
Lifelong learning from the skies
In this episode of The Education Road, we sit down with Gary Olson. He is now a Chief Revenue Officer, but his remarkable journey began at the United States Air Force Academ,y where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a minor in Political Science. This was a combination that would prove foundational to his future success in both technical and people-focused roles.
After serving as a pilot and transitioning into military intelligence, Gary faced a life-changing decision where he chose his family over a military career. He said it was the toughest but best decision of his life.
As a CRO, Gary operates on three core pillars: releasing control to become an orchestrator, embracing unpredictability while building scalable business models, and practicing extreme ownership - giving credit for successes while taking responsibility for failures. With 35+ years in cybersecurity, he views this field as his craft, requiring total commitment and continuous learning.
This interview reveals Gary as a leader who seamlessly blends military discipline with business innovation. He is an inspiring example of how diverse experiences create exceptional leaders.