Lessons in Humility and Accountability with Marc Luiken

Marc Luiken has held leadership roles that span the skies, the state of Alaska, and the private sector—and in this episode, he brings a wealth of insight from all three. Marc began his career as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, later served as Alaska’s Commissioner of Transportation, and today directs business development at Michael Baker International.

We talk about what real servant leadership looks like, why preparation is everything, and how leading well means planning your exit by developing the people behind you. Marc also shares why he believes satisfaction doesn’t mean stagnation, and how being a lifelong learner—and listener—has shaped every chapter of his leadership journey. From fighter jet missions to multimillion-dollar transportation projects, Marc’s humility and perspective are a masterclass in calm, confident leadership.

If you’ve ever wrestled with making tough calls without perfect information, or if you’re trying to lead others through service rather than control, you’re going to love this conversation.