MYB133: Leading Under Pressure: Fighter Pilot Secrets to Building a Bulletproof Team Culture

MYB133: Leading Under Pressure: Fighter Pilot Secrets to Building a Bulletproof Team Culture

May 14, 2026 · 31 min

About this episode

Ben Fewtrell interviews Mike Mason about applying military lessons to improve team culture and communication in business.

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast , host Ben Fewtrell sits down with a very special guest, Mike Mason. After spending 20 years in the Royal Air Force flying frontline fighter jets, Mike knows a thing or two about performing under pressure. Now, through his company On Target, he brings those high-stakes military lessons into the corporate world. Hiring for technical skill is standard, but keeping a team running smoothly comes down to behaviour and communication. Ben and Mike unpack the critical importance of "human factors" and why the humans operating the machines matter more than the machines themselves. They share practical tips on mastering the art of the debrief, making subtle shifts in how you speak to your team, and using immersive training to build non-technical skills. If you are tired of repeating the same mistakes or struggling to get your team communicating effectively, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach and start leading like a pro. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast 02:24 - Mike's journey from flying fighter jets to the corporate sector 03:00 - Why human factors are the real key to operational…

People in this episode

Host: Ben Fewtrell

Guest: Mike Mason

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Royal Air Force, On Target

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