No matter the business or industry, there can be a constant challenge: the unpredictable. Brigadier General Max Stitzer, USAF (ret.), is an advisor, consultant, keynote speaker, and national security strategist who understands the complexities of staying prepared during uncertain times. 

Stitzer has four decades of global consulting and technical experience ranging from federal aerospace and defense leadership to enterprise-level supply chain management.

Stitzer works as a consultant for several businesses, including one of Utah’s leading aerospace and defense tech organizations: 47G - Utah Aerospace and Defense. He sits on the board of multiple Weber State advisory councils and is the current executive-in-residence for the Master of Business Administration program. Stitzer also advises on Weber State's Board of Advisors of the Department of Supply Chain & Management Information Systems in the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics.

Crediting his extensive military experience, Stitzer emphasizes the importance of preparedness when navigating uncertainty.

“We have a saying in the military, and it translates directly to industry as well: Planning is everything, plans are worthless,” he said.

Instead, Stitzer says, to be prepared for unknown circumstances, you must learn to anticipate your organization’s needs. 

“In the military, we're constantly anticipating the threats to this country and how we might operate to defend our nation,” he said. 

People and situations are often unpredictable, but it’s those who hold leadership skills that others look to for support, Stitzer said. 

“People look for the person who's experienced,” Stitzer said. "They don’t follow a title or rank. They look for attributes, behavior, and conduct."

According to Stitzer, those who are knowledgeable, calm, and collaborative end up best suited for uncertainty. He also mentioned another characteristic that helps people plan for uncertainty: drive.

“All the great things that we have were built by people who wanted more. They saw opportunity and potential, and gave us the things that they left behind. Now, because of that, it's our responsibility to do the same thing for ourselves, those around us, and the next generation.”

Hear from Stitzer and other experienced leaders Oct. 2 at the Northern Utah Employer Exchange panel “Stronger Together: Navigating Industry Uncertainty Through Our Shared Strength."