The path to progressing as a leader isn’t always linear. Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott shows how a childhood dream can evolve into a lifetime of impact — from commanding in uniform to leading innovation in health care and national defense. 

• A leader worth his or her salt should be comfortable not being the smartest person in the room.
• Striving for a lack of hubris is essential in leadership.
• Setting a clear vision is a fundamental leadership skill.
• Moving people without authority is crucial for effective leadership.
• Resource management is key to achieving organizational goals.
• Acknowledging what you don't know is a strength in leadership.
• Effective leaders focus on guiding their teams rather than asserting dominance.
• Leadership is about influencing and inspiring others.
• A successful mission requires collaboration and shared vision.
• True leadership is about empowering others to succeed.

Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott ’85 is the chief executive officer of MOBĒ, a U.S.-based company focused on whole-person health and care-management solutions. He became CEO in April 2022, taking the helm to lead the company through growth and operational excellence following a distinguished career in both the military and corporate sectors. 

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Ott served as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve before shifting into financial services and health care leadership roles including private wealth management at U.S. Bank and executive positions with UnitedHealth Group/Optum. His leadership ethos emphasizes alignment, acceleration and human potential, building cultures where teams can thrive and leveraging data-driven models to improve health outcomes.