JoAnne Bass

19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF), Prominent Voice on Leadership

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Provides unmatched leadership insights from over three decades at the highest levels of the U.S. military, including her historic role as the first female Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
Brings a people-first, mission-driven approach to leadership that empowers teams, builds trust, and drives lasting organizational change
Delivers a cross-sector perspective shaped by ongoing work in national security and workforce innovation

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Fees Start at £20,000

Location/Travels From: Virginia

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About JoAnne Bass

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Joanne Bass made history in 2020 when she became the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force—the first woman to serve as the highest-ranking enlisted leader in any branch of the U.S. military. Her appointment marked a transformative moment for the armed forces and for leadership at large. Over her 31-year career, she has been a relentless trailblazer, breaking barriers and inspiring hundreds of thousands with a leadership style grounded in integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to people.

Jo continues her service to the nation in new and powerful ways since retiring. She is an influential voice on national security and veterans’ affairs, using her platform to advocate for policies that support military families and strengthen the nation’s strategic future. Her presence on stage is compelling—not just because of her groundbreaking accomplishments, but because she speaks with the clarity, courage, and authenticity of someone who has led through the highest levels of pressure.

Audiences consistently leave Jo’s talks energized and equipped. She shares lessons from decades of military leadership—many forged in moments of uncertainty and global consequence—and translates them into practical strategies for organizations navigating change, managing risk, or leading multigenerational teams. Her insights on workforce transformation and innovation spark dialogue and action across industries.

Today, Jo continues to shape the next generation of changemakers as the founder and president of The Bass Group, LLC, where she develops the leaders our nation needs by promoting a bold, barrier-breaking approach to leadership. She serves as a Strategic Advisor to the President of Columbia Southern University, an Ambassador for Hiring Our Heroes, and the Honorary Board Co-Chair for the Military Women’s Memorial. Jo is the Board of Director with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and she also sits on the boards of Mighty Hero Homes, the Robert Irvine Foundation, and the Air & Space Forces Association.

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In an era defined by rapid technological change and global uncertainty, national security is now a whole-of-society effort. With over three decades of service and her tenure as the U.S. Air Force’s top enlisted leader, Jo Bass unpacks how cyber threats, strategic competition, and emerging technologies are reshaping our defense posture. She explores how leaders can play a vital role in building resilience and safeguarding threats. This talk equips audiences with a broader understanding of national security and their place within it.

What does it take to lead when the stakes are high and the future is uncertain? Jo Bass shares the leadership principles that guided her rise to the highest enlisted position in the U.S. military, with lessons that resonate far beyond the uniform. From empowering teams across generations to driving innovation under pressure, she reveals how leaders can break down silos, challenge convention, and build cultures that thrive in complexity. This session offers actionable insights for anyone tasked with navigating today’s rapidly evolving organizational landscape.

In high-stakes environments, communication is a strategic asset. Jo Bass reveals how clear, intentional messaging can galvanize teams, shift culture, and drive alignment even amid chaos. Drawing from her experience leading 600,000 Airmen during some of the most dynamic years in recent military history, she shares practical frameworks for delivering hard truths, fostering trust, and amplifying purpose. Audiences will leave with tools to elevate their communication and influence at every level.

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