Chris Finerty Discusses Navigating Leadership and Legislative Strategy in National Security

Chris Finerty, a highly regarded figure in the field of national security, boasts an extensive career marked by over 30 years of service in various leadership roles within the United States Air Force and the National Guard. Finerty’s educational journey began at the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science in 1992. He continued his education with a Master of Business Administration from Regis University in 1997. Throughout his career, Finerty has demonstrated a unique ability to navigate complex legislative landscapes, having served as the Director of Legislative Liaison for both the Department of the Air Force and the National Guard Bureau.

This article presents a conversation with Chris Finerty, delving into his background, professional journey, and the key insights he has gathered throughout his distinguished career.

Professional Growth and Adaptability

What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?

In the past, I would wake up at 4:45 am and go to the gym. I did this for well over a decade. As soon as my alarm went off, I was in constant motion until I returned home, normally 12-14 hours later. I normally ate standing up at my computer and didn’t want any part of my calendar unscheduled. This is what productivity used to look like to me. While this is common in the military, and it gets many tasks accomplished in a short period, it does not have the most positive impact on the people you interact with. Today, I still go to the gym in the morning, but I don’t find it necessary to wake up at 4:45 am. I find time to focus on what I am doing at that moment and try to prioritize personal interactions. The key is to take only as much as you can truly focus on while still having time for your health and family.

How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies?

Staying in contact with colleagues in the industry, reading trade publications, and, now for me, the most crucial aspect is staying abreast of world and national news and politics. These larger macro shifts across the globe will almost always have an impact, but unlike day-to-day industry moves, they will be felt months to years into the future.

Can you recall a significant challenge or failure you faced and how you overcame it?

Some challenges at work seem very significant at the moment, but some always work themselves out, which is why I struggle to remember any of those challenges. However, challenges in raising and caring for my kids are very significant and can have substantial outcomes. I think I struggled to interact with my son because I would almost want to direct everything he did, which is clearly a mistake. Once I took some time to think, I saw him as his own person, with his personality, who needed to make his own decisions. Instead of making sure he did exactly as I told him, I needed to become more of a coach and mentor rather than a director. I was so wrapped up in work that I didn’t take the time to think about the best way to interact with my son.

Leadership and Strategic Vision

What is your approach to starting a new project?

This is interesting because this is what I am working on with my son right now—how to take what seems to be a monumental task and break it into manageable and necessary pieces. I start with clearly defining the end goal—what are we trying to accomplish? Then articulate all the resources and tasks needed to accomplish the end goal. I will then go through the exhaustive list and evaluate each resource and each task to see if it’s really necessary to reach the end goal. If so, keep it; if not, get rid of it. This is an important aspect for me—use only the resources and do only the tasks that have a direct impact on the end goal. Then lay out all the tasks/resources on a timeline or calendar. When I see an enormous project broken down into small daily tasks, it becomes far more manageable. This is a skill I am trying to teach my son to prepare for the SAT and the college application process.

What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months? What was the outcome? Would you do anything differently today?

Unfortunately, the specifics of the toughest decision in recent months weren’t disclosed in the available material, but tackling such questions often involves reflecting on recent professional and personal developments.

What was the worst job you ever had, and what did you learn from it?

Honestly, I’m not sure I have ever had a “worst job” in my life. I know I have had some jobs that I liked more than others, but I’ve never disliked a job. This is because I have always looked at a job as an opportunity to learn something, get things accomplished, and maybe help someone. I’ve never looked at any job as to how it would impact me, but rather what kind of impact I could have. I think that would be the lesson—it’s not about me.

Expertise and Achievements

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

First, it’s about gaining a deep understanding of my job responsibilities and clearly understanding how success is measured. I focus all my energy on the value-added tasks. Too often, we see people working very hard but on the wrong things or things that don’t add value or accomplish the goals. We need to stay laser-focused on the right tasks. Second, I do my best to ensure the entire team has a clear understanding of the task and feels a sense of ownership in the team’s success.

What advice would you give to someone entering your field of work, trying to define their own professional identity and find long-term purpose?

Regardless of the field, it should be something that captures your imagination and attention. If you want long-term success, you are going to need balance—time for yourself, time for your family, and time for work. If any of that gets out of balance, you will eventually be disappointed. You may not recognize the imbalance right away, but it will be there, and you will wish you could go back and make different decisions. Remember, your family and friends will be the only ones there for you long term. Choose your priorities wisely.

Tell us about a skill you taught yourself and how you went about learning it.

Public speaking, whether to a large audience or in a smaller meeting-like setting, is a skill I’ve cultivated. Learning how to be an effective speaker takes practice and constant attention. I observed not only how great public speakers spoke but also how they moved around a stage, how they paused at the right moments, what they did with their hands, how they organized their presentation, and how they used certain words to build a memorable picture. Getting feedback is incredibly important. You could be incredibly smart with new and creative ideas, but if you can’t articulate those ideas and get others to listen to you, the ideas are worthless. I put the same importance on effective writing.

Who in your life or career has had the greatest impact on you, and how?

My two kids have, without a doubt, had the greatest impact on my life. I tell my son, “If you want to know what someone values, then look at where they spend their time.” I realize now that when I was in the military, I would always say how important my kids were, but my actions told a different story. I would invest my time in work, and my kids got what was left. I think this is common, and we all convince ourselves that we must work to provide for our families and use that thought as a reason to overinvest time at work. Affirmation gained from work makes people feel special, which can be confused with happiness. Real happiness is gained from family and community. I realize this now. My kids have made me realize this, which is why they have had the greatest impact on me.

Vision for the Future

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I envision myself continuing to contribute to the National Security sector, leveraging my experience and insights to foster collaboration between various stakeholders. My goal is to apply my strategic vision in roles that bridge the Department of Defense and Congress, ensuring that national priorities are effectively communicated and supported.

What is a future project or initiative you are excited about?

I am particularly excited about initiatives that focus on fostering cross-sector collaboration. Bringing together diverse teams from different sectors can lead to innovative solutions and strategies that address complex challenges. These projects not only advance national security interests but also promote a culture of teamwork and shared objectives.

What is your vision for the future of national security?

The future of national security will increasingly rely on integration and adaptability. We need to be prepared for multifaceted threats and opportunities, focusing on both technological advancements and diplomatic engagements. Building robust partnerships with international allies and fostering innovation at home are critical elements of my vision. Ensuring that legislative strategies align with these goals will be vital for long-term success.

 In conclusion, Chris Finerty’s career and insights offer valuable lessons in leadership, adaptation, and strategic foresight. His approach to balancing personal and professional priorities provides a blueprint for success in complex fields like national security. Finerty’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and promoting innovation is a testament to his enduring impact in the industry.

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