Boom!: Leadership that Breaks Barriers, Challenges Convention, and Ignites Innovation

by John "Dragon" Teichert

When Brigadier General John “Dragon” Teichert took command of legendary Edwards Air Force Base, it was characterized by a choking complacency. It was operating on autopilot when it needed to be in afterburner.It was at this hallowed ground of aerospace history where a different type of test took place, providing the ideal evaluation of a concept that transcended jet planes and rockets. It created a stunning culture of innovation, breaking the barriers of bureaucracy and dwarfing the innovation activity of the rest of the Air Force combined.In this book, Teichert fuses the ubiquitous topics of leadership and innovation, written by a leader to leaders! It powerfully weaves together traditional leadership principles with unorthodox innovation tactics to spur success. It is jam-packed with fascinating aviation analogies, little-known stories of Chuck Yeager, intriguing tales from the highest visibility base on the planet, internationally impactful activities in war-torn Iraq, and compelling real-life applications. It takes the reader along on a massively effective innovation journey while offering a roadmap for replication.

Genres: Leadership

198 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2023

Reviews

[Damone Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can never nail down what makes me pick up a book. Is it the creative cover, the title, a recommendation, or the author's reputation? For me, maybe it's different every time I encounter a new work, but “Boom! Leadership that Breaks Barriers, Challenges Convention, and Ignites Innovation” by John Teichert, Brigadier General (ret)…. has it all.

📣 General Teichert not only shares his experience as the commander of The Center of Aerospace Testing Universe, “where test pilots and engineers mold and shape America’s aerospace arsenal,” but also a description of the journey of a focused campaign using “a unique trial of proven leadership principles interwoven with some unorthodox methods available to all who are brave and wise enough to employ them.”

Reading this book on leadership immediately led me to update my leadership philosophy. As a Green Beret and Ranger, I have been to some of the best leadership courses available to the US Army. I was trained to be a professional problem solver, but I am always learning more. It is a dangerous position for leaders to stop learning. General Teichert states one of the 3 critical characteristics that must be embraced by leaders of all levels is humility and humility is tied to learning. 🔑 “If they weren’t humble, then they would stop learning.”

Teichert’s leadership sparked innovation at The Center of Aerospace Testing Universe. What I appreciate most is that when he left after 19 months, innovation did not stop with him. He shares how the both the Center and team members have continued to excel beyond their time at the Center as they later assumed assignments outside of it.

💥🔥 Leaders must be challenged to take risks: “Happiness and success are the byproduct of a life that pursues purpose outside of the alluring safety of stagnation. We can only thrive, innovate, and transform when we set elements of safety aside and take some risk. Daring Wins!” 💥

[Kenneth Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose the audiobook version of BOOM because I am living in Peru and the print copy would have taken too long to arrive from the United States. It was an excellent listen, and Brigadier General John Teichert, United States Air Force, Retired, narrated it himself. His guidance is innovative and practical, especially his focus on leadership that builds connection and a sense of belonging for every Airman and for anyone within an organization.
I spent time at the United States Embassy in Baghdad during part of the period when Brigadier General Teichert served there. I remember some of the challenges he faced, which makes his insights even more meaningful.
I strongly recommend this book to any leader who wants to lead the right way.

Ken Webb

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[Caleb Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, inspiring, illustrative.

BOOM! delivers the substance of a textbook in the riveting readability of an autobiography.

Because I learn best by example, I often struggle to take seriously those podcast-y leadership books filled with tautologies. This one is different. And General Teichert is no mere idea fairy: his proverbs and advice were forged while pursuing innovation in the face of real challenges with real consequences. Accordingly, this book is packed with illustrations that flesh out what implementing its principles looks like. And those stories are told in a way that anyone can apply their lessons immediately—even those of us not impacting international events.

Buy BOOM! Then listen, consider what it says, and act. (iykyk)

[Brian Bohenek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book on leadership which breaks down a complex topic for the reader with real world examples and application. This took some concepts I practiced as a leader when on active duty in the USAF and provided them "names" that I can use in the future as start my second career after my retirement from the USAF. "Dragon" is an outstanding leader, mentor, friend, and author.

[Carleigh1625 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boom! holds a special place in my heart as a portion of the story was experienced first hand. I can attest to Dragon's leadership style and approaches after having witnessed their success. For me the stories were engaging because of my interest in seeing them through a different lens, and his ability to weave in other related stories to prove some impactful points was well done and made the book a more interesting read than I had expected! If you are working in government innovation circles and/or trying to figure out how to really drive trust into your organization, this is a great read!