Daniel Lowes - Precision Under Pressure with a Former Red Arrows Pilot

Welcome back to Drop the Act, the podcast brought to you by Performing Perfectly, where we explore the power of communication, presence, and performance in leadership. Hosted by Christopher Key, this show draws from the worlds of theatre, aviation, sport, and business to reveal what it really takes to perform when it matters most.

In this episode, Chris is joined by Daniel Lowes, former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor. Strap in for an intense, inspiring conversation about leadership in high-stakes environments, the role of trust and communication in elite performance, and what business leaders can learn from one of the most precise teams on the planet.

🎧 What You'll Learn:

How the Red Arrows use tone and timing for split-second decisions

Why communication isn’t optional—it's life or death

What business teams can learn from military preparation and debriefs

The power of visual signals and body language

How Daniel mentally prepared to fly at 1,300 mph, 250 ft off the ground

Why self-belief and ego (in the right measure) are essential to performance

👨‍✈️ About Daniel Lowes:

Daniel is a former Red Arrows pilot and RAF Qualified Weapons Instructor who served for over 16 years. His experience spans global combat training missions, elite-level aerobatics, and the kind of trust-driven teamwork that only exists at 700 mph in tight formation.

Connect with Dan Lowes:
🌐 Website: www.daniellowes.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @daniel.lowes
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/daniellowes
🐦 X (Twitter): @Daniel_Lowes

🎭 About Christopher Key & Performing Perfectly:

Christopher Key is a theatre director, communication coach, and founder of Performing Perfectly—a training company that helps business leaders improve how they connect, influence, and lead through the power of performance.

Connect with Performing Perfectly:
🌐 Website: www.performingperfectly.com
📸 Instagram: @performingperfectly
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/performing-perfectly

🔁 Don’t Miss Part 2:

This episode is just the beginning. In the next instalment, Chris and Dan dive even deeper into the mindset of elite performers, sharing more stories, strategies, and takeaways for anyone serious about communication and leadership.

📢 Like What You Heard?

Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more leaders who need to hear what it means to Drop the Act and lead with clarity and confidence

Drop the Act is a podcast that dives deep into the power of authentic leadership, communication, and storytelling. Hosted by Christopher Key, it features candid conversations with high achievers across industries who share their lessons, challenges, and the transformative power of leading with authenticity.
This isn’t just another leadership podcast. It’s a call to cut through the noise, drop the pretence, and embrace real, impactful connections. Whether you’re a leader, or striving for personal growth, Drop the Act offers practical insights to help you lead and communicate authentically with confidence.

About the Host: Christopher Key
Christopher Key is an accomplished theatre professional and Associate Director for world-renowned productions such as Les Misérables (Korea & Japan, 2024) and The Wizard of Oz (UK Tour, 2024) and With a career spanning continents and roles both on stage and behind the scenes, Chris has mastered the art of leadership, collaboration, resilience, and communication under pressure.

Chris’s unique background in theatre translates seamlessly into leadership and business. Directing large-scale productions has given him deep insights into team motivation, creative problem-solving, and authentic communication—skills which he shares with listeners on Drop the Act.

• No. of episodes: 14
• Latest episode: 2025-05-15
• Business Entrepreneurship Management

Where can you listen?