Hi, I’m
DeDe Halfhill

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Keynote Speaker, and Advisor helping leaders Master the Unseen™: the messy, human side of leadership most people avoid, but everyone feels.

I’ve spent 25 years leading teams through incredibly tough situations — advising the Commanding General in Iraq during intense combat operations, guiding the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs through some of the most turbulent moments of our time, and taking a front-row seat to countless high-stakes leadership decisions.

But the most important lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from the high-stakes, dramatic moments. They came from the ordinary days, when I had to get real with myself, my teams, and what was quietly getting in our way.

I realized early on that ignoring emotional undercurrents in our organizations: unspoken frustrations, silent resistance, and hesitations not shared—left me managing surface-level symptoms instead of solving what was really going on.

So, I chose to keep leaning in, to say what others wouldn’t, to listen deeply even when it was hard, and to let people see the human behind the rank. And guess what? It changed everything. My teams didn’t just perform better, they became closer, more committed, and genuinely connected. Leaders often hesitate to step into these messy, uncertain spaces, and I was no different. But every time I chose courage over comfort, my team grew stronger.

Leadership isn’t just about strategy or tactics. It’s about having the courage to confront the uncomfortable, to see what others miss, and to act when others hold back. It’s about noticing subtle signs early, addressing them head-on, and modeling the bravery you want to see in your teams.

When you Master the Unseen™, your teams will trust you more deeply, commit fully, and stand ready for whatever comes next.

Are you ready to step up?

DeDe Halfhill

To Master the Unseen™ means leading where most hesitate:

Cultural

If we want to turn misalignment into momentum, we must Master the Unseen™ to address hidden tensions inside our organizations—before they stall our progress.

Team

If we want to turn frustration into trust, we need to Master the Unseen™ by stepping into honest conversations with those we lead that go beyond surface-level agreement.

Self

If we want to move from overwhelm to ease, we have to muster the courage to lead authentically, even when it feels uncomfortable or messy in the moment.

Whether advising top executives or supporting everyday leaders, I’ve seen the difference it makes when teams master these unseen forces.

Today, I help leaders navigate the tough stuff—the real stuff.

The result?

Stronger teams. Smarter decisions. Lasting success.

Advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
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Director, Department of Defense Press Operations
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Chief, Public Affairs U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
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Featured in Brené Brown’s NYT bestseller Dare to Lead and on 60 Minutes
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25 years of command and leadership experience, including two tours in Iraq
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Department of Defense Congressional Fellow
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National Security Fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy
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Executive Leadership Coach certified through Georgetown University
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Trusted By

Salesforce
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Cisco
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Defense Intelligence Agency
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PwC
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Roark capital
Edelman
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Hearst
Select Medical
Harris Williams
U.S. Air Force
BNY Pershing
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Pitney Bowes

Here’s How DeDe Can Help Your Leaders and Teams Master the Unseen:

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KEYNOTES:

In-Person or Virtual

  • Discover how hidden emotional dynamics, not just strategy, shape team performance
  • Get practical tools to surface hidden resistance and create real buy-in
  • Walk away ready to lead confidently in complex, high-pressure moments
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EXECUTIVE ADVISORY:

Strategic Guidance When It Counts

  • Identify and overcome silent barriers that block alignment
  • Strengthen leadership presence by mastering tough conversations
  • Build a culture rooted in trust, transparency, and direct communication
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TEAM TRAINING:

Breakthrough Leadership Lessons

  • Equip teams to spot hidden tensions early, before they become roadblocks
  • Strengthen emotional skills for sharper, smarter decisions
  • Embed courage, trust, and accountability into your daily culture