The book of gaberock with Gabriel Avilla

“If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.” In this episode, I reflect on some recent conversations at work revolving around dysfunctional teams and how to fix them. The human tendency to act out in self-preservation mode can be damaging to your team, but the path the positive change can and must start with you. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://ww...

“Sometimes, you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes, in the middle of nowhere you find yourself.” In this episode, I invite Major Nick Lewis to talk about the common struggle of trying to find your place when advancing to a new tier of responsibility. When it seems like there is no hope to be found, sometimes what you need is closer than you think. ////////// LINKS: Main - http:/...

“What got you here, won’t necessarily get you there.” In this episode, I’m a featured guest on the Simsation Nation podcast hosted by Henry “Shooter” Sims. We discuss our thoughts on potential competing leadership philosophies and how a good leader doesn’t have to make that choice but instead knows how to wield them both when necessary. Be sure to check out and subscribe Simsation Nation - https:/...

“At the end of the day, we are accountable to ourselves; our success is a result of what we do.” In this episode, I analyze the application of Accountability within a team environment. The importance of Responsibility, Dependability, and Predictability of the individual must be understood to translate to team success. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.f...

“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” In this episode, I share my perspective on why you should participate in the 2023 CrossFit Open. The Open truly is for everyone and can help you set the tone to tackle future challenges and rack up wins on your personal fitness journey. Visit me at CrossFit Hampton Roads the next time you’re in town! http://www.cro...

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” I start off 2023 strong with a review of my pursuits for the year. These aren't goals or resolutions, but rather long-standing tenants I will be organizing and prioritizing my time and energy towards to rise to my full potential. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ConstantElevation...

“It’s ok to make mistakes. It’s not ok to half-ass.” In this episode, I explore three different methods of learning and how I use them with maximum purpose. However, one method seems to be the strongest for me, and I embrace it and keep moving forward. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ConstantElevation.co Instagram - https://www.instagram....

“If it’s a priority, you’ll find a way. If it isn’t, you’ll find an excuse.” In this episode, I analyze whether or not “ruthless prioritization” should be something you aim to achieve. Depending on your situation and approach, a leader can achieve great results…but at what cost? ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ConstantElevation.co Instagr...

“Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.” In this episode, I cover my 5 favorite leadership quotes from a source you may not be tracking: Ted Lasso. This fictional soccer coach drops numerous nuggets of leadership insight that we all can benefit from if we only BELIEVE in ourselves. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ConstantElevatio...

“Be brief, be brilliant, be gone.” In this episode, I share my thoughts upon returning from a recent work trip. This trip ended up being challenging for me to keep my same energy the entire time, but I now have a better understanding of how to prepare and execute those work days and not burn myself out. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Con...

“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” In this episode, I share my updated leadership philosophy. Understanding and sharing your core values as a leader is important, but remember to periodically do a self-assessment on them to ensure you are still pointing in the direction you want to. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.facebook.c...

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” In this episode, I share my simple list of elements of a high-performing team: Communicate, Coordinate, and Collaborate. When used effectively, these elements can save time and energy on otherwise wasted efforts and concentrate the team on what matters most: success achieved together.  *Note: the au...

“To be or to do? Which way will you go?” In this episode, I share insight into my recent experience of not being selected for the next level of competitive leadership: group command. To say I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster would be putting it lightly, but I believe in the end that I’m on the path that I need to be on, not necessarily the one I may have wanted. ////////// LINKS: Main - http...

“This is how it should be done. This style is identical to none.” Welcome back to Season 6 of Constant Elevation! In this episode, I provide an update on my life happenings since the conclusion of season 5 and why I decided to return to the mic. I’m excited to continue to share my stories and thoughts on how all of us can rise to our potential and define the future. ////////// LINKS: Main - http:/...

“There is no time like the present to start being the person you want to be remembered as.” In this episode, I share my parting thoughts as I wind down my recent tour at JFHQ-DODIN. This tour has taught me many things and helped me grow tremendously as a leader, and I hope that my work has left a similar positive impact on others that will remain even after I leave. Serving as an example of the le...

“A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” In this episode, I draw my comparisons to being an effective coach in the gym to being an effective leader in the workplace. I am grateful to currently serve in both of these capacities, so I try to use the same tools and techniques in both roles to improve the performance of those I am fortunate enough to lead. Original episode of...

“E Aloha Kekahi I Kekahi (love one another).” In this episode, I share how my childhood in Hawai’i shaped my style of leadership and how I try to conduct myself professionally and personally. Let’s close out this year’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month strong…IMUA! #AAPIHM ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ConstantElevation.co...

“It’s only a ton of email if you read them all.” In this episode, I share my strategy for how I return from leave with maximum efficiency. I’ve fine-tuned this approach to maximize my time and maximize the time of others so we can get back to work and #JustDoBetter. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ConstantElevation.co Instagram - https://...

“I think I can…I think I can…I know I can.” In this episode, I share some highlights from the recently updated “Air Force little blue and brown books.” These foundational publications are a must-read for every Airman, as they provide us insight into how we must hold ourselves and each other accountable to defined principles within the Profession of Arms. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constan...

“I don’t care about organization charts, I care about the unity of effort.” In this episode, I cover some of the top quotes I heard while attending the 2022 AFCEA Tidewater Integrated Combat Symposium in Hampton, Virginia. I had a great time hearing from great leaders on what the Air Force needs from the cyberspace operations and information warfare community, and I’m excited for my next chapter i...

“The coach discovers his or her humanness and humanity while being a clearing for others to do so.” In this episode, I share some of the 360-degree feedback I asked for from the athletes I am fortunate to coach. Seeking improvement is a hallmark of a great coach, and sometimes the best feedback comes from the ones that depend on you. Revival Fitness, Home of CrossFit Vive - http://www.revivalfitne...

“It’s like a finger pointing to the moon. Don’t focus your eyes on the finger or you will all of the heavenly glory..” In this episode, I share my thoughts on mentally labeling yourself as a leader and following through with actions that match that label. By creating a mental image of who you want to be, it will become easier for that image to manifest itself in reality. ////////// LINKS: Main - h...

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” In this episode, I share my thoughts on how a good mentor hopes you move on, but a great mentor knows you will. If you are fortunate enough to serve in a mentorship position, listen to my advice on what you need to do to ensure you elevate leaders to higher positions from where you met them. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.c...

“Bureaucracy is the art of making possible impossible.” In this episode, I share my frustrating thoughts on how I see bureaucracy killing initiative within organizations. Leaders will no doubt encounter these obstacles, and it is their responsibility to rise above them and lead themselves and their teams to greater accomplishments. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook...

“You get what you focus on, so focus on what you want.” In this episode, I share my thoughts on two elements that every leader must master to win: Focus and Finish. They may seem simple at first, but if you don’t understand their importance, you may lead yourself or your team to disaster. ////////// LINKS: Main - http://www.constantelevation.co Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ConstantElevation....