Feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list? Pilots have a system to stay calm, focused, and in control—even at 38,000 feet. In this episode, Bobby Dutton shares the Aviate, Navigate, Communicate framework to help you prioritize like a pro, manage your time efficiently, and thrive in business and life.
In this high-impact episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant interviews Bobby Dutton, a computer engineer who found his passion at the intersection of technical expertise and creative expression.Bobby shares how he built GBM Six (formerly Groove Boston Mission Six), transforming the college concert experience by focusing on technical excellence rather than traditional performer-centered approaches. His events create immersive experiences using engineering principles to maximize impact.The conversation reveals Bobby's powerful “Think Like a Pilot” framework based on three principles:
- Aviate: Focus completely on what matters most right now
- Navigate: Plan your direction with intentional calendaring
- Communicate: Process information efficiently (including achieving inbox zero)
Bobby dismantles the multitasking myth, explaining how single-tasking with full attention creates dramatically better results. Learn his color-coding calendar system that distinguishes between time-sensitive tasks and flexible commitments, plus his email management approach that prevents the inbox from controlling your day.
For engineers and entrepreneurs struggling with overwhelm, this episode provides actionable systems to regain control, enhance productivity, and find your flow state.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction – Engineering Success Through Events
01:28 Passion for Events and Technical Excellence
05:09 Think Like a Pilot Framework Introduction
10:06 Multitasking Myth and Focus Mastery
14:12 Calendar Mastery for Engineers
18:26 Email Management and Inbox Zero
23:44 Aviate-Navigate-Communicate Framework
28:32 Notification Management for Better Focus
31:04 Energy Management and Productivity
34:17 Delegation and Team Leadership
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Bobby Dutton is a computer engineering graduate who has successfully merged his technical expertise with his passion for events and aviation. As the founder of Groove Boston Mission Six (now GBM Six), Bobby revolutionized the college concert experience by shifting focus from traditional single-artist performances to technically innovative, music-variety events that better align with modern music consumption habits.
Bobby's approach to event production centers on creating memorable experiences by reallocating budgets from talent fees to advanced technical elements like lighting and visual effects. His company's mission is simple yet profound: “to make people happy” through immersive, high-energy events across the country.
Beyond his event business, Bobby is a licensed private pilot who applies aviation principles to his business and personal life. He advocates for “thinking like a pilot” through the framework of “aviate, navigate, communicate” – prioritizing focus on the present task, planning effectively, and managing communications strategically. This methodical approach helps him maintain productivity and clarity amid competing demands.
Bobby is passionate about productivity systems, particularly what he calls “aggressive calendaring” – ensuring calendars accurately reflect actual time usage and priorities. His methodical approach to email management and task prioritization stems from his engineering background and pilot's discipline.
Bobby can be found sharing productivity and aviation insights at ThinkLikeAPilot.com and on Instagram at @pilotthinking, while his event business operates at gbmsix.com
Guest Links: → Website: thinklikeapilot.com → Instagram: @pilotthinking → Event Company: gbm6.com
Host Links: → Dr. James Bryant: engineeryoursuccess.com → Instagram: @drjamesbryant_coach → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbryant2/
Grab Your Copy of the Engineer's Blueprint for Success Here: https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/engineers-blueprint/