Accelerent Breakfast: An Extraordinary Story of Leadership and Duty

Reflecting on Leadership and Heroism: A Powerful Morning with Colonel Mark Tillman at Accelerent – Phoenix

On January 31, the Phoenix division of Accelerent hosted an unforgettable breakfast event that brought together local business leaders for a morning of insight, inspiration, and reflection. Benefit Commerce Group, as the proud Title Sponsor of the Phoenix division, was thrilled to support this impactful gathering that featured Colonel Mark Tillman, the former pilot of Air Force One, as the keynote speaker.

An Extraordinary Story of Leadership and Duty

Colonel Mark Tillman’s career in the U.S. Air Force spanned three decades, and it was his role as the commander of Air Force One from 2001 to 2009 that cemented his place in history. In his keynote address, Colonel Tillman shared the harrowing and emotional account of his first year on the job when he was tasked with ensuring the safety of President George W. Bush during the September 11 attacks.

As the 12th command pilot of Air Force One, Tillman described the confusion and uncertainty of that fateful day. It began like any other, with President Bush visiting a school in Florida. However, when the first World Trade Center tower was struck, it marked the beginning of a day that would change the course of history. Tillman recounted the challenges he faced as the events unfolded—navigating through the fog of war, grounding all flights in U.S. airspace, and ensuring the president was safely moved while the country’s government continued to function.

"The attack came from within the country, versus coming at us," Tillman said, explaining the unique challenges his team faced. His account of flying into an active war zone in Baghdad to bring President Bush to visit troops on Thanksgiving was another poignant reminder of the bravery and determination required in moments of national crisis.

A Focus on Leadership Through Service

One of the most powerful moments of the morning came when Colonel Tillman shared his personal leadership philosophy. For him, leadership isn’t about commands—it’s about caring for those you lead and building trust. "It’s amazing how much people will follow you, and do things for you, when you treat them with kindness and take care of them, as opposed to being demanding,” he explained.

"You’ve got to take care of the people, otherwise, you're never going to be a successful leader."

This message of compassionate leadership resonated deeply with the business leaders in the room, reinforcing the importance of creating positive cultures in organizations that empower individuals and foster trust. Colonel Tillman’s emphasis on leading with respect, humility, and genuine care for others is a lesson that transcends industries and can be applied to both military and civilian leadership.

A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Colonel Tillman’s reflection on 9/11 was particularly moving, especially when he described his treasured memory of President Bush’s visit to Ground Zero the day after the attacks. As first responders and volunteers chanted "USA! USA!" in support of the president, Tillman recalled the powerful image of the American flag being lifted at Ground Zero. "I have a picture from that day, signed by President Bush, that sits at my bedside," Tillman shared. "Before every flight, I give it a fist bump so I never forget what happened."

Tillman’s career highlights were not just about flying the President of the United States; they were about protecting lives, maintaining a sense of calm during unimaginable chaos, and leading with heart. His dedication and commitment to his crew and the nation left an indelible impact on everyone who had the privilege of hearing him speak.

Kick-off of AZ Employee Benefits Benchmarking Survey

Prior to Colonel Tillman’s talk, Chris Hogan, Executive VP & Principal at Benefit Commerce Group, announced the start of the 2025 AZ Employee Benefits Benchmarking. This program helps mid-size employers identify where they are ahead of the competition, where they need to be stronger, and how to save money and bring benefit innovations into their program.

Accelerent – Phoenix: Building Connections, Inspiring Growth

The Accelerent Phoenix division is known for bringing together business professionals and providing valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. At breakfast events like this one, attendees hear from nationally recognized speakers and industry experts, creating an environment that fosters connection, learning, and inspiration.

As the Title Sponsor, Benefit Commerce Group is proud to support Accelerent in its mission to provide innovative solutions for business development, bringing together leaders from diverse industries to learn from one another and grow together.

This event with Colonel Tillman was a perfect example of the power of leadership, perseverance, and teamwork in overcoming adversity. His stories not only captured the essence of what it means to lead in the most difficult of circumstances but also reminded us of all of the importance of empathy and care in creating strong, successful teams.

Looking Ahead

If you weren’t able to attend this powerful breakfast, don’t worry—Accelerent has many more events planned throughout the year, each featuring inspiring speakers and thought-provoking discussions. Whether you're looking to expand your network, learn from industry leaders, or gain fresh perspectives on leadership and business development, Accelerent provides the ideal environment for growth and success.

We look forward to seeing you at future Accelerent events as we continue to learn from extraordinary leaders like Colonel Mark Tillman and apply those lessons to our own lives and businesses.