Executive Leadership Lessons Course

Jay Powers graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. After graduating from Ranger School and serving at the 101st Airborne Division in several small unit leadership positions, Jay attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection followed by the Special Forces Qualification Course and Arabic Language School. These rigorous programs seek out and develop individuals able to work in teams, solve complex problems, and communicate cross-culturally - all while maintaining resiliency under extreme stress.

As a Green Beret, Jay spent most of his time assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group which is focused on working with international partners in the Middle East. There he served in every echelon of leadership from commanding a 12-Soldier “A” Detachment, to a 450 Soldier battalion, and eventually commanding the entire 2,500 Soldier group. Over his career, Jay deployed to the Middle East ten times, including nine combat rotations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

In between deployments, Jay led the development and execution of training plans and coached subordinate leaders to prepare them for future operations. At the 5th Special Forces Group, he also implemented processes to encourage innovation resulting in numerous efficiency improvements and the acquisition of new technology. Jay worked in 13 different Middle Eastern countries where he leveraged his Arabic skills and cultural awareness to build relationships and solve problems collaboratively. As a leader, Jay was known for achieving results in the most difficult circumstances by building effective teams and creating positive cultures.

Jay received a master’s degree in strategic studies from the Air War College which focused on strategic planning, leadership, and the analysis of complex environments. Jay’s last role in the Army was as Deputy Commander for Special Operations Command Central, which is the headquarters responsible for overseeing all special operations in the Middle East. Since transitioning from the military Jay has been consulting on leadership and the development of organizational culture, speaking on leadership, and teaching leadership in the University of Southern Florida Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education.