#48: Leadership, Transition, and Lessons from Brigadier General Brian Reed

In this episode, Rob sits down with Brian Reed, a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General whose 38-year career spanned deployments to Haiti, Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as leadership roles at every level, culminating as Chief of Staff at West Point. Brian shares powerful insights on leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the complexities of modern military operations.

He reflects on the relationships built through shared hardships, the evolving nature of warfare, and the lasting impact of 9/11 on his career. Brian also delves into leadership challenges, including recent controversies in military command, diversity and inclusion policies, and the necessity of quiet professionalism among officers. With candor, he discusses personal regrets—especially regarding family sacrifices—and the lessons he’s learned about empathy, accountability, and lifelong growth.

Now leading learning and development for Google’s physical security operations, Brian offers a unique perspective on transitioning from military to civilian life, navigating identity shifts, and adapting to new professional challenges. He shares his evolving philosophy on happiness, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful work.

• Leadership is a Lifelong Journey – From struggling academically at West Point to teaching leadership, Brian Reed found his passion in developing others.
• The Impact of 9/11 – The attacks reshaped his military career, leading to multiple deployments and a deeper understanding of modern warfare.
• Soldier Camaraderie Matters – The strongest bonds come from shared hardships, and the quality of today’s young soldiers remains high.
• The Complexity of War – Reed questions the long-term strategic objectives of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, emphasizing the need for adaptability.
• Quiet Professionalism in Leadership – Effective military leadership isn’t always loud; evaluating officers requires recognizing those who lead with humility and skill.
• The Transition to Civilian Life – Moving from military command to a corporate role at Google brought unexpected identity challenges but also invigorating new opportunities.
• The Value of Empathy – Leadership evolves over time, and the ability to understand and connect with people is crucial in both military and civilian roles.
• The Reality of Career Progression – Strategic job selection and performance rankings can create unhealthy competition among officers.
• Lessons from Failure – Regrets about fatherhood and past leadership mistakes reinforce the importance of balance, humility, and continuous growth.
• Living in the Moment – Amid societal concerns and career shifts, Reed emphasizes gratitude, resilience, and making the most of every stage of life.

Brian is a frequent contributor to MTI. Click here to see his collection of essays. 

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