When it comes to leading in high-stakes environments—whether on the front lines of military operations or in the evolving battlefield of cybersecurity—few have navigated both arenas as successfully as Brigadier General (Ret.) Greg Touhill. From his days as an Air Force officer managing life-or-death communications in Iraq to becoming the United States government’s first-ever Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Touhill’s leadership journey is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and lifelong learning.
In an engaging conversation with Josef Martens, Touhill reflects on the key elements that have driven his extraordinary career across the military, government, and private sectors. He emphasizes the power of asking for help—not as a weakness, but as a hallmark of wisdom—and the value of mentorship from unexpected sources. Whether pioneering innovative communication systems that saved soldiers’ lives or guiding Fortune 500 executives through the complexities of cybersecurity, Touhill’s story is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, continuous education, and a relentless commitment to service.
The Power of Asking for Help: Leadership Through Collaboration
For many leaders, admitting they don’t have all the answers can feel like exposing vulnerability. But for Greg Touhill, it’s a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. Early in his career, he realized that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness—it was a sign of wisdom. This principle became critical during his deployment in 2005 as a colonel overseeing command and control systems for Allied Air Forces in the Middle East.
Faced with a life-or-death communications crisis for convoys in Iraq, Touhill didn’t rely solely on his expertise. Instead, he gathered a diverse team of experts, openly shared the challenge, and invited collaborative problem-solving. The result was *RipperNet*, an innovative, low-cost radio network that extended secure communication across Iraq, saving lives and revolutionizing military communication strategy. This success wasn’t just a testament to his technical knowledge—it was proof that true innovation thrives when leaders are bold enough to ask for help.
Touhill says, “You can’t do it all on your own. Being bold, stepping outside your comfort zone, and finding the right experts is key to any innovative approach.”
Mentorship Beyond Rank: Learning from Every Level
In the hierarchical world of the military, one might assume that mentorship flows from the top down. But Greg Touhill’s experience tells a different story. While he undoubtedly learned from senior officers, some of his most impactful mentors were senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs)—individuals whose deep well of practical experience provided invaluable insights.
Touhill’s openness to learning from those around him, regardless of rank or title, became a defining trait of his leadership style. He sought counsel from people with boots-on-the-ground knowledge and expertise, recognizing that wisdom isn’t confined to those with the highest positions. “Some of the best mentors I ever had were the senior NCOs I was fortunate to work with,” he reflects.
This inclusive approach to mentorship enriched his career and shaped how he led others. Touhill demonstrates that great leaders are great learners—always listening and constantly evolving- fostering environments where every voice is valued.
Continuous Growth and Lifelong Learning: The Foundation of Innovation
Touhill’s leadership journey is a masterclass in lifelong learning. Throughout his military career, he embraced every opportunity to expand his knowledge—from squadron officer school to war college, from technical training to multiple master’s degrees. But his commitment to growth didn’t stop when he left the military.
Now, as Director of the CERT Division of the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute, Touhill continues investing in education for himself and those he leads. He attends professional development seminars, participates in knowledge-sharing sessions with Fortune 500 CISOs, and remains a constant student of emerging technologies. “The job you’ll have in 10 years hasn’t been invented yet,” he tells his students. “You’re the one who’s going to invent it.”
For Touhill, innovation is fueled by a relentless curiosity. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, machine learning, or cybersecurity risk management, he understands that staying ahead in tech requires perpetual learning—and he leads by example.
Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Business
In the world of cybersecurity, technical expertise is non-negotiable. However, Greg Touhill quickly realized that to lead effectively, one must also speak the language of business. This realization led him to champion a more holistic approach to cybersecurity leadership, blending technical knowledge with business acumen.
As an instructor at Carnegie Mellon, Touhill teaches CISOs not just about technology but about metrics, data science, and, crucially, how to communicate with boards and executives. “Very few folks in technical tracks bother to get an MBA or understand business,” he notes. By integrating business strategies into his curriculum, he prepares future leaders to navigate real-world challenges—managing a budget cut or presenting a cybersecurity roadmap to non-technical stakeholders.
Touhill’s experience managing billion-dollar operations in the military and briefing the President on cybersecurity issues underscores the importance of this skillset. His ability to bridge the gap between tech and business sets him—and his students—apart in a rapidly evolving industry.
Optimism and Resilience: The Role of Family, Faith, and Perspective
Behind Greg Touhill’s impressive resume is a man deeply rooted in optimism and resilience. Throughout his career, whether facing the fog of war or the complexities of cybersecurity, Touhill leaned on a strong foundation of family, friends, and faith to navigate challenges.
“I always try to stay positive,” he shares. “Because I had the sustainment of my family, friends, and faith to fall back on during those difficult days.” For Touhill, hope isn’t just a comforting idea—it’s a strategic asset. His belief that tomorrow will always be better has carried him through high-pressure environments, enabling him to face adversity with a clear mind and steady leadership.
He instills this personal resilience in those he leads, encouraging them to “fall forward” into a better state each day. In an industry as dynamic and demanding as cybersecurity, this mindset is more than inspirational—it’s essential.
Greg Touhill’s journey from Air Force General to cybersecurity pioneer offers invaluable lessons for leaders across all industries. His experiences highlight the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, and resilience in rapidly changing challenges. Whether you’re leading a tech team, navigating complex business landscapes, or striving for personal growth, Touhill’s insights provide a clear roadmap for success. Here’s how you can apply his leadership principles to your career and organization:
1. Embrace the Power of Collaboration: Greg Touhill’s journey proves that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strategy for success. Whether you’re leading a tech team, managing a project, or navigating personal challenges, don’t hesitate to seek diverse perspectives. Innovation thrives when you bring together people with different expertise and experiences.
2. Seek Mentorship at Every Level: Mentors aren’t just found in corner offices or C-suites. Some of the most valuable guidance comes from those with practical, hands-on experience. Be open to learning from colleagues at every level, and recognize the expertise that exists beyond traditional hierarchies.
3. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Yesterday’s knowledge isn’t enough in today’s fast-paced world. Follow Touhill’s example by investing in continuous education through formal training, professional seminars, or self-directed learning. Stay curious, stay updated, and never stop evolving.
4. Develop Business Acumen Alongside Technical Skills: Technical expertise is critical, but understanding the business landscape sets great leaders apart. If you’re in a technical field, challenge yourself to learn the language of business. It will help you communicate with stakeholders and position you for leadership roles.
5. Cultivate Optimism and Resilience: Challenges are inevitable, but how you respond defines your success. Build a strong foundation—whether through family, friends, or personal values—and approach each day optimistically. Remember Touhill’s mantra: even in difficult times, there’s always a better tomorrow ahead.
Greg Touhill’s leadership journey is a testament to the power of humility, continuous learning, and unwavering optimism. From his days as an Air Force General to his groundbreaking work in cybersecurity, Touhill has shown that true innovation comes from collaboration, mentorship, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. Now, as the Director of the CERT Division of the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute and an instructor shaping the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, Touhill continues to lead with the same passion and wisdom that has defined his remarkable career.
His story powerfully reminds us that success isn’t just about technical skills or titles—it’s about being open to growth, valuing the people around you, and always looking forward to a better tomorrow.
