3 lessons the military taught me about leadership

Purpose-driven leadership applies in the business world too.

As a former military officer turned sustainability-focused CEO, I often find myself reflecting on the intersection of two worlds that, on the surface, seem unlikely companions. The military and environmental activism may not share much in popular perception, but my time in service fundamentally shaped how I approach mission-driven leadership. It gave me the tools to tackle complex, seemingly insurmountable problems while galvanizing a team toward a higher purpose. If we are to solve the key challenges of our time—challenges as large as protecting our planet—leaders will need to adopt three key lessons I learned from the military.