From Military Intelligence to Tech Leadership: Jason Grimm’s Guide to Servant Leadership

Breakthrough Innovation

In this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Jason Grimm, a technology executive with over 20 years of experience in cloud computing, edge technology, and business transformation. From his early days in U.S. Naval Intelligence to co-founding a startup acquired by AT&T and leading at major tech companies like Dell, Rackspace, Cisco, and AWS, Jason shares how servant leadership has fueled innovation, empowered teams, and driven business success. He reveals how great leaders build trust, foster psychological safety, and create an environment where creativity thrives.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

From Military Precision to Tech Leadership:

Discover how Jason’s experience in U.S. Naval Intelligence shaped his problem-solving approach and leadership philosophy, preparing him for a career in high-stakes technology and innovation.

The Power of Servant Leadership in Business:

Jason explains how putting people first leads to stronger teams, higher engagement, and greater business success—proving that leadership isn’t about authority, but empowerment.

Driving Innovation Through Trust and Psychological Safety:

Learn why the best teams thrive when employees feel safe to take risks and experiment, and how leaders can create this kind of culture.

Using Net Promoter Scores (NPS) for Internal Feedback:

Jason shares a unique strategy for using customer-style feedback mechanisms to measure employee satisfaction and improve team dynamics.

The Role of Courage and Vulnerability in Leadership:

Being an effective leader means being open, honest, and willing to admit when you don’t have all the answers. Jason explains why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

Scaling Business Growth Through Leadership, Not Just Tech:

Technology alone doesn’t drive business success—strong leadership does. Jason discusses how companies can scale successfully by focusing on people-first leadership strategies.

Bridging the Gap Between Business Goals and Technical Teams:

Tech teams often struggle to align with business objectives. Jason provides insights on how leaders can break down silos and create a shared vision for success.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Servant leadership creates a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation.

✅ Psychological safety is essential for teams to take risks and drive meaningful change.

✅ Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowering others to succeed.

✅ Innovation happens when businesses align their technical teams with strategic goals.

Links And Resources:

• Connect with Jason Grimm, USN on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasongrimm

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