The Mission Ready Podcast

Leadership is not always about taking the easiest path. Sometimes, it’s about having the courage to take a difficult one. At just 26, Hosna Jalil became the first woman appointed to a senior position in Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior. In this episode, she shares personal experiences from her journey in Afghanistan, the challenges she faced, and the lessons those experiences taught her about leadership, resilience, and standing up for what matters.

We speak with Hosna Jalil, Afghanistan’s first female Senior Security Official and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. She shares her inspiring journey and explores how she worked to transform Afghanistan’s security policy and advance women’s rights against all odds. From breaking barriers to building hope, this is a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, security, and the fight for equality.

We're joined by John Kriegsman, Managing Director at Renew Capital, for a conversation on leadership, international finance, and the role of investment in shaping Africa's future. From serving as a U.S. Navy officer to advising the U.S. Treasury and leading capital strategy across Africa, John shares his remarkable career journey, the lessons he's learned along the way, and his perspective on development finance, entrepreneurship, and investing in emerging markets.

In this episode we sit down with Major (Rtd) Beautah Mwanza Suba 'SS' SRMP-R, an accomplished Kenya Defence Forces Special Forces officer, Silver Star Presidential Award recipient, and strategic leader with more than 18 years of experience in security, intelligence, defence diplomacy, and crisis management. From his experiences in the military to a defining moment that changed the course of his life, Major Suba reflects on the lessons, decisions, and mindset that helped shape the leader he is today.

Beautah Mwanza Suba 'SS' SRMP-R tells his story reflecting on the experiences, lessons, and defining moments that have shaped his journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Howard “Howie” Lind, a seasoned leader with experience across the military, government, and private sectors. He shares his journey from college baseball at Virginia Tech to a 20-year Navy career and key roles in post-9/11 reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Howie reflects on his time as President of ISOA, discusses the evolving landscape of stability operations and global challenges, and previews his upcoming book, Not Qualified, But Coming Anyway, highlighting perseverance as a cornerstone of leadership.      

A story of Perseverance, Service, and Leadership — with Howie Lind

Chris Decker speaks with Ambassador John F. Masto, a 35-year U.S. Foreign Service veteran. They explore the evolution of diplomacy, covering bilateral and multilateral relationships, democratic transitions in Latin America and the Philippines, and the roles of China, Russia, and regional powers in global affairs. Ambassador Masto reflects on navigating the National Security Council process, working with President George W. Bush, and balancing U.S. interests with democratic principles, emphasizing continuous engagement, cultural understanding, and adaptability as essential qualities for effective diplomacy. Listen in!  

We sit down with Declan Galvin, Managing Director of Exigent Risk Advisory a leading Nairobi-based strategic risk advisory firm supporting clients across the African continent. With over a decade of experience navigating complex environments across Africa and emerging markets, Declan offers deep insight into the region’s geopolitical, operational, and security challenges.

With over a decade of experience navigating complex environments across Africa and emerging markets, Declan Galvin Managing Director Exigent Risk Advisory brings deep insight into the region’s geopolitical, operational, and security challenges. Listen in!