About DeDe

A revered leader with 25 years of command experience, DeDe has been described by Dr. Brené Brown as one of her “leadership heroes and a total badass.” She has held several pivotal roles, including as an advisor to the Department of Defense’s top leader, commander of Air Force bases in Barksdale and Iraq, a national security fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, congressional fellow advising an Indiana senator, senior advisor to the Air Force chief of staff, and chief public affairs officer for the Thunderbirds.

No stranger to high-stress environments: As a senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, DeDe was a trusted influence in developing solutions to the military’s most pressing issues. She also served as the military’s lead spokesperson responsible for implementing plans supporting the Department of Defense’s global communications strategy.

A Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, DeDe is an executive coach certified through Georgetown University’s Executive Leadership Coaching Program. DeDe holds a master’s degree in leadership from American Military University and a B.A. in Communications from the University of Iowa. She is also a graduate of Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School, and Defense Information School.

Book DeDe Today

During her career in the Air Force, DeDe realized that traditional military leadership lacked the skills to navigate the often-overlooked area of emotions, like empathy and shame, which then prevented leaders from having the difficult conversations that could promote organizational connection rather than undercutting them.

Whether it’s wholehearted discussions regarding mental health, racial injustice, or gender inequality, DeDe has come to realize these painful topics can be more effectively addressed by stepping into the arena of vulnerability, wherein lies the path to true courage.

  • Salesforce

    “DeDe was a standout. Her presentation skills are amazing, she commanded the room, she shared her stories in such a transparent way. In my mind, she's the walking epitome of a living leader.”

  • BBDO

    “The examples she gave of her own insecurities and the moments where she was confronted with disappointment were particularly relevant to me. She was also the first person to talk about risk-taking and I know that this is something that I want to do better at and do it in the way that she recommended "calculated" or "smart".”

  • Google

    “Incredible speaker with fantastic insights - really lives the leadership values she preaches.”

  • Wieden+Kennedy

    “Despite her field being a bit out of my realm, DeDe had one of the most impactful presentations of the bootcamp. DeDe provided content that changed the way I think and will behave, and her teachings will forever be imprinted in my mind.”

  • BBDO

    “DeDe Halfhill was inspiring. I try to use that word sparingly, but I found her presence, experience and desire to share incredible.”

Contact us.

If you’re interested in checking DeDe’s speaking fees and availability or to book her to speak for your conference or meeting, contact us today.