Rob Waldo Waldman

Lt. Col. (ret.) Rob 'Waldo' Waldman--The Wingman--is a keynote speaker, leadership expert, and the author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller "Never Fly Solo®." He teaches strategies on how to build trusting, revenue-producing relationships with employees, partners, and customers by applying the principles of mutual support exemplified in his aviation experiences. A graduate of the Air Force Academy with an MBA focusing on Organizational Behavior, Waldman draws on his experiences as a decorated fighter pilot and a former top-producing sales manager. He has successfully led national sales efforts for several cutting-edge technology and consulting firms before becoming a highly sought-after motivational speaker and leadership consultant.

Waldman is a retired Lt Col who overcame significant claustrophobia and a fear of heights to become a combat decorated fighter pilot. He has completed 65 combat missions and accumulated 2,650 flight hours, with deployments worldwide, including combat missions in Iraq, SE Asia, and Kosovo during Operation Allied Force. His military honors include five Air Medals, two Aerial Achievement Medals, four Air Force Commendation Medals, and two Meritorious Service Medals.

Waldo has been inducted into the National Speaker’s Association Speaker Hall of Fame and the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame, recognized under the Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE). This prestigious award honors those who have achieved the pinnacle of platform excellence and has been bestowed on less than 190 speakers worldwide since its inception, including notable figures such as Colin Powell, Zig Ziglar, and Ronald Reagan. In addition to holding the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation—the highest earned recognition in the professional speaking industry—Waldman is the founder and President of The Wingman Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. His impactful presentations cover topics such as leadership, change management, building a culture of trust, and operational excellence, making him a valuable speaker for varied audiences, including major corporations like Hewlett Packard, Verizon Wireless, and American Express.