Author: Robert “Bobcat” Branyon

A LEADER TO DIE FOR

HOW TO BE ONE *

HOW TO BUILD ONE

Released January 2026
ISBN:  978-1-956465-25-9

About book 

A Leader To Die For

What makes someone a leader to die for?

In this powerful book, retired Major General Robert “Bobcat” Branyon takes readers inside fighter cockpits, military missions, and boardrooms to reveal the leadership qualities that make people follow with trust, even when lives are on the line.

Branyon doesn’t talk about titles, profits, or corporate jargon. Instead, he focuses on what truly matters: relationships, accountability, courage, and trust. Through vivid real-life stories and practical insights, he guides readers through the phases of becoming a leader, first as a Follower, then as a Teammate, and finally as a Leader.

Whether you’re a business executive, team leader, or emerging professional, A Leader to Die For will challenge you to examine your actions, your influence, and your impact. It will help you become the kind of leader people believe in, and willingly give their best for, especially when the stakes are highest.

A Leader to Die For is a candid, high-stakes guide to what makes people follow a leader with loyalty, trust, and even sacrifice. Written by retired Major General Robert “Bobcat” Branyon, a decorated U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, the book draws on gripping true stories from the cockpit, combat zones, and corporate boardrooms to reveal the timeless principles of leadership that transcend rank, title, or industry.

From his near-death experience flying a crippled jet alone over the Gulf of Mexico to the heroic sacrifice of Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor, Branyon illustrates what it takes to inspire others in the face of uncertainty, risk, and adversity. Leadership here is not about the intangibles like charisma or authority; it is about relationships, accountability, courage, and the unwavering ability to make people believe in you.

Structured as a journey from Follower to Teammate to Leader, the book provides clear navigational “waypoints” for each phase, offering reflection questions and actionable strategies. Readers learn how to build trust across all levels of an organization, foster accountability without eroding morale, and create cultures where people willingly give their best. Branyon bridges his military experiences with decades of corporate consulting for Fortune 500 companies, showing readers how the same principles apply whether the mission is flying combat sorties or delivering business results.

This is leadership stripped of buzzwords; it’s raw, practical, and memorable. A Leader to Die For challenges readers to measure their leadership not by their title, but by how many people would willingly follow them into the fire, knowing they would emerge stronger on the other side.

About Robert “Bobcat” Branyon, Major General (Ret.), USAF

Leadership Expert | Keynote Speaker

With more than four decades of leadership in high-stakes military and corporate environments, Robert “Bobcat” Branyon is a proven builder of high-performing teams. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a career fighter pilot, he commanded at every level, from squadron to wing, before retiring as a two-star general. His military career included flying the F-4 Phantom, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-15 Eagle, along with top honors such as the Distinguished Service Medal and recognition as Tactical Air Command Instructor of the Year.

After his military service, Bobcat applied his leadership expertise in the business world, consulting with more than 180 companies and over 39,000 professionals across the United States, Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean. His clients have included Fortune 500 companies seeking to sharpen their leadership, execution, and strategy.

Today, Bobcat is a sought-after keynote speaker and the author of A Leader to Die For, where he shares timeless lessons in trust, loyalty, and mission-driven leadership.

PRESS RELEASE

Through vivid fighter pilot stories and actionable insights, Robert “Bobcat” Branyon guides readers through the three phases of becoming a leader, first as a Follower, then as a Teammate, and finally as a Leader.

Retired Air Force Major General Robert “Bobcat” Branyon, in his groundbreaking book “A Leader to Die For – How to be One; How to Build One,” inspires readers to become the best version of themselves in each stage of their own personal leadership journey. Branyon blends gripping stories from military aviation with practical lessons for business and life, guiding readers on their journey from Follower to Teammate to Leader.

Jacksonville, FL – A Leader to Die For – How to be One; How to Build One. In this powerful book, retired Major General Robert “Bobcat” Branyon takes readers inside fighter cockpits, military missions, and boardrooms to reveal the leadership qualities and actions that motivate people to follow with trust, loyalty, and respect.

Branyon doesn’t talk about titles, profits, or corporate jargon. Instead, he focuses on what truly matters: relationships, accountability, courage, and trust. Through vivid real-life stories and practical insights, he guides readers through the three phases of becoming an inspirational leader, first as a loyal Follower, then as a cherished Teammate, and finally as a respected Leader. Bobcat maps out the few critical attributes and actions to excel in each leadership phase in order to develop relationships that are “to die for.”

Whether you’re a business executive, team leader, or emerging professional, A Leader to Die For will challenge you to examine your actions, your influence, and your impact. It will help you become the kind of leader people believe in and willingly give their best for, especially in difficult times when the stakes are highest.

A Leader to Die For is a candid, actionable guide to what makes people follow a leader with loyalty, trust, and even sacrifice. A decorated U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Branyon draws on gripping true stories from the cockpit to the corporate boardroom to reveal the key practices that leaders must embrace and demonstrate to motivate individuals and teams to loyally follow them anywhere.

Included in this power-packed book are sections that provide clear navigational “waypoints” for each phase, offering reflection questions and actionable strategies which include:

• The Three Phases of the Leadership Journey
• Clear, Concise, Correct Communication
• Bring Your A-Game to the Team
• Earn Their Trust
• Debrief Like a Fighter Pilot
• Communicate with Your People
• Spend Time with Your People
• Treat Your People Right
• Create a Debriefing Culture
• Build Your Future Leaders to Die For

“A Leader to Die For – How to be One; How to Build One” is available on Amazon beginning January 13, 2026.

About the Author:

Robert “Bobcat” Branyon, Major General (Ret.), USAF
Leadership Expert | Keynote Speaker

With more than four decades of leadership in high-stakes military and corporate environments, Robert “Bobcat” Branyon is a proven builder of high-performing teams. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a fighter pilot, he commanded at every level, from Squadron to Group to Wing, retiring as a two-star general. His military career included flying the F-4 Phantom, F-5 Tiger, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-15 Eagle, along with top honors such as the Distinguished Service Medal and recognition as Tactical Air Command Instructor of the Year.

Bobcat has successfully applied his leadership expertise in the business world, delivering presentations and workshops to more than 180 companies and over 39,000 professionals across the United States, Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean. His clients have included Fortune 500 companies seeking to sharpen their leadership skills and team execution.

Today, Bobcat is a sought-after keynote speaker and the author of A Leader to Die For, where he shares the few critical attributes and actions needed to achieve inspirational leadership.

About Soar 2 Success International, LLC– Publishing Division

Established in 2012, The Soar 2 Success’s Publishing Division was created with the unique needs of authors, speakers, coaches, trainers, and entrepreneurs in mind, providing services designed to help authors produce AND publish their content with ease and excellence. Founded and led by CEO, Elizabeth McCormick, former U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot, now an in-demand International Motivational Speaker, business leader, and author of over 20 books, including her best-seller, The P.I.L.O.T. Method.

For additional information on Robert “Bobcat” Branyon, visit GForceLeadership.com

To schedule an interview with “Bobcat” email Bobcat@GForceLeadership.com or call 904-800-9060.