Blue Angles Pilot John Foley in a blue collar shirt with his arms held open.

John “Gucci” Foley

John “Gucci” Foley is a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, philanthropist, and top-rated keynote speaker.

Meet John “Gucci” Foley

A Culture of Excellence

The Blue Angels exemplify the pinnacle of excellence. They are a team of the top 0.01% of US military pilots. But excellent individuals don’t make an excellent team. The success of the Blue Angels is driven by their culture. And what if that legendary Blue Angels Culture of Excellence could be replicated and scaled?

John “Gucci” Foley is a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, philanthropist, and top-rated keynote speaker. John inspires audiences to take action and rethink what they believe is possible. He has spoken to some of the top organizations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Merrill Lynch, IBM, and Coca-Cola.

John Foley is available to be booked for corporate and private events. He is also well-known for his keynote and motivational speaking. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to inquire about John Foley’s fees.

Want to book John Foley for an event?

Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at 215-510-6607 to book John Foley for corporate or private events, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances. Our agency will work directly with your organization and our keynote speakers to create an unforgettable event.

The Mollie Plotkin Group is the leading keynote speakers agency and entertainment bureau bringing excitement to audiences, clients, and employees. We represent subject-matter experts in every possible field, so whether we’re your partner in creating a memorable meeting, or your meeting planner’s secret weapon in securing the perfect keynote speaker, we’re in this with you.

Biography

A World-Class Pilot

John “Gucci” Foley was named a “Top Ten Carrier Pilot” six times before leaving his mark as a Marine Instructor pilot and then Lead Solo pilot of the Blue Angels. His expertise even extended to the silver screen where he piloted jets in the iconic film Top Gun.

An expert in the “How?” that drives high-performance teams, “The Guru of Gratitude” will both inspire your audience and leave them with transformational takeaways.

As a Blue Angel, John learned to consistently perform in an extreme, high-stakes environment. Flying at speeds exceeding 500 miles per hour in formations as close as 18 inches apart is a near-impossible task. To survive, he relied on a culture of high trust, leadership, and teamwork.

John employs the intense realities of his aviation career as a metaphor to inspire and breathe life into teams. John Foley’s presentations are highlighted by:

  • An energizing delivery that inspires high performance with a grateful mindset.
  • Awe-inspiring storytelling and electrifying video of the legendary Blue Angels in action.
  • A contagious attitude of gratitude that he calls Glad To Be Here®.
  • A unique approach that equips others to take the same journey toward excellence, teamwork, and transformation.

Philanthropic Endeavors

In addition to his keynote speaking, John founded the Glad To Be Here Foundation in 2011. In fact, he donates 10% of his speaking fees to charities through the foundation. The program has donated over $2 million to 380+ charities and impacted thousands of lives globally including sponsoring 47 children in 47 countries. Above all, this philanthropy is part of John’s mission to connect a shared “purpose larger than self” with every organization he speaks with.

Hire John Foley

After completing his service in the Navy, John studied at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Naval War College, earning multiple degrees and seamlessly integrating the invaluable lessons learned from the Blue Angels into the business realm, he has become a trusted advisor to global business leaders, impacting organizations worldwide.

Since 2015, John “Gucci” Foley has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Most In Demand Speakers. Moreover, John has spoken to organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Intel, BMW, Mercedes Benz, General Electric, Bank of America, IBM, and Coca-Cola. As an innovative leader, best-selling author, and catalyst for organizational growth, John Foley is perfect for every and any organization looking for a keynote speaker.

How to Hire John “Gucci” Foley

Find out how to hire John Foley to appear at your next event. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to inquire about John Foley’s availability and cost. When booking John Foley for an event, we need to know the type of venue and location the event will take place. John Foley is a popular choice for corporate events, private events, and virtual events. So, you can click the Check Availability button or contact us and an MPG John Foley booking agent will get back to you within 48 hours.

John “Gucci” Foley Booking Price

How much to book John Foley depends on the type of event. So, the cost to hire John Foley for corporate or private events is available by contacting a Mollie Plotkin Group Agent. Notably, John Foley is available for conferences, festivals, private parties and events. Just contact the Mollie Plotkin Group and tell the booking agent the proposed date, time, and location.

Contact For Availability

Fill out the form to find out when John “Gucci” Foley is available.

Upcoming Engagements

Our speakers are in high demand! View their upcoming events.

Dec 03 2024

Data & Revenue Management Conference – Keynote Speaker Will Guidara – Destin, FL

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Jan 13 2025

IMSH 2025 – Keynote Speaker Nicole Malachowski – Orlando, FL

Feb 02 - 04 2025

Imaging USA 2025 – Opening Keynote Shola Richards – Dallas, TX

No event found!

Key Audience Takeaways

Elevating Mindset

John “Gucci” Foley’s keynote, Elevating Mindset, directly addresses the challenges many face in today’s fast-paced environment—stress, disconnection, and a lack of engagement.

Through his Glad to Be Here philosophy, John offers a compelling solution beyond mere positivity, diving into gratitude as a form of self-accountability and ownership, even when facing adversity. It’s about acknowledging mistakes, committing to improvement, and fostering a supportive team environment.

This approach builds a resilient culture where gratitude is a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and the betterment of the team as a whole, offering a profound way to strengthen bonds and drive collective success.

Audience will leave empowered with:

  • Techniques to strengthen team bonds through shared gratitude practices.
  • Ways to encourage vulnerability, spur openness, and enhance trust within teams.
  • A blueprint for creating a positive, gratitude-infused organizational culture, leading to increased engagement and productivity.
  • Strategies for maintaining a grateful outlook even in challenging situations, fostering resilience and positive change
  • Understanding of gratitude’s neuroscience and its benefits.
  • Insights on how gratitude fosters a culture of self-accountability and leadership.

 

Creating A Culture of Excellence

John’s Creating a Culture of Excellence keynote transcends the conventional, and channels his elite Blue Angels experience into a beacon of transformation for teams and leaders.

This session isn’t just about listening; it’s an immersive journey into reshaping how we perceive challenges and opportunities, marked by actionable insights for breakthrough growth. Attendees will emerge with a vibrant toolkit for personal and collective innovation, ready to navigate the complexities of their industries with newfound resilience and creativity.

Perfect for forward-thinking leaders, dynamic teams, and organizations poised for transformative success, this keynote promises to be a pivotal moment of inspiration and strategic empowerment.

Audience will leave empowered with:

  • The ability to foster a culture of creativity and innovation.
  • Enhanced team collaboration and communication skills.
  • A toolkit for driving personal and organizational growth.
  • New perspectives on change and innovation.
  • How to shift from limiting to empowering beliefs.
  • Insights on leveraging gratitude within teams.
  • Actionable steps to elevate belief levels for peak performance.

 

High Trust, High Execution

High Trust, High Execution delves into the critical role trust and clear communication play in achieving peak performance, especially under pressure. Drawing from his experiences with the Blue Angels, John illustrates how deep trust and precise communication enable teams to operate with extraordinary precision and reliability.

This session offers a roadmap for cultivating an environment where trust is the foundation. After this keynote, you will empower individuals and teams to execute their tasks flawlessly, even in high-stakes situations, and drive unparalleled success and cohesion in your organization.

While ideal for leaders, managers, and teams across all sectors looking to enhance their performance in high-stakes environments, this keynote is particularly valuable for organizations striving to improve teamwork, communication, and trust within their ranks, ensuring every member operates at their peak with confidence and precision.

Audience will leave empowered with:

  • A deeper understanding of the role of trust in achieving high performance.
  • Tools for fostering a cohesive, supportive team environment.
  • Practical steps for applying Blue Angels’ principles to drive success and teamwork in any organization.
  • Strategies for building unshakeable trust within teams.
  • Techniques for enhancing clear, precise communication.
  • Insights into performing with precision in high-pressure situations.

 

Inspiring Leadership

What is the core of dynamic leadership? How can leaders inspire action and foster an environment of growth and innovation? This presentation guides leaders in creating a transformative impact.

By emphasizing the power of inspiration to motivate and drive progress, commitment to continuous improvement for achieving excellence, and mastering the art of empowering others to unlock their full potential, your organization’s leaders can drive transformative growth.

The keynote offers practical insights into cultivating a leadership style that not only achieves

goals but also inspires your team to rise and meet their highest potential. This presentation is ideal for leaders, managers, and anyone aspiring to make a significant impact through dynamic leadership.

Audience will leave empowered with:

  • Insights into the essence of dynamic leadership.
  • Practical strategies for fostering inspiration within teams.
  • Techniques for continuous personal and professional growth.
  • An understanding of effective communication and influence.
  • Tools for building resilience and adaptability.
  • Methods for creating a positive, impactful leadership legacy.

 

Mastering Teamwork

John ‘Gucci’ Foley’s Mastering Teamwork keynote is ideal for teams aiming for high performance. This session offers tools for seamless cooperation and a profound understanding of what it takes to achieve excellence collectively.

John dives deep into the Blue Angels’ centerpoint strategy for supreme team alignment and decision-making which enhances collaboration across all teamwork aspects.

John explores moments that tested the Blue Angels’ limits, weaving riveting cliffhangers with stories that demonstrate the resilience and transformative growth that emerges from facing the unknown together.

Audience will leave empowered with:

  • Insights into the Blue Angels’ strategies for peak team alignment and decision-making.
  • Techniques for enhancing trust and collaboration within their teams.
  • Practical tools for adapting to and overcoming unexpected challenges collectively.
  • Methods for fostering a high-performance team culture focused on mutual support and excellence.
  • Understanding of how to leverage individual strengths for team success.
  • Strategies for maintaining composure and clarity under pressure, ensuring effective teamwork in any situation.

 

Embracing Change with Innovation

This engaging keynote offers a roadmap for leveraging unforeseen challenges as opportunities for transformative growth, making it a vital resource for leaders and teams committed to excellence in an ever-evolving marketplace.

John “Gucci” Foley combines gripping tales from his Blue Angels experience with practical insights for thriving in today’s dynamic landscape.

He illustrates how adaptability, collaboration, and a unified response to challenges can drive innovation and success. John emphasizes the importance of building a resilient culture that leverages these principles to foster growth, enhance competitive edge, and navigate the complexities of change.

Audience will leave empowered with:

  • Insights into the Blue Angels’ adaptability and teamwork strategies.
  • Techniques for turning challenges into opportunities for innovation.
  • Principles for maintaining high performance in changing environments.
  • Strategies for fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
  • Methods for enhancing resilience and competitive edge in business.
  • Tools for transformative growth and achieving excellence through unity.

Client Testimony for John “Gucci” Foley

Books

Fearless Success - Beyond High Performance Book Cover
Fearless Success: Beyond High Performance

AMAZON BESTSELLER IN BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

Are you ready to take your individual and team performance to the highest level? It's time to enter the High Performance Zone!

The quest for perfection is not only possible--it's actually our natural state, says author and former Blue Angel pilot, John Foley. Imagine what the same preparation and mindset that allowed him to fly in formation mere inches apart from another jet can do for you, your teams, and any organization. In Fearless Success, John Foley gives us the secrets that elite performers know and practice on a daily basis.

How do you get from your current state to your future state? Going beyond high performance requires combining operational excellence with a proactive/positive mindset. The underlying ''Glad To Be Here'' ethos is at the core of everything Foley teaches. With this foundation in place, any individual or team looking to achieve greatness can easily understand and implement the author's tools and processes. Filled with lessons from his days as a Blue Angel and a leadership expert empowering over 1,000 companies, this book includes proven blueprints on how to--

  • Lead through change
  • Build high performance teams
  • Elevate belief levels
  • Execute with high trust
  • Unite a commitment culture

Fearless Success will change your outlook on business and life. Up we go!

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