Lessons from the Admiral

Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders

As the aide for a navy admiral more than thirty years ago, Mark C. Fava learned valuable lessons that were formative in his development as a successful and thoughtful leader. Now a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace company and a career aviation lawyer, Mark is sharing his wisdom in this entertaining and insightful behind-the-scenes look at the successes and failures of a young naval flight officer working every day for the Admiral and how the Admiral reacted as a great leader.

Mark’s stories will inspire you to unlock your leadership potential by applying lessons that will drive your leadership journey forward. An insightful guide for mid-career managers, early career lawyers, and junior military officers who aspire to be promoted, this book is also a fun read for all military veterans who cherished their time in uniform. The lessons Mark shares have timeless value. They are just as meaningful today as they were over thirty years ago and have been the keys to Mark’s promotions in both the military and the legal profession throughout his career.

Learning by observing both good and bad leaders is a solid strategy for professional development. The knowledge and insights you gain become part of your leadership fabric, and the observations shape you into the impactful leader you aspire to be. Putting the knowledge you gain from this book into practice will make you stand out among your peers as a high performer. You will gain an understanding of how executives think and what they appreciate. You will be humble, organized, and thoughtful—and you will be identified as an emerging leader.

Add to cart to preorder your copy today!
$24.95
ISBN: 979-8-89138-217-6
Imprint: Amplify Publishing
SKU: 18-1271-01
Categories:Amplify Publishing, Leadership and Management, Inspiration and Personal Success

“Born to lead, Navy Captain Mark Fava learned leadership as a twenty-seven-year-old admiral’s aide, the ‘best of the best.’ A superb officer and a true gentleman, Mark was the loop who wore the gold-and-blue braided aiguillette, whose job was to know his boss’s every thought and word, and to anticipate his every decision and move. Now, in his first book, he passes on the wisdom of the leaders who taught him how to lead over his thirty years in the Navy Reserve, law practice, and business. Commit the leadership wisdom in this book to memory. Practice it every day as you rise in the ranks, and someday, you, too, will lead others, whatever your walk of life.”

—J. Michael Luttig, former US Court of Appeals judge

“From commanding a Navy P-3 squadron to the corporate C-suite, Mark Fava has lived and breathed leadership. Whether you are a leader or a follower aspiring to be a leader, this book is for you! An inspiring and entertaining story based on the bond of trust between an admiral and his aide, Fava’s Lessons from the Admiral provides powerful insight. Read this book, and you will lead better!”

—Luke M. McCollum, Vice Admiral (ret.), US Navy, 14th Chief of Navy Reserve

“An insightful and enjoyable read with artful storytelling. At numerous points in the book, I found myself thinking, Man, I wish I had known that sooner. Practice these lessons, and your path to success will be much smoother.”

—Greg Riggs, Executive Coach and former Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Delta Air Lines

“In Lessons from the Admiral, Mark Fava gives us timeless lessons that are as applicable to a new employee or middle manager as they are to a senior executive: know your boss, listen to all stakeholders, be prepared, and serve with a purpose.”

—Hank Molinengo, Rear Admiral, JAGC, USN (Ret.) and former Senior Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs, The George Washington University Law School

“You don’t have to be a lawyer, aviator, or veteran to enjoy this book. A masterful and entertaining storyteller, Mark Fava gives us ageless wisdom and a road map to success in Lessons from the Admiral. A must-read for current leaders and aspiring leaders alike.”

—Josh Linkner, five-time tech entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, and venture capitalist

“In Lessons from the Admiral, Mark Fava reflects on his real-life learnings while serving in a demanding and high-pressure position, yielding practical lessons that paved the way for him to become a successful military officer and high-level attorney. It’s an entertaining read, chock-full of great leadership advice.”

—Honorable Robert L. Sumwalt, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board (2017-2021)

Mark C. Fava

Aviation Lawyer, Keynote Speaker, and Veteran Naval Flight Officer

Mark C. Fava is a career aviation lawyer and retired naval flight officer. He is a prolific writer and entertaining speaker. Mark retired from the US Navy as a captain having commanded three units, including an aviation

squadron. He has been a law firm partner and a corporate executive lawyer. He has written numerous articles, including “What I Learned from the Judge” in the SC Lawyer and “Steering Through a Crisis: Lawyers as Leaders” in The Washington Lawyer. As a law school adjunct professor, he has also taught aviation law and legal writing.

Mark was the chief operations attorney at Delta Air Lines on 9/11 and spent years in the navy’s P-3 Orion chasing Soviet submarines. He has practiced law for more than thirty years and is currently a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace company.

He lives in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and three daughters. When not working, reading, or writing, Mark enjoys life in the low country and appreciates a cold glass of sweet tea in the summer and a good oyster roast in the fall.

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