Why Corporate America Needs More Veteran CEOs
Read my latest piece in Newsweek
Last Friday, I published my first op-ed in Newsweek, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the operator economy we’re entering—an era where the people who succeed in business aren’t just smart, but disciplined and mission-driven. No group in America is better prepared for this moment than our veterans. We’ve led teams under pressure, built systems that work, and solved problems when the stakes couldn’t be higher. Veterans are uniquely positioned to run companies, and that’s why I believe the next decade will belong to them.
As I write in my piece:
Every company hires for talent. What most lack are skilled operators: people who don’t just work hard, but work with purpose.
That’s where veterans come in…
Each year, about 200,000 service members transition out of the military into civilian life. Many leave with no clear next step.
Fortunately, there’s a massive opportunity hiding in plain sight. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. smallbusinesses are owned by baby boomers heading into retirement. Thousands of profitable, well-run companies need new leadership at the exact moment veterans are stepping forward with unmatched operational experience.
You can read the full piece on Newsweek.
Thanks for all your support. Hope you like it and share!
This "buy then build" mentality aligns perfectly with the veteran skill set taking a functional business, applying disciplined systems, and leading with a human-centered approach to make it better, rather than starting over. Their experience in high-stakes risk management and strategic scaling allows them to stabilize an acquired company and steer it toward long-term growth with a level of grit that is hard to replicate. Go Veterans !!
How exciting for you to be published in NEWSWEEK. From what I have read you should continue to be successful in the publishing world. I agree generally with your tenants. My husband of MANY years served his term in the Navy while his father and grandfather served in the Army. Our modern armed services are different from their years of service, but I am uncertain how much training they receive in the social sciences. That seems to be a main ingredient missing in some business owners, regardless of their background. Best regards for your efforts.