Brigadier General (Ret.) Kristin Goodwin Continues to Break Barriers in Every Field

Brigadier General (Ret.) Kristin Goodwin has spent her career breaking barriers in ways that few others have ever had the chance to. From the military to business and, most importantly, as a mother, she has paved a path of leadership that is as groundbreaking as it is inspiring.

Today, Goodwin serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at TechWise, a leading defense consulting firm specializing in mission-critical training, cybersecurity, and technology integration. In this role, she drives innovation and helps ensure that TechWise remains at the forefront of the defense industry. 

She’s also the CEO and Founder of The Delta-v, LLC, and partners with companies, CEOs, and boards in industries like technology, AI, space, and defense. She also helps guide Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders through strategic AI transformations, helping them implement, adopt, and prepare their workforce for the future of technology.

“I love helping people write their next chapter,” Goodwin shares. “There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone grow, challenge themselves, and step into their own greatness.” Part of her day includes one-on-one coaching sessions, where she works with leaders navigating their own journeys. It’s a role she finds deeply fulfilling—helping others discover their potential and overcome obstacles along the way.

Breaking Barriers in the Air Force

Kristin Goodwin’s career began at a time when the Air Force was still dominated by men, and women were rare at the highest levels of leadership. But that didn’t stop her. When she first considered applying to fly the B-2 Stealth Bomber—a role no woman had held before—she could have easily talked herself out of it. Instead, she chose to step forward, believing the only “no” she would face was the one she gave herself.

“It became crystal clear to me when I thought about applying,” she says, smiling. “The only guaranteed ‘no’ is the one we tell ourselves. So I went for it. And that’s been my mantra ever since—don’t take yourself out of the game.”

That decision to fly the B-2 was a career-defining moment, but it was just the beginning. Over the next 25 years, Goodwin would rise to the highest levels of military and business leadership. Time and again, she proved that true leadership isn’t about being in the right place at the right time—it’s about being the right person for the job, no matter the challenge.

From the Cockpit to the Boardroom

Kristin Goodwin’s story reads like a military success saga, but it’s much more than that. After leaving the U.S. Air Force as a retired Brigadier General, she didn’t just ride off into the sunset. Instead, she transitioned into the private sector, taking on strategic advisory roles for Fortune 500 companies and leading high-impact transformations in industries ranging from AI to cybersecurity.

Her work as COO at TechWise, a company that specializes in mission-critical training and tech integration, has been no different. With her background in defense and space operations, she’s helping the company expand its reach into emerging technologies while ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of global defense readiness.

“At TechWise, we are not just talking about the future—we’re shaping it,” Goodwin explains. “It’s about ensuring mission readiness, but also anticipating how emerging technologies, like AI and cybersecurity, will transform defense capabilities. The work is exhilarating, but also incredibly challenging.”

Under her leadership, TechWise is poised to grow its footprint in the defense sector, navigating an increasingly complex landscape of threats and opportunities. “The landscape is constantly changing,” she says. “To stay ahead, we need to build resilience, stay innovative, and create a culture where agility is the core principle. That’s how you ensure success in defense.”

The Role of a Mother and Career Woman

As much as Kristin Goodwin’s career achievements are remarkable, they don’t fully capture the essence of who she is. The real heart of her story lies in her role as a mother. She’s quick to tell you that being a mom is her greatest achievement.

“I didn’t want to miss out on the experience of becoming a mother, even though it was a risk to my career,” she shares. “I had to make some tough decisions. In the military, a career like mine leaves little room for personal life. Becoming a mom at 40 was not part of the plan, but it turned out to be the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

When Goodwin was navigating the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in the military, she was living a double life, hiding her true self from the very system she was serving. The policy made it impossible for her to openly pursue both her career and her personal life. But when the policy was repealed, Goodwin didn’t waste any time—she married her partner and began the journey of motherhood.

“I hid my pregnancy for five months because of the military’s regulations at the time,” she shares. “But once DADT was repealed, I was able to marry my partner, and we started our family.”

At 40, Kristin became a mother for the first time, and she says it completely changed her perspective on leadership. “Being a mother taught me what real leadership is,” she says. “It’s about nurturing, it’s about helping others grow, and it’s about being emotionally present. That’s the kind of leader I want to be—one who leads with heart and helps others thrive.”

Lessons from Leadership: Advice for the Next Generation

As a mentor, advisor, and speaker, Kristin Goodwin is passionate about helping the next generation of leaders navigate the complexities of modern leadership. And when asked what advice she’d give her younger self, the answer is clear: never take yourself out of the game.

“Sometimes, we talk ourselves out of opportunities before we even try,” she says. “I’ve learned that the worst thing that can happen is they say ‘no.’ So, take the chance, put yourself forward, and see where it takes you.”

In her workshops for boards and C-suite executives, Goodwin often shares another key lesson she’s learned over the years: don’t take things personally.

“When someone challenges you, it’s often not about you—it’s about their own struggles and perspectives,” she explains. “Understanding that has been key to how I handle resistance. It allows me to stay composed and respond with empathy instead of defensiveness.”

Her approach to leadership is a blend of confidence and humility—knowing when to push forward and when to step back, always with the intention of elevating those around her. “It’s not about doing it all yourself,” she says. “Success is a team effort, and I take pride in lifting others up along the way.”

The Future Is Bright

For Kristin Goodwin, the sky is no longer the limit. It’s just the beginning.

A certified career coach and Wiley Five Behaviors mentor, Goodwin spends part of her day helping clients navigate their leadership journeys. “There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone grow, challenge themselves, and step into their own greatness,” she says.

Her typical day begins at 5:00 a.m. with a workout to set the tone for the day. By 8:30 a.m., Goodwin is in meetings, leading strategy sessions at TechWise and guiding clients through leadership development with The Delta-v. “Every day brings new challenges, and it’s my job to help the team stay ahead,” she explains.

Though her career is demanding, Goodwin prioritizes her family. As a wife and mother to two daughters, her evenings are dedicated to family time, whether it’s helping with homework, playing games, or watching a movie. “Dinner and family time are sacred,” she says. “Between work and raising two young daughters, staying organized is crucial, but it’s worth every bit of effort.”

A lifelong learner, Goodwin stays informed on global events and industry trends, ensuring she remains on the cutting edge. “Change happens daily, and staying on top of it is essential to staying relevant,” she says.

With every role she takes on and every challenge she faces, she continues to break barriers, inspire others, and lead with heart.

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