John Foley, former solo pilot for the renowned Blue Angels, has seamlessly transitioned from the high-stakes world of precision aviation to become a sought-after conference speaker, sharing invaluable insights on trust, leadership, and peak performance. With nearly a decade of experience flying in formations just 18 inches apart at speeds exceeding 500 miles per hour, Foley translates the lessons learned in the cockpit into powerful metaphors to inspire teams to achieve their maximum potential.

A graduate in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, Foley’s remarkable aviation career includes being named a “Top Ten Carrier Pilot” six times. He served as a Marine instructor pilot and gained fame as a solo pilot with the Blue Angels. Foley further honed his skills with a master’s degree in business management from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a strategic studies master’s degree from the Naval War College.

Foley’s impact extends far beyond the cockpit, having addressed top-performing organizations worldwide, including Mercedes-Benz, Bank of America, Microsoft, and McDonald’s. His engaging talks draw on his unique experiences to drive home the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Demonstrating his commitment to giving back, Foley allocates 10% of his net speaking fees to the Glad To Be Here Foundation, which he founded in 2011. To date, the foundation has distributed over $1 million to more than 100 global charities, reflecting Foley’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond the skies.