Becky Halstead began her career at West Point, where the academy’s emphasis on discipline, honor, and self‑leadership laid the foundation for a career that saw her become a U.S. Army Brigadier General and the first woman to command a U.S. Army brigade in combat. She’s led thousands of soldiers and civilians, and now she’s sharing what makes a leader truly effective.
Her book, The First Person You Must Lead Is You, hits hard for anyone who’s been in uniform or anyone who leads people in high-pressure situations.
Marines get it right away: leadership starts with you. Before you can lead a team, your Marines, or engineers, you’ve got to lead yourself. Halstead lays it out straight — discipline, reflection, owning your choices. Self-leadership isn’t optional.
What stood out most, framed through a lens Marines know well: JJDIDTIEBUCKLE.
Lead Yourself First (Judge & Understand) — Know your strengths, weaknesses, and mindset before you try to lead anyone else.
Character & Competence (Decide & Employ) — Make the hard calls, but make the right calls. Integrity always comes first.
Lead by Example (Issue & Lead) — Marines recognize “Ductus Exemplo” (leadership by example). Talk is cheap. Walk the walk. People will follow you if you live it.
Resilience & Discipline (Do & Check) — Push through setbacks, fatigue, and chaos. Stay steady, reflect, adjust.
Empathy & Mentorship (Train & Inspire) — Leadership isn’t just tactics — it’s people. Listen, guide, invest. Compassion and discipline go hand in hand.
On October 22, 2025, I had the privilege of seeing Ms. Halstead speak to our entire Digital team in New Jersey. After her outstanding talk, I had a few minutes to chat with her. We both started our military journeys around 1980–1981, and we share a deep belief in leading through Character and Competence. I told her how much that resonated with me as I’ve been preaching these same principles for years.
Becky even personalized a note in my copy of her book, ending with “Semper Fi.” That small detail says everything: the general gets it, she lives it, and she respects the Corps.
Her presentation was outstanding, her book even better. If your company or team has the chance to have her speak, don’t hesitate.
Thank you, ma’am. Semper Fi.
Semper Fidelis
