In his new book Holding Fast in Heavy Seas: Leadership for Turbulent Times, Tim Gallaudet draws on decades of experience in the U.S. Navy and at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to reflect on leadership under pressure. From navigating complex organizational challenges to supporting the mission of the National Weather Service, Gallaudet offers a candid account of resilience, public service, and the lessons learned from leading through uncertainty.
He spoke with AMS about the motivations behind the book, the obstacles he faced, and the enduring importance of principled leadership.
Why did you write this book?
The primary motivation for writing this book was to share practical insights on leadership lessons I was asked about almost daily during my service at NOAA from 2017 to 2021. I wanted to capture those experiences and offer guidance that others could apply in their own leadership journeys.
Who is the book for?
This book is intended for anyone striving to become a more effective leader. It will particularly resonate with those connected to NOAA’s mission, as well as federal employees, military service members, and veterans.
The book is structured in two parts: the first explores what I learned about leadership during my time in the U.S. Navy and from the exceptional mentors who shaped me. The second examines how I applied those lessons while serving as acting and deputy administrator of NOAA.
What obstacles did you face while writing it?
The book took five years to complete, during which I grew significantly as a writer. That evolution led to multiple revisions as I refined both the narrative and the lessons.
Looking ahead, one potential challenge is how the book’s content may be received. One chapter provides a behind-the-scenes account of the “Sharpiegate” episode that has not been previously published, and it addresses difficult truths about leadership in politically sensitive environments.
A key theme in the book is perseverance. Can you elaborate?
A central message of Holding Fast in Heavy Seas is the importance of not giving up when circumstances become difficult. During my tenure, I faced multiple tests of resilience. I was removed from my position once, considered stepping down at several points, and remained in place during a period when many political appointees departed.
At each juncture, I chose to stay because I believed continuing to serve NOAA and its workforce was the right course of action. In hindsight, that decision proved meaningful. During my time in leadership, NOAA’s employee workplace satisfaction scores rose significantly, with notable gains in employee empowerment, leadership confidence, and workforce recognition, improvements that exceeded historical trends. Many employees told me these gains reflected consistent engagement and communication during uncertain times.
What did you learn from writing the book?
One of the most important lessons is that the most impactful leadership and life lessons often emerge from challenges, setbacks, and even failure. Those experiences shape how we lead and how we grow.
What surprised you in the process?
It was surprisingly difficult to decide what to include and what to leave out from my time at NOAA. I had the privilege of working with extraordinary individuals doing critical work across the country.
For example, I recall being briefed by the National Weather Service team in Seattle following the Oso landslide. Their decision to support emergency managers was remarkable. There were many stories like that, but space constraints meant I could not include them all, though I do share as many as possible.
What are the broader implications of this work?
My primary hope is that the book helps readers strengthen their ability to positively influence others. I also want to highlight the essential contributions NOAA and the National Weather Service make to the nation.
At the same time, the book addresses a more difficult conclusion: that telling the truth can become an occupational hazard for federal employees in politically charged environments. That theme may draw significant public attention.
What’s next for you?
I plan to discuss the book through a range of media appearances, including major news networks such as Fox News, CNN, NBC, CBS, and NPR. I will also appear on several podcasts, followed by a book tour.
Beyond that, I hope to give lectures on leadership at service academies and universities, particularly those with strong physical science programs.
Author Bio
Tim Gallaudet, Ph.D., is a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and former acting and deputy administrator of NOAA. He currently serves as CEO of Ocean STL Consulting, LLC. Over a distinguished career spanning military service and federal leadership, he has focused on advancing ocean science, national security, and organizational leadership.
The release date for Holding Fast in Heavy Seas: Leadership for Turbulent Times is July 7, 2026, with preorders available in June 2026 at https://www.timgallaudet.com/.
