In today’s episode of Construction Genius, we dive deep into a powerful leadership framework that can transform how you run your construction projects — the Fighter Pilot Mindset based on John Boyd’s legendary OODA loop.
In fast-paced, high-risk environments — whether it’s a fighter jet or a complex construction site — the speed and quality of your team’s decision-making can make or break project outcomes.
Yet many construction leaders today face persistent challenges:
✅ Bridging the gap between office leadership and field crews
✅ Balancing safety and productivity under constant schedule pressure
✅ Driving real-time decision-making on job sites that are always changing
✅ Building a job site culture where workers are empowered — not micromanaged
✅ Improving communication between leadership and the front line
That’s where the OODA loop — Observe, Orient, Decide, Act — comes in. Originally designed for fighter pilots in life-or-death combat, this mental model helps leaders and crews think faster and act smarter — without sacrificing safety.
My guest today is Stokes McIntyre, CEO of MindForge, who brings a unique background in both film production and construction technology. Stokes is passionate about helping construction leaders apply OODA loop thinking to close the field-office communication gap and create job sites where safety and speed reinforce each other — not compete.
RESOURCES
Website - mindforgeapp.com
LinkedIn Handle - linkedin.com/in/stokesmcintyre/
Insta - instagram.com/mindforgellc/
X - x.com/MindForge
Facebook - facebook.com/mindforgeinc
Company LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/mindforgellc
Restaurant Recommendation - giuseppesritrovo.com/