The Constant Elevation Podcast is for leaders who aren’t waiting for the future, we are defining the future. Join Gabriel “gaberock” Avilla on his journey through the Air Force, fitness, family, and everything in between to inspire you to rise to your full potential.
Leadership and Legacy: How will you be remembered?
“There is no time like the present to start being the person you want to be remembered as.” In this episode, I share my parting thoughts as I wind down my recent tour at JFHQ-DODIN. This tour has taught me many things and helped me grow tremendously as a leader, and I hope that my work has left a similar positive impact on others that will remain even after I leave. Serving as an example of the leader I want to be and follow will continue to be a driving factor for me as I continue my path in this life.
The Role of a Coach = The Role of a Leader
“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” In this episode, I draw my comparisons to being an effective coach in the gym to being an effective leader in the workplace. I am grateful to currently serve in both of these capacities, so I try to use the same tools and techniques in both roles to improve the performance of those I am fortunate enough to lead.
Leading with Aloha
“E Aloha Kekahi I Kekahi (love one another).” In this episode, I share how my childhood in Hawai’i shaped my style of leadership and how I try to conduct myself professionally and personally. Let’s close out this year’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month strong…IMUA! #AAPIHM
JustDoBetter – Returning from Leave
“It’s only a ton of email if you read them all.” In this episode, I share my strategy for how I return from leave with maximum efficiency. I’ve fine-tuned this approach to maximize my time and maximize the time of others so we can get back to work and #JustDoBetter.
The Two Little Books that Could
“I think I can…I think I can…I know I can.” In this episode, I share some highlights from the recently updated “Air Force little blue and brown books.” These foundational publications are a must-read for every Airman, as they provide us insight into how we must hold ourselves and each other accountable to defined principles within the Profession of Arms.
Shoot, Move, COMMUNICATE and other top quotes from 2022 AFCEA TWICS
“I don’t care about organization charts, I care about the unity of effort.” In this episode, I cover some of the top quotes I heard while attending the 2022 AFCEA Tidewater Integrated Combat Symposium in Hampton, Virginia. I had a great time hearing from great leaders on what the Air Force needs from the cyberspace operations and information warfare community, and I’m excited for my next chapter in Air Combat Command.
My recent 360-degree feedback as a Coach
“The coach discovers his or her humanness and humanity while being a clearing for others to do so.” In this episode, I share some of the 360-degree feedback I asked for from the athletes I am fortunate to coach. Seeking improvement is a hallmark of a great coach, and sometimes the best feedback comes from the ones that depend on you.
Don’t talk about it, be about it
“It’s like a finger pointing to the moon. Don’t focus your eyes on the finger or you will all of the heavenly glory.” In this episode, I share my thoughts on mentally labeling yourself as a leader and following through with actions that match that label. By creating a mental image of who you want to be, it will become easier for that image to manifest itself in reality.
Mentorship: Learning from someone
who wants you to grow
“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” In this episode, I share my thoughts on how a good mentor hopes you move on, but a great mentor knows you will. If you are fortunate enough to serve in a mentorship position, listen to my advice on what you need to do to ensure you elevate leaders to higher positions from where you met them.
Bureaucracy: The Killer of Initiative
“Bureaucracy is the art of making possible impossible.” In this episode, I share my frustrating thoughts on how I see bureaucracy killing initiative within organizations. Leaders will no doubt encounter these obstacles, and it is their responsibility to rise above them and lead themselves and their teams to greater accomplishments.
Want to Win? Focus and Finish
“You get what you focus on, so focus on what you want.” In this episode, I share my thoughts on two elements that every leader must master to win: Focus and Finish. They may seem simple at first, but if you don’t understand their importance, you may lead yourself or your team to disaster.
Advice for Colonels applicable to all leaders
“Wisdom is better than silver and gold.” In this episode, I share the top seven takeaways I learned from my recent “new O6/Colonel orientation.” Many leadership lessons were shared, but certain themes and topics apply to a broader range of leaders who can take advantage of this wisdom at their current level to drive positive impact and better team effectiveness.
Two simple ways to nail that high-stakes discussion
“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months, and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.” In this episode, I share my approach to the mindset needed to prepare for any high-stakes discussion. Whether it be a high-level, senior leader decision brief or a one-on-one, personal discussion with your supervisor, these two simple ways will help keep you focused and emerge victoriously.
Reputation vs Character: Which do you value more?
“Reputation is what people think of you, Character is what you are.” In this episode, I share my thoughts on me dealing with the duality of how others perceive me and how I want to maintain my own identity. Ultimately we all will have to live with the decisions we make, so which one do you prioritize: the thoughts of others or your own?
Positive Energy Activates CONSTANT ELEVATION
Welcome back Season 5 of Constant Elevation with Gabriel “gaberock” Avilla, the show for rising military and community leaders that seek to define the future. In this episode, I share a brief summary of what has happened since the end of Season 4 and why I decided to return.
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