“I think that leaders are always learning and storytelling can only be done if leaders reflect on their experiences. And if they’ve done enough deep reflection, there’s a lot of value that people can pull out of those experiences.”
Robert Pizzini is my guest for Episode 30. Bob’s stories and reflections provide a keen and inspirational insight into the language of leadership, lived out.
Robert Pizzini’s Bio
Robert Pizzini is the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of iFLY Virginia Beach Indoor Skydiving. Development of iFLY Virginia Beach began in 2010 which brought this multi-million dollar technologically advanced experience to Virginia Beach in 2015. In 2018, iFLY Virginia Beach was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. In 2019, Robert launched Elevate Your Leadership, an executive level leadership experience that refreshes and energizes leaders for the rest of their professional lives.
Robert retired from the U.S. Navy in 2010 after 26 years of service in Navy Special Operations as a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician and EOD Officer. While on active duty Robert completed multiple deployments in support of various operations throughout the world. In January 2009, he completed a combat tour with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Arabian Peninsula, Balad, Iraq. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star.
Upon retirement from active duty he was an Associate with R3 Strategic Support Group from 2010-2015 where he managed various client portfolios advancing the government’s ability to combat terrorism.
Mr. Pizzini received his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from New York Regents College and graduated from Troy State University with a Master of Science degree, International Relations, National Security concentration. He is also a graduate of Air Command and Staff College and was an adjunct professor with American Military University’s School of Homeland Security from 2007-2010.
Robert is a Master EOD Technician, Master Naval Parachutist, Master Training Specialist, Mixed Gas Deep Sea Diving Officer, United States Parachute Association Accelerated Free Fall Instructor (AFFI), and Six Sigma Green Belt. Professional affiliations include membership in the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Chair, Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Directors, and the Virginia Beach Hotel Association Legislative Affairs Committee. Robert is a member of the Navy Special Operations Foundation Advisory Board, The Warrior For Life Fund board, and as a USA Hockey Level 4 coach he coaches youth and college hockey.
Resources
Elevate Your Leadership – Robert Pizzini – Award Winning CEO Fulfill your dream (or realize you had it all along) by seeing what’s possible at Bob’s iFLY Virginia Beach. His is an amazing experience that teaches you how not only how to fly but how to face and master your emotions and fears. Then there’s his course on leadership, which combines his knowledge and skill of the craft of leadership with Bob’s own compassion and character; it’s a great investment. Check him out.
To learn more about previous guests on It’s About Language or access other episodes of the podcast, visit It’s About Language or click on the Podcast tab above.
