THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST Podcast By U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation cover art

THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST

THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST

By: U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
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 Leadership stories told by the leaders who live them.© 2025-2026 | U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation | All Rights Reserved Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Leadership from a Global Perspective - Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95

    Leadership from a Global Perspective - Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95
    Jul 1 2025
    What does it take to lead at every level and shape the leaders of tomorrow? SUMMARY Long Blue Line podcast host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 sat with Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s vice superintendent, for a deep dive into leadership, humanity and building a world-class service academy. This episode is packed with wisdom for aspiring, emerging, and seasoned leaders alike. SHARE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK GEN. SHERMAN'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS - Leadership is a human experience - focus on connecting with and caring about people. - Love what you do and love the people you lead; passion inspires others to follow you. - Embrace failures and challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development. - Set the right culture and values within your team to build trust and mutual support. - Be present and engaged with your team, understanding their motivations and experiences. - Leadership is about more than rank or position - it's about earning genuine trust and respect. - Invest time in understanding different generations, cultural nuances, and individual perspectives. - Balance professional excellence with personal growth and life experiences. - Support your team's development by providing encouragement and holding them accountable. - Your legacy is built through individual interactions and the positive impact you have on people's lives. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Major General Thomas P. Sherman 01:29 Choosing Leadership Over Flying 07:23 The Impact of Mentorship and Values 12:46 Heritage and Evolution of Security Forces 17:43 Personal Growth in Aviano, Italy 24:17 The Importance of Work-Life Balance 29:50 Culminating Command Experience at Bagram 42:25 The Role of Family in Leadership 51:29 Continuous Self-Improvement as a Leader 56:27 Embracing Failure as a Growth Opportunity 01:00:06 Legacy and the Impact of Leadership ABOUT GEN. SHERMAN BIO Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman is the Vice Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. He is serving as the chief operations officer to the Superintendent and overseeing the Academy’s blend of military training, academics, athletics, and character development for cadets. Gen. Sherman commissioned in 1995 from the Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He built a distinguished career as a security forces officer. He’s held command at nearly every level. His key assignments include leadership of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB and critical staff positions at the Pentagon. In May 2024, Gen. Sherman was tapped to serve as the Academy's Vice Superintendent CONNECT WITH GEN. SHERMAN LINKEDIN ALL PAST LBL EPISODES | ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95 | Host, Lt. Col. (ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 Naviere Walkewicz 00:00 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of ’99 today. I'm joined by a leader whose career has taken him from the flight line to the halls of Congress and now back to the very institution that launched it all. Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman currently serves as vice superintendent of the Air Force Academy, where he plays a critical role in guiding the development of our future officers and ensuring the Academy remains a world class institution for leadership, character and Day 1 readiness to win the future fight. A 1995 Academy graduate, Gen. Sherman has spent nearly three decades serving in key operational, strategic and command roles. He's led at every level, from squadron to wing command, and his assignments have included everything from nuclear security enterprise to homeland defense, policy development at the Pentagon, and legislative affairs at the highest levels of the Department of the Air Force. Prior to his role as vice superintendent, Gen. Sherman served in the Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, where he was a principal military assistant leading policy integration across joint staff, interagency services and combatant commands. He's perhaps best known in command circles for leading the 88th Air Base wing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, one of the largest and most complex wings in the Air Force, with a focus on people first, leadership and mission excellence. Gen. Sherman, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. We're so glad you're here too. MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN 01:32 It is great to be here. Thank you. Naviere Walkewicz 01:33 We're excited and we're going to dive right in, because I think what is so special for our listeners is really hearing these moments that have changed your life. I'd like to start at the Academy. You turned down a pilot slot. You were rated, but said no. MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN 01:48 Well, actually it was...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Survival Training: A Catalyst for Leadership - Dr. John Torres ’82

    Survival Training: A Catalyst for Leadership - Dr. John Torres ’82
    Jun 17 2025
    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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    48 mins
  • Elevating Leadership - Jemal Singleton '99

    Elevating Leadership - Jemal Singleton '99
    Jun 3 2025
    In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, we’re exploring the evolution and elevation of leadership with a leader who knows what it means to build champions in every sense of the word. SUMMARY Jemal Singleton ’99 is a mentor, a motivator and has mastered the grind. From the military to NFL locker rooms, he has forged a path rooted in service, strength and success. Learn more about masterful game planning and get ready to be inspired! SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK COACH SINGLETON'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS - Coach Singleton emphasizes the importance of leading with conviction. - He learned to connect with people through immersive cultural experiences. - The Super Bowl victory was a culmination of focus and teamwork. - Growing up as a military brat shaped his adaptability and leadership. - Family dynamics played a crucial role in his development as a leader. - Discovering the Air Force Academy was a pivotal moment in his life. - Basic training taught him valuable lessons about overcoming fear. - His leadership style evolved through experiences at the Academy. - Transitioning from military to coaching was a significant decision. - Failures in his career have provided the greatest learning opportunities. - Success and failure are both essential for growth. - Belief in others can significantly impact their performance. - Understanding individual motivations is key to effective leadership. - Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping leaders. - Building relationships is foundational to leadership success. - Balancing family and work is vital for personal fulfillment. - Grit and resilience are important traits in leadership. - Investing in personal growth enhances leadership effectiveness. - Daily routines help maintain focus and discipline. - Leadership can be demonstrated from any position. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights 04:30 Jamal's Early Life and Military Influence 08:00 Family Dynamics and Leadership Development 11:35 Basic Training and Leadership Challenges 14:52 Growth at the Air Force Academy 18:58 Transitioning from Military to Coaching 21:34 Navigating Career Decisions 22:57 Facing Failures and Learning from Them 26:18 Navigating Success and Failure 27:38 The Power of Belief in Leadership 29:58 Understanding Individual Motivations 32:40 Influences and Inspirations in Leadership 34:05 Building Relationships as a Leadership Foundation 36:02 Balancing Family and Professional Life 38:23 Lessons in Grit from Home 40:38 Investing in Personal Growth 42:41 Daily Routines for Effective Leadership 44:36 Striving for Continuous Improvement 47:27 Leading from Any Position 49:14 Final Thoughts on Leadership and the Academy ABOUT JEMAL BIO Jemal Singleton ’99, is a veteran coach with over 20 years of experience at the collegiate and professional levels. He is currently the Philadelphia Eagles' running backs/assistant head coach. Under his leadership, the Eagles have made four consecutive playoff runs, capturing two conference titles and the Super Bowl LIX Championship. From 2021–24, Philadelphia led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (108) and ranked among the top three in rushing yards per game (153.9) and yards per carry (4.7). Singleton helped three different running backs earn Pro Bowl honors during this span. In 2024, Singleton coached a historic ground game led by Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 2,005 yards in the regular season and 2,504 total, earning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pro honors. The Eagles set a league record with 3,866 team rushing yards. Previously, Singleton helped guide D’Andre Swift (2023) and Miles Sanders (2022) to their first Pro Bowls, with both ranking in the top five in rushing yards. In 2021, Philadelphia led the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns. Before joining the Eagles, Singleton coached running backs for the Bengals (2019–20), Raiders (2018), and Colts (2016–17), mentoring talents like Joe Mixon, Jalen Richard, and Frank Gore. His collegiate experience includes Arkansas (2015) and Oklahoma State (2011–14), where he coached standout backs such as Alex Collins and Joseph Randle. Singleton began his coaching career at the Air Force Academy, his alma mater, spending nine years in various roles and helping the Falcons consistently rank among the top rushing teams in the nation. A former team captain and honorable mention All-WAC running back, Singleton led Air Force to consecutive 10-win seasons and a conference title. A San Antonio native and son of a retired Air Force Sergeant, Singleton holds a degree in social sciences and lives with his wife, Jennifer. He has two daughters, Morgan and Mallory. - Bio excerpted from philadelphiaeagles.com - Image credit: Mr. Ryan Hall CONNECT WITH JEMAL LINKEDIN | PA EAGLES WITH OUR SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO THE EAGLES' PRODUCTION TEAM Eagles Team (Center L-R): JohnPaul Beattie | Wes ...
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    53 mins
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