Episode Details

In this episode of the Max Your Business Podcast, host Ben Fewtrell sits down with a very special guest, Mike Mason. After spending 20 years in the Royal Air Force flying frontline fighter jets, Mike knows a thing or two about performing under pressure. Now, through his company On Target, he brings those high-stakes military lessons into the corporate world.

Hiring for technical skill is standard, but keeping a team running smoothly comes down to behaviour and communication. Ben and Mike unpack the critical importance of "human factors" and why the humans operating the machines matter more than the machines themselves. They share practical tips on mastering the art of the debrief, making subtle shifts in how you speak to your team, and using immersive training to build non-technical skills.

If you are tired of repeating the same mistakes or struggling to get your team communicating effectively, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach and start leading like a pro.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Welcome to the Max Your Business Podcast

02:24 - Mike's journey from flying fighter jets to the corporate sector

03:00 - Why human factors are the real key to operational success

09:30 - The massive missed opportunity of effective debriefing in business

12:30 - Subtle communication tweaks to stop defensive reactions instantly

15:40 - A real-world example of how not to communicate as a leader

19:15 - Using immersive spaceship simulations to train non-technical skills

26:00 - The life-saving and money-saving impact of human factors training

29:20 - Your Next Steps

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of the Debrief: Whether a project is a massive win or a complete flop, taking the time to reflect and adjust is where the real growth happens.

• Reframing Your Questions: Swap out "why did you do that?" for "what led to that happening?" to keep your team open and out of defensive mode.

• Hire for Skill, Fire for Behaviour: Technical skills get people in the door, but non-technical skills like teamwork and communication are what keep your business thriving.

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