Captain J. J. "Yank" Cummings

Using memorable “sea stories” from 36 years of flying navy fighters, commanding capital warships, and leading thousands of young men and women in the Navy, JJ offers a unique perspective on leadership that is based on empathy, authenticity, and personal connection. Using a simple gameplan -“Show them you care” – JJ provides simple but bold actions that any leader can use to improve their team’s performance, maximize talent, and ensure that employees and customers are heard and feel appreciated.

J.J. Cummings brings three decades of military leadership to share with the business world. Responsible for what the Navy Times called the “Miracle Makeover” of the aircraft carrier USS GERALD R. FORD, he led thousands of young men and women in the high-stress, unforgiving world of aircraft carrier and fighter aviation. 

Using his “Show them you care” leadership style, J.J. improved the morale, culture and performance of each organization he led. He is a powerful storyteller and presenter who translates his military perspective and experience into easy to understand leadership concepts. With an enthusiastic, memorable and engaging style, J.J. uses unique military stories to stress the vital importance of collaboration, inclusion, and mission accomplishment. He also shares personal examples that illustrate how, after straying from his leadership fundamentals, he turned mistakes into opportunities.

J.J., a former Navy fighter pilot, was the Commanding Officer of the most technologically advanced vessel in the world, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GERALD R. FORD. He was also Executive Officer of the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ, Commanding Officer of the amphibious assault ship USS ANCHORAGE, and Commanding Officer of an FA-18F Super Hornet squadron. He was the first Technical Advisor for the 2022 film, TOPGUN Maverick. 

Prior to assuming command positions, J.J. was an F-14 Tomcat instructor pilot, a TOPGUN graduate, and successfully completed the prestigious Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program. He completed multiple overseas aircraft carrier deployments, logged 3,900 hours in fighter aircraft and has 137 combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. He holds a B.A. in Physics, an M.S. in Education and an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Available for keynote speaking engagements, Q&A panels, mentorship with senior leaders, as well as multi-day engagements. J.J. enjoys raising the energy during dense, educational seminars.