DLC Director Patrick Donley talks leadership with Gen. Anthony Cotton, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, on the first episode of “Building Better Leaders.” Master Sgt. Taylor Drzazgowski
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AFA IN ACTION: AFA’s Doolittle Leadership Center Launches New Podcast: ‘Building Better Leaders’
Sept. 12, 2025
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Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org
Arlington, Va.
The Air & Space Forces Association’s Doolittle Leadership Center (DLC) has announced the launch of “Building Better Leaders,” a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders from diverse industries, professions, and backgrounds.
The podcast is designed for anyone interested in strengthening their leadership skills—students, professionals, executives, community influencers, service members, or even parents. Each episode explores real-world lessons and practical strategies for leading effectively, whether on the battlefield, in the boardroom, or within local communities.
“Our mission at the Doolittle Leadership Center has always been to build better leaders,” said DLC Director Patrick Donley. “This podcast extends that mission by making leadership lessons accessible to everyone. Great leadership isn’t just for those with a title—it’s for anyone who wants to make an impact.”
Early episodes of “Building Better Leaders” feature Air Force and Space Force leaders discussing topics such as building resilient teams, leading through uncertainty, and balancing accountability with empathy. Guests include Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, who offers lessons from leading 41,000 personnel in global operations, and Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess, Commander of U.S. Space Forces–Space, who draws on 33 years of service to discuss balancing mentorship, authority, duty, and family.
The podcast supports Doolittle Leadership Center’s ongoing commitment to equip leaders with the resources to grow and succeed throughout their careers.
New episodes will be released regularly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other major platforms.
About the Doolittle Leadership Center
AFA’s Doolittle Leadership Center’s mission is “Building Better Leaders.” In the spirit of AFA’s founding President, Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, the DLC delivers leadership-training courses, workshops, and resources to Air Force, Space Force, industry and community leaders around the world.
Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org
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