Navigating change in complex organizations demands precision, clarity, and strategic foresight. Change is inevitable, but managing it effectively separates success from failure. I have witnessed firsthand how structured approaches to transformation empower organizations to thrive amid uncertainty. This post distills essential insights and actionable strategies to master change management, tailored for government agencies, defense contractors, and senior leaders. Effective Cha

On this momentous day, January 1, 2026, we are proud to announce that the complete Medal of Honor packet for Sergeant Marquees Antwon Quick has been officially submitted to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) for initial review. This packet, years in the making, details SGT Quick's extraordinary heroism on August 19, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq, where he deliberately positioned himself to absorb the blasts from four enemy grenades, saving the lives of his three teammates at

In today’s fast-paced environment, organizations face complex challenges that demand precise and effective strategies. Navigating these challenges requires more than just internal effort; it calls for expert guidance. Project consulting solutions provide that critical edge, enabling organizations to optimize resources, streamline processes, and achieve superior results. This post explores how leveraging these solutions can transform projects from potential pitfalls into succe

Writing Chop That S t Up! was never just about sharing my 28-year journey from a young, wide-eyed Private to Command Sergeant Major. It was about giving voice to the men I served with—the brothers who laughed through the absurdities of military life, fought through hell, and, for too many, never came home. The book is filled with raw stories: the highs of camaraderie, the gut-punch lows of loss, the lessons carved from combat in Bosnia, Iraq, and beyond, and the hard truths

Understanding the Complexity of Change Organizational change in the defense and federal sectors often involves thousands of stakeholders, tight regulations, and zero tolerance for failure. John Kotter's 8-Step Process provides a battle-tested roadmap for creating urgency, building coalitions, and anchoring change in culture. This approach perfectly complements individual-focused tools like ADKAR. Drawing from my experience leading AI-enabled programs and multinational redesig

In high-stakes defense environments, change isn't optional—it's mission-critical. From AI-enabled systems to organizational redesigns, initiatives fail not because of technology, but because people resist or aren't equipped to adopt new ways of working. That's where the Prosci ADKAR® Model shines: a proven, individual-focused framework that drives Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. As a 2025 Prosci Certified Practitioner with 28+ years as a U.S. Army Co

As the former First Sergeant (1SG) of F Troop, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Brigade Reconnaissance Troop, 1st Armored Division, I’m driven by a heavy heart, guilt and resolve to right a long-overdue wrong: On 11 August 2025, we finally submitted the initial request to upgrade Sergeant Marquees Antwon Quick’s Bronze Star to the Medal of Honor...our nation’s highest award for valor!! On 20 August 2025, we received our first congressional representative response, signaling momentum. 2

AI is transforming defense, from predictive maintenance to decision support, but adoption lags due to resistance, lack of understanding, and cultural hurdles. As a retired Command Sergeant Major who's led AI-enabled transformations, I share battle-tested lessons from combat and command that apply directly to AI change management in 2025. Lead by Example – Executives must demonstrate AI use to build trust. Communicate Relentlessly – Address fears head-on (job loss, errors) wit