For nearly three decades, Michelle Letcher served her country with distinction, rising to the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Army. But even at the pinnacle of her military career, she found herself facing a familiar obstacle:
“I was exhausted by the word ‘no.'”
As a senior leader, Michelle led strategy efforts tied to our most complex national security challenges in Iraq, Eastern Europe, in the Munitions Enterprise across the Defense Industrial Base, and as the service lead for Contested Logistics across the Department of Defense. She witnessed unnecessary obstacles to driving necessary change for our industrial base, research and development labs, innovation and technology concepts and capabilities. At the same time, Michelle sat witness to a human capital system struggling to win the war on talent.
From restrictions based on gender to a defense organization trapped behind outdated policies, procedures, and concepts, the solution and implementation needed to be today:
“We shouldn’t put it all on the future, we need to break trail now.”
Those words became a call to action. Michelle was tired of watching organizations clear the same path repeatedly while unnecessary obstacles and rules continued to clutter the journey.
Sometimes when we outgrow organizations, we must find a new trail and the power within ourselves willing to forge new paths today so we can help others. Our kids demand it, our nation’s future depends on it.
As an avid hiker, Michelle knows to “break trail” means to forge a path through fresh snow or untamed wilderness. It’s a grueling task that clears the way for those who follow. This powerful metaphor became the foundation of Michelle’s post-military mission.
Through Break Trail, her consulting agency, Michelle continues the work she began in uniform. Many times, people just follow the worn path to the familiar view and that works for organizations comfortable with the status quo. “I want to work with organizations that want to change the world, and I want to help all people lead that effort, inspire that journey, and be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
Michelle works with complex organizations to drive positive change. We don’t have time for generational change, we need to deliver now in all the spaces, and we need to use all our talent to that end. She amplifies the right problems to help organizations drive towards solutions that achieve growth and change at speed through accountability and teamwork. From micro to macro, it’s about organizational change not personality leadership.
Michelle’s story isn’t just about personal accomplishment. It’s a rallying cry for those who dare to challenge the status quo and a blueprint for organizations ready to harness the full potential of their team.
Amplify Voices
Capture Narratives
Empower the Next Generation of Leaders
Solve Complex Problems
Brigadier General (Retired) Michelle Letcher’s 27-year career in the U.S. Army is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. As a logistician and national security strategist, Michelle didn’t just navigate the complex landscapes of military leadership—she reshaped them.
From the frontlines of Iraq and Afghanistan to the strategic chambers of Europe and the Pentagon, Michelle consistently challenged the status quo. Her journey wasn’t just about personal advancement; it was about creating pathways for those who would follow.
As Chief of Staff of Army Futures Command, Michelle transformed a $12B budget into a force for change. Under her stewardship, over 26,000 personnel became the architects of Army modernization, proving that innovation thrives when diverse voices are empowered.
At the Combined Arms Support Command, Michelle spearheaded the groundbreaking Joint Concept for Contested Logistics. This wasn’t just a military doctrine; it was a blueprint for future leaders to think beyond conventional boundaries.
Leading the Joint Munitions Command, Michelle oversaw $57B in critical defense assets. But her most significant impact came from dismantling systemic barriers and fostering opportunities for growth within the defense sector.
Michelle’s academic journey, including multiple master’s degrees, fueled her practical wisdom. Today, she channels this unique blend of experience into advisory roles, strategic planning, and authorship. Her mission remains unchanged: to break trails for others and build a more inclusive future for all.
Michelle’s story isn’t just about personal accomplishment. It’s a rallying cry for those who dare to challenge the status quo and a blueprint for organizations ready to harness the full potential of leadership.
Are you ready to break trail in your organization or career? Michelle Letcher and Break Trail offer the expertise, inspiration, and strategic guidance to help you forge new paths to success. Together, we can create a future where “no” is just the beginning of a new adventure.
