Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin, USAF (Ret), never set out to be a trailblazer—she was simply following her passion for flying and leadership. As a pioneering leader and seasoned aviator with over 3,000 flight hours, including 187 in combat, Kristin’s journey in the United States Air Force saw her achieve historic milestones as the first woman to command a B-2 Squadron, serve as Bomb Squadron Commander, and lead a Bomb Wing. Driven by authentic leadership, she combines her technical acumen in mechanical engineering with an advanced degree in organizational management, shaping her approach to inspire others.

Kristin’s experience spans roles from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to the Pentagon, where she influenced national security policy. A Strategic Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, she also helped establish the U.S. Space Force's Space Operations Command, helping transform a traditional military organization while playing a pivotal role in standing up the U.S. Space Command. A mother, Ironman athlete, and outdoor enthusiast, Kristin inspires others through her signature talk, "R.I.Z.E.: Break Through Isolation to Excellence," blending humor and hard-won wisdom to guide audiences through change and uncertainty. 

Throughout her military career and into the boardroom, Kristin has held numerous prestigious positions, each marked by her signature blend of critical thinking and inspirational leadership. She has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate complex organizational challenges and  foster innovation. Kristin’s message is clear: leadership isn’t about breaking glass ceilings—it’s about creating space for others to reach their potential.

Currently as Chief Operations Officer of TechWise, Kristin drives strategic innovation at a leading defense consulting firm, bridging her military leadership with cutting-edge expertise in space technology, cybersecurity, and AI transformation. Her unique vantage point at the intersection of defense sector operations and commercial strategy offers audiences invaluable insights on navigating change in high-stakes environments.

Topics:

  • Resilience alone today is no longer enough. The ability to thrive amidst adversity is now the key differentiator between good and great. In this keynote, retired Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin introduces her R.I.Z.E. framework — a revolutionary approach that propels you beyond mere survival. Learn why simply bouncing back is outdated and discover a memorable, proven four-step framework to harness Radical curiosity, foster Innovation, cultivate Zest for life, and pursue Excellence. R.I.Z.E. equips you to transform challenges into opportunities, elevating both personal and professional life to unprecedented levels.

    In this talk, audiences will learn how to:

    - Emphasize the transformative nature of the R.I.Z.E. approach

    - View obstacles as stepping-stones

    - Focus on the competitive advantage gained from mastering R.I.Z.E.

  • In the complexities of modern leadership, traditional approaches fall short. Organizations thrive when leaders master the three fundamental elements that form the soul of leadership: People, Mission, and Pride. Transform your leadership impact by mastering these three vital elements that bridge the gap between ordinary management and extraordinary influence. This dynamic keynote from Kristin Goodwin reveals how these interconnected elements create an unstoppable force for organizational success. Learn why technical expertise alone is not enough and discover a powerful framework that transforms managers into inspirational leaders who cultivate high-performing teams, crystal-clear missions, and cultures of excellence.

    Audiences will:

    - Gain 3 vital elements that differentiate transformational leaders from mere managers

    - Learn tactical approaches to build unshakeable trust, leverage team strengths, and navigate through crisis with confidence

    - Discover how to create a culture where pride becomes the catalyst for sustained excellence and measurable results

  • We are in an era of unprecedented business volatility. Adaptable leadership drives over two-thirds of organizational success; that's more than strategy and resources combined. Retired Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin will teach you why every leader must become a catalyst for transformation and discover a proven framework to cultivate forward-thinking mindsets, empower teams, and steer organizations towards sustainable growth amidst rapid change. This keynote introduces a powerful approach to bridging the gap between current capabilities and future demands.

    You will learn:

    - The 3 Pillars to drive sustainable organizational growth and transformation

    - How to lead teams toward unparalleled success

    - To chart a course through uncertainty, leveraging opportunities and confronting challenges

  • In today's hyper-connected world, distraction is the new normal. The difference between success and mediocrity often comes down to a single factor: focus. Retired Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin unveils a groundbreaking approach to achieving razor-sharp concentration amidst chaos. Focus equips you to bridge the gap between distraction and action, propelling you towards exceptional personal and professional success. Learn why multitasking is a myth and discover a powerful, actionable three-step system to cultivate laser-like focus, embrace change as opportunity, and maintain unwavering attention on critical objectives.

    From this session, attendees will:

    - Learn to identify and prioritize what truly matters in a world of endless distractions

    - Harness the power of Focus: apply a practical three- step system to achieve & maintain laser-like concentration

    - Develop the skills to convert overwhelming information into purposeful, high-impact action

  • In today's AI-driven business landscape, 80% of the workforce will feel the impact of automation, yet most organizations focus solely on technological capabilities alone, overlooking their most valuable asset: their people. This keynote reveals why human-centric organizations are 10 times more likely to achieve significant revenue growth. Kristin Goodwin introduces her revolutionary framework that bridges the gap between AI innovation and human potential. Learn why traditional technology-first approaches fall short and discover how to create an AI transformation that enhances rather than replaces human capabilities. 

    Learn to:

    - Master the 3 pillars of successful, human-centric AI integration

    - Transform organizational culture to drive AI adoption while increasing employee engagement and innovation

    - Develop practical strategies to navigate workforce challenges in the AI era