Overview

Sailing Upwind is more than just another memoir of a distinguished former naval officer's highly diverse career. This book by Admiral James ""Sandy"" Winnefeld is also intended to offer useful reflections regarding how he accepted and managed risk along the way, as well as a concise description of the qualities one must develop to become a successful leader. Winnefeld began his career as an F-14 fighter pilot and TOPGUN instructor, commanded an aircraft carrier, and then served in a variety of flag officer billets on the way to becoming the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This book describes in an entertaining and humble manner how that journey unfolded and the lessons he attaches to it. The reader learns what it is like to become a Navy fighter pilot, and to fly, fight, and takeoff and land from an aircraft carrier including a harrowing description of ejecting from an F-14 at night far from land. Winnefeld describes the culture of excellence at the real TOPGUN and the Navy's nuclear propulsion program. He recounts how he learned to lead the men and women who operate at every level of Navy operational command, from squadron to ship to fleet. Finally, the author presents a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made at the highest levels of government regarding whether and how those forces will be used, and how they are acquired. In the process, Winnefeld provides descriptions of how, by challenging existing assumptions and processes and through relentless creativity, he was able to lead change. He reflects on how the risk associated with such changes should be accepted and managed. The title Sailing Upwind-in which a sailboat must be operated against a prevailing force field to make progress in the right direction-is an apt metaphor for the bent for pushing against the system Winnefeld describes throughout the book.

Full Product Details

9781682478745

Table of Contents

Reviews

Sailing Upwind is a superb reflection of the life of a leader who really knows how to make things happen. In this book Sandy Winnefeld educates, inspires, and entertains us. He challenges us to embrace the headwinds in our lives. A must-read for anyone who aspires to lead. -GEN Martin E. Dempsey, USA, (Ret.), 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff From 'Top Gun' to the top of military leadership, Admiral Sandy Winnefeld sailed to record heights of achievement - even for a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket. Sandy gives us front-row insights into the critical thinking and innovative actions required to move a system slow to change in a different and positive direction. Much more than a memoir of Sandy's remarkable career, Sailing Upwind provides a valuable guide to living an inspirational life and providing impactful leadership.-Sam Nunn, former U.S. Senator and Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee A vibrant exposition on leadership, risk and innovation by an extraordinarily talented professional, interspaced with great sea stories! Highly recommended!! - Robert Work, Former Deputy Secretary of Defense Sandy has not only written a really good book chock full of gripping stories of serving at every level in the military . . . he managed to weave into it an incredibly useful framework for understanding leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. Any aspiring leader will benefit from picking it up . . . and I guarantee they won't be able to put it down. - Tim McGraw, country music singer and actor Leadership, innovation, problem-solving, and human connection make up the foundation of any successful profession, including the military, as I observed while traveling the world with Sandy on a USO tour. In Sailing Upwind, his engaging and unique voice captures the essence of a remarkable life and career. -Andrew Luck, former professional football quarterback

Sailing Upwind is a superb reflection of the life of a leader who really knows how to make things happen. In this book Sandy Winnefeld educates, inspires, and entertains us. He challenges us to embrace the headwinds in our lives. A must-read for anyone who aspires to lead. --GEN Martin E. Dempsey, USA, (Ret.), 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff From 'Top Gun' to the top of military leadership, Admiral Sandy Winnefeld sailed to record heights of achievement - even for a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket. Sandy gives us front-row insights into the critical thinking and innovative actions required to move a system slow to change in a different and positive direction. Much more than a memoir of Sandy's remarkable career, Sailing Upwind provides a valuable guide to living an inspirational life and providing impactful leadership.--Sam Nunn, former U.S. Senator and Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee A vibrant exposition on leadership, risk and innovation by an extraordinarily talented professional, interspaced with great sea stories! Highly recommended!! -- Robert Work, Former Deputy Secretary of Defense Sandy has not only written a really good book chock full of gripping stories of serving at every level in the military . . . he managed to weave into it an incredibly useful framework for understanding leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. Any aspiring leader will benefit from picking it up . . . and I guarantee they won't be able to put it down. -- Tim McGraw, country music singer and actor Leadership, innovation, problem-solving, and human connection make up the foundation of any successful profession, including the military, as I observed while traveling the world with Sandy on a USO tour. In Sailing Upwind, his engaging and unique voice captures the essence of a remarkable life and career. --Andrew Luck, former professional football quarterback

Author Information

Admiral Winnefeld grew up in a Navy family. After commissioning from the NROTC program, he flew the F-14 Tomcat and served as a TOPGUN instructor. He subsequently held command at every level in the military. He culminated his service as the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available