Mastermind: Leading Precision Teams with Commander Justin ‘Astro’ Elliott of the USAF Thunderbirds

In this episode, Lt. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott, ex-Thunderbirds commander and central figure in the recent Netflix documentary, shares what it takes to lead when the stakes are sky-high. From flying F16 fighter jets just inches apart at over 600 mph to developing resilient, high-trust teams, Justin breaks down the core principles that drive elite performance: purpose, accountability, and the refusal to settle for “good enough.”

He shares with Jeremy how top performers combat complacency, take intelligent risks, and maintain excellence under pressure. We also hear about the concept of ‘blind trust’ which allows each crew member to commit 100% to their skills. If you’re a leader facing complexity or building a culture of ownership and continuous improvement, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about Sporting Edge’s Winning Mindset for Leaders Programme here Winning Mindset for Leaders Programme - Sporting Edge

Links mentioned in the episode:

Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds (2025)

Connect with Jeremy

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LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysnape/ 

Website https://www.sportingedge.com/