Being a good leader isn't easy, but it's simple.

Show them you care. Every day, in every way.

Meet J.J.
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Bates

Become a R.A.R.E. Leader

Respected. Accountable. Revered. Empathetic.

For three decades in the Navy, I led large organizations to overcome challenges and achieve success in the high stress world of aircraft carrier and fighter aviation. I can help you:

  1. Earn RESPECT. Build a versatile team who works with, not for, senior leadership.
  2. Embrace ACCOUNTABILITY. Create a healthy, confident workplace culture.
  3. Be REVERED. Show genuine appreciation and leave a lasting legacy.
  4.  Show EMPATHY. Earn trust to improve client confidence and team performance.

Services

John Cummings Keynote speaker

Keynote Speaking

My keynote presentations translate leadership stories from 32 years in the Navy into understandable corporate leadership lessons. The presentation will be designed to address your needs, and my lively and passionate speaking style will leave a memorable impact.

John Cummings giving a presentation

Interactive Leadership Seminars

Take the time to train your leadership team by engaging in interactive seminars.

John Cummings keynote speaker showing an aircraft carrier

Mentoring/Advising

Every leader needs someone to listen and provide unbiased, honest feedback. You’ve heard plenty about “what” it takes to be a good leader, and that’s the easy part. Let’s have a discussion about your “how.” I will offer a different perspective and provide actionable steps.

About J.J. Cummings

Responsible for what the Navy Times called the “Miracle Makeover” of the aircraft carrier USS GERALD R. FORD, J.J. has led thousands of men and women in high stress, “no-fail” environments.

His leadership approach helped his teams succeed and accomplish challenging missions in the unforgiving world of aircraft carrier and fighter aviation.

J.J., a former Navy fighter pilot, was the Commanding Officer of the most technologically advanced vessel in the world, the nuclear-powered USS GERALD R. FORD.

He was also Executive Officer of the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ, Commanding Officer of the amphibious assault ship USS ANCHORAGE, and Commanding Officer of an FA-18F Super Hornet squadron.

He was the first Technical Advisor for the 2022 film, TOPGUN Maverick.

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Prior to assuming command positions, J.J. was an F-14 Tomcat instructor pilot, a TOPGUN graduate, and successfully completed the prestigious Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program.

He completed multiple overseas aircraft carrier deployments, logged 3,900 hours and 740 aircraft carrier landings in fighter aircraft and has 137 combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. He holds a B.A. in Physics, an M.S. in Education and an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Meet J.J.

Thought Leadership

The Gouge Cover Photo v2
Don’t Wait for the “Solution Fairy”

THE SITUATION During my time as Captain of the USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78), I faced an unforgettable leadership challenge. One of our departments, with about 100 mostly junior Sailors, had a vacancy in one of their three senior leadership positions. The Navy’s Bureau of Personnel (BUPERS)

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The Gouge Cover Photo v2
Trust Them to Drive It Like They Stole It

THE SITUATION ON USS ANCHORAGE (LPD 23) One night, while on deployment off the coast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden, as I left the bridge to get some rest, I gave these instructions to the watch team of three young officers and five Sailors: “Keep us

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The Gouge Cover Photo v2
During a crisis, “sit on your hands”

THE SITUATION Twenty-six years ago, on a clear Spring afternoon, an F-14 Tomcat took off from a USMC air base in North Carolina. Within seconds after takeoff, the aircrew knew something was wrong with their engines when the jet struggled to climb. After a glance at the engine

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Keynote Speaking

J.J. is committed to improving leaders around the world by sharing the experience gained after 32 years of service in the Navy.

His “sea stories” from leading large sea-going organizations and flying high performance fighter aircraft will leave a lasting impression on the audience, expand their leadership skillset, and increase their confidence.

Testimonials
I had the pleasure of attending JJ’s keynote speech at Klarman Hall, and it was one of the more memorable presentations I have seen in my 15 years at Harvard Business School.
JJ did a fantastic job presenting relatable and usable leadership principles that were backed by several amazing sea stories from his years of flying fighters and commanding Navy warships. He also used the right amount of humor to keep the audience engaged and entertained.
If you want a thought-provoking, memorable, and powerful keynote, I encourage you to give JJ a call. After hearing him speak, your team will have the tools they need to be stronger and more empathetic leaders.
Matthew C. WeinzierlSenior Associate Dean, Chair, MBA Program Harvard Business School
From the outset, J.J. seamlessly wove a narrative that blended the principles of leadership, his invaluable insights from the Navy, and a generous dose of humor that left the audience both enlightened and entertained. His ability to draw parallels between the disciplined world of the Navy and the dynamic challenges of leadership in various contexts was spot on.
Mike KriegermeierSenior Vice-President, American Engraving
JJ spoke at our annual Wealth Management Forum and was one of the most memorable speakers we’ve had. Many of our leadership team referenced his leadership principles throughout the following weeks. His amazing leadership stories, sense of humor, and ability to connect with the audience were unmatched. He had an audience of 700 people so emotionally engaged and focused that I could hear a pin drop. One of his stories was so moving and powerful that several members of our leadership team were almost brought to tears. If you want a memorable and impactful speaker for your conference, then you want JJ
Ed ForstCEO and President of Lincoln Investment Companies
J.J. Cummings was an incredible speaker at our company wide event. His authenticity and powerful storytelling captivated the audience and left a lasting impact. His stories were inspiring and truly showcased his unique approach to leadership and communication. Our team left feeling motivated and inspired to bring positive change to our organization and their personal lives.
John Orlando
John OrlandoPresident, Financial Security Advisory, Inc
J.J. led our senior leadership team on a journey that was the highlight of our annual offsite. His authenticity and amazing stories on leadership captivated our team for the entire session. It was the first time in 15 years an invited speaker received a standing ovation and it was the by far the most talked about session. I recommend JJ without hesitation.
Matt Schecter
Matt SchecterFounder and CEO, The Lockwood Group
“I’ll never forget the time I told you about my pay issues where I wasn’t getting paid for housing for four months, and I was in a dead lock with Personnel on the ship and battling with them everyday. And then you got on your radio right then and there and basically got that solved in a matter of minutes. From the hangar bay. With a walkie-talkie. I wish leaders like you were the rule, not the exception.”
John Waggle
John WaggleFormer Nuclear Trained Machinist Mate, USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
"As one who has been on the receiving end of Yank’s leadership… 1000% yes. And I know for a fact I wouldn’t be where I am today without his style and approach to leadership. Thank you will never be enough, Yank."
Sean Blackman
Sean BlackmanCEO and Co-Founder nooks LLC