Command Under Pressure - Crisis Leadership Lessons from NAS Pensacola’s CO

In this episode of The Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys speaks with Captain Tim “Lucky” Kinsella, U.S. Navy (Ret.), former Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola. From facing an active shooter on base to navigating hurricanes and global pandemics, Capt. Kinsella shares a powerful account of crisis command, emotional endurance, and the responsibility of representing the Navy on the world stage.

What You’ll Learn:
How Capt. Kinsella led NAS Pensacola through the 2019 active shooter incident
The principles of “crisis composure” and why slowing down saves lives
How to represent your organization with integrity and calm during media scrutiny
The leadership mindset required when responsibility outpaces control
The “Bucket of Joy” philosophy — a practical model for leader self-care
How transparent communication builds trust during ongoing crises
Lessons from tragedy that shape future generations of military leadership
Captain Tim “Lucky” Kinsella, U.S. Navy (Ret.), served as Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola from 2019 to 2022. His command coincided with some of the Navy’s most challenging years, including the 2019 active shooter attack, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hurricane Sally. A native of Ireland and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kinsella’s career spanned over three decades as a naval aviator, operations leader, and crisis commander.
Known for his steady leadership, humor, and humility, Kinsella became a symbol of composure under fire and an advocate for mental health in leadership. Today, he continues to share lessons on resilience, decision-making, and the unseen costs of command with organizations across the country.
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