David Graddy is an information technology business analyst with over 40 years of experience in the aerospace industry and a recognized John Maxwell Leadership Certified Team member. He has built a distinguished career at leading aerospace companies, where he specialized in earned value management systems and information technology. David brings a practical, real-world perspective to leadership development, grounded in decades of hands-on experience. David’s mission is to help professionals develop leadership skills from the ground up, empowering individuals to lead effectively before receiving formal titles. He believes leadership is a journey that starts with excelling as a team member and grows through self-awareness, an understanding of team dynamics, and effective communication. His book, Leading in the Trenches, distills his insights into actionable strategies for anyone ready to become the leader their team needs. Before his current role, David gained invaluable leadership experience in retail, rising from team member to store-level management. He holds a bachelor of business administration from Wichita State University and has spent more than three decades leading complex projects in aerospace. His experience includes contributions as a John Maxwell Leadership Certified Team member, and he actively shares his leadership expertise through speaking and coaching. David lives in Wichita, Kansas, with his wife, Alice, and family. Outside of work, he is a passionate jazz musician, playing tenor saxophone in a local jazz orchestra. He also cherishes his time spent as a grandpa. To learn more about David’s leadership philosophy and connect with him, visit DavidGraddy.com.