Christian Ruf spent a decade in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot, including five years with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment—the Night Stalkers—flying missions across Iraq, Syria, and Africa in some of the most demanding environments in the world.

After leaving the military, Christian channeled that same precision and mission focus into building Uncommon Elite, a recruiting firm that connects special operations veterans with leadership and management roles in the private sector. He believes the attributes that make these high-performing leaders exceptional in high-risk, high-consequence environments—decisiveness, composure under pressure, adaptability, and an unrelenting drive to accomplish the mission—are the same qualities that make them extraordinarily successful in the business world.

When he is not matching elite talent with great organizations, you will find him on Hilton Head Island with his wife and daughter.