✈️ Fighter Pilot
📚 Bestselling Author
⭐ Hall of Fame Speaker
🎖️ Lt. Colonel, USAF
Waldo
Waldman
Fighter Pilot · Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker · Author of Never Fly Solo

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Watch Waldo in Action
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Keynote & Training Programs
Wingman Leadership™
Waldo's signature talk. Drawing on his experience as an F-16 fighter pilot, he shows teams how building trust and relying on each other — the way pilots rely on their wingmen — is the difference between success and failure in high-stakes environments.
- How to build a high-trust, high-accountability culture
- The "wingman mindset" — leading from the side, not just the top
- Tools for clear communication under pressure
- Why vulnerability in leadership is a strength, not a weakness
Never Fly Solo
Inspired by his New York Times bestseller, this talk explores the relationships, mentors, and teammates that carry us through our hardest moments. Waldo shows audiences that no mission — in the cockpit or the boardroom — is ever won alone.
- How to identify your personal and professional "wingmen"
- The importance of courageous conversations and mutual support
- Moving from transactional relationships to transformational ones
Inquire About Waldo
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About Waldo
Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman is one of the world's most sought-after leadership keynote speakers and one of the most decorated fighter pilots of his generation. A decorated F-16 fighter pilot and combat veteran, he flew 65 combat missions over Iraq and Kosovo, logging over 2,650 flight hours in high-performance aircraft before transitioning to a career in business development and professional speaking.
Inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame — the highest honor in the speaking profession — Waldo has shared his message of trust, teamwork, and courage with hundreds of organizations across the country, from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits to championship sports teams.
His New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Never Fly Solo, distills the lessons of his military career into a leadership framework that has been adopted by organizations worldwide. He holds an MBA in international management and a BS in engineering from the US Air Force Academy.
Waldo's unique ability to connect his cockpit experiences with the challenges every leader faces — building trust, communicating under pressure, and showing up with courage — has made him one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the country.
—What Meeting Planners are saying
Proven Results at Real Events
★★★★★
“Your philosophy of trusting your wingmen and becoming Mission Ready perfectly aligned with our meeting objectives. A home run!”
— Tim Krzyzanowski, VP Sales
Philips Healthcare
★★★★★
“My expectations were blown away. His message was relevant & completely integrated into everything we do.”
— Jay Snyder
Sr. VP, Global Alliances
★★★★★
“An inspiring journey that was fun, fast-paced, & engaging. You strengthened our entire company…enough to have you back again.”
— Pat Lupsha, COO
Davidson Hotel Group
—Topics
Proven Results at Real Events
Leadership
Teamwork
Military Leadership
Sales Performance
Motivation
—faq
Proven Results at Real Events
What does Waldo Waldman speak about?
Waldo Waldman speaks about resilience, leadership, and teamwork. He draws on his experience as a fighter pilot to help organizations build high-performance cultures of courage and trust.
How far in advance should I book Waldo?
Book as early as you can. Waldo is a popular speaker and his calendar fills up fast, especially for large events. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of locking in your date.
Does Waldo customize his presentations?
Yes. Waldo customizes his programs using business analogies and personal stories alongside jet fighter video footage and inspirational music. He and his staff will work with you to build a keynote that fits your event and your message. Clients who have worked with him say the preparation shows. One senior leader noted that his knowledge of their company and ability to place their current challenges into context showed how much time, research, and planning he put in.
Is Waldo available for virtual events?
Yes. Waldo is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. During his virtual programs, he uses multimedia, graphics, and video to keep audiences engaged, and he offers follow-on digital leadership programs to reinforce the lessons after the event. Contact us to check availability and get pricing for your virtual event.
What industries does Waldo speak to?
Waldo speaks across a wide range of industries. His programs have impacted hundreds of organizations in healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and technology. His clients include companies like Aflac, Marriott, Medtronic, Nokia, Hewlett-Packard, Verizon, Home Depot, Johnson and Johnson, Bank of America, and MassMutual, along with dozens of national associations. If your team faces pressure, competition, or change, his message will connect.
How do I book Waldo through Atlanta Speakers Bureau?
It's simple. Just reach out to us directly and we will handle everything from there. We will check Waldo's availability for your event date, walk you through the details, and take care of all the logistics so you can focus on your event.
How much does Waldo charge for a keynote?
Waldo fees vary. They are anywhere from $25,000 to $38,000
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta · Available Nationwide & International
Corporate conferences, leadership summits, sales kickoffs, association events
45 min · 60 min · Half-day workshop
Yes — full virtual keynote available
Available · Never Fly Solo bulk orders on request
