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
Photo Caption & Credits
AFA IN ACTION: AFA’s Doolittle Leadership Center Launches New Podcast: ‘Building Better Leaders’
Sept. 12, 2025
Share Article
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
The long-standing legacy of a man who first envisioned the need for the United States to achieve space superiority echoed through the decades at the unveiling of his bronze statue during the Air & Space Forces Association’s inaugural “Salute to Space” celebration on May 1.
An Air Force study now underway could help decide the way forward for the Air Force's next-generation aerial refueling system, the acting head of Air Mobility Command said April 20.
Top Air Force leaders and other dignitaries paid tribute to the "audacity" of Airmen past and present to carry out dangerous and vital missions at the Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association on April 17.
The Air & Space Forces Association celebrated the anniversary of the Doolittle Raid with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Kenneth S. Wilsbach and other leaders.
The U.S. Air Force Academy took another step toward emerging from a senior leader shakeup this week with the selection of a new commandant of cadets—though it is still unclear who will be the Academy’s next superintendent with the impending retirement of Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind.
The Space Force is moving ahead with plans to build a physical test and training range that will feature a mix of ground and space-based systems, releasing a formal solicitation for a multi-vendor contract worth $981 million to design, develop, integrate, and sustain those capabilities.
Gen. John Shaud, who led AFA as Executive Director for seven years at the dawn of the 21st century, died at his home in McLean, Va., on March 13 of complications following a stroke. He was 92.
Just one year ago, Collaborative Combat Aircraft took center stage as then-Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin designated the two competing jets prototypes as the first unmanned fighters in Air Force history: General Atomics’ YFQ-42A and Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A. Twelve months later, it’s the autonomy software that’s flying those aircraft garnering the attention. Autonomy software, more than hardware, may prove the most valuable and enduring element of the CCA program.
✓
Thank You!
Check your inbox to verify your email address and finish setting up your AFA account.
★
Welcome Back!
An account with this email already exists. Please log in to continue.
Subscribe to the Air & Space Forces Daily Report
The latest news from Air & Space Forces Magazine, as well as news from other leading publications, delivered right to your inbox every morning!
We’re sorry, there has been an error. Please review your input or try again later.
