Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Carson.
Hi Drew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a 20-year United States Air Force veteran, having retired in 2015 as the Superintendent of the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base—the largest Air Force leadership school for early-to-mid career leaders. There, I had the honor of serving as a senior instructor, equipping emerging military leaders with the mindset, discipline, and behaviors needed to succeed in high-pressure environments.
Upon retirement, I was recruited by senior leadership at the Y-12 National Security Complex to develop and deliver enterprise-wide leadership training in a highly regulated, high-stakes environment. This opportunity gave me hands-on experience designing curriculum and leading professional development initiatives in the national security sector.
In 2018, I stepped into the nonprofit space as the Executive Pastor of a growing church in Knoxville, where I oversaw leadership development and community engagement. During that time, I co-founded a small leadership consulting firm with two former Y-12 colleagues to support local nonprofits in building stronger leaders and organizational systems.
When the pandemic hit, I transitioned into subcontract work with Y-12, continuing to support executive teams. That period led to the formal launch of Armor Strategies, a leadership and organizational development firm focused on executive coaching, strategic alignment, and high-impact development for leaders operating in high-risk, high-accountability environments.
At Armor Strategies, our mission is to develop transformational leaders by aligning vision, strategy, and culture. We design professional development experiences, build executive coaching journeys, and create organizational frameworks that help leaders and teams operate at their highest potential. Whether serving federal agencies, corporate teams, or nonprofit organizations, our work is rooted in a belief that great leadership is a full-contact pursuit—requiring mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual engagement.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In fact, most of the defining moments in my journey have come when the road was anything but clear. Transitioning from the military to the civilian world was a significant identity shift. I went from a highly structured environment with clear expectations to spaces where I had to redefine who I was, what value I brought, and how I could serve in new ways. That alone brought seasons of uncertainty, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome.
Starting Armor Strategies wasn’t a carefully calculated move—it was a step of faith. I was leaving behind security and stepping into the unknown, relying heavily on prayer and discernment. Each chapter—leaving the military, launching businesses, navigating leadership in the nonprofit world, even walking away from roles that felt comfortable—required me to trust that God was leading even when I didn’t have all the answers. One of the greatest challenges has been learning to listen—really listen—for God’s voice. Not just reacting to doors that open or close, but slowing down enough to hear His direction. That’s where I’ve found strength: in the stillness, the discomfort, and the in-between moments where faith is forged and clarity eventually comes. I’ve had to repeatedly step into roles and rooms that felt bigger than me, but over time, I’ve learned that obedience and dependence on God are more powerful than confidence or credentials. The path has been full of unknowns—but it’s also been full of purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Armor Strategies is a leadership and organizational development firm that equips leaders and teams to thrive—especially in high-risk, high-accountability environments. We specialize in executive coaching, leadership development, organizational design, and strategic alignment. Our mission is simple but powerful: to help leaders and organizations operate at their highest potential by aligning vision, culture, and execution.
We work across sectors; government, corporate, and nonprofit, and are known for our ability to help leaders get real results without losing who they are in the process. What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We don’t believe leadership is just a skillset; it’s a full-contact pursuit that requires mental clarity, emotional intelligence, physical discipline, and spiritual grounding. That’s why our coaching and consulting integrates all four dimensions to create lasting transformation.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve earned with organizations that operate in sensitive or high-stakes environments. From federal subcontracting to nonprofit growth, Armor Strategies brings both a strategic mind and a servant heart to every engagement. We tailor each experience, whether it’s a leadership cohort, executive roadmap, or one-on-one coaching plan so that it meets the real needs of the people we serve.
At the core, our brand stands for purpose-filled excellence. We’re Christ-centered, people-focused, and driven by a deep desire to leave a legacy through leadership. When people engage with Armor Strategies, they don’t just get a coach, they get a partner in growth, clarity in complexity, and a guide through uncharted leadership terrain.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding the right mentor and building a strong network starts with humility and intentionality. Early in my career, I looked for people who weren’t just successful but who lived with integrity. They were leaders whose lives, not just their résumés, were worth imitating. I’ve found that the best mentors are often the ones who aren’t flashy or loud, but steady, wise, and willing to tell you the hard truth in love.
One piece of advice I always give is this: don’t chase titles, chase character instead. The right mentor may not have the biggest platform, but they’ll help shape your life in ways that matter.
When it comes to networking, I’ve learned to approach it from a posture of service. I’m not looking for what I can get out of someone, I’m listening for how I can add value. That mindset has opened more doors than any elevator pitch ever could. People are drawn to authenticity and purpose.
And most importantly, I seek God’s guidance in every connection. I pray for divine appointments, relationships that are purposeful, not just transactional. Some of my deepest professional relationships came through unlikely conversations that started with obedience, not strategy.
So if you’re looking to grow your network or find a mentor, start by being clear on who you’re becoming. The right people will be drawn to that clarity, and you’ll find that as you pursue purpose, your tribe finds you.
Pricing:
- 11. Executive Coaching Services Monthly Retainer: Starting at $2,500/month Includes weekly 1:1 coaching sessions Leadership assessments (Enneagram, VIA, Four Lenses, NEO) Email and text support between sessions Optional 360-degree feedback interviews Premium Executive Transformation Package: $15,000+ (6 months) Includes all assessments, custom development plan, 360s, team integration strategy, and leadership blueprint deliverable
- 2. Leadership Development Programs Custom Leadership Cohorts (Teams or Departments): Half-Day Sessions: Starting at $3,500 Full-Day Sessions: Starting at $6,500 Includes tailored curriculum, assessments, facilitation, and all materials 8-Week Leadership Development Track: Custom pricing available upon request
- 3. Organizational Strategy & Consulting Strategic Alignment Consulting: Starting at $7,500 per engagement Includes discovery, analysis, and leadership strategy design Organizational Design or Restructure Planning: Custom quote based on scope Vision, Mission, & Values Alignment Workshops: Starting at $4,500
- 4. Workshops & Keynote Speaking Custom Keynotes: Starting at $3,000 Ideal for leadership events, conferences, retreats, and offsites Interactive Workshops: Half-Day: $3,500+ Full-Day: $6,500+ Topics include Communication, Culture, Servant Leadership, Identity-Based Habits, and More
- 5. Special Options & Packages Introductory Leadership Intensive: $495–$750 90-minute leadership audit, assessment debrief, and next-step strategy Nonprofit/Ministry Discounted Rates: Available for qualifying organizations Government Contracting & Subcontracting: Pricing varies based on contract terms and NAICS scope
