Major General (Ret.) Christopher P. Hughes is an accomplished consultant, executive coach, and retired two-star general whose career spans over 35 years of impactful leadership in both military and corporate sectors. As the Chief Executive Officer of The Way Forward, Chris empowers leaders and teams to navigate today’s dynamic business landscape with emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and adaptive strategies. He brings his extensive experience from the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense into his coaching practice, fostering environments where individuals and organizations can thrive through resilience, trust-building, and inclusive leadership.

Chris began his distinguished military career after graduating from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Political Science. Rising through the ranks, he held several key leadership roles, including Commanding General of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, Chief of Staff at the U.S. Army Pacific Command, and Deputy Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division. These experiences not only equipped him with strategic insight but also deepened his commitment to service-oriented leadership—a quality that permeates his consulting and coaching work today.

After retiring from the military in 2018, Chris established Northwest Consulting (NWC-M&C LLC) and later founded The Way Forward, a company focused on developing adaptive leaders in the corporate and defense sectors. His work emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, team resilience, and trust as fundamental pillars of effective leadership. Through tailored workshops and keynote presentations, Chris helps organizations create environments that prioritize inclusivity and cognitive diversity, enabling employees to unlock their full potential.

Chris’s unique approach to leadership draws from his advocacy for neurodiversity, especially as explored in his doctoral research on dyslexia. He champions cognitive diversity, viewing dyslexia as a strength in creativity and problem-solving rather than a deficit. His belief in the power of neurodiverse perspectives informs his consulting methodology, where he encourages leaders to embrace adaptive, inclusive strategies that respect the unique contributions of every team member.

As a published author, Chris has shared his insights through his book, War on Two Fronts: An Infantry Commander’s War in Iraq and the Pentagon, which earned the 2008 Army Historical Foundation’s Distinguished Writing Award. The book reflects his values of resilience and ethical leadership, recounting lessons learned from the complexities of command and conflict. Chris’s commitment to storytelling extends to his website, The Way Forward, where he regularly publishes thought-provoking articles and resources on leadership and team development.

Throughout his career, Chris has been recognized for his service and leadership excellence. His honors include induction into the Army ROTC Hall of Fame, designation as a Kentucky Colonel, and the ROCK of the Year award. These accolades, along with his experiences serving as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Iowa and as a Senior Consultant at The Roosevelt Group, underscore his dedication to impactful, strategic leadership that makes a tangible difference in organizations and communities.

Chris’s educational background includes a Doctorate in Leadership from Creighton University, where his studies focus on emotional intelligence and adaptive leadership. His academic credentials also include a Master’s in National Security Strategy from the National War College, a Master’s in Business Management from Webster University, and multiple distinguished certifications in military and strategic studies. These qualifications complement his extensive real-world experience, providing him with a strong foundation in both theory and practice.

Today, as Chairman of the Board for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Foundation, Chris continues to shape future leaders. His commitment to education and mentorship is evident in his efforts to bridge military and civilian sectors, ensuring that today’s leaders are equipped with the skills they need to succeed. His philosophy—grounded in trust, service, and empowerment—guides his work across diverse industries, from AI and defense to higher education and corporate coaching.

Chris’s motto, “Leading Through Trust, Empowerment, and Purpose-Driven Resilience,” encapsulates his leadership style. His passion for making a meaningful impact, combined with his deep respect for the contributions of all team members, ensures that each organization he works with is stronger, more adaptive, and more inclusive.

Character:

Chris Hughes embodies resilience and integrity, consistently guiding others to reach their potential through trust and empathy. His commitment to service-oriented leadership ensures that each individual he mentors feels valued and empowered.

Knowledge:

With a deep foundation in military operations, strategic planning, and academic studies, Chris brings a wealth of expertise to his consulting and coaching roles. His extensive education and experience make him highly skilled at navigating complex organizational challenges.

Strategic:

Chris has a proven ability to create innovative, effective solutions under high-stakes conditions, from military commands to corporate consulting. His strategic insights drive impactful change and foster adaptability within organizations.

Communication:

Known for his exceptional emotional intelligence and storytelling, Chris connects with diverse audiences to inspire collaborative, resilient teams. His communication skills enable him to foster inclusive environments that celebrate and leverage cognitive diversity.