Navigating Turbulence: Dave Sanderson's Extraordinary Story of the Miracle on the Hudson
Welcome to the Thinking Big Podcast! In this gripping episode, we dive deep with Dave Sanderson, a remarkable survivor of the Miracle on the Hudson. Sean Osborn engages Dave in an insightful conversation that goes beyond mere survival, exploring the profound life lessons and mindsets that emerge from facing and overcoming extraordinary challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership in Crisis: Dave's experience underscores the importance of staying calm and leading oneself first in any emergency.
- The Power of Mindset: How Dave's mental fortitude and quick thinking were crucial in navigating the aftermath of the Hudson River plane crash.
- Resilience and Recovery: Insights into bouncing back from life-altering experiences and using them as a catalyst for personal growth.
- Embracing Public Speaking: Daveโs journey into becoming a motivational speaker and advocate post-event.
- Life Lessons from Adversity: Learning to assign positive meanings to our life experiences, transforming obstacles into opportunities.
- The Role of Mentorship: How guidance and mentorship can shape our lifeโs trajectory and success.
Episode Quotes:
- "You have to lead yourself first before you can lead other people." - Dave Sanderson
- "The meaning you attach to something produces the emotion of your life." - Dave Sanderson
- "Invest in yourself every year." - Dave Sanderson
Resources:
- Dave's Website: DaveSandersonSpeaks.com - A platform for his speaking engagements, books and resources.
- Workshops: Dave's upcoming workshops on personal growth and success strategies.
It's crucial to learn from stories like Daveโs. Challenges are inevitable, but it's our response that defines us. Embrace adversity as a teacher. Invest in your personal development and always be prepared to pivot and adapt.

Dave Sanderson
Motivational speaker
On January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson was one of the last passengers off the plane that crashed into the Hudson River, best known as The Miracle on the Hudson, and considered to be the most successful ditching in aviation history. As President of his firm, Dave Sanderson Speaks International, he has built a career as a motivational speaker, mentor and author. Recently named by Inc.com as one of the top 100 Leadership Speakers, Dave speaks to audiences around the globe about the harrowing experience that shaped his future.