Dr. Ryan J. Scott is a C-suite-level leader, strategic advisor, and leadership architect with a proven track record of building high-performing teams and driving transformation across complex organizations. With over 23 years of global leadership experience as a combat-tested Army aviator, Ryan has led operations involving thousands of people across the Middle East, Europe, Korea, and the United States—delivering results under pressure and at scale.

As the author of the Why We Paint Rocks leadership series, Ryan distills decades of executive insight into actionable frameworks that help leaders cut through complexity, align their teams, and deliver sustained performance. In addition to his writing, he leads a consulting practice that helps organizations rethink leadership, build alignment, and execute with precision. His books and keynotes challenge the status quo, blending military precision, academic rigor, and real-world relevance.

Ryan provides executive consulting to senior leaders, C-suite teams, and mission-driven organizations—focusing on strategy, resilience, and operational execution. With a PhD in Public Administration and advanced degrees and certifications in Military Art and Science, Economics, and Disaster Resilient Policy Engineering and Design, he combines thought leadership with real-world application—making him a trusted partner for organizations navigating growth, change, or crisis.

Currently serving as Deputy Director for National Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications, Ryan is preparing for his next executive leadership assignment. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and daughter.