- As the nation’s foremost military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council, General Brown’s knowledge of global threats offers organizations valuable lessons in navigating uncertainty and high-stakes leadership
- Offers rare and timely insight into international security dynamics, U.S. alliances, partnerships, and the evolving geopolitical landscape shaping tomorrow’s world order
- Known for his “Accelerate Change or Lose” philosophy, which teaches audiences how to balance short-term readiness with long-term growth for sustained success
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About CQ Brown, Jr.
Download ProfileGeneral Charles Q. Brown, Jr., the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, served as the highest-ranking military officer in the United States and senior military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. General Brown’s contributions have earned him widespread recognition, including being named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. His extensive experience advising at the highest levels of government and engaging with international leaders offers unmatched insights into national security, emerging geopolitical threats, and navigating global complexity.
As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Brown led with a clear focus on strengthening the Joint Force’s warfighting readiness for the future—championing bold thinking, modernizing the force, and introducing new concepts to counter evolving threats. He emphasized that trust is the foundation of the military profession, both within the ranks and with the American people. Under his leadership, the Joint Staff focused on balancing risk, aligning strategic processes, and advancing Joint Force design and development to meet the demands of an evolving global security environment. General Brown is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.
Over the course of his military career, General Brown served in a wide range of leadership roles—from fighter squadron commander to Chief of Staff of the Air Force, becoming the first African American service chief in U.S. military history. He is a command pilot who has flown 20 different aircraft, accumulating more than 3,100 flight hours primarily in the F-16, including 130 combat hours. His leadership extended across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Middle East that included command of the air components for U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. As Chief of Staff, he drove innovation through his “Accelerate Change or Lose” strategic approach and championed interoperability among allies and partners through his “Integrated by Design” concept.
A distinguished graduate of Texas Tech University’s Air Force ROTC program, he holds numerous decorations and honors reflecting his impact on national defense and global security. Beyond the uniform, he remains deeply grounded in family and driven by a commitment to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Video Gallery
Leadership in Challenging Times ft. General CQ Brown, Jr. | Seymour E. and Ruth B. Harris Lecture
A Conversation With General Charles Q. Brown, Jr.
Leadership in Challenging Times ft. General CQ Brown, Jr. | Seymour E. and Ruth B. Harris Lecture
A Conversation With General Charles Q. Brown, Jr.
Speech Topics
Download TopicsIn this compelling keynote, General CQ Brown, Jr., offers a rare, first-hand perspective on how the global security environment has evolved—from the Cold War to today’s era of strategic competition. Drawing on his responsibilities as the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he examines how shifting alliances, emerging technologies, and the pace of change across diplomatic, information, military, and economic sectors demand greater integration and adaptability to navigate today’s dynamic and uncertain world.
In this candid and personally revealing talk, General CQ Brown, Jr. shares hard-earned lessons from nearly four decades of military service, emphasizing that self-reflection and personal growth are the foundation of effective leadership. Framed around five powerful points of advice, General Brown weaves together personal stories, practical wisdom, and memorable insights to inspire leaders at every level. Whether you’re leading ten or tens of thousands, his message underscores that leadership begins with leading yourself—and ends with impact—because what you do, and how you lead, truly matters.
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