Too many people believe their current situation disqualifies them from future leadership. My message disrupts that lie. I want to encourage audiences to rise above their current circumstances with resilience, purpose, and a renewed belief in what’s possible.

Derek D. Davidson is a seasoned pilot instructor, veteran, and speaker whose story spans 91 countries, 4,000 flight hours, and decades of leadership under pressure. But if you ask him what he’s proudest of, it’s not the miles or the medals — it’s the message: 

You can rise above your circumstances.

Derek currently serves as a Pilot Instructor for the Airbus A320 fleet at American Airlines’ Flight Academy in Fort Worth, TX, where he’s trained thousands of pilots for the world’s largest Airbus operation. He made history as the first African American Pilot Training Supervisor for the fleet mentoring the next generation with both technical skill and heart.

Before joining American Airlines in 2013, Derek served 22 years in the United States Air Force. Known by his call sign Triple D, he logged over 4,000 flight hours — including 300 in combat — across Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His career highlights include flying Presidential support missions for President George W. Bush and his family, along with roles as a flight engineer, instructor, and evaluator on C-130s and Gulfstreams.

He holds multiple FAA certifications, including an A&P license, and specializes in Human Factors, Flight Safety, and Aviation Operations.

Today, Derek blends that lifetime of leadership into speaking engagements that inspire adults and students alike. Whether he's addressing a high school gym or a corporate boardroom, the message stays the same:

You were built to rise. Built to lead. Built for such a time as this.

Derek lives in Texas and never strays far from his roots in Cleburne. And is working on his first book, Friday Night Lights to Presidential Flights, is set for release soon.