Vertical Performance Enterprises is a U.S. veteran-owned leadership and management consulting company specializing in executive leadership development and organizational performance improvement. We work with leaders in mission-critical industries to take their teams to the next level through the application of proven leadership principles and performance-improvement fundamentals that have consistently produced winning results in complex, uncertain, and dynamic operating environments. Our mission is to help leaders inspire their teams to create world-changing impact through an integrated approach to strategy, change management, and leadership development.

"The Substance of Leadership" is a concise and practical guide that teaches you how to lead a high-performing team. Based on more than three decades of experience with high-performing teams operating in high-pressure environments from aircraft carriers to combat to TOPGUN to the business world, David Robinson takes you on an experiential journey distilling the complexities of leadership into a simple, enduring framework that will maximize your leadership effectiveness. Filled with practical tools, real-world examples, and engaging stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this book is a must-read for any leader who wants to elevate their team’s performance to the next level.

Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm that works with leading organizations across the private, public, and social sectors to address the world’s most complex problems.

Strategic consulting for hospitals and medical practices, providing national healthcare management and advisory services that blend business intelligence, hands-on hospital experience, and customized software to increase organizational efficiency and revenue.

Colonel in charge of a multi-functional Marine Aircraft Group with over 2,500 personnel and $12B asset inventory. Supervised and mentored nine senior executives, each with 200 reports and a $35M annual budget. Managed a $600M annual operating budget encompassing operations, training, maintenance, logistics, sustainment, and safety for a fleet of 250 jet aircraft supporting global operations. Led a Continuous Process Improvement program reducing total annual operating cost by $60M. Improved operational efficiency by 20% across nine remote enterprises. Achieved the highest levels of aircraft readiness and reliability among all operational Marine Corps organizations on the East Coast. Started up the Department of Defense’s first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter squadron. Developed human resources policy and supervised performance evaluations for 2,500 employees. Managed a staff of 30 medical professionals supporting over 5,000 military and family members, achieving the highest level of medical readiness among all Marine Corps organizations in the Carolinas. Surpassed 3,800 personal accident-free flying hours in 14 different types of aircraft, including more than 3,500 hours, 200 aircraft carrier landings, and 100 combat missions in the FA-18 Hornet. Received the Legion of Merit Award for exceptional leadership and organizational effectiveness.

Managed over 100 strategic programs and studies for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a member of the Pentagon's Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment Directorate (J8). Supervised development of strategy used to create the Secretary of Defense's ten-year vision and six-year budget. Developed and implemented multi-national communication strategies for the Department of Defense.

Orchestrated daily air operations for more than 200 manned and unmanned aircraft supporting over 30,000 personnel. Managed logistical coordination for delivery of over 15 million pounds of equipment and supplies. Received Bronze Star Medal for supervising over 20,000 combat missions and more than 2,000 medical evacuations.

CEO of an FA-18 training squadron with over 600 personnel, $2B asset inventory, and $130M annual operating budget. Achieved 100% retention, promotion, and production goals. Trained over 200 combat-ready aviators. Led Lean Six Sigma program improving production efficiency by more than 20% through innovative business strategies and performance-driven metrics. Received Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award for operational excellence.

Oversaw all aspects of aviation and ground safety for 3,500 personnel and 120 high-performance aircraft in a Marine Aircraft Group. Reduced annual automobile accidents by 50% through innovative leadership and safety programs. Implemented Crew Resource Management (CRM) program decreasing aviation accidents by 90%.

Trained over 200 elite aviators in the art of advanced combat tactics, technology integration, and graduate-level instruction. Supervised standardization and curriculum development for a staff of 30 instructors providing training and education in the disciplines of mission planning, effective teamwork, rapid decision-making, superior execution, and performance improvement. Subject matter expert and published author on the topics of adversary mindset and tactics, mission planning, and organizational learning.

Held numerous leadership positions in the areas of operations, administration, communications, logistics, finance, human resources, training, safety, maintenance, compliance, and quality control.