Check Out Gina L. Osborn’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina L. Osborn.

Hi Gina L., we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I know what it means to lead under pressure. As a former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Agent and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, I spent over two decades navigating some of the most complex threats to national security—from international espionage cases to cybercrime rings operating on a global scale. Rising through the ranks in male-dominated fields, I developed a reputation for being calm in chaos, decisive under pressure, and fiercely committed to the mission.

But my story isn’t just about badges and titles—it’s about bold decisions. As one of the few women leading in federal law enforcement and later as a Chief Safety Officer for LA Metro, I constantly found myself stepping into the unknown. What made the difference wasn’t just skill—it was mindset. I learned to trust my instincts, speak truth to power, and lead teams through crisis with confidence and clarity. Those Maverick moves didn’t always come with a playbook—but they built a legacy.

Today, I’m a sought-after keynote speaker, leadership strategist, and the host of the Making Maverick Moves podcast, where I amplify the voices of trailblazers who are rewriting the rules in business and beyond. Through my coaching and content, I teach leaders how to lean into discomfort, lead with purpose, and take action—even when the path isn’t clear. My mission is to help people break through fear, trust their instincts, and make courageous decisions that create lasting impact.

My journey proves that you don’t have to follow the rules to rise; you just have to be brave enough to write your own. Whether I’m sharing lessons from the front lines or helping a new generation of leaders chart their course, I lead with the same grit, grace, and Maverick spirit that’s defined my entire career.

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?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I enlisted in the U.S. Army, only 10% of soldiers were women. Later, in 1996, I joined the FBI at a time when just 14% of Special Agents were female. While I faced the challenges of working in male-dominated environments, the most significant obstacles were internal—believing I had to lead like a man or be perfect in order to succeed. Over time, I realized that true leadership came from authenticity, not imitation.

One of my most defining career moments came when I was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Cyber and Computer Forensics for FBI Los Angeles, despite having no technical background. Rather than shy away, I embraced the opportunity and led through service. I built a high-performing team by trusting their expertise, empowering them to succeed, and proving that great leaders don’t need to have all the answers—they just need to listen, support, and guide with clarity.

Later, I became the first Chief Safety and Security Officer at LA Metro, the second-largest transportation agency in the country. When I uncovered serious deficiencies in the agency’s law enforcement contracts, I reported them to the Inspector General. Shortly after, I was terminated. Despite no longer being employed by the agency, I continued to advocate for LA Metro to build its own police department and pushed for funding security projects to protect frontline employees and riders. My commitment to public safety didn’t end with a title—it only got louder.

That chapter led to the birth of the Making Maverick Moves podcast and the Maverick Movement. Through my platform, I teach others to challenge the status quo, lead through uncertainty, and take bold action—even when the stakes are high. My Maverick philosophy is rooted in courage, authenticity, and the unwavering belief that you don’t need permission to do what’s right—you just need the guts to do it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the creator of the Making Maverick Moves podcast, a dynamic speaker, TEDx presenter, and founder of the Maverick Movement—a bold leadership platform built to inspire people to lead with courage, authenticity, and purpose. Drawing from my experience as a former FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Agent, I share real-world lessons on rising through adversity, leading under pressure, and making bold decisions in the face of uncertainty.

Through my podcast, I spotlight unconventional leaders who’ve made bold moves and challenged the status quo in their industries. With each episode, I explore the mindset behind Maverick leadership—one that doesn’t wait for permission, follows instinct, and acts with integrity. My keynote talks bring those same themes to life on stage, inspiring audiences to embrace discomfort, own their unique path, and lead from a place of power rather than fear.

My TEDx talk, “Why Breakthrough Success Starts with a Move No One Expects,” has resonated with many, offering a powerful message about how to reframe crisis as opportunity. Whether I’m behind a mic or standing at the front of a room, I’m known for my compelling storytelling, no-nonsense delivery, and ability to turn hard-earned wisdom into actionable takeaways.

What sets me apart is my ability to lead and teach from lived experience—not theory. I’ve walked the walk in high-stakes environments where the margin for error was razor thin. What I’m most proud of is the movement I’ve built—one that gives people permission to trust themselves, make bold choices, and lead unapologetically. The Maverick Movement isn’t just a brand—it’s a call to action.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
What surprises most people about me is that behind the badge, the titles, and the bold Maverick brand, I’m a deeply intuitive leader who leads as much with my heart as with my head. While I’m known for my strength, decisiveness, and commanding presence, those who know me best understand that my greatest leadership asset is my empathy.

Another surprising fact? Despite leading cybercrime investigations and building the FBI’s largest Cyber and Computer Forensics Programs in Los Angeles, I had no formal technical background. My success came not from knowing how to code, but from knowing how to connect—with people, with purpose, and with possibility.

And for a few fun facts: I am a graduate of the Barbizon School of Modeling, once worked as a cocktail waitress in a comedy club, and I dream of creating my own true crime television series. My path may have taken some unexpected turns, but every experience has added to the Maverick mindset I live and lead by today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ginalosborn.com
• Instagram: @ginalosborn
• Facebook: @ginalosborn
• LinkedIn: @ginalosborn
• Youtube: @ginalosborn