When Ryan Lewis moved across the country for graduate school, he arrived with curiosity – but no roadmap. Then one quiet introduction changed everything. That meeting pulled him into the world of national security, defense acquisition, and high-stakes problem-solving – an arena where details save lives and focus under pressure isn't optional. From studying MRAP deployments during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to becoming the CEO of Rancher Government Solutions, Ryan's career is rooted in a simple truth: discipline compounds. In this conversation, Ryan reflects on how early mentors shaped his thinking, why owning the smallest tasks built the foundation for his leadership style, and how he stays grounded while running a fast-moving tech company serving critical government missions. If you're interested in leadership, deep work, or the real inner workings of defense tech, this episode offers clarity, context, and a look inside the kind of career shaped by rigor – not noise. In this episode, you'll learn: How one introduction redirected Ryan's entire career trajectory Why details and disciplined focus still anchor every major decision he makes How he leads teams through complexity while staying grounded in mission 🎧 Listen now.