With twenty-five years as a United States Marine Corps officer and aviator, Ryan Cherry has learned a lot of hard lessons about what it means to lead under pressure, learn from failure, and stay grounded through the chaos of life. Now a sought-after executive coach and speaker, Ryan is sharing his experiences in this entertaining and raw account of the lessons he's learned the hard way-- so you don't have to.
Readback is a clear-eyed manual built on twenty-two hard-learned lessons from a career at the controls of AH-1 Cobra helicopters and in the trenches of military leadership. From the flight line to the front lines, Colonel (ret.) Ryan Cherry shares what it takes to lead better, live sharper, and grow through adversity.
Told with candor and a unique perspective, each chapter captures a defining moment-- sometimes painful, often gritty, and always instructive--along Ryan's journey to becoming a decorated pilot and leader. Ryan doesn't shy away from his own missteps or moments of doubt. Instead, he breaks them down and offers readers the same straight talk he once gave Marines in his squadron. The result is a no-nonsense guide packed with lessons in humility, resilience, and high-stakes decision-making.
Whether you're wearing a uniform or navigating your own battles in business, family, or life, Ryan provides a relatable guide to finding your way through it all. Readback arms you with practical insight that will help you change your leadership strategy-- and perspective--for the better.
About the Author :
COL. Ryan A. Cherry, USMC (Ret.), is an executive coach, speaker, and retired Marine aviator and senior military leader with over twenty-five years of service around the globe. From leading helicopter squadrons in the Indo-Pacific to advising top Department of Defense leaders on crisis response and autonomous aviation strategy, Ryan has dedicated his career to leadership under pressure. He is widely recognized for building and mentoring high-performing teams, driving innovation, and leading complex operations in some of the most demanding environments. Ryan lives in Massachusetts with his wife and son. When he isn't working or writing, Ryan loves watching New England sports and traveling with his family.
Review :
"Becoming a United States Marine Corps officer is hard enough, and even more difficult is becoming a pilot in a USMC light attack squadron where everyone is top-notch. Within this context, readers will find the advice and wisdom contained throughout these pages invaluable. Ryan's "Readbacks" at the end of each chapter are priceless lessons for anyone navigating the executive business world or life's many challenges."
--LT. GEN. STEVEN "STICK" RUDDER, USMC (ret.)
"Leadership is truly an art. Instead of ink, oils, clay, or chords, a leader must work with people and relationships to build the teamwork and trust necessary to achieve the intangible, but real, esprit de corps that drives individuals and organizations to excel beyond their expectations. In Readback, Ryan Cherry uses his unique and insightful real-life experiences to communicate the art and science of inspiring people in a way anyone can relate to. Your mind will race as you apply these pages to scenarios from your own life. Through the lessons in this book, you'll become the type of leader that others will not just want to follow but to become themselves."
--LT. GEN. LANCE "SPIKE" LANDRUM, USAF (ret.), President and Founder of Team Landrum Advising & Consulting LLC
"Readback is a masterclass in resilience, drawn from the skies of combat and the quiet battles of everyday life. Ryan Cherry's journey as a Marine Cobra pilot is more than an adrenaline-filled story--it's a guide to facing fear, embracing discipline, and turning adversity into your fuel for success. It's about life, leadership, and pushing through when things get tough. Whether you're chasing a goal, leading a team, or just trying to level up in life, this book will push you to dig deeper, aim higher, and never back down."
--COL. EVERETT "FINGERS" GOOD, USMC, Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Group 29
"I have known Ryan for many years and first met him at the time I commanded Marine Aircraft Group 39. This book, a compilation of personal experiences which led to the development and maturing of his personal leadership philosophy, is a unique approach to selflessly imparting valuable lessons learned for others to incorporate into their own developing leadership styles. I believe, 'It is good to learn from your own mistakes, but it is far easier to learn from the mistakes of others.' Ryan does a masterful job of detailing the good and not-so-good experiences of his life to assist those who follow him in their own leadership progression."
--COL. PATRICK "PADDY" GOUGH, USMC (ret), CEO of Poseidon Consulting LLC
"A must-read for all new or aspiring junior officers, noncommissioned officers, and civilian front line leaders."
--COL. TIM HORAN, USA (ret.), Former President of National Grid Rhode Island
"Readback is a thought-provoking blend of hard-fought lessons in leadership set against the operations of our modern military. Every leader in every industry will level up with this uniquely personal look at a distinguished career and the leadership lessons learned along the way. Colonel Cherry details both his successes and his mistakes--all to our benefit. Sure, you can learn leadership skills from entrepreneurs and CEOs, but few of them have made decisions that are actual life and death. Readback is a reminder that as leaders, our choices matter, our people matter, and our teams will never perform better than what we are personally capable of."
--SEAN DEVEREAUX, Film Producer, Founder, Entrepreneur
