Shows
Alex MacPhail Podcast#121 - Thoughts From The Air - Celebrate the Good TimesAlex shares his personal perspective on why we need to cherish the good moments in life. Instead of worrying about the past, or being solely focused on the future, this episode will make you think twice about enjoying the present and truly celebrating the fun moments along your journey. Enjoy!Get in touch with Alex: alex@alexmacphail.co.zahttps://twitter.com/AlexMacPhail1https://www.linkedin.com/in/flyingmogulwww.alexmacphail.co.za
2022-08-0304 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#119 - Thoughts From the Air - 04 - Dig deep. Really deep!In this short episode, Alex expands on the concept of perseverance and resilience. In episode #74 of the podcast, Alex spoke with Yoshi Muroya, the 2016 Red Bull Air Race World Champion. During that conversation, Yoshi explain how difficult it was to obtain the first sponsorship for and aerobatic aircraft in Japan. The had been no previous reference to airshows and Yoshi was attempting to start the ball rolling, but couldn't afford to operate the aircraft on his own.After more than 2000 rejections, he managed to land a sponsor, which later developed into the Red Bull Air Race in...
2022-07-2107 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#117 - Adrian Clayton - Investor, Surfer & AviatorIn this episode Alex sits down with Cape Town-based investor, Adrian Clayton, who shares his incredible journey through life as an entrepreneur, surfer and aviator. This episode is proudly brought to you by Northstar Asset Management, a research led boutique asset manager that provides specialist solutions for discerning investors. Northstar's investment process is built upon an obsession for research, which is applied to a limited number of meticulously managed portfolios. The outcome is excellent client service with results to match.Find out more about Northstar Asset...
2022-07-061h 01Alex MacPhail Podcast#116 - Thoughts from the Air - 03 - Setting GoalsDo you ever feel like you’re sleepwalking through life with no real idea of what you want? Or Maybe you know exactly what you want, but you have no idea how to get there? That’s where goal setting comes in. In this episode Alex explores the topic of setting goals, and how they are the first step towards planning for the future. Goals play a fundamental role in the development of skills in various facets of life, from work to relationships and everything in between. Understanding the importance of goals and the techniques involv...
2022-06-2904 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#112 - Thoughts from the Air - 01Today I am bringing you up to speed with some thoughts and activities. I have recently started flying regularly and the experience has been fantastic.I have used the opportunity to record some content while flying. I have published this content on LinkedIn and Instagram, both live from the cockpit, sharing the passion of aviation. I’m testing this as a second channel on the podcast. Please let me know your thoughts? I am always trying to improve the listener experience. I look forward to hearing from you. AlexGET IN TOUCH WI...
2022-05-2727 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#107 - Rod MacPhail - Entrepreneur & My FatherRod MacPhail is a serial entrepreneur who currently lives in Cape Town, South Africa and works in the property development and tourism industry. Rod was born in Scotland, but has spent more years in South Africa than Scotland.Rod is my father and this was my privilege to have this conversation. We talked about his childhood, education and first business opportunity. Having started, owned and operated more than 20 diverse businesses, across two continents, Rod has some tips to share about being your own boss.Rod has also built a 10000 following on twitter, sharing...
2022-04-221h 03Alex MacPhail Podcast#105 - Holger Seim (Co-founder and CEO, Blinkist)Holger Seim is co-founder and CEO of Blinkist, a bite-sized-learning service that condenses knowledge from great nonfiction into powerful little packs. He co-founded Blinkist in 2012 with a vision to inspire people to never stop learning, and grew it into a global brand with customers in more than 150 countries.FOLLOW HOLGER: Blinkist - https://www.blinkist.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/holgerseim?originalSubdomain=deTwitter - @hlgrsmInstagram - @hlgrsmCONTACT ALEX:Website: https://www.alexmacphail.co.zaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.c...
2022-04-0649 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#104 Diana Granoux - Achieving Financial FreedomDiana is a South African entrepreneur and investor who owns an international travel business, Leopard, and hosts a podcast called The Family Finance Show which is a series of in-depth interviews that helps families make better financial decisions. In this episode Alex and Diana unpack the topic of financial freedom, and they share personal stories and practical advice that you can implement in your own life. FOLLOW DIANA: Diana's Travel Company - https://leopard.voyageDiana's Finance Podcast - https://www.familyfinanceshow.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/leopard.voyage/LinkedIn...
2022-03-301h 03Alex MacPhail Podcast#103 John "Gucci" Foley - Blue Angels PilotJohn is the former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, Bestselling author of Fearless Success, an expert in the How of High Performance teams and "The Guru of Gratitude." As a Blue Angel, John consistently performed in an extreme, high-stakes environment, flying at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour in formations as close as 18 inches apart. To survive in those circumstances 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 - breathe life into - teams to reach for t...
2022-03-231h 02Alex MacPhail Podcast#102 Michelle Curran - US Air Force ThunderbirdsMichelle Curran is a combat-proven fighter pilot who flew with The United States Air Force's elite demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, from 2019 to 2021. She was one of six pilots flying the F-16 aerial demonstration at more than 30 locations each year. Michelle is now pursuing a new career as a motivational speaker and aspiring author.CONTACT MICHELLE: Website - https://macecurran.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-curran5/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/969714600085975CONTACT...
2022-03-161h 18Alex MacPhail Podcast#101 Sarah Ferguson - Swimming From Durban to Cape Town (1,500km)Sarah Ferguson is the founder of Breathe Conservation, an international nonprofit organization that believes in a plastic-free ocean and aims to eliminate disposable plastic.She is passionate about the ocean and works tirelessly to safeguard it for future generations to enjoy and appreciate responsibly. Since 2012, she has been competing in and pioneering ocean swims in and around South Africa, and internationally, to raise awareness about single-use plastic pollution. Sarah was inspired to create something meaningful with her swimming talents, when she found her passion for open water swimming in 2011 during her first open water swim...
2022-03-091h 07Alex MacPhail Podcast#100 Astronaut Mike Mullane & Patrick MullaneIn this episode I'm joined by Astronaut Mike Mullane and his son Patrick. Colonel Mike Mullane flew three missions on STS-41D, STS-27 & STS-36. His son Patrick also served in the USAF and now Executive Director of The Harvard Business School. Both Mike and Pat have written incredible books, which we discuss in the conversation. Mike's book Riding Rockets, is his perspective of going through selection and training to become an astronaut. Pat's book "the Father, Son and Holy Shuttle" is his perspective of being a child of an astronaut parent in the 1980's and t...
2022-03-021h 08Alex MacPhail Podcast#99 Kim James - #DroneChickKim James spent more than 20 years in the investment banking industry in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates. She has a master's degree in Human Resource Management from Middlesex University and is a Chartered HR Professional of the SA Board of People Practices.Kim is a Director of UAV Aerial Works and the company's drone security brand, Drone Guards, as well as the regulatory Safety and Security post holder for UAV Aerial Works.Aviation is her second career and passion, and her industry involvement now includes chapters in co-authored A...
2022-02-231h 08Alex MacPhail Podcast#98 Chris Fallows - Great White SharksChris Fallows is a world-renowned wildlife photographer and authority on Great white sharks. When he is not on the ocean Chris spends his time in the African bush or at other remote locations around the world immersing himself in wildlife.Nature has the ability to touch all those who are exposed to it, right down to the very depth of one’s soul. Chris and his wife, Monique, founded Apex Shark Expeditions Pty Ltd in 2002 and through Apex they have hosted more than 60 international documentary crews such as Planet Earth, Life, Africa, Blue Planet and Discovery Channels Emm...
2022-02-161h 03Alex MacPhail Podcast#97 Charles Savage - CEO Easy EquitiesCharles Savage first thought about EasyEquities while on the beach in Mozambique nearly 10 years ago. His relationship with the beach and surfing is well developed and it’s unsurprising that the epiphany happened there. He learned to surf in the wild Atlantic surf spots in Cape Town as a youth. After completing a finance degree combined with an IT major at the University of Cape Town, Charles and his friend went on a global surf tour for 18 months. In this episode, Alex and Charles discuss surfing, the internet, commerce, creativity, and flexibility. A central theme in C...
2022-02-091h 01Alex MacPhail Podcast#96 Declan Greggain-Smith - Life 2.0Declan Greggain-Smith runs a video blog on Instagram, sharing his journey of recovery from kidney cancer. He has picked up a significant following both in the United Kingdom and globally. His honest, open, and heartfelt messages resonate with people going through a similar journey. Declan shared his story of waking up after a night out with friends and beers, peeing bright red blood! He rushed to the emergency room at his nearest hospital in London, and the ensuing 5 days of this trauma.His recent scan has gone well and he is in great shape, losing 18k...
2022-01-261h 00Alex MacPhail Podcast#95 Jason Caldwell - 11 World Records, Leader & AdventurerJason Caldwell is a world-class athlete, leadership and high-performance coach, and keynote speaker. He is an endurance and adventure athlete as well as the founder and CEO at Latitude 35, which uses experiential training to explore the finer art of leading and maintaining high-performance teams. He has worked with advanced managers in over 30 Fortune 500 companies and has taught at some of the top business schools in the country including Wharton, Darden, Emory, Columbia School of Business, and the Thayer Leadership Development Group at West Point Academy.In this episode, Alex MacPhail talks to Jason Caldwell, about...
2022-01-201h 17Alex MacPhail Podcast#94 Mirco Pecorari - Making Beautiful AircraftMirco Pecorari is the Owner and Chief Designer at AircraftStudioDesign in Modena Italy. He started publishing parts of his collection with the nickname of McPecos several years ago. He couldn’t be anything but an aircraft designer, so his passion became his work. His sketches took life in hundreds of liveries, aircraft and scale models.In this episode, Alex MacPhail talks to Mirco Pecorari, about Mirco’s journey that led him to create thousands of drawings during his life and how his passion has always been about imagining unique flying forms and making aeroplanes beautiful.Plea...
2022-01-121h 06Alex MacPhail Podcast#93 The Best Out of 2021This week we look back at some of the best collective and wisdom pieces of advice shared here on the High Performace teams during 2021. Please enjoy this conversation and remember to reach out via social media channels with your questions. Send me your comments.ALEX MACPHAILEmail: alex@alexmacphail.co.za Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexMacPhail1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmacphail99 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flyingmogul YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCztTx1LzCAnC4woeNOpU5-A Website: http://www.alexmacphail.co.za Alex MacPhail...
2022-01-0512 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#92 Paddy Upton - The Barefoot CoachThe South African born Patrick Anthony Howard 'Paddy' is a Cricket Coach, specialising as Head Coach in Professional T20 cricket. He is also a Mental Coach to professional athletes, Sports Scientist Executive Coach, Professor, speaker and author of “The Barefoot Coach”.After Paddy completed his second master's degree in Business Coaching from Middlesex University (2003), he was appointed Mental Conditioning and Strategic Leadership Coach of the Indian National cricket team in 2008 along with Gary Kirsten as head coach. Under Kirsten and Upton, the team attained the ICC top test team ranking for their first time (2009), and went on to w...
2021-12-151h 17Alex MacPhail Podcast#91 Duran De Villiers - The Drone Empire BuilderDuran De Villiers is the owner & director at ALTI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, manufacturer of the world's leading commercial unmanned (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) fixed-wing aircraft aka commercial drones Self-taught, driven and passionate about the things I do, always learning, exploring, seeking, dreaming and doing. Duran is a self-taught, driven and passionate engineer who has won many awards and has been featured in various publications including Forbes 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa 2015. ALTI offers the most advanced VTOL unmanned aircraft systems in the world and is one of the world's leading unmanned aircraft manufacturers. The Knysna based...
2021-12-081h 11Alex MacPhail Podcast#90 Scott Ternent - 2 Billion Live Viewers!Scott Ternent is an Ex-Air Force pilot and is currently an Airline Pilot. Both Alex and Scott were in the Silver Falcons. Scott was no.4 in Alex’s first and second year, then the leader in the third year.In this episode, Alex MacPhail talks to Scott Ternent, about how he arranged and organised the flypast overhead at the opening ceremony of the FIFA 2010 world cup in Joburg with a live global audience of about 2 billion global. Please enjoy this conversation and remember to reach out via social media channels with your questions. Send me you...
2021-12-011h 11Alex MacPhail Podcast#89 Andy Wright - From RAF Fighter Pilot to Salesforce ExecutiveAlex MacPhail talks to Andy Wright, who was a military pilot in the Air Force and he was a squadron commander in the Royal Air Force as well. They shared some stories about flight training and about the story of humility, learning lessons, and building from tough times while being able to be a stronger person at the end Andy also spent time at the Pentagon at the heartbeat of what was going on in the Trump administration with their policy in dealing with the international military from all over the world. Later on, Andy joined Salesforce...
2021-11-241h 02Alex MacPhail Podcast#88 Richard Koch - Author - 80/20 PrincipleRichard Koch is a British former management consultant, entrepreneur, venture capital investor and author of books on management, marketing and lifestyle on how to apply the Pareto principle (80/20 rule) in all walks of life. Koch also has an M.A. from Oxford University and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School. In this episode, Alex MacPhail talks to Richard Koch, who has used his concepts to make a fortune from several private equity investments made personally. Richard’s investments have included Filofax, Plymouth Gin, the Great Little Trading Company and Betfair. Previously he had been a con...
2021-11-171h 01Alex MacPhail Podcast#87 Maurizio Cheli - Astronaut & Test PilotWould you like to know what it's like to become an astronaut? Do you want to know what it's like for an astronaut for that first blast off into space, to be in space and what it's like to see Earth rotating around every 90 minutes you’ve orbited the Earth?Maurizio Cheli is a lieutenant colonel in the Italian Air Force, a European Space Agency astronaut and a veteran of one NASA Space Shuttle mission. Maurizio joined the European Space Agency (ESA) in 1992 and was then sent to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston where he wo...
2021-11-101h 03Alex MacPhail Podcast#86 Bruce Whitfield - Radio Host and AuthorBruce Whitfield is a multiple award-winning financial journalists whose work on radio, television and print give them unique access to some of the biggest power brokers in the business and money. He also presents The Money Show on 702 and CapeTalk, hosts Taking Stock, a weekly TV show on eNCA, and is a Contributing Editor for Financial Mail. Bruce has developed the ability to tell compelling stories about the political economy in a way that is creative and engaging. He is also a sought-after public speaker, MC and conference facilitator. In this episode, Alex Mac...
2021-11-0345 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#85 Mike Ling - Red Arrows & Blades Aerobatic TeamAt 3 years old Mike Ling attended an airshow at Biggin Hill and told his mum that he wanted to be a Red Arrows pilot. Fast forward 20 odd years and he became a Red Arrows pilot and not only that he spent the better part of a decade on the team and in various different roles,Mike left the Royal Air Force in April 2019 as a Squadron Leader after 21 years of service. He has since become a commercial pilot, flight instructor and a full-time member of the Blades Aerobatic Team, the world’s only 'aerobatic airline' and part of...
2021-10-271h 11Alex MacPhail Podcast#84 Nicola MacPhail - TrustWhat are UAVs and what are they used for? UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), also called drones and have no human pilot onboard. Drones are either controlled by a person on the ground or autonomously via a computer program.Alex MacPhail talks to Nicola MacPhail, who is Alex’s sister, has had several careers and right now she's busy completing her PhD. In this episode, Nicola shares some interesting things about the drone world. She is currently working for a company called Hover UAV in Australia, where they operate drones there, assisting with the legislation of drones and pa...
2021-10-201h 04Alex MacPhail Podcast#83 Candice Mama - Forgiveness RedefinedAlex MacPhail talks to Candice Mama, who is an activist, published author, and speaker in her own podcast ‘Coffee With Candice’. She is truly an inspirational woman.She's also Vogue magazine’s Top 33 most inspiring women in the world alongside Nicole Kidman and Michelle Obama. Named Africa's Top 20 Women by the African Union and the United Nations. The United Nations also celebrated 75 years that shows 75 people to celebrate, and Candice was chosen in this honour as one of the 75 interesting stories. So her story is all about forgiveness. Her father was murdered by an Apartheid assassin Eugene de Kock an...
2021-10-1355 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#82 Warren Ingram - Global Investing Made EasyIn this episode Alex MacPhail talks to Warren Ingram, understanding his background growing up in Cape Town and how he got into thinking that he could be a professional basketball player but ended up becoming a financial advisor and with an investment company. Warren is an award-winning Wealth Manager, author, public speaker and also the co-founder of Galileo Capital.Warren brought out his new book recently hot-off-the-press, Global Investing Made Easy, and that follows on from his other two books. The first book is about how to Become Your Own Financial Advisor. He also has a podcast...
2021-10-061h 04Alex MacPhail Podcast#81 Glenn Gonzales - CEO JetIt - Private Jet companyFrom fighter pilot to the owner of a fleet of luxury aircraft. Alex MacPhail talks to Glenn Gonzales who is the co-founder and CEO of Jet It,Gonzales, a Lieutenant Colonel Air Force veteran, started his career flying F-15s in 2005. He served as an instructor pilot and was later deployed to Kyrgyzstan. He transitioned to the reserves in 2009 and began working at planemaker Gulfstream while pursuing his MBA at the University of South Carolina. The Houston native had his first brush with elite travel while demonstrating flights for executives and high net worth customers. He met...
2021-09-2958 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#80 Verity Price - World Champion SpeakerAlex MacPhail talks to Verity Price, who is a former singer/songwriter who is currently a professional speaker and facilitator, speaking passionately about helping people and businesses change their thinking and write a different story. She went to the Waldorf School in Cape Town, ended up in a more formalised competitive high school, and studied psychology and anthropology. She's been in Hollywood movies, she's albums on Spotify, she does corporate training, she is a wife and a mother, and she is the world public speaking champion.Verity won the 2021 World Championship o...
2021-09-221h 01Alex MacPhail Podcast#79 Ursula Fear - Tenacity, Education & ExcellenceWell, what does it take to go from licking envelopes as your first job, to senior partner and exco member of Deloitte? Ursula Fear is just that woman, she knows how to get her hands dirty, she knows how to be tenacious and not saying no. Typing skills of 3 words a minute, “Don't close the door on me, give me another chance and I'll prove myself.” Alex MacPhail and Ursula had a delightful conversation about learning, what it takes to teach people, and give them the opportunity to believe in people and create that environment for them to learn the best...
2021-09-151h 11Alex MacPhail Podcast#78 Jon Howell - Upskilling Africa's Aviation IndustryWhat do you get if you cross an aunt who is a Concorde Stewardess, a father who is an airline executive with TWA, and a mother who ran the first tour operator business in Tenerife in the 1960s? You get Jon Howell. Alex MacPhail talks to Jon Howell, about all things aviation, diversions, and resilience. Jon is the Managing Director and Founder of AviaDev. AviaDev is a platform providing for the last six years intra-Africa travel and the means to connect airlines, countries, tour operators, and all sorts of...
2021-09-081h 04Alex MacPhail Podcast#77 Mike Stopforth - Entrepreneur & SpeakerIn this episode, Alex MacPhail speaks to Mike Stopforth about his time in the Pipe Band and competing at the Pipe Band World Championships in Scotland. This later evolved into a rock band and his life on stage, teaching, entertaining, and training began in his early 20s. Mike shares his horrifying story about when he was out skateboarding with his friends. He saw a light aircraft crash into his friend’s vehicle right before his eyes, and while he was frozen with panic another friend rushed in and started pulling people out...
2021-09-011h 09Alex MacPhail Podcast#76 Matthias Dolderer & Florian Bergér - The Ultimate PilotsMatthias Dolderer is a German Professional Race Pilot. He was not only the first driver to win a race on the legendary Speedway, he is also the first German World Champion ever in the Ultimate Motorsport series of the skies and the first air race pilot to take the world title ahead of schedule .He gained a glider and ultralight license at the age of 17 and the following year obtained his private pilot’s license. At 21 he became the youngest flight teacher in Germany. He is also the 2016 champion of the Red Bull Air Race. ...
2021-08-251h 02Alex MacPhail Podcast#75 Jesse Twum-Boafo - Stay Hungry, Stay HumbleJesse Twum-Boafo is a System and Application Architect with 5+ years of experience working for organizations with data. He studied BSc in Mathematics, Statistics, and Economics at the University of Cape Town. He came from a humble beginning with a truly inspiring life story. He likes to explore everything, but also to love thy neighbor as thyself. ALEX MACPHAIL: Email: alex@alexmacphail.co.zaTwitter: https://twitter.com/AlexMacPhail1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmacphail99LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flyingmogulWebsite: h...
2021-08-181h 12Alex MacPhail Podcast#74 Yoshi Muroya - Red Bull Air Race Champion in 2017 as the First Japanese-Asian PilotYoshi Muroya is a Japanese aerobatics pilot and race pilot of the World Championship Air Race. He started entering the Red Bull Air Race from 2009, and won its Chiba round for his first time in 2016. In 2017 he became Red Bull Air Race's World Champion. He also holds air shows throughout Japan to generate public awareness in aerobatics. He actively works to bridge the earth with the sky and holds the Japan National Aerobatic Championship event. This episode proudly brought to you by Salesforce. Click on this link below, to receive a free...
2021-08-101h 10Alex MacPhail Podcast#65 Martin Šonka - Red Bull Air Race World ChampionMartin Šonka is the 2018 Red Bull Air Race World Champion. Martin, from Sezimovo Ústí, claimed his first overall crown, and the first for the Czech Republic, in a gripping title battle in 2018. If Šonka can deliver another outstanding campaign this season, he could become only the second pilot in history to clinch the sport’s highest honor two years in a row.Šonka began flying gliders and parachute jumping at age 17. As a pilot in the Czech Air Force, he flew a supersonic jet fighter, the JAS-39 Gripen, in the 211th Tactical Squadron and was a member of the...
2021-06-071h 10Alex MacPhail Podcast#64 Bryan Roseveare - Bryan Air PodcastBryan Roseveare grew up in aviation. Having been around his father who flies and shown a keen interest since a tender age, he was destined to become a pilot. Today, like thousands of others, Bryan has his wings clipped, first by a crippled airline and closely followed by COVID-19.Never someone to back away when the difficulty starts, Bryan doubled-down on an already solid beginning with Bryan Air. With the settling of the dust after the initial covid tsunami, Bryan and his crew refocused their energy on the professional aviation podcast series, a trail-blazer on the African...
2021-06-071h 01Alex MacPhail Podcast#63 Melanie Astles - World Championship Air Race pilotMelanie Astles is a six-time French Aerobatic Champion in five separate levels, from Espoir in 2007 – to Elite/Unlimited in 2020 and reigning British Unlimited Champion.She made history as the first woman to compete in the famous Red Bull Air Race as a Challenger Cup pilot. In 2022 she will join the prestigious WCAR (World Championship Air Race) in the premier “Aero GP1” class.Mélanie’s story is above all made of passion, perseverance and overcoming the odds. When she quit school at 18 to enter active life, nobody could imagine that this young lady would one day see h...
2021-05-311h 01Alex MacPhail Podcast#62 Prof Johann Coetzee - High Performance TeamsProf Johann Coetzee is a Psychologist, mentor, author, helicopter pilot, accomplished athlete and family man. Has a love for learning and holds three doctorates, together with emeritus professorships.Johann was instrumental in starting Henley Air in 1995, and although not directly involved with the day-to-day running of the business, he is held in great respect for his guidance, wisdom and ethics. Johann has counselled more than 27000 people during his career as a Psychologist, including World Cup winning coach, Gary Kirsten.He has been a friend and mentor for many airline, aerobatic and helicopter pilots and continues...
2021-05-3158 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#61 Jim "Guido" DiMatteo - Air Race Director and Top Gun AdversaryIn this episode Alex interviews Captain Jim "Guido" DiMatteo, a world-class pilot who spent 25 years flying fighters in the U.S. Navy. He logged more than 5,000 hours flying the F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18 Hornet, A-4 Skyhawk, F-5N Tiger II and F-16N Fighting Falcon. He commanded Top Gun adversary squadrons on both coasts and led the foundation stood up by the Commander Naval Air Forces to organise the Centennial of Naval Aviation Celebrations in 2011. DiMatteo retired in 2013 and currently serves as the Race Director for the popular World Championship Air Race (WCAR) and as vice president...
2021-05-251h 10Alex MacPhail Podcast#60 Dr Anchen Laubscher - Group Medical Director - High Performance TeamsDr Anchen Laubscher is Group Medical Director for Netcare. She is responsible for the strategic oversight of all clinical and quality related matters. Previously, Dr Anchen was part of a High Performance Team, operating as a flying doctor with Netcare 911 helicopter. She now leads a High Performance Team of subject matter experts and is responsible for quality.After qualifying as a Doctor and not someone to rest on her laurels, Dr Anchen later further qualified with a Diploma in Child Health, Diploma in Primary Emergency Care, Post Graduate Diploma in General Management and an MBA (cum laude...
2021-05-2556 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#59 Matt Hall - Current Red Bull Air Race World ChampionIn this episode Alex interviews Matt Hall, the current and defending Red Bull Air Race World Champion. Matt Hall is a third-generation pilot, a former Royal Australian Air Force fighter combat instructor, international unlimited aerobatic competitor and the first Australian to be selected to compete in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2009.As the defending World Champion in the rebranded World Championship Air Race, Matt discusses all thing racing from g-tolerance, building a winning team, team losses and more. Enjoy this and reach out on any form of social media to share your comments and q...
2021-05-1754 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#58 The Human Factor Hub - David Doull & Neil ClarkeThe Human Factor Hub was set up by two airline professionals, who have lived, breathed and taught core non-technical skills over decades.Neil Clarke, an airline Captain with South African Airways for more than 25 years, has been a Human Factors facilitator for more than two decades. David Doull, head of Crew Resource Management training at South African Airways, has a Masters degree in Human Factors training from Coventry University.I have spent the past 8 years working with both of these fine gentlemen, planning, creating and teaching Human Factors at SAA. It has been a pleasure...
2021-05-1759 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#54 First Lady Silver Falcons - Heybrech van NiekerkHeybrech van Niekerk was the first lady to represent the Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team, the national display team of the South African Air Force. She was selected to fly in the number 2 position in 2011 and later moved to the number 4 position. During her time, Heybrech has completed 75 public airshows.The Silver Falcons selected Heybrech, celebrating the milestone of having the first lady in the team, before the RAF Red Arrows or the USN Blue Angels.She completed her service in the SA Air Force in 2017. She served as a Flying Instructor at the Presidential Squadron...
2021-04-2658 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#55 Springbok Nude Girls - Arno Carstens & Theo CrousThe Springbok Nude Girls are arguably South Africa's best rock band. They burst onto the scene in the mid 1990's with and energy and sound never before seen in SA. They have influenced other great South African bands such as the Parlotones and Fokofpolisiekar.Springbok Nude Girls frontman Arno Carstens and guitarist Theo Crous, join me live on Thursday 15th October. The Nude Girls have toured extensively and are an integral part of the South African culture. Arno went on to a very successful solo career, while Theo moved into producing. As a youth, Nude G...
2021-04-2657 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#56 Richard Wright - 3x Cancer survivorRichard is a world-class athlete, global speaker and author. He has survived brain cancer on three occasions and continues to fight on, compete and inspire others.We will be talking about resilience, in a time when we all need to up our game. Richard's story will inspire you to get back up, after the year of 2020's setbacks!Watch this interview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxLHqjvGVkI Get in touch with Alex to improve the performance of your team: alex@alexmacphail.co.zahttps://twitter.com/AlexMacPhail1https://w...
2021-04-2658 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#51 RAF Tornado Pilot & Combat Veteran - Mandy HicksonMandy Hickson. She was only the second woman to fly a Tornado GR4 on the front line, completing three tours of duty and 45 missions over Iraq. She became the Squadron’s Combat Survival and Rescue Officer, working closely with the US, instructing Squadron members on Escape and Evasion tactics.Throughout her time, Mandy was the only female aircrew and later learned the lessons of juggling life as a working mother of two young children. Now a civilian, Mandy draws on her experiences to train and inspire others, covering the core areas of human factors; decision making, communication, le...
2021-04-191h 03Alex MacPhail Podcast#52 Freek De Villiers - Airline Pilot, BMW historian and Family man.Freek has been a pilot for more than 2 decades. He has recently left South African Airways and I thought this would be an open and honest conversation, about the emotions wrapped up in this life change. Freek has also had a major medical issue. He was grounded for the better part of a year, had major cranial surgery and got back to full aviation health. The support received from South African Airways was tremendous.For nearly a decade now, Freek has grown his hobby into a passion, then a side-line business. The side-line business is...
2021-04-1958 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#53 Gerhard van Eeden -Owner of Madiba Bay School of FlightOwner of Madiba Bay School of Flight, Gerry is an interesting guest, with a rich background. We will be talking about training, learning, challenging the norms and getting a start in life. Watch this interview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI_deTIBkV0Get in touch with Alex to improve the performance of your team: alex@alexmacphail.co.zahttps://twitter.com/AlexMacPhail1https://www.linkedin.com/in/flyingmogulwww.alexmacphail.co.za
2021-04-1954 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#48 Jeff Hoffman - EntrepreneurJeff Hoffman is the chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Network. Jeff is a successful entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, bestselling author, Hollywood film producer, a producer of a Grammy-winning jazz album, and executive producer of an Emmy Award-winning television show. In his career, he has been the founder of multiple startups, he has been the CEO of both public and private companies, and he has served as a senior executive in many capacities. Jeff has been part of a number of well-known successful startups, including Priceline.com/Booking.com, uBid.com and more. Jeff serves on t...
2021-04-1259 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#49 Talent, Brand and Sustainability - Simanta MohantySimanta is a Human Resources professional and an expert in Public Policy. His focus is on talent management, communication, branding and sustainability. Simanta shares his views publicly on various social platforms, thus gaining a significant voice on LinkedIn and Twitter.Simanta took his opportunity to turn the mic on me. He had invented some games, to help people identify their strengths. Simanta asked me some of his quiz questions and we identified some personality traits, that fit with an airline pilot.This was a lot of fun, spending time with a very smart gentleman, who...
2021-04-121h 01Alex MacPhail Podcast#50 Springbok Nude Girls Band Manager - Mark TaylorWhat got my attention is when Mark posted about managing Springbok Nude Girls being not too dissimilar to managing Venture Capital. Already I felt I knew Mark.As the CEO of Neu Capital Africa, Mark runs an online platform which works with boutique corporate finance advisors to connect African companies to facilitate capital raising from $5m to $50m range.Then when we spoke, I heard of Mark's adventure creating Turkey’s first aquarium in Istanbul as CEO and co-founder which he later sold to Merlin in 2013. I will be asking him about catching sharks during th...
2021-04-121h 00Alex MacPhail Podcast#45 Daniel Perry - Nationwide Pilot Engine Separation in FlightDaniel Perry was the co-pilot on the Nationwide Flight 723, which departed Cape Town International and shortly after lift-off had the right hand engine separated from the aircraft. Engine failure after take off is a manoeuvre that is well versed and trained specifically for all airline pilots, twice per year. This however, was no ordinary engine failure after take off.When the engine severed from the aircraft, there was a significant change in the flight characteristics, unusual to a conventional engine failure. The ruptured fuel and hydraulic lines caused a multiple, complex failures. Hydraulic failure on...
2021-04-0557 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#46 Tobacco Free Portfolios - Dr Bronwyn KingDr Bronwyn King (Order of Australia) is an oncologist who made the realisation that her pension fund was investing tobacco. While fighting cancer in the ward, she was financing tobacco with her pension fund. Tobacco Free Portfolios was born to change the fight and stop her pension fund from investing in tobacco.The Tobacco industry is big business. Usually listed as top 5 stocks on major stock exchanges around the world. Bronwyn and her team have made huge strides over the last decade. Their Tobacco Free Financial Pledge now has $10 Trillion total assets under management.Her 2017...
2021-04-051h 10Alex MacPhail Podcast#47 Stewart Samkange - It's Time 2 ShineStewart Samkange is a wonderful man full of energy and great ideas! His mission is to make the working-world a better place, once HR Director at a time. Stewart was the first LinkedIn Live streamer from Africa. He has lived in many different countries, experienced different cultures and been a part of many large corporates.Stewart is a holds regular live streams with #Executives #Disruptors #HiringManagers #Recruiters #JobSeekers #Digital #SubjectMatterExperts #Professionals #Graduates #StartUps#itsTime2Shine is the positive message he continues to share. Join us as we discuss how High Performance Teams shine.Watch this interview o...
2021-04-051h 00Alex MacPhail Podcast#42 Juanita Vorster - EntrepreneurSuccessful entrepreneur and speaker passionate about doing better business, better. Juanita Vorster is a successful entrepreneur who also holds the designations of Certified Director (SA) and certified Ethics Officer. Because of this she is uniquely positioned to give practical guidance on how to do better business better in a world that keeps changing.Her high energy delivery style combined with examples drawing from her own experience always lead to business audiences feeling inspired with renewed hope.The ideal audience for Juanita’s topics are business owners and leaders (executives, directors, heads of department etc) who ne...
2021-03-291h 01Alex MacPhail Podcast#43 Capt Dennis Dolan - International Federation of Airline Pilots AssociationsI am privileged to bring you Capt Dennis Dolan, former president of the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Association. This organisation is the global voice for airline pilots and represents more than 100 000 pilots in more than 100 countries, on matters primarily related to aviation safety.Dennis has had a distinguished career in the US Military, the legal profession, the airline industry, ALPA and IFALPA. Starting out as an F-4 pilot flying from aircraft carriers, his airline career spanned nearly 30 years. He completed a law degree and put it to good use, with various senior leadership roles along the...
2021-03-2958 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#44 AJ Venter - Springbok and BusinessmanMy guest on this week has played 25 tests for the Springboks. He spent more than a decade playing professional rugby for Sharks, Lions, Cheetahs and Western Province.Throughout his career, AJ completed courses to upskill and get ready for a life of business after rugby. Within a few years of retirement, AJ suffered a major emotional setback. He took time to refocus and get himself back on track with life.Today AJ is now Head of Business Development with ITEC. He has mastered a professional sport, he has mastered his mind during his low-point and n...
2021-03-291h 11Alex MacPhail Podcast#40 Sling Aircraft - Mike Blyth & James PitmanMike and James flew around the world in 40 days! They did this in a Sling two-seater aircraft, which they built and was the prototype. They have flown to Oshkosh and now totalled two and a half times around the world, with crazy adventures in between.Mike Blyth, adventurer, aviator and founder of Sling Aircraft, having earned his wings on trikes, is a die-hard stick and rudder man. Following years of research and a three-year obsession to design and assemble the perfect LSA he delivered a handy prototype. But the perfectionist in him would not rest. Rigorous testing...
2021-03-231h 04Alex MacPhail Podcast#41 Juan Velarde - Air Race pilotJuan Velarde is currently one of Spain’s top aviators. He has competed in the Red Bull Air Race series since 2014. He is also the Spanish National Aerobatic Champion and competed in the World Aerobatic Championships many times, earning several medals along the way.Juan is also Captain for Iberia Airlines, flying the Airbus A330 on international routes. He also performs solo and formation aerobatics displays with Bravo 3 Repsol Aerobatic Team. Since 2006 he has been recognised as an Elite Sportsman by the Spanish Sports Council.Watch this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
2021-03-2350 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#39 Silver Falcons and Airline Pilot - Buti TsebeIn this episode I am joined by a special guest and friend of mine, Buti Tsebe. He was the pilot I trained to become a Silver Falcon. It is customary to train your replacement in the team and Buti became the number 3 when I departed in 2008.Before being trained as number 3, Buti replaced me as the Ground Liaison Officer (GLO) for the Silver Falcons. Without question, Buti was a much better GLO than I was. I showed him the work required of him, but he always went the extra mile to make the Team’s job easy.
2021-03-2351 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#37 NTT Pro Cycling Team Principal - Doug Ryder (Part 1/2)Doug Ryder is the Principal of NTT Pro Cycling, a UCI top flight professional cycling team that competes in all the top cycling events, including: Tour de France, Giro d'italia, Veulta a Espana.Doug was an Olympic cyclist and has worked in IT with Microsoft for many years. He founded and build up this team, to compete at the highest level, with great success.From talent, to technology, to perseverance, to putting together a High Performance Team, Doug is uniquely qualified. Please join me for this exciting conversation.Get in touch with A...
2021-03-1728 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#38 Doug Ryder - Pro Cycling Team Principal - (Part 2/2)Doug Ryder is the Principal of NTT Pro Cycling, a UCI top flight professional cycling team that competes in all the top cycling events, including: Tour de France, Giro d'italia, Veulta a Espana.Doug was an Olympic cyclist, competing with Lance Armstrong at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. He later won the Cape Argus Cycle Tour, training between a full time job working in IT. He founded and build up NTT team, to compete at the highest level, with great success. From talent, to technology, to perseverance, to putting together a High Performance Team, Doug is uniquely...
2021-03-1754 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#35 Chief of Air Staff Operations - Maj. Gen. Des Barker (Ret.)My Guest is Major General Des Barker, retired from the SA Air Force after 40+ years of service. His last posting was Chief of Air Staff Operations. Prior to Air Command, General Barker served as the Chief Test Pilot and later Officer Commanding for the Test Flight & Development Centre for 10 years. General Barker has been involved in Test flying for nearly 4 decades. He was a Silver Falcons display pilot, an A1 Category Instructor, an Honorary Fellow in the Royal Aeronautical Society, fired more missiles in testing than any other SA Air Force pilot and Captain of the SA A...
2021-03-161h 04Alex MacPhail Podcast#36 World Cup Winning Springbok - Tendai 'Beast' MtawariraMy guest today is Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, a formidable player on the rugby field and a key part in the 2019 World Cup winning Springbok team. He is the most capped prop in South African history and the third most capped Springbok of all time.Originally from Zimbabwe, Tendai moved to South Africa with the goal of playing for the Springboks. It is never a linear path to success, there are always setbacks and disappointments. Tendai overcame many obstacles, but has retired after playing top flight rugby for more than a decade.He has 3 x Currie Cups...
2021-03-1642 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#32 Test Pilot Tutor - David SouthwoodDavid Southwood started flying military jets 40 years ago. He has been a test pilot for many decades. He has taught test pilots for many decades. He is one of those legends of aviation… the story goes: "if Dave Southwood can’t fly it, it can’t be flown!” I don’t think there is anything more to say.Get in touch with Alex to improve the performance of your team: Email: alex@alexmacphail.co.zaInstagram: @alexmacphail99Twitter: @AlexMacPhail1LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/flyingmogulWebsite: www.alexmacphail.co.za
2021-03-0851 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#33 Dr Adriana Marais - Off earth livingMy guest, Dr Adriana Marais is a Theoretical Physicist and Founder of Proudly Human, a project that is exploring resilient life, off earth. She is a Director at Foundation for Space Development and an astronaut candidate at Mars One.Adriana and her team are exploring the questions needed to be asked, should we live on a different planet. She has created survival conditions in some harsh environments across the globe. If you are interested in space and thinking outside the box, this conversation is for you.Get in touch with Alex to improve the p...
2021-03-0856 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#34 Professional Pilot and Harvard Alumni - Fatima Jakoet (MBA)My guest is a hard working, educated and community driven professional. Fatima Jakoet has been a professional airline pilot for 18 years. She is soon going to be celebrating 10 years since she started Sakhikmava Foundation, a non-profit organisation involved in aviation and skills development for the aerospace industry. This STEM based NGO identifies and fosters talent, to assist in building a strong aerospace industry in South Africa.Fatima started her career as a Forensic Scientist in the South African Police Services. She later attended Stellenbosch University and completed her MBA. She is also a graduate of...
2021-03-0850 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#29 Red Bull Air Race Pilot - Ben MurphyMy guest today has a distinguished aviation career. He was an operational RAF Harrier pilot in Afghanistan. He joined the Red Arrows in 2006 and later became the Red 1, the Leader and one of the most prestigious flying positions in the world. After his RAF career, Ben joined The Blades aerobatic team, and later became the leader of the 4 ship team of Extra 300 and Extra 330's.He has been a Red Bull Air Race Pilot since 2016 in The Blades racing team and has achieved many podium finishes, including 2nd place in Hungary. Watch this c...
2021-03-0152 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#30 World Cup Winning Coach - Gary KirstenGary Kirsten is one of the greatest batsmen South Africa has ever produced. He was the first cricketer to play 100 tests and scored 21 test centuries, with a high score of 275. He played 185 ODI, achieved 13 centuries and held the record for highest ODI score of 188 not out.As a batsman he had the ability to concentrate for long periods. He was one of the most organised batsman to play for South Africa, Calm and level-headed.In 2007 was appointed coach of India, his low-profile approach to the job was appreciated by the players. He took India to...
2021-03-0152 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#31 WildEarth Chief Executive - Graham WallingtonMy guest today has been providing your virtual game drive experience during Lockdown, all around the globe. Graham Wallington first started providing online LIVE safaris more than two decades ago.The technology today has made the job a little easier for the team at WildEarth, but the lessons learned over 20+ years of production, has made all the difference.During Lockdown, people all around the globe have tuned in to live safari’s produced in South Africa. Join me for this live conversation as we discuss what goes on in this High Performance Team, to bring yo...
2021-03-011h 04Alex MacPhail Podcast#28 Red Bull Air Race Pilot - Dario CostaMy guest has a great story to tell. He set himself a goal of flying in the Red Bull Air Race series. Then he threw himself headfirst and worked until he got there. Dario Costa know how to set a goal and work like crazy until you reach it. He also knows that in flying, as in life, things don’t just come easy.He is a part of the Flying Bulls and is a Red Bull Athlete, based at the head office in Salzburg. Our conversation will cover the journey this effervescent Italian embarked on, to re...
2021-02-221h 00Alex MacPhail Podcast#26 Master Air Pilot - Scully LevinIn this episode, I have the privilege of chatting with the most famous and accomplished pilot in South Africa, Captain Scully Levin.Scully has been the Leader of his aerobatic team for more than 3 decades, he has had an airline career of more than 4 decades and has been flying for more than 5 decades!He was recently awarded Master Air Pilot, only the second South African to have achieved this prestigious title.Watch the YouTube interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOu9qnAt5XkGet in touch with Alex t...
2021-02-2254 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#27 Charl Schwartzel - US Masters ChampionCharl Schwartzel is the 2011 US Masters Champion. He is also a fixed wing and helicopter pilot, licensed both in South Africa and in the United States.Our conversation will be about the discipline and preparation required to maintain focus, not only on the golf course, but in the cockpit.Are there commonalities with handling a Bell 407 or Cessna 206, and handling big crowds on day 4 of the Majors?Watch the YouTube interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rybZKzgvRNcGet in touch with Alex to improve the performance of your t...
2021-02-2242 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#23 Springbok Centre #636 - André SnymanOn this episode I am joined by Springbok number 636, the formidable Centre - André Snyman. André played 38 tests for the Springboks and scored 10 tries. He has a very high win percentage throughout his Bok career, averaging 68%. He was a Springbok during that record equally run of 17 unbeaten tests in a row.During his first three years with the Boks, if André scored, the Springboks won!He has played in South Africa, England and France. He has coached a winning side in the United States, with back to back victories in the Pacific Rugby Premiership 2015 & 2016. André was...
2021-02-151h 10Alex MacPhail Podcast#24 President Nelson Mandela's pilot - Annabel VundlaAnnabel Vundla was President Nelson Mandela’s pilot. She was also the first black female pilot and flying instructor in the Air Force. But more than that, she is a good friend of mine. We learned to fly together, she earned her wings before she could drive a car. After a distinguished career flying for the 21 Squadron, the VIP Transport squadron of the SA Air Force, Annabel is now flying Airbus A320 for South African Airways. There is an interesting story in her family. She is married to a helicopter pilot. Join in the conversation to...
2021-02-1546 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#25 John Vlismas - International comedianJohn Vlismas is one of South Africa’s most prolific international comics. He recently retired as a professional comedian after a successful 25 year career. He now uses his creativity at Henley Business School in marketing designing course work and lecturing to innovative leaders.John won SA Stand Up comedian of the year in 2007 and was a finalist in the Canadian Laugh Off award in 2008. John has toured internationally throughout his career and is celebrated in many cities including: London, Dubai, Montreal, Dublin, Melbourne, Edinburgh.He has also spent a lot of energy wri...
2021-02-1556 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#20 Brad Bennetts - UPRT SpecialistCaptain Brad Bennetts is a specialist instructor at South African Airways. With his aerobatics and airshow experience, Brad was selected to head up the Upset Prevention and Recovery Training program nearly a decade ago. He attended Advanced training in Arizona, with Aviation Performance Solutions, together with 2 other South African Airways pilots.The Upset Prevention and Recovery Training initially didn’t have an Airbus program. Brad set off and over the course of one year, together with APS, they created the Airbus Strategy for UPRT.Get in touch with Alex to improve the per...
2021-02-0954 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#21 Kevin Ellis - Helicopter PilotI’m joined by Kevin Ellis, a current freelance helicopter pilot flying Medevac operations in Kenya. In August 2014 while on a Medevac contract in Somalia, he went swimming at the beach in Mogadishu. After body surfing he made his way in and was bashed around by the incoming wave. He felt his leg bump a rock with a sharp pain on his right calf. Kevin put his hand down to feel. He felt something rough and was convinced it was a rock. Then the rock bit his left leg!He was assisted by locals and rec...
2021-02-0937 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#22 Dean of Henley Business School - Jon Foster-PedleyMy guest grew up on an Air Force Base, his father was the Officer Commanding of a Supersonic Jet Squadron.He started his flying training in the Royal Air Force, transitioned to the University Air Squadron then left to pursue other interests. He settled down again in his late twenties and qualified as a flying instructor. His love for aerobatics coincided with his love for learning. He became an aerobatic champion, an MBA alumni and set up an Aviation University in Toulouse. He ran this University in collaboration with Airbus and Dassault Aviation for many...
2021-02-0946 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#18 Director of Civil Aviation Authority - Captain Colin Jordaan (FRAeS)My guest has achieved great success in aviation. He is a hard working, well respected individual that has managed to reach the top position in a few different organisations. Captain Colin Jordaan (FRAeS), a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, currently sits on the Board of Comair Pty (Ltd).Previously he was the Director of the SA Civil Aviation Authority. Prior to that post, he was the General Manager of Flight Operations and a member of the Executive Committee as South African Airways, the first and only pilot to hold this position.High Performance Teams...
2021-02-0151 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#19 International Air Traffic Control - Tobias ArndtHave you ever wondered how Air Traffic Control works in a busy European airspace? My conversation with Tobias Arndt, an approach controller with Deutsche Flugsicherung, based in Munich, covered flying, sky diving, airspace control and mandatory stress leave. Upper airspace control feeds into the approach sector where he is positioned, to line the aircraft up with the runway.Germany has more than 3.3 million movements each year, making it one of the busiest airspaces in Europe. The record number of movements in one day last year was 11012! That is 11000 flights through German Airspace!Thank you to...
2021-02-0127 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#17 - André Coetzee - Founder & CEO Henley AirIn this episode I'm joined by André Coetzee, Chief Executive of Henley Air. He is not only a grade 1 Helicopter Instructor, with nearly 15000 hours on helicopters, André is also a Professional Mechanical Engineer and holds a PhD in Aviation Management. He is a reservist Lieutenant Colonel in SA Police Services Flying Squadron. André is also a member of the Flight Test Society of SA and is rated on 40 different helicopter types.He started Henley Air together with his father, Prof Coetzee and has built one of the premier helicopter service providers in the country. They offer a ran...
2021-02-0145 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#15 - Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team Leader - Maj Sivu TanganaIn this episode I’m joined by the Leader of the Silver Falcons, Major Sivu Tangana. Sivu was trained as a helicopter pilot, flying Agusta A109 and Denel Oryx helicopters before becoming a flying instructor. Sivu, originally from Grahamstown, has been stationed at many places, usually involving the ocean nearby. He has operated as the spare pilot, number 3 and number 5, the soloist. He was appointed leader during 2019.The Silver Falcons are based on the West Coast, at the Central Flying School, AFB Langebaanweg. This team is made up of fu...
2021-01-1141 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#13 Bush Pilot & Adventurer - Nicola MacPhailOn this podcast I’m very excited to be interviewing someone I respect a great deal. My sister, Nicola, has accomplished some amazing feats. She is hard working, diligent, intelligent and easy to get along with. After earning her Honours in Business Science she embarked on a journey to Scotland working as an investment banker. She moved to London and shortly thereafter, qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Once completed, Nicola went on a round the world travel, which included fantastic places like the Galápgos Islands and Antarctica.Once her trip ended in Cape Town, she...
2020-12-2136 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#12 World Precision Flying Champion - Nigel HopkinsI’m joined by Senior Training Captain Nigel Hopkins. Nigel is a World Champion in precision flying. He's is also National Champion 13 times over. He was Head of Training Airbus A320 at South African Airways. He was instrumental in forming Team Xtreme, the 4-ship formation aerobatic team that operates globally.Our conversation will cover topics including: dedication, hard work, passion, diligence, team work, leadership, adversity, resilience and much more.Nigel Hopkins Aerobatics on Facebookwww.team-xtreme.comAir Photography - Justin De Reuckfacebook.com/jus...
2020-12-2132 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#11 Red Bull Air Race Pilot - Patrick DavidsonIn this episode my guest is Red Bull Air Race pilot, Patrick Davidson. Patrick grew up in Port Elizabeth in and around flying. His father Stewart is also a world-class pilot, and exposed Patrick to flying from a very young age.At 12 years old, Patrick won his first contest, flying with a safety pilot. He later competed solo on his 17th birthday.Patrick is a five-time South African Aerobatic Champ and joined the Red Bull Air Race Challenger series in 2018. He managed to earn a couple of pole positions and several podium positions during his...
2020-12-2145 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#10 - Patrouille de France Leader - Major Samuel LanosThe Patrouille de France is the oldest formation aerobatic team in the world! Today I am joined by Athos 1, the Leader of the Patrouille de France, Major Samuel Lanos. The Patrouille de France has a mesmerising show with 9 Alpha jets and coloured smoke, representing the National Flag. They are made up of highly experienced Fast Jet pilots, who have successfully passed the selection criteria of the PAF. Samuel is the former Athos 4 and has recently taken over the leadership. Their hard work in training takes place in the winter months, thus ensuring the team is po...
2020-12-1438 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#9 Seaplane Pilot & Mentor - Gideon LangeveldI am super excited to have my great friend and ‘big brother” on the show. Gideon Langeveld is one of those gems, who has impacted so many lives, through giving of himself. As a leader, an instructor, a colleague and a friend.He is a talented pilot, with a wealth of knowledge in Military, civilian, airline, instruction, airshow, filming and amphibian flying. Gideon has more float plane hours in South Africa, than any other pilot. He has fascinating tales about aircraft, amphibians, float planes and fire-bombing. He is as meticulous with his stories, as he is with keep...
2020-12-1459 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#8 Officer Commanding - Col Cobus ToerienI have a wonderful gentleman on the show, Colonel (Ret) Cobus Toerien, a man who has recently retired from South African Airways after an illustrious 44 years in aviation.Cobus qualified as a fighter pilot on Aermacchi MB326 and served on the front lines. He later qualified as a Mirage F1 pilot and continued to serve his country. With more than 160 operational sorties and 10 years of operational tours, Cobus was promoted to Officer Commanding, 2 Squadron. This was at a time where 13 fighter squadrons were combined into one single fast jet squadron, where Cobus led diligently for m...
2020-12-1429 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#7 Richard Browning - Gravity IndustriesRichard Browning is the Founder and Chief Test Pilot at Gravity Industries Ltd. If you have ever wondered what it must be like to simply, jump up and fly, Richard is the man to talk to. Richard continually asks the question, “what if?” The team at Gravity Industries challenge assumptions. They have demonstrated human flight at more than 100 events in more than 30 countries.Richard Browning:https://gravity.co/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ05i…TED talk 2017 - https://www.ted.com/talks/richard_bro…TEDx 2017 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1...
2020-12-0747 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#6 Croatian "Krila Oluje" Aerobatic Display Team - LT Marko NovkovicIn this episode I was joined by Lt Marko Novkovic, number 6 in the Croatian Krila Oluje - ‘Wings of Storm’. Tragically, two weeks after our interview, Marko was killed in a training accident, unrelated to the aerobatic team. This jovial and enthusiastic conversation is now recorded as a summary of Marko's background and achievements. The Krila Oluje is the Croatian National Aerobatic Display Team. Formed in July 2004 used the Pilatus PC9 aircraft, the team are based at 93rd Military base, near Zadar.In 2009 they increased the team to a 6-ship display team, thus adding more comple...
2020-11-3034 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#5 Nelson Mandela & Bill Clinton one Helicopter - Francois AllisonIn this episode I had a great conversation with Francois Allison. We spoke about the discipline required in Air Force training, basic military training and flying training. How Air Forces around the world train their pilots in a similar fashion. We talked about the techniques of being a flying instructor and the relationships that build and grow as you pass on the "guild of flying"He tells an interesting story of flying Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton on the same flight. When Nelson Mandela was writing "The long walk to Freedom" Bill Clinton visited him. The SA...
2020-11-2328 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#4 Dr Anton Janse van Rensburg - High Performance WellnessHow do High Performance Teams maintain optimal wellness for peak performance? Dr Anton will give you that answer. Dr Anton Janse van Rensburg is the Chief Medical Officer at Exec Care, an executive wellness facility in Johannesburg. We had a conversation about his team of medical professionals, whose job it is to look after the captains of industry across South Africa. This interdisciplinary approach, joins many health care professionals to give a holistic view of the individual's health.We talked about the importance of continuous holistic measures, in keeping your body healthy. Vitamin C is a v...
2020-11-2324 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#3 Aircraft Carrier Pilot - Pierre-Henry "Até" ChuetIn this episode I am joined by Pierre-Henri Chuet, callsign "Ate". He served on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, operating the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft.Ate has an interesting story, both operating in the US Air Force and the French Navy. He is also a stroke survivor at a young age and has managed to regain his flying medical. Ate now flies Boeing B737 for Air Canada. He also started and continues to run Mach 3 Management, a consulting company using the techniques learned in aviation, to deliver in high stress environments.Contact A...
2020-11-2339 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#2 Airbus Chief Test Pilot - Thomas WilhelmIn this episode I am talking with Thomas Wilhelm, the Chief Test Pilot of Airbus Toulouse. Thomas is a former German Air Force Test Pilot and was involved in the Airbus A400M project for 10 years. On completion of high school Thomas initially spent his compulsory military service in the parachute division of the German military.After a distinguished career of flight testing with the German Air Force, Thomas joined Airbus. He conducts production and experimental testing on all Airbus aircraft. He is currently the project pilot of the Airbus A330NEO program and also the Head...
2020-11-2348 minAlex MacPhail Podcast#1 Canadian Snowbirds Aerobatic Team - Lt Col Denis BandetThis was a fascinating conversation with the Deputy Commanding Officer of the Snowbirds, Canadian Forces aerobatic display team, Lt Col Denis Bandet.The 9-ship aerobatic team are flown by Royal Canadian Air Force pilots while the ground and support staff come from all arms of service. Denis has recently stepped down as leader, after spending several years with the Snowbirds. Join me for this exciting conversation.The conversation moved around all aspects of Royal Canadian Air Force lifestyle and career. Denis is a former F18 fighter pilot and is now serving his second tour with...
2020-11-2347 min