East Asia and Pacific Area Conference 2026

TC01 Chair, NACE CIP III #27042, President of Duromar

FNACE, Lisa Reiner, James Holden and Boris Miksic, FNACE

As the lead solo pilot for the legendary Blue Angels flight team, Gucci exemplified the pinnacle of excellence, mastering the art of flying among the top 0.01% of U.S. military pilots. He was named a Top Ten Carrier Pilot nine times before leaving his mark as a Marine Instructor Pilot and then Lead Solo Pilot of the Blue Angels. His expertise even extended to the silver screen as Gucci piloted jets in the iconic film Top Gun. After completing his Navy service, Gucci earned multiple degrees from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the U.S. Naval War College, integrating lessons from his aviation career into the business realm. Today, he is a trusted advisor to global business leaders, captivating audiences worldwide with his signature Glad To Be Here® mindset. An innovative and visionary leader, best-selling author, and catalyst for organizational growth, Gucci inspires individuals and teams to achieve elite performance through passion, purpose, and presence. In 2011, he founded the Glad To Be Here® Foundation, donating 10% of his speaking fees to charities globally, supporting causes that have impacted thousands of lives and sponsoring 479 charities across 57 countries.

The Adam’s started Gateway Custom Malt in 2016, establishing the first craft malt house of its size in Missouri since the pre-Prohibition era. In 1-ton batches the couple has worked to reconnect the vital relationship between local farmers and brewers and distillers throughout Missouri and Illinois. By bringing malt home, they endeavor to boost the local economy while helping the consumer rediscover the flavor of the Midwest that was once lost for decades.