This week on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac sits down with David Berke, retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, fighter pilot, TOPGUN instructor, and Chief Development Officer at Echelon Front, to discuss his new book, Need to Lead.

Drawing on his experiences in combat, high-stakes aviation, and leadership training, Dave shares insights on how to develop leadership skills, make critical decisions under pressure, and build cohesive teams—both at work and in life.

Topics Covered:

TOPGUN & Military Leadership: Lessons from fighter pilot training and combat operations

Universal Leadership Principles: How leadership applies in professional, personal, and community settings

Decision-Making Under Pressure: Strategies for high-stakes scenarios

Building Effective Teams: Encouraging accountability, ownership, and collaboration

Mentorship & Developing Future Leaders: Cultivating leadership traits in others

Balancing Life & Leadership: Integrating personal and professional responsibilities

Learn how leadership isn’t about rank—it’s about taking responsibility, solving problems, and supporting those around you. Whether you’re a CEO, parent, or emerging leader, Dave’s insights help you develop leadership as a skill to make meaningful impact.

Grab the book: Need to Lead

Learn more about Dave Berke: daveberke.com

ABOUT DAVID BERKE:

David Berke is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, fighter pilot, TOPGUN instructor, and ground combat leader.

Career highlights include:

Flying and instructing in F-16, F/A-18, F-22, and F-35 aircraft

Serving as Training Officer at TOPGUN, overseeing the conduct of the course

Leading combat operations with accountability and precision

Chief Development Officer at Echelon Front, teaching leadership principles to organizations and individuals

Dave is the author of Need to Lead, a guide to developing leadership skills through practical examples, compelling stories from aviation and combat, and strategies applicable across all areas of life.

Follow him on social media:

Instagram: @davidrberke

LINKS:

Website: https://daveberke.com/

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