Eric Olson

The World at Night. Olson addresses the changing geopolitical challenges of our modern world. Referencing an image of the world at night, he describes how our military priorities have changed from the light areas of the map – where the electricity generates the most light (the industrialized countries), to where the land is dark (the poorer, less developed areas). He explains the demographic shifts, resource struggles, and nuclear proliferation that affect our security and our businesses. He also addresses how we must be proactive rather than reactive to geopolitical issues and how solid strategic planning and micro-regional knowledge is a must for governments and businesses alike.

Teambuilding and Leadership in the 21st Century. In this presentation, Olson describes the world’s “new normal” and the global challenges this state of being presents. Pulling from his vast military experience, he then addresses leading in this new environment, using a series of vignettes to bring fundamental tenets and principles of leadership to life. Olson also describes how small and large organizations can develop highly productive teams. Credited with developing the specialized forces that have accomplished some of the most notable military operations of the last decade, Olson knows better than anyone how to get the most out of team members. Although his vignettes are drawn mostly from his extensive military experiences, the lessons and their applications are universal.

Admiral Olson speaks with the quiet authority of his extraordinary military experiences. He prefers to engage the audience rather than lecture to it. He also encourages interaction and Q & A sessions.

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“As a result of his hard work, we now have the best-trained, the best-equipped and the most experienced Special Operations Force in the history of the United States.” Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

“What a privilege it was to hear the Admiral’s experiences first-hand. The parallels he drew were relevant to our business and we can all apply them to our day-to-day work. Plan ahead and always think about possible scenarios. Build strong teams – big ones and small ones. When it comes to building large teams, include key stakeholders at critical times when developing a substantial plan. Don’t work in a vacuum; but instead make sure to get the necessary awareness and buy-in up front. When it comes to building small teams, put people in roles where they will excel. Play to their strengths, develop them, coach them and you will get strong execution. And finally, when in command, take command.”  Ingram Micro

"In addition to providing a gripping address filled with pithy illustrations of leadership, team building, training, and character that apply well beyond the special operations community, ADM Olson took the time and effort to join us for dinner the night before his speech, meet many of our field personnel from around the world, and learn enough about our operations to weave examples into his prepared remarks.  The feedback we’ve received from our team is universally positive.  For many of them, it was the highlight of the three-day meeting.” -- PAE, Inc.