At Matti Speaker Agency, we have the privilege of working with leaders who push the boundaries of what’s possible. Recently, we sat down for an exclusive interview with Ales Svoboda — fighter pilot, member of the European Space Agency’s Astronaut Reserve, and one of the most inspiring voices in high-performance leadership today.

From the cockpit of a supersonic jet to the extreme environments of astronaut training, Ales shared powerful insights on resilience, decision-making under pressure, and why trust is the ultimate currency of leadership.

From Fighter Jets to Space Missions: What It Really Takes

“The journey from dream to fighter pilot — from zero to hero, as we say — demands years of relentless commitment and resilience.”

In our conversation, Ales described the eleven-year path from joining the Czech Air Force to finally strapping into a supersonic aircraft. That same perseverance now fuels his mission in space exploration.

“No matter the field, long-term motivation, unshakable resilience, and a will to win are absolutely essential.”

This mindset — one of unwavering grit and discipline — is something every business leader can learn from. Whether you’re scaling a company or preparing for a mission to space, the fundamentals of endurance are the same.

Decision-Making Under Pressure: The Power of Judgment

Operating within NATO, the Czech Air Force, and now ESA, Ales has been embedded in some of the world’s most elite, multidisciplinary teams. We asked him what mindset is needed to thrive in such high-pressure environments.

“The common denominator is the operational environment. Situational awareness — a clear understanding of an evolving scenario — is crucial. So is the ability to make decisions under pressure and communicate them clearly.”

He emphasized one quality above all: judgment. Not just instinct, but judgment forged through experience, training, and clarity of thought.

Innovation: Technology Amplifies — It Doesn’t Replace

In our interview, Ales was clear-eyed about the role of innovation:

“Technology is a powerful enabler. It reduces human error and boosts performance. But it doesn’t replace us — it empowers us.”

He explained how AI, automation, and real-time data systems are critical in both aviation and space. But in moments of ambiguity or crisis, it’s still the human behind the system that makes the call.

“We don’t need more data. We need better deciders.”

It’s a message every organization should internalize: Your competitive edge isn’t just tech — it’s the human who knows what to do with it.

Trust, Presence, and Leading by Example

Ales also shared a story from his survival training in the mountains, where uncertainty was high, and conditions were harsh.

“One teammate told me, ‘There was never any doubt you were the leader — whether you were out front, in the middle, or bringing up the rear.’”

When he asked why, the answer was simple: “We trusted you.”

That’s the essence of leadership: consistency, presence, and trust earned through action. He recalled a story about General Patton pointing at a river crossing, being questioned by his team, and responding: “Well, look at my pants.”
He had already stepped into the river himself.

“That’s what leadership looks like,” Ales told us. “Going first.”

Final Reflection

In an age of uncertainty, Ales Svoboda offers something rare: clarity, depth, and lived experience from the world’s most demanding environments. His message is a wake-up call to leaders: slow down, think deeply, and earn trust — every single day.

At Matti Speaker Agency, we are honored to represent Ales as a keynote speaker who brings profound insight to leadership teams, innovation forums, and organizations striving to lead with purpose and precision.

🔭 Bring Ales Svoboda to Your Stage
Ready to inspire your team with insights from the cockpit and beyond?
Book Ales for your next leadership summit, strategy retreat, or innovation event.

👉 Book now at www.mattispeakeragency.com