[31:37] We rarely consider how skills from one profession apply to another—especially aviation. Beyond flying and landing a plane, what can pilot training teach us? You might be surprised! Today, our guest, Phil Wilkes shares how lessons from the flight deck benefit anyone, anywhere.
Phil shares his background as a pilot, how his experience both helped and challenged his public speaking journey, and what inspired him to join Toastmasters. He explains how Toastmasters transformed his approach to communication.
We also hear about how he effectively communicates with passengers and crew, the structured processes pilots use to relay information, and one powerful pilot training mindset that every professional can benefit from and more.
Phil also discusses his podcast journey, the importance of sharing lessons from the flight deck with a broader audience, and how The Toastmasters Podcast, the Pitch Us Your Podcast (Idea) contest, to celebrate the podcast's 200th episode all played a role in inspiring him to launch his own show and subsequently get an article published.
About Phil:
Phil Wilkes' passion for human performance has led him on a unique journey—from amateur race-car champion to ski instructor, hockey coach, airline pilot, and now airline pilot trainer. He is the co-author of Performance Pilot, an Amazon best-seller exploring performance principles in aviation. His podcast, Like a Pilot, inspired by public speaking and Toastmasters, delves into how pilots' soft skills extend beyond the flight deck.
A Toastmaster since 2021, Phil is the Immediate Past President of Hawthorn Toastmasters.
His article, "A Pilot’s Perspective on Public Speaking: Taking My Lessons in Aviation from the Flight Deck to the Lectern," is featured in the My Turn section of the July 2024 issue of Toastmaster Magazine.
Phil lives in Melbourne, Australia, and can be reached at PhilWilkes.com, on his Facebook author page, and LinkedIn. His book, Performance Pilot, is available at PerformancePilot.net and on Amazon. His podcast, Like a Pilot, is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.
Other Resources
- Phil referenced: Stage Fright: A Psychologist’s Perspective – Episode #178 with Kristen Hamling, Ph.D.
- Documentary mentioned: Miracle on the Hudson – US Airways Flight 1549 IMDb
- Related interview: Toastcaster #144 – Stories & Leadership Lessons from a Top Gun Instructor with Dave "Bio" Baranek.
