Name: Hugh-Michael Higgs

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Baltimore, MD; but grew up in East Tennessee.

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
My biggest transition was obviously post service. After 30 years, 15 rotations, 2 overseas billets and multiple combat deployments, I looked up and realized that my youngest was just starting High School and I didn’t want to miss those last formative years. So, I made the decision to retire after my last deployment. I arrived home from Iraq on a Friday and started THF on the next Wednesday. I basically sprinted through the tape with little to no preparation for my next move, let alone any resettling time. At the same time, I was juggling my Navy/VA medical scrub and looking for my next move. THF helped me slow down and reconnect with myself and family, discovery my “why” and open my aperture to where that “why” can be of service.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Slow down… Ditch the rearview mirror and pay attention to the people and opportunities all around you. Every period in life is a teaching moment, take time to absorb those lessons and develop those relationships.

Your Personal Why?
My personal “Why” has always been to be of service to others. I enjoy helping my brothers and sisters find their passions and to help facilitate that. Earlier in my career I had wanted to become a teacher, then in the service I was lucky enough to have been a instructor and trainer. Those periods reinforced my desire to help others develop to their potential.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
All service members will eventually have to transition, and most of them to the private sector. THF was instrumental in helping me align the numerous skills and traits I had developed and hone them for greater public/private sector opportunities.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
I spent 30+ years in Naval Special Warfare and was blessed to have been able to train with and serve with all our service branch Special Operations units. The dedication, drive, and pursuit for excellence in SOF is something I’ve not experienced in any other unit/organization. It’s inspirational.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
Be You. Knowing yourself is critical to getting out of your own way and on the path to happiness and success.

Area/Industry of expertise:
Leadership, Organizational Development, Coaching and Problem Solving

Contact Michael directly at michael.higgs@honor.org.