coming from, recognizing that anger often stems from fear and underlying concerns. - Communicate clearly: Break down complex information into understandable terms, whether speaking to patients, soldiers, or the public. - Be willing to admit mistakes: True leadership means having the courage to acknowledge when you're wrong and take responsibility. - Develop a "no excuse" mentality: Take ownership of situations, even when they're not entirely your fault. - Build trust through peer-to-peer interactions: Treat people as equals rather than using an authoritarian approach. - Continuously learn and adapt: Stay current in your field and be open to new experiences and perspectives. - Support your team's individual growth: Encourage people to pursue their passions and provide guidance without pressure. - Match your emotional delivery to your message: Ensure your communication is authentic and appropriate to the content. - Lead by example: Demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from others through your own actions. - Focus on purpose over position: Leadership is about making a positive impact and helping others grow, not about title or status. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dr. John Torres 02:01 Overcoming Challenges at the Academy 05:03 Discovering Leadership Through Survival Training 08:33 Influence of Family Values on Leadership 10:42 Unconventional Experiences at the Academy 13:41 Transitioning from Pilot to Medical Doctor 20:06 Lessons Learned as a Flight Doc 23:58 Becoming an NBC Correspondent 24:37 Hantavirus and Early Medical Experiences 26:00 Transitioning to Media: From ER to TV 27:23 The Pandemic: A Super Bowl for Medicine 29:05 Communicating Medical Information Effectively 32:29 Delivering Bad News with Compassion 34:41 Teaching NATO Special Forces Medics 37:02 Family Support and Legacy 39:58 Instilling Values in the Next Generation 41:56 Continuous Improvement as a Leader 45:52 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations ABOUT DR. TORRES BIO Dr. John Torres ’82 is currently Senior Medical Correspondent for NBC News and a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. With a career spanning more than 30 years in emergency medicine, military service, and national media, Dr. Torres brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, crisis leadership, and public communication to every role he takes on. Before joining NBC, he served in the Air Force, deploying to combat zones and responding to humanitarian crises around the globe. After retiring from the military, Dr. Torres transitioned to civilian emergency medicine and later began sharing trusted medical insights with millions of viewers through his work in broadcast journalism. On camera and off, he is known for making complex medical issues accessible and relevant, especially during moments of national concern like the COVID-19 pandemic. A seasoned leader shaped by experience in the field, the ER, and the newsroom, Dr. Torres exemplifies the values of service, clarity under pressure, and lifelong learning—principles he credits in large part to his upbringing in rural New Mexico, foundational Academy education and military experiences. CONNECT WITH DR. TORRES LINKEDIN ALL PAST LBL EPISODES | ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS: Guest, Dr. John Torres ’82 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 KEYWORDS Leadership, Air Force Academy, Dr. John Torres, survival training, medical correspondent, family values, unconventional journey, overcoming challenges, mentorship, public health, Hantavirus, medical communication, pandemic, media, family legacy, leadership, teaching, NATO, bad news delivery, ...
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