Ep. 3: Retired Chief Master Sergeant David Staton talks how to be successful leader and ways to mentor

Send us Fan Mail ****DISCLAIMER**** The views and comments made by host and guest do not represent the views nor are they in association with the United States military.  **** Chief Master Sergeant David Staton, Retired, is the former Command Chief Master Sergeant of Air Education and Training Command.  His other leadership roles in the military included Command Chief of Second of Air Force, First Sergeant, and Military Training Instructor.  Chief Staton served in the Air Force for nearly 30 years and knows a thing or two about leading. 00:30 Intro 1:40 Trying to be successful as a leader 3:23 Importance of being approachable 4:48 Making of a great mentor 6:00 Everything you say and do has the potential to really help someone with you even knowing 7:45 Funny story about random encounter 9:40 Lt Col Mark Schwalm 10:50 The more responsibility given, the more that is expected from you 12:05 Balancing needs of the organization with needs of the junior ranking 13:00 Do not forget where you came from 16:22 Leading people versus building leaders 17:40 Who mentors Command Chiefs? 18:58 Peer mentorship 20:30 Getting mentored by junior enlisted 21:30 Trying new things in order to grow 23:24 Failure setting you up for later success and personal story 29:54 Personal message on giant billboardSupport the showConnect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartinMore Amazing Stories:Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You InsecureEpisode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel------------© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.