How to Turn Your Experiences Into a Powerful Story feat. Mark C. Fava

Mark C. Fava has had a career unlike most lawyers. A former naval flight officer, aviation lawyer, and now a vice president at the world’s largest aerospace manufacturing company, Mark has spent decades leading in high-pressure environments. His new book, Lessons from the Admiral, Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, shares leadership insights from his time working with an admiral and how those lessons apply to law, business, and life. In this episode, we dive into his career pivots, risk-taking, and why understanding people—not just legal rules—is the key to success.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Mark’s career has been defined by leadership, storytelling, and mentorship—all of which led him to his side hustle as an author and speaker. His book, Lessons from the Admiral, Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, is not just a collection of naval stories—it’s a leadership guide for professionals, including lawyers, looking to refine their decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills.

“The same habits I learned as an admiral's aide transferred almost flawlessly to being a lawyer... It's very simple things, being on time, striving for perfection, knowing the audience, knowing the people in the room,” shares Mark C. Fava in Episode 183 of You Are a Lawyer.

Beyond writing, Mark C. Fava speaks at industry events, law schools, and leadership conferences, sharing insights from his military and legal career. His side hustles allow him to combine his passion for mentorship with his expertise in leadership and law, proving that lawyers can build fulfilling careers outside of traditional practice.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How leadership skills from the military translate into law and business
• Why taking strategic career risks leads to greater opportunities
• How to develop relationships that open doors and create long-term success

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Mark C. Fava’s experience as a naval flight officer and aviation lawyer
• The process of writing Lessons from the Admiral and its biggest takeaways
• How storytelling and strategic thinking shape great leadership in law

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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. 

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