Jan. 14, 2026

From Fighter Pilot to Leadership Coach: Identity, Discipline, and Building a Life That Fits | Lorin Jeppsen

From Fighter Pilot to Leadership Coach: Identity, Discipline, and Building a Life That Fits | Lorin Jeppsen

In this episode, Lorin Jeppsen shares an unfiltered conversation about identity, leadership, discipline, and what it really means to live authentically. From being adopted and growing up in Utah, to flying B-52s in the U.S. Air Force, to transitioning into leadership consulting and personal development work, Lorin reflects on the moments that shaped who he is today.

This conversation explores the long road from military structure to self-led growth — including lessons from aviation, special warfare, faith, failure, curiosity, and passion. Lorin opens up about hyper-focus, masculinity, discipline, motorcycles, risk, purpose, and how childhood passions often point directly toward adult fulfillment.

Rather than offering surface-level motivation, this episode dives into real experiences: learning through discomfort, choosing responsibility over victimhood, and redefining success outside of titles or expectations.

If you’re interested in leadership development, military transition, identity, mindset, personal growth, or building a life aligned with who you actually are — this episode will resonate deeply.

Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction & setting the tone
Authenticity, open conversation, and why nothing is off-limits.

02:30 — Leadership, coaching, and current work
How Lorin approaches leadership consulting and personal development.

06:30 — AI, technology, and curiosity
Using tools to build, learn, and simplify creative work.

09:00 — Military roots & long-term relationships
How shared experiences shape lifelong connections.

12:45 — Flying, special warfare & discipline
What military training teaches about responsibility and performance.

18:00 — Hyper-focus, passion & identity
Why childhood interests often reveal lifelong purpose.

23:00 — Motorcycles, risk & freedom
The balance between passion, danger, and intentional living.

30:15 — Adoption, family & growing up different
Identity, belonging, and being raised without a victim mindset.

36:00 — Responsibility, mindset & resilience
Why ownership matters more than labels or excuses.

42:30 — Redefining leadership beyond titles
What real leadership looks like in everyday life.

48:00 — Final reflections & life alignment
Choosing growth, curiosity, and intentional direction.


If You Like These Podcasts, You’ll Enjoy This Episode

  • The Shawn Ryan Show

  • The Diary of a CEO

  • Lex Fridman Podcast

  • Jocko Podcast

  • The Tim Ferriss Show

Tags:

leadership, personal development, identity, military transition, air force pilot, b52 bomber, discipline, mindset, masculinity, self leadership, coaching, mental toughness, resilience, adoption stories, purpose driven life, authenticity, growth mindset, life after military, leadership coaching, personal growth podcast