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Beyond the Logo: Garrett Kappel on What Branding Really Means

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Lisle, Illinois, Aug 11, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Garrett Kappel is a Lisle, Illinois–based marketing expert with a professional focus on strategic alignment, brand clarity, and long-term market relevance. His work centers on helping organizations define who they are, how they communicate, and how they can grow with intention within their industries.

With years of hands-on experience, Garrett has supported businesses through brand launches, repositioning initiatives, and ongoing marketing refinement. His expertise includes market research, brand messaging, digital strategy, and campaign evaluation. He is particularly skilled at uncovering insights that enable organizations to connect with their audiences in a meaningful and consistent way.

Garrett believes marketing should function as a bridge between a company’s internal vision and its external perception. His strategies are rooted in research, audience understanding, and disciplined execution. Rather than relying on generic frameworks, he develops customized solutions designed to reflect each organization’s goals, culture, and competitive landscape.

Working from Lisle places Garrett at the center of a dynamic business region, allowing him to collaborate with companies throughout the Chicago area and beyond. His Midwest perspective influences his practical, grounded approach to marketing, emphasizing accountability and realistic outcomes.

Garrett is known for his thoughtful communication style and methodical planning process. He views sustainable success as the result of steady refinement rather than abrupt transformation. Through careful strategy, consistent messaging, and ongoing evaluation, Garrett Kappel helps businesses strengthen their market presence, improve engagement, and build brands that remain relevant over time.

1. Many businesses talk about growth, but you often speak about relevance. Why is staying relevant such an important goal for organizations today?

Relevance is one of the most valuable assets a business can have because it influences how customers perceive a company over time. Markets change constantly. Customer expectations evolve, technology advances, and competitors introduce new ideas. A company that remains relevant is one that continues to understand its audience and adapt appropriately without losing its identity. I think some organizations focus so heavily on growth that they forget to evaluate whether their message still resonates with the people they serve. Sustainable growth usually follows relevance, not the other way around. When businesses consistently solve meaningful problems and communicate their value clearly, they create stronger relationships with customers and position themselves for long-term success rather than short-term attention.

2. What is one common misconception businesses have about branding that you frequently encounter?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that branding is primarily about logos, colors, and visual design. Those elements are important, but branding runs much deeper. Branding is really about perception. It is how customers think and feel about a company based on every interaction they have with it. A business can have a beautiful visual identity and still struggle if its messaging is unclear or if the customer experience does not match expectations. Strong branding requires consistency, trust, and clarity. It should reflect what the company stands for and why customers should care. When businesses recognize branding as a strategic function rather than a design exercise, they often begin making much better decisions across every area of marketing.

3. How do you approach helping a company that feels its marketing efforts are not producing results?

The first step is understanding what success actually means for that organization. Many businesses feel frustrated because they are measuring activity instead of outcomes. They may be posting content, running campaigns, or investing in advertising without a clear connection to business goals. I start by examining the existing strategy, customer journey, messaging, and performance data. From there, I look for gaps between what the company wants to achieve and what its marketing is currently doing. In many cases, the problem is not effort. It is alignment. Once we identify where communication, audience targeting, or positioning may be falling short, we can create a more focused plan that supports measurable objectives and delivers stronger results over time.

4. What role does market research play in effective decision-making?

Market research plays a central role because it helps businesses replace assumptions with evidence. Every organization has opinions about what customers want, but research provides a clearer understanding of reality. It reveals how people think, what motivates them, what challenges they face, and how they compare available options. Good research also helps businesses identify trends before they become obvious to the broader market. I see research as a foundation rather than a separate activity. It informs positioning, messaging, product development, and customer engagement strategies. When leaders make decisions based on reliable information instead of guesswork, they reduce risk and improve their ability to allocate resources effectively. Strong marketing begins with understanding, and research provides that understanding.

5. You often emphasize strategic alignment. What does that concept mean in practical terms?

Strategic alignment means ensuring that all parts of a business are working toward the same objectives. In practical terms, it means that marketing, sales, operations, customer service, and leadership share a common understanding of what the company represents and where it is going. Misalignment creates confusion both internally and externally. Customers receive mixed messages, employees struggle with priorities, and resources get wasted on disconnected efforts. When alignment exists, communication becomes clearer and decision-making becomes more efficient. Marketing supports business goals rather than operating independently from them. I believe alignment is one of the most overlooked factors in organizational performance because its benefits extend far beyond marketing and influence nearly every aspect of growth.

6. What have you learned about customer behavior that surprises many business leaders?

One lesson that often surprises leaders is how much customers value simplicity. Businesses frequently assume that adding more information, more features, or more messaging will strengthen their position. In reality, customers often respond better to clarity. People want to understand what a company does, why it matters, and how it can help them. When communication becomes overly complicated, customers may lose interest or become uncertain about taking the next step. Another important insight is that trust develops gradually. Customers rarely make decisions based on a single interaction. They evaluate consistency over time. Organizations that communicate clearly and deliver reliable experiences tend to build stronger relationships than those constantly chasing attention through dramatic changes.

7. How has the marketing industry changed during your career?

One of the most significant changes has been the amount of information available to both businesses and consumers. Organizations now have access to detailed performance data, customer insights, and digital analytics that were far less accessible years ago. At the same time, customers have become more informed and selective. They can research companies, compare alternatives, and evaluate reviews within minutes. This has increased the importance of authenticity and transparency. Marketing is no longer just about promotion. It is about creating meaningful experiences and building trust. While technology continues to evolve, the fundamental principles remain the same. Businesses still need to understand their audiences, communicate clearly, and provide value. The tools may change, but those core responsibilities remain constant.

8. What qualities do you think separate strong brands from average ones?

Strong brands have a clear sense of identity. They understand who they are, what they stand for, and how they want to be perceived. They communicate consistently and make decisions that reinforce their values over time. Average brands often change direction too frequently or try to appeal to everyone. Strong brands understand that clarity creates strength. Another important quality is discipline. Successful brands do not abandon their strategy every time a new trend appears. They evaluate opportunities carefully and remain focused on their long-term objectives. They also listen closely to customers and adapt when necessary without losing their core identity. In my experience, consistency and clarity often outperform creativity alone when it comes to building lasting brand value.

9. What advice would you give to companies preparing for significant growth?

I would encourage them to focus on building strong foundations before pursuing rapid expansion. Growth can create opportunities, but it can also expose weaknesses that were previously manageable. Businesses should evaluate their messaging, internal processes, customer experience, and strategic priorities before scaling. Clear communication becomes especially important during periods of growth because new customers, employees, and stakeholders need to understand what the company represents. I also recommend investing in systems that support consistency. Growth should not come at the expense of quality or customer trust. Organizations that scale successfully are usually those that remain disciplined about their identity while creating processes that allow them to maintain high standards as they expand into new markets or opportunities.

10. Looking ahead, what do you believe will define successful marketing in the coming years?

I believe successful marketing will be defined by clarity, trust, and adaptability. Businesses will continue to gain access to new technologies and communication platforms, but customers will remain focused on the same basic questions: Can I trust this company? Does it understand my needs? Does it deliver value? Organizations that answer those questions consistently will have an advantage. I also think adaptability will become increasingly important because market conditions change rapidly. However, adaptability should not be confused with constantly changing direction. The most successful businesses will be those that maintain a clear identity while remaining responsive to customer needs and industry developments. They will combine strong strategy with ongoing refinement, allowing them to remain relevant and competitive over the long term.

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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Press Release

Counter-UAS Market Set to Triple by 2030 as Defense Companies Position for Growth

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Naples, FL, USA, August 11th, 2026, FinanceWire

Drones have become a growing security problem, and the market to stop them is expanding just as quickly. MarketsandMarkets estimates the global counter-unmanned aircraft systems market will grow from $6.64 billion in 2025 to $20.31 billion by 2030, representing a 25.1 percent compound annual growth rate. Within that forecast, AI-powered counter-UAS is the fastest-growing technology layer, projected to expand from $0.9 billion in 2025 to $6.2 billion by 2030. As governments and critical infrastructure operators look for ways to detect, track, and defeat increasingly sophisticated drone threats, defense companies are racing to build the next generation of counter-UAS technology. Several public companies are already staking positions in counter-UAS, approaching the opportunity from different angles.

Change Agents Corp. (Nasdaq: CHGA) has joined the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement, or IDGA, and will take part in the organization’s Counter UAS Summit. Now in its eighth year, the summit runs August 25 to 26 at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland under the chairmanship of retired General Glen VanHerck, former commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. IDGA expects more than 500 senior decision-makers, acquisition leaders, and program managers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Customs and Border Protection, and law enforcement, placing Change Agents in direct contact with the buyers and technology developers shaping counter-drone procurement.

The summit role builds on the company’s August 4 launch of Autonomous Air Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary formed to identify, evaluate, acquire, and develop autonomous air defense and counter-UAS technologies. That announcement also brought retired Major General Malcolm Frost onto the advisory boards of both Change Agents and the new subsidiary. Frost served 31 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a two-star general after commanding the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division and serving as Deputy Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division. He is a West Point and Army War College graduate who deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and he advises public and private companies across the defense and technology sectors.

Change Agents built its business in agentic AI software, pairing an AI search optimization platform called Beacon with an autonomous content creation platform called Catch-Up, both sold on a subscription model. Management frames the counter-drone move as an outgrowth of that work rather than a break from it. Director Michael Mathews called the formation of Autonomous Air Defense LLC “a natural extension of the company’s broader artificial intelligence strategy” and tied the IDGA engagement to positioning the company to “capitalize on the significant long-term opportunities within the global counter-UAS market. ” Frost, in joining, pointed to the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and next-generation counter-drone technology as one of the most important developments in modern defense.

That convergence is the opening Change Agents intends to pursue, and the sequence so far has been deliberate. In roughly a week the company has stood up a dedicated subsidiary, added a decorated defense advisor, and secured a place at the sector’s principal U.S. gathering. The company has said Autonomous Air Defense is evaluating multiple acquisition and partnership opportunities involving AI-enabled counter-drone technologies serving defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure customers, and that it expects to provide further updates as developments occur. 

Change Agents is entering a field already populated by well-funded public companies attacking the drone problem from different angles.

Ondas Inc. (Nasdaq: ONDS) is the closest analog to what Change Agents describes. Its Iron Drone Raider is an autonomous net-based interceptor built to neutralize hostile drones without jamming, paired with its Sentrycs platform for cyber and radio-frequency detection and identification, together mirroring the detect, identify, track, and intercept sequence Change Agents has said it wants to reach. Ondas posted first-quarter 2026 revenue of $50.1 million against a pro forma backlog of $457 million and in July raised its full-year 2026 revenue target to at least $525 million. In February its Airobotics subsidiary secured a multi-million-dollar order from a European customer in a NATO country following an Iron Drone Raider deployment at a major international airport, one of the few operational uses of an interceptor drone in a live civil-aviation setting.

AeroVironment (Nasdaq: AVAV) approaches the market as an established contractor. Its acquisition of BlueHalo, valued at roughly $4.1 billion and completed in May 2025, added directed energy, electronic warfare, and counter-UAS capabilities to a portfolio already known for the Switchblade family of loitering munitions. BlueHalo had delivered its 1,000th Titan radio-frequency counter-UAS system before the deal closed and was the first to operationally field a laser weapon system with LOCUST. The combination turned a former drone specialist into a diversified defense technology platform spanning radio-frequency, directed energy, and kinetic defeat, and it marks the scaled version of the category Change Agents is entering.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (Nasdaq: KTOS) anchors the autonomous systems end of the field. Best known for the jet-powered XQ-58A Valkyrie, Kratos reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $458.8 million, up 30.5 percent year over year and 19.1 percent organically, and raised full-year 2026 guidance to a range of $1.75 billion to $1.81 billion. Total backlog stood at $2.084 billion against a bid pipeline of $15.0 billion, a measure of how much defense money is now moving through unmanned and autonomous programs, and of the budgets, Change Agents is positioning to reach.

Ondas, AeroVironment, and Kratos map the opportunity from interceptor specialist to diversified prime, and they mark out the market Change Agents Corp. (Nasdaq: CHGA) has chosen to enter. What CHGA has established is a subsidiary, an advisor with two-star command experience, and access to the procurement community setting counter-drone requirements. What remains prospective is the technology itself, and the company has said it expects to report further developments as it works through the acquisition and partnership opportunities in front of it.

Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. “RazorPitch” is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performances are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this action may be identified through the use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor’s investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by Change Agents Corp to assist in the production and distribution of content related to CHGA. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third-party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content.

Contact

Mark McKelvie
RazorPitch
mark@razorpitch.com
585-301-7700

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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Press Release

HoneyBook Included in CNBC’s 2026 List of the World’s Top Fintech Companies

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San Francisco, California, USA, August 11th, 2026, FinanceWire

The ranking validates HoneyBook’s growing reputation as an innovator accelerating the digital transformation of independent businesses globally 

HoneyBook, the leading AI-native client relationship platform for small business owners, has been recognized as one of the world’s most significant financial technology firms in CNBC’s 2026 list of the World’s Top Fintech Companies. Its inclusion in the prestigious global list within the Enterprise Fintech category underscores the impact that HoneyBook’s software has had in helping individual business owners to cultivate strong customer relationships.  

Produced in partnership with Statista, CNBC’s list is a recognized annual ranking that serves to highlight the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking financial software firms. As part of its assessment process, CNBC evaluates thousands of eligible firms, ranging from startups to established enterprises, based on key performance indicators such as revenue and user growth, transaction volume, business impact and technological innovation. HoneyBook’s debut on this year’s list reflects growing recognition of its platform.

HoneyBook is noted for accelerating automation in the customer relationship management software niche, helping business and freelancers to better manage their day-to-day dealings with clients. Its platform frees users from spending hours on critical business tasks such as capturing and verifying inquiries, drafting proposals, obtaining signatures on contracts, sharing files with customers and processing transactions. With HoneyBook, business owners can manage their administrative and financial operations in a unified platform, making use of autonomous AI agents to perform work they once spent hours on. By linking client communications with financial operations, HoneyBook helps business professionals to work more efficiently and get paid promptly. 

CNBC’s recognition of HoneyBook follows the rapid expansion of its client relationship platform into new verticals. Last month, HoneyBook launched a dedicated version of its CRM platform for professional photographers, featuring specialized tools for client bookings, creating schedules, managing their galleries and collaborating with clients on projects. With HoneyBook, photographers get more time to focus on their clients and their work instead of worrying about the administrative side of their business. 

“I’m extremely proud that our endeavors to enhance and simplify client relationships have led to HoneyBook being recognized by CNBC as one of the world’s best fintech companies,” said Oz Alon, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of HoneyBook. “By enabling business owners to nurture relationships with clients in the same place as they manage their finances, HoneyBook significantly reduces the complexity they face when using multiple fragmented tools. CNBC’s recognition validates our ability to empower independent entrepreneurs with innovative tools that streamline the day-to-day aspects of business management.” 

About HoneyBook

HoneyBook is the leading AI-powered customer relationship management (CRM) platform for independent business owners, making it easy to sell and deliver their services online. Offering powerful tools for communication, contracts, invoicing, payments and more, the platform puts independent professionals in control of their process and client experience. HoneyBook is trusted by over 100,000 service-based businesses in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom that have booked more than $10 billion in business on the platform. The company has offices in San Francisco and Tel Aviv, with remote staff worldwide. Learn more at HoneyBook.com.

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Dan Edelstein
InboundJunction
pr@inboundjunction.com

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Organization Launches Executive Leadership Insights Series Featuring Brent Byng on Turning Strategy Into Measurable Results

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Navarre, Florida, Aug 11, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Organizations across industries continue to face mounting pressure to deliver measurable outcomes while navigating economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and evolving workforce expectations. To address these challenges, an executive leadership insights series has been launched featuring senior operations executive and military leader Brent Byng, focusing on how organizations can successfully transform strategic vision into operational results.

The initiative, titled “From Strategy to Execution: Brent Byng on Turning Vision Into Measurable Results” will examine practical approaches to organizational performance, leadership accountability, operational planning, and enterprise execution. Drawing on more than 28 years of leadership experience spanning military operations, strategic planning, analytics, and organizational transformation, Byng will contribute insights designed to help leaders bridge the gap between ambitious goals and measurable outcomes.

The announcement comes at a time when organizations are increasingly seeking proven methods to improve execution, strengthen accountability, and align resources with strategic priorities.

Addressing a Common Organizational Challenge

Many organizations invest significant time developing strategic plans, yet struggle to translate those plans into sustained results. Leadership teams often establish ambitious goals but encounter obstacles when attempting to align people, processes, technology, and resources around those objectives.

The executive leadership insights series aims to address this challenge by exploring the practical side of execution. Rather than focusing exclusively on strategic vision, the initiative highlights the systems, structures, and leadership practices required to transform ideas into measurable performance.

Byng’s career offers a unique perspective on this topic. Throughout his leadership journey, he has consistently operated in environments where successful execution carried significant consequences. Whether overseeing large-scale operations, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, or coordinating international partnerships, measurable outcomes remained the standard by which success was evaluated.

The initiative seeks to provide leaders with practical examples and lessons that can be applied across public and private sector organizations.

The Importance of Alignment

One of the central themes of the series focuses on organizational alignment.

According to Byng, execution becomes significantly more effective when teams understand not only what they are expected to accomplish but also why those objectives matter. Alignment requires more than communication. It requires connecting strategic priorities to everyday actions across every level of an organization.

Throughout his career, Byng has led organizations involving hundreds of personnel, multiple departments, and geographically dispersed operations. In those environments, maintaining alignment required clear goals, consistent communication, and performance systems that allowed leaders to monitor progress and adjust when necessary.

The initiative will examine how organizations can improve visibility, create accountability, and ensure that strategic objectives remain connected to operational activities.

Building Systems That Support Results

The leadership series will also explore the role of systems in organizational performance.

Byng has long advocated for building repeatable processes that enable consistent execution. During his leadership assignments, he implemented performance dashboards, forecasting models, training modernization programs, and operational reporting systems designed to improve decision-making and increase efficiency.

Rather than relying on individual effort alone, he focused on creating systems that allowed organizations to perform consistently over time.

This philosophy proved particularly valuable while leading large-scale training operations that supported thousands of personnel annually. Small inefficiencies often became significant obstacles when multiplied across large organizations. By improving workflows, introducing automation, and leveraging performance metrics, teams were able to improve outcomes while maintaining quality standards.

The initiative will highlight how organizations can use similar principles to support growth, improve productivity, and strengthen operational performance.

Data and Accountability Drive Better Decisions

Another key area of focus involves the growing role of data in leadership.

Modern organizations generate more information than ever before. Yet many leaders continue to struggle with transforming that information into actionable insights. The executive leadership series emphasizes the importance of creating reporting structures that support informed decision-making rather than overwhelming leaders with unnecessary complexity.

Byng’s experience includes managing operating budgets approaching $100 million while overseeing large-scale enterprise operations. In those roles, performance metrics, forecasting models, and operational analytics became essential tools for evaluating progress and allocating resources effectively.

The initiative will explore how organizations can build performance visibility into daily operations, allowing leaders to identify trends, address emerging issues, and make decisions with greater confidence.

Byng believes accountability becomes more effective when supported by clear information. When teams understand expectations and can measure progress against established goals, organizations are better positioned to achieve consistent results.

Leadership Beyond the Planning Process

While strategy development remains important, execution ultimately depends on leadership.

The series will examine how leaders influence organizational outcomes through communication, decision-making, and team development. Byng’s experience spans operational leadership, international diplomacy, strategic planning, and workforce development, providing a broad perspective on what drives organizational success.

As Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Byng worked alongside senior defense officials, White House staff, and international partners to support strategic initiatives and strengthen cooperation among allied organizations. That experience reinforced the importance of translating complex objectives into actions that stakeholders could understand and execute.

The same principle applies in business environments. Leaders who communicate clearly and establish accountability structures are often better equipped to guide organizations through uncertainty and change.

Investing in People as a Strategic Priority

The initiative also recognizes that organizational success depends heavily on talent development.

Throughout his career, Byng has emphasized leadership development, mentoring, and succession planning as critical components of long-term performance. He believes organizations achieve stronger outcomes when employees understand their roles, develop new skills, and feel connected to larger organizational objectives.

The series will explore practical approaches to developing future leaders while creating cultures that encourage accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

As workforce expectations evolve and competition for talent increases, organizations continue searching for effective ways to attract, retain, and develop high-performing employees. Byng’s experience offers insight into how leadership development can support both individual growth and organizational performance.

Preparing Organizations for Future Challenges

The business environment continues to evolve rapidly. Advances in technology, changing customer expectations, workforce shifts, and economic uncertainty require organizations to remain adaptable while maintaining focus on long-term objectives.

The executive leadership insights series will examine how leaders can prepare their organizations for future challenges without losing sight of execution.

Byng believes organizations succeed when leaders balance vision with disciplined follow-through. Strategic planning provides direction, but measurable results emerge through consistent execution, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The initiative encourages leaders to view execution not as a final step in the strategic process, but as an ongoing responsibility that requires attention, adaptability, and commitment.

About Brent Byng

Brent Byng is a seasoned operations executive, senior military leader, and decorated U.S. Air Force officer with more than 28 years of leadership experience. Throughout his career, he has led organizations of more than 300 personnel, managed portfolios valued at nearly $100 million, and directed large-scale operational and training initiatives. His experience includes command leadership, enterprise operations, international partnerships, workforce development, and strategic planning. Byng holds advanced degrees in Operations Management, Military Operational Arts and Science, and Strategic Leadership, and he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Strategic Leadership.

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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