Leadership Spotlight: Gregory Miller
Welcome to RELI Group’s Leadership Spotlight series! In this series, we’ll delve into the background, passions and philosophies of some of Team RELI’s best and brightest minds. Each post includes the same five questions, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the folks that make RELI great.
In today’s Leadership Spotlight, get to know Gregory Miller, RELI Group’s Director of Solution Strategy and Capture Planning in our Cybersecurity sector. He focuses on strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the company’s cybersecurity capabilities. Gregory also served in the Marine Corps as an intelligence officer and worked as a civilian contractor, performing counter-IED operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that influenced your path in government contracting?
One pivotal moment in my career that profoundly influenced my government contracting path was my tenure while forward deployed as a contractor supporting NATO operations. During that two-year tenure, I had the privilege to be part of a mission that started as an idea written on a whiteboard, and I witnessed its impact on the warfighters overseas.
What drives your passion for working in government contracting?
What drives my passion for working in government contracting is the profound impact and sense of purpose of contributing to our nation’s security and well-being. Government contracting offers a unique opportunity to tackle our society’s most pressing challenges, from national security and public safety to infrastructure resilience and technological innovation.
How do you approach leadership and team building?
I approach leadership by embracing “leadership as a process,” meaning I see it as an ongoing journey of growth or improvement. There are many pillars of success in various leadership approaches, but two stand out to me: self-awareness and empathy. These two pillars help provide a crucial understanding of my emotions and how they affect my actions. I strive to remain aware of my strengths and weaknesses, which allows me to lead authentically and make informed decisions. This self-awareness helps me manage stress and remain composed under pressure, setting a positive example for my team. However, perhaps the most critical pillar is empathy. It enables me to be attuned to my team members’ emotions and needs, a cornerstone of effective leadership. I prioritize listening actively and showing empathy, which helps build trust and fosters strong relationships. I can support my team more effectively by understanding and addressing individual concerns.
What innovations or trends in the cyber sector excite you the most?
The evolution and integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) in cybersecurity operations will enable cybersecurity professionals to defend the nation’s critical infrastructure proactively. This proactive approach is crucial in the modern cyber landscape, where threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Can you discuss a project or initiative you’re particularly proud of?
One initiative I’m particularly proud of is my involvement with the CyberPatriot program. CyberPatriot is the Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Education Program, which aims to inspire students towards careers in cybersecurity and other STEM disciplines critical to our nation’s future.
As a coach, I had the opportunity to guide high school students through the rigorous CyberPatriot competition. The program challenges students to find and fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities in simulated environments, fostering not only their technical skills but also their problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Watching these young minds grow and develop their expertise was incredibly rewarding.
Many of these students have gone on to pursue degrees and careers in cybersecurity, contributing to the development of America’s future cybersecurity professionals. By participating in CyberPatriot, I feel I’ve played a small part in bolstering our national security and preparing the next generation to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in the cyber landscape.
