Keynote speaker, author, and decorated combat fighter pilot Jeff "Bones" Bonner inspires professionals and teams to use the high-performance habit of debrief to be better tomorrow.
Keynotes and workshops
Speeches AND Trainings that build the habit of daily improvement
Jeff Bonner's keynotes and workshops inspire high-performing professionals to be better tomorrow using the G.R.E.A.T. Daily Debrief Model.
keynotes
1
The Daily Debrief: Debrief Like a Fighter Pilot, Perform Like a Champion
In this signature keynote, Jeff “Bones” Bonner—The Debrief Expert and author of “The Daily Debrief”—shares the core strategies elite fighter pilots use to drive performance and improvement day after day. Drawing from his high-stakes aviation experience and Harvard research, Jeff introduces his transformative, five-step daily debrief model structured around the acronym G.R.E.A.T.: Gratitude: Begin with appreciation for achievements and efforts, setting a positive and resilient mindset. Review Goals: Revisit your objectives to measure progress and sharpen focus. Evaluate: Honestly assess what worked, what didn’t, and where there are opportunities for growth. Anticipate: Look ahead to upcoming challenges and prepare proactively. Time for Lessons Learned: Capture actionable insights to ensure continuous improvement. Filled with real-world stories and practical exercises, Jeff reveals how this daily ritual can turn ordinary experiences into extraordinary results for teams and individuals at every level. Audience Takeaways A clear, repeatable five-step framework to transform daily routines and accelerate progress. Three techniques to foster a culture of gratitude, resilience, and shared accountability. Two tools for effective self-reflection and growth after every challenge and success. Two strategies to anticipate and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities and obstacles. A habit that help individuals and teams capture lessons learned and sustain high performance. This keynote equips your audience to debrief like fighter pilots and perform like champions—one day at a time.
2
Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit: The Debrief Advantage for High-Performance Leaders
Step into the flight deck with Jeff “Bones” Bonner and discover what separates good leaders from great ones when the stakes are sky-high. In this high-energy keynote, Jeff draws on his experience as a fighter pilot, squadron commander, airline captain, and Harvard graduate to reveal how the principles of cockpit debriefing elevate leadership to new heights. Through riveting stories and practical frameworks straight from high-pressure aviation environments, Jeff demonstrates how the debrief process is the essential advantage for leaders who want to drive results, boost accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Audience Takeaways Two core debrief strategies that high-stakes leaders use for rapid growth and course corrections. How to cultivate a feedback-rich culture that drives consistent improvement and innovation. Three frameworks for decision-making, clear communication, and resilient leadership—even under pressure. Two practical methods to enhance team trust, alignment, and performance through effective debriefing. Inspiration and action steps for transforming lessons learned into winning results every day. This keynote is an essential experience for leaders and organizations striving for high performance, greater influence, and a lasting competitive edge.
3
Better Tomorrow Through Debrief: The Flight Path to Peak Performance
In this high-impact keynote, Jeff “Bones” Bonner—The Debrief Expert—guides audiences on a transformative journey to achieve their highest potential. Drawing on decades of experience as a fighter pilot, squadron commander, airline captain, and Harvard-trained performance leader, Jeff reveals how the power of debriefing can become your organization’s competitive advantage. Through captivating stories from the cockpit and high-stakes missions, Jeff shares his proven five-step daily debrief model, demonstrating how continuous feedback, learning, and adaptation are the keys to unlocking peak performance. Attendees will walk away equipped with actionable tools to foster a culture of accountability, accelerate personal and team growth, and consistently create “better tomorrows.” **Audience Takeaways:** A step-by-step process for implementing high-impact daily debriefs in any environment. 3 techniques to identify and close performance gaps with clarity and confidence. 2 strategies for building a culture of open communication, learning, and accountability. 4 tools to turn everyday challenges and setbacks into opportunities for improvement. Inspiration and habits that drive lasting performance gains—for themselves and their teams. This keynote is designed for organizations, leaders, and teams ready to chart their flight path to excellence and achieve results that endure.
WORKSHOPS
1
The Daily Debrief for
Onboarding
In today’s fast-paced work environment, new hires often face overwhelming challenges as they strive to acclimate and excel in their roles. Many organizations lack structured processes to facilitate continuous improvement during the onboarding phase, leading to missed opportunities for growth and diminished employee engagement. This workshop addresses these challenges by introducing the 5-step aviation-inspired Daily Debrief model, providing participants with a proven framework for fostering a culture of daily improvement. Led by former fighter pilot and airline captain Jeff "Bones" Bonner, attendees will immerse themselves in The Daily Debrief Model, designed to enhance both personal and professional success during the critical new hire phase. Participants will learn how to systematically reflect on their daily experiences, identify areas for growth, and implement actionable strategies that promote continuous development. By the end of this workshop, participants will be transformed from passive new hires into proactive contributors, equipped with the tools to thrive in their roles and instigate change within their teams. **Learning Objectives:** 1. Understand and apply the 5-step Daily Debrief Model to facilitate daily reflection and continuous improvement in the onboarding process. 2. Identify and overcome common onboarding challenges by leveraging a structured debriefing approach to enhance personal accountability and team collaboration. 3. Develop personalized action plans that integrate the Daily Debrief methodology, enabling new hires to foster a culture of continuous improvement within their organization.
2
The Daily Debrief for Mid-Level Leaders
In today's fast-paced business environment, mid-level leaders often face the challenge of fostering a culture of continuous improvement amid competing priorities and operational demands. The inability to consistently reflect on daily performance and integrate lessons learned can hinder both personal growth and team success. This workshop offers a transformative solution to this problem through the aviation-inspired 5-step Daily Debrief model, developed by former fighter pilot and airline captain Jeff "Bones" Bonner. Participants will engage in an immersive experience that highlights the importance of structured reflection and feedback in leadership. By applying the G.R.E.A.T. Daily Debrief Model, attendees will develop the critical habit of daily improvement, equipping them with the tools necessary to lead their teams more effectively and cultivate a high-performance culture. **Learning Objectives:** 1. Understand and implement the 5-step G.R.E.A.T. Daily Debrief Model to facilitate structured reflection and performance enhancement. 2. Develop actionable strategies to foster a culture of open communication and feedback within teams, resulting in enhanced collaboration and morale. 3. Apply techniques for personal and professional growth through the lens of daily improvement, enabling leaders to achieve sustained success and resilience in their roles. Join Jeff for this opportunity to redefine your leadership approach and inspire your teams to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement, ultimately leading to collective success!
3
The Daily Debrief for
Executives
In the fast-paced corporate landscape, executives often grapple with the pressure of continuous performance enhancement while simultaneously navigating complex decision-making environments. Traditional strategies may fall short in fostering the sustained growth and adaptability needed to thrive. This workshop addresses the critical need for a structured approach to daily reflection and improvement, empowering leaders to transform their operations and personal performance. Join former fighter pilot and airline captain Jeff "Bones" Bonner for an immersive experience into the 5-step G.R.E.A.T. Daily Debrief Model, an aviation-inspired framework designed to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. Participants will learn how to implement rigorous debriefing practices that have proven effective in high-stakes environments, enabling them to systematically evaluate daily performances and make incremental enhancements. By the end of this workshop, attendees will experience a transformation in how they approach leadership and daily challenges. They will cultivate a mindset of growth and accountability that not only impacts their leadership style but also resonates throughout their organizations. **Learning Objectives:** 1. **Master the G.R.E.A.T. Model:** Participants will learn the detailed application of the 5-step G.R.E.A.T. Daily Debrief Model, gaining practical tools to analyze daily operations and lead successful team debriefs. 2. **Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement:** Attendees will discover techniques to instill a mindset of daily improvement within their teams, creating an environment where feedback is embraced and motivation is heightened. 3. **Enhance Decision-Making:** By engaging in the debriefing process, executives will sharpen their decision-making skills, allowing them to respond more effectively to challenges and drive strategic outcomes. Join Jeff "Bones" Bonner to revolutionize your approach to leadership and create a sustainable culture of improvement that drives lasting success!
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THE BONNER FOUNDATION
The Bonner Foundation is dedicated to developing the next generation of veteran leaders who embody the principle of service before self.
By supporting veterans at colleges and universities across the United States, the foundation aims to equip these student leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
The foundation believes that veteran leadership is crucial to addressing the most pressing challenges facing America today. With the support of The Bonner Foundation, these veterans are empowered to lead effectively and create a better future for all.
A portion of all proceeds from The Daily Debrief support The Bonner Foundation.
About Jeff "Bones" Bonner
Jeff “Bones” Bonner delivers captivating keynote experiences that empower leaders, teams, and athletes to achieve lasting, high-impact performance improvements. By translating proven, combat-tested debrief strategies into actionable tools, Jeff helps organizations and individuals “be better tomorrow” and drive consistent excellence in business, sports, and life.
Known as The Debrief Expert, Jeff is a former combat fighter pilot and squadron commander, airline captain, Harvard graduate, and author of “The Daily Debrief.” His extensive experience leading teams as a Marine Corps and Air Force fighter pilot, combat veteran, and squadron commander has shaped his unique and compelling message. As an airline captain at one of the world’s largest airlines, Jeff brings a relentless focus on performance, safety, and continuous improvement.
During his postgraduate studies at Harvard University, he developed the five-step daily debrief model—a practical framework now embraced by audiences and organizations seeking winning results. An internationally recognized speaker, Jeff Bonner inspires and equips audiences to transform lessons from high-stakes environments into real-world success, ensuring every event delivers both inspiration and actionable takeaways.
3 Steps to Lead and Win with the daily debrief
Step 1: The Discovery Call
Let's connect to discuss how we can partner to develop a custom program for your organization.
Step 2: The Keynote
A tailored keynote speech that will empower your audience to use aviation's habit of daily improvement to lead and win.
Step 3: The Workshop
Develop high-performing leaders and teams by building a culture of daily improvement.
CONNECT WITH JEFF
