Lessons From the Cockpit: Why Culture Eats Checklists for Breakfast
In this episode, we sat down with Jeff “Odie” Espenship and had an incredible conversation around safety culture. The former A-10 Warthog pilot is the founder of Target Leadership.
Listen as he shares hard-earned lessons from 10,000 feet up—and rock bottom. We talk truths in safety, leadership, and the split-second choices that shape a legacy.
What You’ll Learn:
- From Cockpit to Culture: How Odie went from airshows to safety keynotes—and why culture eats checklists for breakfast.
- The Shortcut That Changed Everything: The devastating true story of one small deviation and the origin of Jeff’s mission.
- Normalization of Deviance: Why “just this once” is never just once.
- Leadership Is Emotional: If you want people to care about safety, start with empathy—not enforcement.
- What Real Leadership Looks Like: It’s not about titles. It’s about doing the right thing when no one’s watching.
This episode isn’t just for safety pros. It’s for anyone who makes decisions that could cost someone else everything. Odie’s message is clear: The real danger isn’t risk. It’s routine. And the best leaders lean into protecting their teams from falling into the trap of complacency.
Learn more at TargetLeadership.com
Find Odie on LinkedIn: Jeff “Odie” Espenship
Explore More From Here
- How Strong Safety Cultures Are Built—and Broken
Culture isn’t a slogan—it’s a system. Learn the hidden factors that make or break a safety-first environment.
- “It Won’t Happen to Me”: Why Overconfidence Puts Workers at Risk
Confidence is good. Overconfidence is dangerous. Discover the psychology that leads to risk—and how to interrupt it.
- The Most Dangerous Phrase in Safety: “We’ve Always Done It This Way”
Tradition is no excuse for stagnation. Challenge outdated norms before they become fatal habits.
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