Mike Milano is a leadership trainer, speaker, and is the author of Large and In Charge No More—A Journey to Vulnerable Leadership, a book about the leadership power of vulnerability. Using stories and anecdotes from his 45-year career leading at all levels in a variety of situations, Mike provides a fascinating exploration of the role vulnerability should play in how leaders lead.
Mike enjoyed a 33-year career on active duty in the United States Army, privileged to have earned the rank of Major General. His military career featured command of armor and cavalry combat units from platoon to division level as well as multiple operational and combat deployments. He also served as commanding general of both Fort Knox, KY and Fort Jackson, SC, major US Army training installations. His passions throughout his military and civilian career have been training and leader development. He retired from the Army in 2012.
From 2012-2019 Mike served as a Senior Director in Distribution for Target Corporation in DeKalb, IL, during which he led his 1500-team member organization through significant operational change, transforming its role in Target’s extensive global supply chain. Mike’s time with Target was transformative for him as well. His perspective on what effective leadership looks like was broadened significantly given the unique culture of the organization.

Mike currently serves as senior trainer for R. Lynch Enterprises, conducting leadership tours at battlefields and other venues, focusing on what the leaders did, why they did it, and what we can learn from them today. Mike also serves on the board of Blind Endeavors, a nonprofit founded by Steve Baskis, a soldier who was a member of Mike’s personal security team in Iraq who was blinded for life in a roadside bomb attack in May 2008. Blind Endeavors seeks to inspire people with visual impairment by taking on bold, adventurous experiences that challenge societal perceptions about blindness and disability. Mike serves on the Naperville Heritage Society board as well.

Mike is a partner in 3 Tier Technologies, a green science and technology company focused on developing innovative products, processes and applications featuring the company’s breakthrough advances in humic acid and organic bio-polymer production. 3 Tier manufactures and distributes the next generation of advanced products for turf, crops, bioremediation and environmental challenges.
Mike’s wife, Dr. Kim Milano, is a professor and program director of Nutrition Science at North Central College in Naperville, IL, where she has served for five years. Mike and Kim have three sons, two living in Denver, CO and one in New Jersey. Mike’s hobbies include fitness, guitar, reading, hiking, and studying leaders.