Wounded Warrior Project CEO on Leadership, Mental Health, and Coming Home

Wounded Warrior Project CEO on Leadership, Mental Health, and Coming Home

From Talks at GS by Goldman Sachs

March 18, 2026 · 20 min

About this episode

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Piatt discusses leadership and the mission of the Wounded Warrior Project in supporting veterans.

Wounded Warrior Project brings every warrior home—mind, body, and soul—through no-cost programs spanning mental health, financial readiness, and careers. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Piatt, CEO of Wounded Warrior Project, speaks with Ericka Leslie, chief operating officer of Global Banking & Markets and global head of GBM Operations and Engineering, to discuss the organization’s mission from its beginnings delivering backpacks at Walter Reed to comprehensive support that includes VA disability assistance, financial training, job placement, and peer connection. Piatt discusses lessons in leadership from his time in active duty, the shift from training for the expected to educating for the unexpected, and the need to keep citizens and service members connected. This session was recorded on November 6, 2025. The opinions and views expressed herein are as of the date of publication, subject to change without notice, and may not necessarily reflect the institutional views of Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. The material provided is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation from any Goldman Sachs entity to take any particular…

People in this episode

Host: Ericka Leslie

Guest: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Piatt

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • mental health
  • veteran support
  • career development
  • financial readiness

Keywords

  • Wounded Warrior Project
  • leadership
  • mental health
  • veterans
  • career support
  • financial training

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wounded Warrior Project, Goldman Sachs

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