Speakers:
Mary O’Brien, Lieutenant General, United States Air Force, Retired 
Lori Reynolds, Lieutenant General, United States Marine Corps, Retired
Join us for a powerful conversation with retired 3-Star Generals Mary O’Brien and Lori Reynolds as they explore the role of grit in leadership—how it’s forged, how it’s sustained, and how it transforms individuals and teams in the face of adversity.
Drawing from careers spent navigating high-stakes environments, complex organizations, and often being the only woman in the room, they will share how grit is not just an innate trait, but a discipline that can be developed. From leading in combat to shaping national security decisions, both leaders have relied on resilience, perseverance, and clarity of purpose to push through uncertainty and pressure.
This session will focus on how to recognize and cultivate grit within yourself—especially in moments of challenge, doubt, and change—and how to model and foster it in others. Attendees will gain insight into building teams that embrace discomfort, stay mission-focused under pressure, and grow stronger through setbacks.
General Reynolds, the first female Marine Corps battalion commander in combat, will reflect on how trust and grit intersect to create cohesive, high-performing teams. General O’Brien will discuss how her work advancing military innovation and leading cultural change initiatives required sustained determination and the ability to persevere through resistance.
Together, they exemplify how grit fuels not only personal success, but also the courage to break barriers, lead authentically, and elevate those around you.
“Grit is the quiet strength that keeps you moving when things feel uncertain, overwhelming, or hard. It’s the combination of perseverance and passion over time. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, who popularized the concept, describes grit as sustained commitment to long-term goals—even when progress is slow, obstacles appear, or motivation fades.”
