Thayer Leadership

Today, we recognize the 251st birthday of the U.S. Army — an institution founded in 1775 that has shaped generations of leaders through service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the nation.

For more than 2 centuries, soldiers have led in moments of uncertainty, upheld the highest standards of character, and carried forward a legacy grounded in duty and purpose.

At Thayer Leadership, we are proud to learn from and work alongside faculty who have served in the U.S. Army — leaders whose experiences span combat, global operations, and strategic leadership at the highest levels. Their service continues to shape how leadership is taught and lived today.

Today, we honor the United States Army’s enduring legacy — and those who continue to carry it forward.

Leadership reveals itself when conditions are uncertain. Those who thrive are the ones who have learned to navigate complexity with steadiness and intent.

Thayer Leadership’s Battle-Tested Open Enrollment program immerses participants in hands-on, pressure-tested experiences that strengthen decision-making and elevate performance.

With expert coaching, leaders cultivate the behaviors that drive consistent, high-impact results. Prepare yourself — and your team — to perform when it counts.

👇 Enroll now for the end of 2026. Spots are filling up!👇
https://thayerleadership.com/leadership-solutions/open-enrollment-programs/

Applications are still open, but not for long, for the 2026 Patriots in Business Award, presented annually by Chief Executive Group. This prestigious recognition honors companies that go above and beyond in their support of veterans, active‑duty personnel, and military families.

Award winners receive more than a title. Honorees gain national visibility, a complimentary pass to the Chief Executive Leadership Conference, a signature crystal award, and a digital badge to showcase their achievement. They’ll also be featured in Thayer Leadership’s newsletter and highlighted in a full‑length profile in the fall issue of Chief Executive magazine.

If your organization is committed to serving those who serve, now is the time to be recognized.

Apply through June 30th: https://chiefexecutive.net/patriotsinbusiness/

On this day 82 years ago, the world witnessed one of the most pivotal moments in history. The D-Day landings in Normandy marked the beginning of the end of tyranny in Europe. Thousands of brave Allied soldiers stepped into unimaginable danger to help secure freedom and change the course of the war.

Their actions demonstrated extraordinary resolve in the face of overwhelming odds and set in motion an operation that would shape the future of the world. Their example continues to reflect the kind of steady, principled leadership that emerges in moments of great consequence.

Today, we remember their courage, their sacrifice, and the immense cost of this historic day, reflecting on the profound impact of June 6, 1944.

Former Thayer Faculty Member COL (Ret.) Jim Johnson’s new book, “Key of America: Fortress West Point and the Highlands Department in the American Revolution”, offers a vivid, deeply researched look at West Point’s pivotal role in securing America’s independence. A longtime member of the Thayer Leadership faculty before his retirement, COL (Ret.) Johnson, Ph.D., is known for his depth of knowledge, leading staff rides of West Point, and his commitment to developing leaders through history and critical thinking.

With more than 50 years of leadership experience — including a 30-year Army career and 14 years teaching on the History faculty at West Point - The U.S. Military Academy — COL (Ret.) Johnson brings unmatched expertise to this work. He illuminates the strategic importance of the Hudson Highlands, the hardships endured by soldiers and laborers, and the ingenuity behind the fortifications George Washington called the “Key of America.”

Blending rich historical research with leadership insight, “Key of America” reveals how terrain, strategy, and deliberate planning shaped the nation’s fight for independence—and offers enduring lessons for today’s leaders.

To learn more about COL (Ret.) Jim Johnson and explore “Key of America”, click here: https://thayerleadership.com/book/key-of-america-fortress-west-point-and-the-highlands-department-in-the-american-revolution/

We are pleased to welcome Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Shari Bowen, Ph.D., to our faculty. A respected leadership expert, Shari is known for her ability to connect with people and elevate leader development. With more than two decades of military and academic experience, she has led civilian and military teams in demanding environments, including multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations. As a scholar, educator, and mentor, Shari brings a blend of operational insight, academic rigor, and a people-centered approach to her work with Thayer Leadership.

Areas of Expertise:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Cross-Cultural Leadership
• Team Development
• Organizational Behavior

Notable Experiences:

• Organizational Behavior
• Served more than two decades as a U.S. Army officer, including senior leadership roles
• Taught leadership and psychology at the collegiate level and internationally, including Management Center Innsbruck (Austria), Polytechnic University of Madrid, and the United States Military Academy
• Served as Deputy Director of the West Point Leadership Center and Officer in Charge of the Diversity Forum
• Earned a Master’s in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix

Learn more about Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Shari Bowen’s leadership journey: https://thayerleadership.com/team-member/lieutenant-colonel-shari-bowen-ph-d/

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on their sacrifice, the freedoms we’re able to enjoy because of them, and the families who carry their legacy forward. It’s a moment to step back from the day to day and acknowledge the cost of the principles we often take for granted.

As we remember those who served, we’re reminded of the values they embodied—courage, integrity, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. Their example encourages us to approach our work and our communities with a deeper sense of purpose and gratitude.