Episode 49-LTG Michael Ferriter, USA (Ret): Leadership in Crisis, Transformation, and Service

LTG Michael Ferriter, USA (Ret): Leadership in Crisis, Transformation, and Service

In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with Mike Ferriter, a three-star Army general, former Ranger and special operations leader, and the founding President and CEO of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Over a 35-year military career, General Ferriter led Soldiers and joint forces from Mogadishu to Iraq, and later commanded one of the most complex enterprises in the U.S. Army - 75 installations across 17 time zones, a 75,000-person workforce, and a $12 billion budget.

General Ferriter reflects on combat leadership, the habits formed in early platoon and company command, and the mindset required to lead large, global organizations through crisis and transformation. He shares hard-earned lessons on decision-making under pressure, prioritizing capabilities for an increasingly multi-domain future of warfare, and why “winners leave clues.”

We also explore his post-service leadership as the founding CEO of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, including guiding a mission-driven nonprofit through the COVID-19 pandemic while expanding its reach to millions of Americans. General Ferriter offers candid advice for veterans transitioning out of uniform, challenges leaders to “reject their rejection,” and closes with a powerful call for the next generation - military and civilian alike - to rethink service, responsibility, and national security in an era of uncertainty.

Guest Bio

Lieutenant General Mike Ferriter, U.S. Army (Retired) is a charismatic executive, inspiring speaker, and consultant with extensive experience leading organizations through transformations, crisis, and developing startups. He has spoken on the TEDx stage, multiple podcasts, and to audiences with countless C-Suite executives. He is especially gifted in leader development and team building.

Most recently, Mike was the founding President and CEO of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, designated to honor Veterans from all eras of service. As the founding CEO, he developed and led a cohesive team that opened the doors in 2018. During the pandemic, Mike kept the museum open and continued to serve Veterans, creating virtual and on-line experiences and programs which reached millions of Americans in a time of uncertainty. Post pandemic, in addition to running day to day operations, he developed in-person and virtual programs for wellness and community outreach that impacted countless Veteran lives.  As a 501-c3 non-profit, Mike raised over $33 million in fundraising for the NVMM.

Mike served 35 years in the U.S. Army, as a Special Operations and Ranger Infantry officer commanding Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and International Security Forces at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. He completed three combat deployments in Iraq as a general officer and one in Somalia with Task Force Ranger in 1993. He parachuted with Paratroopers and Rangers more than 200 times. 

In his last role with the U.S. Army, Mike led the worldwide enterprise of all Army bases around the world. He led 75 Army installations (cities) in 17 time zones, comprised of a 75,000-person workforce, while managing a $12 billion budget. Through his strategic leadership, he successfully cut costs saving nearly $3 billion through business transformation and a focus on customer service.

He currently consults and serves on board of advisors in the telecommunications, construction, public safety and health, and defense industries with his consulting firm, the Ferriter Group. He has always been passionate about serving the United States, Veterans, military families, and families of the fallen.

Mike and his wife, Margie, raised four awesome children who are invested in our nation, the military, and public service to our country.

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