Mike Braham is a distinguished leader with a proven track record of transforming organizations and driving strategic growth in complex and dynamic markets. With a career spanning multiple industries, including healthcare, insurance, technology, and telecommunications, Mike is recognized for his mission-focused approach and ability to create competitive advantages through innovative strategies and high-performance team building.
Mike began his career as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, serving as an AV-8B Harrier pilot, intelligence officer, and Aide de Camp. His military service instilled a foundation of discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking that has defined his leadership style. He later became an instructor in the Naval Aviation Training Command, where he honed his ability to mentor and lead others, skills that would prove invaluable throughout his career.
As President of CareSource Military and Veterans, Mike spearheaded the launch of the company’s entry into the federal healthcare market. His leadership was instrumental in navigating legal and regulatory complexities, securing strategic partnerships, and assembling high-caliber teams to meet market demands. He successfully promoted internal talent and established foundational structures to drive future growth. His ability to align resources and create synergy within matrixed organizations was critical to the division’s success.
Before this role, Mike served as President of Vertical Takeoff LLC, a service-disabled veteran-owned business. In this capacity, he provided fractional C-suite services to healthcare and technology companies in both commercial and federal markets. His expertise in strategic planning, crisis management, and leadership development positioned client organizations for sustainable success. Mike also played a pivotal role in advancing solutions for veteran health issues, including PTSD and suicide prevention, through impactful public speaking and advocacy.
Mike’s tenure as CEO of Trapollo, a Cox Business company, was marked by innovation and sustained growth. Recruited to replace the founding CEO, he delivered four consecutive years of double-digit growth, transforming the company’s operational and market strategies. Recognized as a ‘2021 Leader in Technology, Connected Health,’ Mike led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic with strategic foresight. He anticipated supply chain disruptions in late 2019 and pivoted the company’s offerings to address immediate needs, resulting in a 50% revenue growth in 2020. His efforts directly contributed to addressing health disparities in underserved communities and advancing the quadruple aim of healthcare.
At Magellan Health, Mike served as President of the Federal Division, where he unified assets across nine contracts into a scalable business unit. This division provided behavioral health services to military installations globally, addressing critical issues such as PTSD and suicide prevention. Mike built a $200 million pipeline within nine months and doubled the division’s revenue to over $300 million through targeted acquisitions and innovative solutions. His advocacy at the highest levels of the Federal and Executive Branches of government brought attention to these critical issues, resulting in impactful early warning systems and programmatic solutions.
Mike’s leadership at Aetna highlighted his ability to drive operational excellence. He remediated compliance challenges in the $8 billion Medicare division, improved member retention by 50%, and reduced acquisition costs by 40%. His strategic initiatives, including the creation of a Medicare Command Center, provided real-time analytics and streamlined operations, significantly enhancing customer experience and compliance.
Earlier in his career, Mike held a leadership role at Cox Communications, where he expanded the B2B division’s revenue from $90 million to $140 million. He was instrumental in pioneering telemedicine applications, positioning the company as a leader in healthcare connectivity. His efforts in operational alignment and process improvement boosted effectiveness by 30%, setting a benchmark in the industry.
Mike’s crisis leadership has been a hallmark of his career. He was recruited to join a specialty organization after 9-11 initiated by Marsh and McLennan, focused on the Global 125’s crisis mitigation and response and later led IBM’s crisis response team to Sri Lanka during the Indian Ocean tsunami, supporting Sri Lanka’s president during an international disaster. Domestically, he developed and led crisis management frameworks for organizations, demonstrating his ability to guide teams through high-pressure situations effectively. His creation and hosting of the television show “Leading through Challenging Times” further underscored his expertise in crisis leadership.
A sought-after thought leader, Mike has shared his insights through public speaking engagements and publications. Topics such as crisis leadership, aging in place, and healthcare innovation are central to his discussions, and his perspectives have been featured in the Wall Street Journal and other prominent outlets. His ability to anticipate market disruptions and guide organizations to proactive solutions has cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University and advanced training certifications in executive leadership and public speaking. He serves on the boards of the National Center for Healthy Veterans and Able Channel, leveraging his expertise to drive impactful initiatives.
From the seat of a fighter jet to the chair in the boardroom, Mike Braham exemplifies transformational leadership. His commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and servant leadership continues to inspire organizations and individuals to achieve extraordinary outcomes in an ever-evolving world.
Character: Mike Braham demonstrates discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking, with a foundation built on his military service and commitment to servant leadership.
Knowledge: With “Situational Awareness” and extensive cross-industry expertise, Mike brings deep understanding in healthcare, insurance, technology, and telecommunications, driving innovation and growth.
Strategic: He excels in crafting competitive advantages, aligning resources, and navigating complex markets, evidenced by his leadership in both the private and federal sectors.
Communication: Mike is a skilled communicator, sharing his insights through public speaking and publications, with a focus on crisis leadership, healthcare innovation, and advocacy for veterans.
