“No Pressure…But Don’t Mess This Up” from author Gabriel Avilla is his personal take on leadership after successfully serving twice as an Air Force squadron commander. Gabriel shares his thoughts and insights on how to approach the arc of a tour as a squadron commander based on my own experiences, failures, and successes. Rising Air Force leaders will be motivated to serve as authentic leaders that are needed in the most influential position that few will experience. “No Pressure…But Don’t Mess This Up” will teach you to not be another cog in the machine and be the leader that you’ve always wanted to follow.
What People Are Saying
“Avilla shines in this book that gets at the heart of leading organizations. His straightforward prose, unique candor, and willingness to speak with true transparency are a bright spot in the leadership genre. For the military member, Avilla’s perspectives apply to all applications of leadership and echelons of command. From the fighting position to the command center and from the cubicle to the board room, we can all garner value from his insights.”
– Dr. James Coughlin, Colonel, U.S. Air Force
“Gabriel composed a desktop/bookshelf essential for future and current military leaders. A must-have reference for commanding and inspiring today’s and tomorrow’s leaders.”
– Christopher “Matcha” Little, Captain, U.S. Air Force
“Insightful, comprehensive, and powerful. A must-read for anyone preparing to be a military commander. But the real impact of this book is that it transcends the command experience and provides practical lessons for anyone assuming a leadership position in virtually any walk of life.”
– Glen Genove, Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Retired)
“Brave, benevolent, and BADASS! A REAL reflection of the challenges both internally and externally while exploring how to lead and never lose focus of who you are. This a true depiction of how culture eats strategy any day!
– Dave Anthony, Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force (Retired)
“FINALLY, we have a guide for commanding squadrons in the 21st century! Sound advice you need but won’t find in Air Force publications…with leadership development for any arena!
– Nate Zahn, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, and 3x Squadron Commander
“I enjoyed every chapter of your book. You presented management insights that go far beyond the military. I try to use examples in my business relations. You are very whose and compassionate dealing with people and their own self-worth.”
– Val Stasik, the best mother-in-law in the world
“Are you a robotic or genuine leader? This book guides you to be an authentic and effective leader. I had the privilege to serve with (then) Lieutenant Colonel Avilla, and now serving in different levels of command, I still get to learn and apply his leadership concepts, anytime and anywhere!”
– Ron Esposo, Master Sergeant, U.S. Space Force
“Brutally honest and methodically illuminating! Gabe forces you to think about one of the most important positions in the Service today, and I found it impossible not to put the book down after a few pages and just reflect. Gabe breaks the mold on “how-to” books on leadership and command in the military, and his words will not only prepare you to command but also prepare you to think about yourself as a leader and commander.”
– Dr. Robert H. Lass, Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Retired)
“Learn from experience! This book is a mentor to officers taking command and an insight to others. Feels like I have a direct line to Gabe as my mentor!”
– Richard Higashi, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force