Mike Ritz

Executive Director @Gallup

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Training language instructors across cultures while studying psycholinguistics in Mexico City sparked my passion for understanding human behavior, communication, and systems. That early spark ignited a 20+ year journey of executive leadership across nonprofit, government, and private sectors — where I’ve consistently built and led high-performing, strengths-based teams that drive mission and results. As Executive Director of Leadership Rhode Island, I led a decade of growth and innovation: launching a social enterprise recognized by Gallup as a global Strengths model, founding the National Leadership Network (700,000+ alumni nationwide), and securing the largest donation in the organization’s history. I have a proven track record of spotting great talent, aligning people with roles that maximize their strengths, and motivating teams toward a shared vision — resulting in the most recognized and awarded programming in the organization’s 40+ year history. At Gallup, I launched and scaled a national initiative to help federal leaders and employees uncover their talents and improve performance and wellbeing through strengths-based development — a model that continues to deliver value. A former trilingual U.S. Army interrogator and CNN analyst, I’ve been featured in nine documentaries (including an Emmy winner) and interviewed in hundreds of media outlets. I’ve served on and led multiple nonprofit boards, including FORGE, which combats veteran suicide through behavioral design and peer intervention. Throughout my career, I’ve been invited to share insights on leadership, trust-building, strengths psychology, and navigating change — from boardrooms to conference stages. My talks are rooted in data, research, and lived experience, shaped by story, and designed to help leaders and teams take action with more clarity, courage, and connection. As AI and technology reshape work, I see an urgent need for human-centered leadership. Purpose, belonging, hope, and authentic connection are now strategic imperatives — essentia