I started my career at a think tank focused on military affairs during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, studying terroism and insurgent groups. Contributing to the war efforts and advising senior commanders, including General David Petraeus, was an incredible experience. After four years, I decided to broaden my perspective and moved to Capitol Hill, where I had the honor of serving as National Security Advisor to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and then to Speaker Paul Ryan. 

When Speaker Ryan retired, it felt like the right time to take on a new challenge in the private sector. SoftBank offered the perfect opportunity to capitalize on my expertise in government and national security to help the firm and our portfolio companies navigate a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

My job is bridging the gap between innovation and government to further SoftBank’s and its portfolio companies' success. I focus on positioning the firm strategically with global governments, aligning our business objectives with government priorities and the public, and championing an innovation agenda.  

I also work closely with our portfolio companies to build support among the right government stakeholders across the globe. In the U.S., that involves close coordination with Congress, the White House, regulators, media, and other key influencers to ensure our projects are understood and can move forward effectively.

I’ve always sought out environments where execution is everything and failure isn’t an option. SoftBank embodies that mindset, with Masa setting the tone through tireless work and constant curiosity. It’s demanding, but deeply rewarding, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it.

I learned about the paramount importance of teamwork. Whether analyzing military strategy or getting critical national security legislation passed in Congress, achieving complicated objectives requires trusted partners and support. I also carry a “no-fail mission” mentality and urgency that guide how I lead at SoftBank now. 

Those experiences continue to shape me today through my work on the Afghanistan War Commission. Many of us feel a deep responsibility to understand what went wrong and how to do better in the future. I try to apply that mindset to business, learning from the past to deliver better outcomes each time.

Family time is everything. I have two young kids and an amazing wife, and any free moment I get, I want to spend it with them, going to their sports games, reading together, or just being outside. Those moments keep everything else in perspective.