TechWise COO Kristin Goodwin on Leadership Lessons

The Power of Leadership and Continuous Growth

The most successful individuals in any industry are those who constantly seek opportunities for growth and learning. This is true across all sectors, whether you're a subject matter expert, an entrepreneur, or a C-suite executive. The drive to push boundaries and achieve more is what sets these individuals apart. Being a leader in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment means fostering high-performance teams, aligning them with company goals, and promoting long-term growth.

One person who embodies this philosophy is Kristin Goodwin, COO of TechWise and former Brigadier General of the United States Air Force. As an Executive Coach and Team Building specialist, she emphasizes the importance of leadership that empowers individuals and drives transformation. From piloting a B-2 Stealth Bomber to leading corporate boardrooms and co-founding her veteran-owned executive development firm, The Delta-v, Goodwin has consistently demonstrated transformative leadership.

Cultivating Empowered Leaders

Goodwin believes that exceptional results come from individuals who understand their purpose. Her mission is to help leaders develop the skills needed to navigate complexity, inspire clarity, and spark meaningful change. Throughout her career, she has been a pioneer, breaking barriers as the first woman to join a B-2 bomber squadron and later rising to the rank of Bomb Wing Commander. She has also driven innovative change through executive coaching and leadership development, helping leaders break through limitations and build cultures where both people and organizations can thrive.

In Goodwin’s view, every individual has the potential for greatness. It often just takes the right environment or support to unlock that potential. She focuses on creating spaces where people feel empowered to grow and push beyond their limits.

Defining Values and Collaborative Success

Kristin Goodwin lives by a set of values that guide her leadership and coaching strategies. These four core values—Consciousness, Excellence, Innovation, and Respect—are the result of years of direct leadership experience and mentorship. By instilling these values in her students, she helps leaders create environments that thrive on integrity, collaboration, and diverse thinking.

Goodwin emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships based on trust, understanding, and mutual appreciation. She believes in active listening, valuing different perspectives, and engaging in constructive dialogue even when there are disagreements.

Consciousness, for Goodwin, means being fully engaged with both external and internal experiences. It involves being aware of one's thoughts, actions, and consequences while aligning them with personal values. Excellence is another cornerstone of her work, reflecting a commitment to continuous growth and surpassing predefined benchmarks. Innovation is equally important, as it involves exploring new ideas and reimagining old ones to push boundaries.

Finally, respect is essential for effective leadership. Without recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of team members, it is impossible to lead them toward greatness.

Leadership in Modern Industry

Despite a strong foundation in clear values and authenticity, modern business leaders face unique challenges. Industries evolve rapidly, with new trends, regulations, and technologies emerging constantly. In technology-centric sectors, businesses can rise or fall overnight due to innovations or shifts in the market.

As CEO of The Delta-v and COO of TechWise, Kristin Goodwin understands the need to stay informed and connected. She keeps up with industry changes through daily research, peer networking, and attending major events like IDEX and the Space Symposium. She partners with Fortune 500 companies, boards, and executives to drive strategic transformation in areas such as space technology, defense, cybersecurity, and organizational culture.

For Goodwin, staying sharp and connected is key. She believes that the secret to success lies in building relationships. “Everything really comes down to relationships,” she says. “Get to know people, care about them, ask questions, and develop rapport. We all need connection.”

Authentic, Transformative Leadership

Kristin Goodwin draws inspiration from leaders who have shaped her perspective on authentic and impactful leadership. Two figures stand out: President Barack Obama and a young man who led a refugee camp with dignity and compassion.

President Obama exemplifies authentic leadership through his ability to listen, connect, and drive change. His efforts to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell highlighted his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Similarly, the refugee camp leader, despite his own status, created stability and hope for others. His grace under pressure and dedication to serving his community left a lasting impression on Goodwin.

“They remind me that transformational leadership can emerge anywhere, from the Oval Office to a refugee camp, when someone chooses to step up and serve others with integrity and purpose,” Goodwin explains. These leaders, though different in circumstance, share common qualities: authenticity, genuine care for others, and the courage to lead with purpose.