Ray Jefferson

Dedicated to Helping Leaders and Organizations

Ray’s life literally changed in a flash. In 1999, he lost the 5 fingers on his left hand while trying to protect his U.S. Special Forces teammates from a defective hand grenade that was detonating prematurely during atraining exercise. While his career with some of the Army’s most elite units was at an end, this life-changing moment led him to exemplify the adage that “the death of a dream can be the birth of a destiny,” and he committed himself to practicing leadership outside the uniform. In many respects, his career was just beginning.After his recovery, Ray earned two graduate degrees from Harvard, served as a White House Fellow, a McKinsey leadership consultant, and served as a Senate-confirmed Presidential appointee heading a national agency for President Barack Obama. Today, Ray draws upon his personal journey to inspire and develop others, helping them to realize their potential and to achieve their goals.

Ray’s earliest practical experiences were gained at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he graduated with a major in leadership. He went on to serve as an infantry officer with leadership positions in the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Green Berets) and the U.S. Presidential Honor Guard.