Leadership comes in all forms, with inspiring people and serving others at its foundation. In a technology-driven world where human interaction is often reduced to digital communications, the significance of empathy-based leadership stands out more than ever. As a leader at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), the United States Marine Corps, and in my local community, I have witnessed firsthand how empathy fosters trust, resilience, and team cohesion.
Empathy in Leadership: A Personal Perspective
Drawing from my background as a leader in people, projects, and technology in various capacities, I have learned that effective leadership involves navigating challenges while paying close attention to the emotional and psychological needs of team members. The military emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the well-being of every service member, highlighting that successful units are built on mutual respect and understanding.
At GTRI, where innovation merges with education, I lead research teams by fostering diversity and inclusion in tandem with rapidly changing technology. Empathy enables leaders to appreciate unique perspectives, strengthening our collaborative culture and driving success.
My Leadership Highlights
Championing Innovation
As a faculty advisor for GTRI’s Sparking Technology Innovation and Growth (STING) program, I am committed to developing the next generation of technology leaders. In this role, I guide GTRI researchers in designing innovative user experiences that elevate both operational performance and organizational decision-making.
For the 2025 STING cohort, I sponsored the championship team, applying insights from my GTRI research to enhance my Marine Corps Reserve operations. I invite you to explore our winning innovation pitch to learn more about the impact of our work.
Inspiring People
I have the distinct privilege of serving as the Commanding Officer for the Marine Corps' only mortuary affairs unit. With more than 250 Marines worldwide, I inspire those under my charge to protect the living and honor the fallen in defense of our nation. My command philosophy emphasizes mission accomplishment, innovation, and resilience to bring closure to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Our unit motto is "No one left behind," and we describe our service as no harder duty, no greater honor. In tribute to the Marines of my unit, I co-authored this August 2025 Marine Corps Gazette article detailing their impact on the global security. You can also learn more about the Personnel Retrieval and Processing Company in this video overview and on our photo stream.
Leading Inclusively
I recently graduated from the Georgia Tech Inclusive Leaders Academy, a program dedicated to fostering leadership skills that promote inclusivity and diversity within the university community. This experience has strengthened my commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. The academy provided valuable training and insights into effective strategies for equity and inclusion, equipping me to positively impact my team and the broader community at Georgia Tech.
The graduation celebration highlighted the collective efforts of participants in advancing diversity initiatives, reinforcing the idea that effective leadership is grounded in empathy and shared values. Together, we are working towards a more inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives contribute to our mission and success as leaders.
Empowering Teams
Everything significant is accomplished as a team. As the Chief Engineer and a founding member of the Marine Innovation Unit (MIU), I transformed our startup of fewer than 50 people into a small business of more than 350 Marines. Through a hybrid implementation of the Scaled Agile Framework, Entrepreneurial Operating System, and Lean A3 Management Process, I led the technical direction of dozens of project and functional teams to implement MIU's strategy.
The results of my leadership empowering MIU teams are showcased in our 2023 Annual Report, discussing the 168 innovation projects completed across the joint force. This LinkedIn post and conference presentation also highlight specific projects I led with innovation teams across the government, industry, and academia.