From the cockpit to the boardroom
After 30 intense yet rewarding years in the Air Force as a pilot and leader, I knew my next chapter had to be just as meaningful. What I valued most throughout my career was sharing knowledge and mentoring others. This passion for leadership development led me to launch Ad Punctum in 2023, with the goal of helping the next generation of leaders excel.
A dream come true
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to become a Fighter Pilot. As a kid, my grandmother, would often take me to airshows, where I was totally enthralled by all the jets zipping by. This passion drove me to join the Air Force in 1993. After 3 years of blood, sweat and tears, my wings were pinned on and I was on my way to fly the mighty F-16. ​​
Lesson learned: Anything is possible if your persevere and remain focused.
Living the dream
​The life of a Fighter Pilot is defined by discipline, long hours, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s also about camaraderie, purpose, and belonging. In 2003, I was selected for the Fighter Weapon School (the Air Force’s equivalent of Top Gun), a six-month, intensive program that trains pilots to become field experts and mentors. It’s here that we learn the importance of teamwork, because a team is only as strong as its weakest link. ​
Lesson Learned from the Fighter Weapon School: Be credible, humble but also approachable
A troubled world
​Operational deployments quickly followed, starting in the Balkans in the late '90s, then expanding to the Middle East and Libya. These experiences showed me how shared hardship, strengthens bonds, and motivates teams to exceed expectations. In 2005, our family moved to the USA for four years, where I served as an instructor pilot for the U.S. Air Force in Tucson, Arizona. During this time, our family grew from two to four.​​​
Lesson Learned: shared challenges, when led properly, can transform a group into a cohesive, high-performing team
From Expert to Leader
In 2009, I transitioned into leadership roles, attending Staff College before leading the F-16 Operations and Evaluation Center. As Test Director for operational testing, I managed multinational teams and coordinated complex F-16 avionics and weapons upgrade programs, in coordination with multiple military and civilian stakeholders.
Lesson Learned: When managing complex projects, do not surround yourself with like minded persons.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
"No one can harm me unpunished" is the motto of the First Fighter Squadron of the Belgian Air Force. In 2015 I was privileged to received the opportunity to lead the fine men and women of the First Squadron. Leading highly skilled individuals taught me the value of setting the course, being there for them, and most importantly, getting out of their way as they accomplish the mission. Experts hate to be micromanaged and it takes courage from leaders to relinquish control.
Lesson Learned: Leading is a privilege.
Leading in combat
As a leader, you support your team, celebrate their successes, and take responsibility for failures. In the second half of my Air Force career, I led multiple combat deployments. During operations, things rarely go as planned. Leading in challenging and uncertain conditions taught me the importance of clearly communicating the purpose behind our actions and remaining calm under pressure, as the team relies on your guidance.
Lesson Learned: Don’t just tell people what to do, explain the "why" behind it.
Mentoring the next generation
Eventually, our family returned to the USA, first to Maxwell Air Force Base, where I attended Air War College, and then to Texas, where I served as the Senior National Representative for Belgium to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program. At ENJJPT, we train future combat pilots, but we also mentor the next generation of leaders. Upon our return from the USA, it was time to start a new chapter.
Lesson Learned: Your team is guided more by your actions than by your words.
Experience matters
​In 2023, I founded Ad Punctum, but my passion for flying jets never faded. Alongside my leadership consulting, I continue to fly fighter jets part-time as an Adversary Air (AdAir) pilot for Top Aces. At Top Aces, we help the next generation of fighter pilots hone their skills by providing realistic threat replications. To learn more how we support NATO Air Forces visit www.topaces.com.
Lesson Learned: In guiding the next generation, you not only leave a lasting impact but also find purpose and fulfillment in seeing others succeed.
Family matters
Finally, all of this would never have been possible without the unwavering support of my family. They endured all the moves, the night flights, the missed birthdays etc. I am forever grateful to my amazing wife Elke, and our teenagers, Tristan and Aurélie, without whom I would never have been able to accomplish what I did.