Interview: Jovan Leach, Air Force Superintendent of the Inspector General

Tell us about yourself.  What is it that you do for a living? What is the scope of your responsibilities and whom do you serve as customers?

My name is SMSgt Jovan P. Leach. I’ve been in the Air Force for 22 years and currently deployed at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve serving as the Superintendent in the Office of the Inspector General (IG).

When did you realize this is what you wanted to do as a profession?  How did you know?

 I realized that I wanted to Make a Difference (MAD) by helping people reach their fullest potential in 2010 when I was in Air Force Recruiting Service. Every week that I sent an applicant to Basic Military Training, I felt a sense of satisfaction that was new to me. I soon realized that I found my purpose!

Where do you draw your inspiration?

I draw my motivation from within. I always challenge myself to be better than I was yesterday.

What is the biggest challenge in your industry or profession and how do you solve it?

The biggest challenge that I face as a Senior Noncommissioned Officer is losing good Airmen to bad leadership. My attempt at being part of the solution is to help leaders recognize their shortcomings while providing them with the tools necessary to build on those shortcomings.

Describe the experience of recognizing that others were responding to you as a leader.

This experience happened for me in 2016 when I was promoted the Flight Chief position in my unit. There were many personnel problems that I attributed to a lack in trust in leadership. I made it a personal goal to focus on “joy in the workplace” for all of my staff. As a team, we created a new flight vision that focused on Teamwork, Transparency, and Trust (TTT). The team eventually began to respond and as trust grew, the performance of the team also grew. It was a monumental moment for me as a leader!!

How do you define work-life balance and how do you attain it?

Work life balance is subjective in my opinion. I define is a prioritizing what’s important to you. Then building your schedule to reflect those priorities. Sustaining balance is only possible by planning your day and working your plan.

What books do you recommend to others who wish to follow a similar path?

 ‘Speed of Trust’, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’, ‘Start with Why’, and 'The 5th Discipline'.

How do you define success?

Success is when on reaches their Personal Mastery. Success is a mind-set in my opinion.

If you could have a conversation with anyone living, who would it be? What questions would you ask?

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright. I would ask him numerous questions, but the first one would be “What is your why?” The second question would be; “When did you find your purpose?”

Favorite motivational quote?

Ships don’t sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.

What’s the best advise you have ever received?

Focus your efforts on things that are in your circle of control. Your attitude is everything.

What rituals or practices do you do to keep you motivated?

I look for opportunities to MAD. It keeps me on the edge of my comfort zone; allowing me to grow.

Any final words you’d like to pass on to the readers?

I believe that building positive relationships is key to being a productive member of society in whatever capacity you serve.