What does it take to lead through complexity, from the cockpit of an F-18 to the boardroom of a nonprofit driving innovation across 23 counties? In this episode, I sit down with Rear Admiral Paul Sohl, a retired US Navy flag officer, test pilot, engineer, and current CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor, to explore how the principles of military leadership translate into building thriving innovation ecosystems in the civilian world.

With 33 years of service spanning aviation, test pilot school command, and oversight of all Navy warfighting systems testing, Paul has led at every level, from the ready room to enterprise-scale operations. Now, he’s channeling that experience into convening universities, industry, and government to catalyze innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship across Florida.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

– Paul’s unexpected path from a Midwestern kid to MIT, Navy ROTC, and a 33-year military career – What the Navy really looks for in test pilots, and why they don’t want Maverick – The humbling reality of career failure and how it builds resilience – Why “work-life balance” is a myth, and what to do instead – How to navigate the military-to-civilian transition with grace and curiosity – Why community-driven innovation matters more than ever – The convergence of gaming, AI, and medicine, and what it means for the next generation – Simple but powerful leadership truths: stop talking, start listening, and let your team lead

Whether you’re a leader navigating transition, a parent raising the next generation of innovators, or someone seeking practical wisdom on leadership and resilience, this conversation delivers real stories and actionable insights.

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