Dave Nordel is a retired United States Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant with over 30 years of service; Dave is the recipient of a Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit, our nation’s 6th highest military decoration. After leaving home at 19 to join the Air Force and ascended through the enlisted ranks to culminate as the senior enlisted leader for all nuclear missile forces in the United States.

He is the author of the international best-selling books Giving Back – Life and Leadership from the Farm to the Combat Zone and Beyond and

When the Cows Lie Down – Why people quit you – their Leader

Now, Dave is the founder of Max Fab Consulting providing keynote leadership, organizational Growth, and strategic guidance, and he is actively involved in using his journey with PTSD and moral injury to help transitioning veterans and other victims of Trauma deal with the condition in a healthy manner.

Dave and I discuss: 

– Leadership lessons on the farm 

– Learning to navigate high performance environments

– The value of introverts in leadership

– Why empathy is a superpower for leaders

Most Recent Episodes

August 14, 2024 Mature Content

EP54: Always an Athlete w/ Kelsey Gannett

Kelsey Gannett is an educator and the founder of The Retired Athlete Coach, a company that seeks to hold space for all retired athletes after they leave their athletic organizations.   We dive deep...

Listen · 56:23

August 7, 2024 Mature Content

EP53: Exploring the Edge of Elite w/ Matt Nein

In his 20th year as the Assistant Athletic Director and Coordinator of Sports Performance at Salisbury University, Matt oversees the training programs of 21 varsity teams During his tenure, Matt has...

Listen · 1:01:36

July 31, 2024 Mature Content

EP52: A Life of Iron w/ Ryan Nosak

Ryan Nosak has lived a life that is anything but ordinary. After finding his passion for strength training, he spent 10 years in collegiate strength and conditioning at the highest levels including...

Listen · 1:12:35

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David Kitchen Founder / President of Edge Leadership Academy

Coach Kitch is the Founder and President of Edge Leadership Academy. He is a former Division 1 Coach, and a PhD Candidate with a master's degree in sport psychology, who has a decade of experience building leaders, culture, and mindset at the highest levels of sports and business. He is the author of The Pyramid: A System for Building Tomorrow's Leaders Today, and The Scoreboard: A Self-Audit System to Help You Build the Life You Want. As a speaker, consultant, and coach, Coach Kitch is trusted by 100+ CEO's, coaches, and high performers to help them lead and win in business, athletics, and life.