Mike Mears is a leadership expert, bestselling author, and former CIA Chief of Human Capital. As the founder of the CIA Leadership Academy, he trained managers and senior executives in practical leadership strategies grounded in neuroscience and human behavior.

Before joining the CIA, Mike served as Senior Vice President at GE Investments, where he earned his Six Sigma Black Belt and worked closely with leadership legend Jack Welch. He has also launched several small business startups and commanded a nuclear missile site, giving him a rare blend of corporate, entrepreneurial, and national security leadership experience.

Mike’s latest book, Certainty: How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation, reveals how leaders can instantly become more effective by aligning their leadership approach with human nature. Based on decades of consulting and his analysis of over 8,000 leaders, Certainty delivers practical, science-backed strategies for inspiring trust, influencing others, and driving change—without triggering resistance.

As a keynote speaker and advisor, Mike shares insights with organizations across business, government, and academia, helping leaders at all levels enhance their impact. He is a graduate of West Point and Harvard Business School.