As the aide for a navy admiral more than thirty years ago, Mark C. Fava learned valuable lessons that were formative in his emergence as a thoughtful and successful leader. Now a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace company and a career aviation lawyer, Mark is sharing his wisdom in this insightful and entertaining behind-the-scenes look at the successes and failures of a young naval flight officer working every day for the Admiral and how the Admiral reacted as a great leader.

Mark’s stories will inspire you to unlock your leadership potential by applying lessons that will propel your leadership journey forward. An insightful guide for mid-career managers, early career lawyers, and junior military officers who aspire to be promoted, this book is also a fun listen for all military veterans who relished their time in uniform. The lessons Mark shares have timeless value. They are just as meaningful today as they were over thirty years ago and have been the keys to Mark’s promotions in both the military and the legal profession throughout his career.

Learning by observing both good and bad leaders is a solid strategy for professional development. The knowledge you gain becomes a treasure trove that guides you, the insight becomes part of your leadership fabric, and the observations shape you into the impactful leader you aspire to be. Putting the knowledge you gain from this book into practice will make you stand out among your peers as a high performer. You will gain an understanding of how executives think and what they appreciate. You will be organized, humble, and thoughtful—and you will be identified as an emerging leader.