Founder Mode Episode 38 - From Flight Deck to Front Line with Max Trescott

Welcome back to Founder Mode!

In this episode, we recorded from the sky. Literally. Jason and I took a Vision Jet to Monterey. We brought aviation legend Max Trescott with us. Max has over 12,000 flight hours. He shared what flying teaches about leadership, stress, structure, and focus.

Turns out, the cockpit has a lot to say about building startups.

Let’s get into it.

Startup Life Needs Checklists

Pilots don’t wing it. They use checklists every single time. Same steps. Same sequence. Why? Even experienced flyers forget things. Stress can make this happen.

Startups are no different. Founders juggle 100 things. A checklist turns chaos into order.

As I said on the flight:

“We’re constantly working through these checklists… It’s the same list every time, even after hundreds of hours.”

Startups run smoother when you build systems like this.

Don’t Try to Cram Skill

A big lesson from flying: you can’t rush real learning.

Founders often want to cram a product launch, marketing push, or raise into a tight window. But you don’t get good by going fast. You get good by showing up consistently.

“The goal is to get proficient, not to hit a date.”

Same in business. Take the time to master your craft.

Train for Emergencies Before They Happen

Pilots don’t wait for something to go wrong to learn what to do. They practice emergencies. They check protocols. They keep skills sharp.

Startup founders should do the same. What if your server goes down? Your co-founder quits? You get cut off from a key vendor?

Build the playbooks now, not later.

Consistency Beats Intensity

One of the best pieces of advice I share with new pilots also applies to founders:

“If you’re not flying two to three times a week, once a week really isn’t enough.”

In business, momentum matters more than bursts of activity. Don’t just work hard. Work often, and keep improving.

Fly Calm. Build Calm.

Flying clears your head. Business fills it up. But both demand focus.

“This peaceful, quiet moment… Normally I’m thinking about business, but when I’m up here, it’s just calm.”

You need space to think clearly. Whether it’s flying or something else, find your mental reset, and protect it.

My 5 Key Takeaways

Use checklists to handle chaos. They stop mistakes. They also help with decision-making.
Don’t cram, commit. Skill takes time. Repetition builds mastery.
Plan for what breaks. Practice being calm under pressure before it matters.
Train often, not just hard Momentum compounds. Once a week isn’t enough.
Make space to reset. Clarity comes when the noise goes away.

Final Thoughts

Pilots and founders both work in dynamic, high-stakes environments. What worked yesterday may not work today. You have to stay sharp, stay focused, and stay prepared.

As I said in the episode:

“Using checklists and following that methodical way, both in good times and bad, makes all the difference.”

Also… choose the right instructor. It matters.

Just like choosing the right co-founder.

🎧 Listen to Episode 38 here: