Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Jeff

International Airline Pilot, Founder of Target Leadership, Author, USAF Fighter Pilot

Jeff "Odie" Espenship Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

International Airline Pilot, Founder of Target Leadership, Author, USAF Fighter Pilot

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Jeff
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000

Travels From:
ATL - Atlanta, GA

Primary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management

Secondary Topic Category:
Military

 

Jeff "Odie" Espenship Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Jeff became a USAF fighter pilot flying the venerable A-10 Thunderbolt, also known as the “Warthog”. He was stationed with the 18th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Eielson AFB in Fairbanks, Alaska. While there, he qualified as one of the youngest 4-ship flight leaders in the entire squadron. He served as an instructor and was also combat search and rescue qualified. He won numerous Top Gun awards for air-to-ground bombing and gunnery. Due to Jeff’s outgoing, personable, always smiling, eager to please personality, his squadron mates quickly gave him his callsign “Odie” aptly named after the popular cartoon Garfield’s sidekick.

Jeff "Odie" Espenship is a dynamic keynote speaker known for his compelling storytelling and impactful message delivery. His journey began in Griffin, Georgia, which laid the foundational values and principles that have driven his remarkable career. From an early age, Jeff was fascinated by aviation, setting his sights on flying as a lifelong ambition. This passion propelled him to the Air Force Academy, where he honed his skills and leadership qualities, eventually becoming an accomplished A-10 combat fighter pilot. Espenship’s military experience is both impressive and instructive. During his service, he flew numerous missions and acquired invaluable experience that shaped his perspective on teamwork, leadership, and safety. These lessons have become the pillars of his speaking engagements, where he emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, discipline, and perseverance. After serving with distinction, Jeff transitioned to a successful commercial airline career. His practical insights from thousands of hours of flying translate powerfully into his presentations, offering audiences a unique blend of technical expertise and personal growth. Beyond the skies, Jeff's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Target Leadership, a company dedicated to improving safety and leadership within organizations. His expertise has been sought after by Fortune 500 companies and diverse organizations eager to implement his strategies for achieving excellence. Known for his engaging storytelling ability, Jeff uses real-life anecdotes to connect with his audiences, making complex concepts relatable and actionable. Through his work, Jeff "Odie" Espenship continues to inspire individuals and teams to strive for higher standards. His approach, rooted in real-world experience, offers a refreshing perspective in a world craving authentic leadership and effective communication. Whether he's speaking to executives or front-line employees, Jeff’s enthusiasm and passion for his subject matter are unmistakable, leaving a lasting impression on those who hear him.
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