When former F-16 and F-35 pilot Hasard Lee had to make a split-second decision about landing on a damaged runway during a mortar attack with only 15 minutes of fuel remaining, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The framework he used in that moment—and countless others during 82 combat missions in Afghanistan—offers powerful insights for entrepreneurs facing their own high-pressure decisions.
Lee’s military experience led him to develop what he calls the ACE Helix: Assess, Choose, Execute. This three-step framework breaks down even the most complex decisions into manageable components. First, you assess the situation by gathering information from multiple sources. Then you choose the best course of action from the available options. Finally, you execute with complete focus on the present moment.
What makes this particularly relevant for today’s business climate is Lee’s emphasis on quantifying decisions through what he calls “fast forecasting.” Using the formula (Benefit × Probability) – (Risk × Probability), entrepreneurs can quickly evaluate opportunities even when time is limited and stakes are high. It’s a more structured approach than gut instinct alone, but faster than extensive analysis that might miss critical windows.
The military’s approach to continuous improvement also offers valuable lessons. Lee describes spending 2-6 hours debriefing after every 1-1.5-hour flight, using “nameless, rankless debriefs” where anyone can critique, regardless of hierarchy. The focus isn’t on blame but on finding root causes and improving by just 1% each day. For entrepreneurs, this kind of systematic learning from both successes and failures can compound into significant competitive advantages.
Perhaps most importantly, Lee emphasizes that mental toughness isn’t about being fearless. It’s about making good decisions despite fear. In an economic environment where wrong choices can mean the difference between business survival and failure, having a proven framework for high-pressure decision-making becomes invaluable.
Watch Lee’s full interview below to learn more about applying fighter pilot decision-making principles to your business challenges, including his techniques for managing stress and maintaining focus when everything is on the line.
