From the cockpit of an F/A-18 Hornet, Cdr. Frank Weisser, USN, conveys the lessons he learned flying as the Lead Solo for the Blue Angels, on multiple combat deployments, and as stunt pilot for the blockbuster film Top Gun: Maverick. So, how do you deal with adversity in your daily life? How do organizations and teams deal with it? How do you develop trust? What happens the moment something goes wrong? Each chapter of Lead Solo opens with a flight sequence and describes a lesson, skill, or value that Weisser learned in the sky that subsequently carried him through a life of service with the Navy: finding focus, developing trust, opening communication, overcoming adversity, facing failure, and recognizing courage within oneself. With a focus on the instructors, flight team members, and colleagues who taught and guided him, this short, accessible book contains universal wisdom on how to live thoughtfully, live with courage, and live well.
“Lead Solo is an extraordinary account of leadership, perseverance, and precision from one of the most accomplished aviators…Frank Weisser’s experiences offer invaluable lessons on focus, trust, and resilience—principles that extend far beyond the cockpit. His storytelling is engaging, insightful, and deeply inspiring, making this book a must-read for anyone striving to perform at the highest level, whether in aviation, business, or life.”
-Capt. Eric Doyle-
USN (Ret.), Blue Angels Commanding Officer, Top Gun instructor, CEO of RAVN Aerospace
“Lead Solo is a captivating account of life in the cockpit of an F-18, but it’s true power lies in the profound lessons of service, sacrifice, and leadership that are found on every page. With vivid storytelling and hard-won wisdom, ‘Walleye’ beautifully captures the courage and selflessness required to serve our country and ultimately each other. This book is an inspiring tribute to all who have chosen a life of service and is a must-read for anyone seeking to lead with integrity and purpose.”
-Cmdr. Rebecca Calder-
USN (Ret.), First Female Pilot Top Gun graduate
“In Lead Solo, Blue Angel aviator Frank Weisser sticks readers in the cockpit and takes them on an exhilarating and insightful mission into the high-performance and high-stakes world of naval aviation. He masterfully weaves accounts of aerobatic precision, trust, and teamwork with invaluable lessons about life and leadership and offers readers a compelling flight plan for their own lives. Lead Solo delivers all this as it makes Weisser’s dedicated fellow servicemembers the book’s real heroes.”
-Alvin Townley-
Author of Fly Navy and Defiant
“What a fun, readable, and important book…written with such joy and humility! Frank Weisser expertly combines spine-tingling descriptions of his diverse career as a Navy pilot—including Blue Angels solo, movie stunts, landing on aircraft carriers, and, most importantly, supporting troops on the ground in combat—with a set of meaningful personal and leadership lessons that is simply a joy to read. I had a hard time putting Lead Solo down!”
-Adm. Sandy ‘Jaws’ Winnefeld-
USN (Ret.), former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Top Gun instructor, and author of Sailing Upwind
If you are ready to bring your organization to new heights, contact Frank Weisser and his team today!