Mike Mears

Mike Mears retired as CIA’s Chief of HR (Human Capital) and founded and headed the CIA Leadership Academy. He trains and consults on advanced leadership and management approaches for government and private sector organizations. Before his tenure at the CIA, Mike held the position of senior vice president at GE Investments. His role involved managing private equity funds, leading turnarounds, and serving as a Six Sigma Black Belt. He also launched multiple small business start-ups and served as president of a fast-food company. In the military, Mike served as commander of a nuclear missile site and a general’s aide and was decorated for valor as a U.S. Army combat platoon leader. He earned his undergraduate degree at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and his MBA from Harvard Business School. Mike teaches or lectures on leadership at the Department of Defense, Georgetown University, University of Salzburg, University of Maryland, and the National Intelligence University. He is a former Senior Fellow at The Conference Board. His upcoming book, CERTAINTY: How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation will be published in early 2025.