In today’s episode, host John Laurito talks with former Commanding Officer of USS GERALD R. FORD turned Speaker, JJ Cumings, about leadership and what it has been like for him to lead a huge number of people serving in the Navy. He also talks about the importance of feedback and communication in an organization, whether big or small. Capt. Cummings grew up in Sharon, Massachusetts, graduated from Sharon High School in 1985, and earned a B.A. in physics from Bates College in 1990. In 1986, he enlisted in the Navy Reserves and served as a hospital corpsman attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion 25th Marines in Topsham, Maine, until 1991. He completed Aviation Officer Candidate School in November of 1991, earned his wings in October 1993, and completed Fleet Replacement training in the F-14A Tomcat in June 1995.Ashore, Capt. Cummings served as SURGRAD with the VT-19 “Attack Frogs” and as an F-14 Instructor Pilot with the VF-101 “Grim Reapers,” where he graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor. Additionally, he served in the NATO Logistics Branch at HQ Strategic Allied Command Transformation and as Branch Head for Force Rotation in the Global Force Management Cell at US Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. He was selected for training in the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program in 2010 and completed nuclear power training in December 2012. In 2016 at Commander Naval Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for aircraft carrier training, F-35C Air Ship Integration, and Foreign Military Training.Capt. Cummings served as the Executive Officer of USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) from May 2013 to May 2015 and as the Commanding Officer of USS ANCHORAGE (LPD 23) from September 2015 to December 2016.He has a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, where he graduated with Distinction as the President’s Honor Graduate.Connect with JJ at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-j-cummings-509919145/Show notes:[4:13] JJ’s background story[7:10] Why does he think he got promoted and got the opportunities he did?[8:05] Where does his passion for leadership come from?[10:07] Did he ever feel like he won’t be respected as a leader?[11:31] Was being a Commanding Officer his goal early on?[12:56] How did he deal with the challenge of leading a huge number of people?[17:20] On asking and receiving feedback[20:08] What’s his perspective on communication as a leader?[25:23] Abusing power to make his people’s lives better[28:00] What does leadership need to look like in times of crisis or emergency?[30:26] What went through his mind when he got shot while flying a plane over Afghanistan?[34:52] How important is a support system for any leader?[36:54] Get in touch with JJ[38:50] OutroGet a copy of Tomorrow's Leader on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/huseae9hText LEADER to 617-393-5383 to receive The Top 10 Things That The Best Leaders Are Doing Right NowFor questions, suggestions, or speaker inquiries, contact me at john@lauritogroup.com