Speakers on the Military

General Stan McChrystal
Former Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan
Senior Fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs

A one-of-a-kind commander with remarkable record of achievement, General Stanley McChrystal is widely praised for creating a revolution in warfare that fused intelligence and operations. Called “one of America’s greatest warriors” by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, he speaks about leadership, teamwork, and international affairs.

Sergeant Dakota Meyer
Medal of Honor Recipient

Sergeant Dakota L. Meyer is a United States Marine Corps veteran and the recipient of the Medal of Honor, the military’s highest honor, for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal. He addresses inspiration, motivation, courage, leadership, believing in yourself, doing what is right, and what happened that day in Afghanistan.

Admiral Eric Olson
Former Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command
Four-Star Admiral Navy SEAL

Eric Olson is a retired United States Navy admiral who last served as the eighth commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) from 2007–2011. Admiral Eric Olson addresses building, training, and leading highly effective teams; national security concerns; and our nation’s geopolitical challenges.

Specialist Steve Baskis
Inspirational Blind Veteran and Adventurer

A testament to the human spirit, Steve Baskis is an inspiration to all who hear his story. He has become self-sufficient, fallen in love, gotten married, and summited two mountains – all after going blind from an injury while serving in the military. Baskis addresses motivation, inspiration, overcoming adversity, and pushing the limits of human potential.

General James Cartwright
Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Former Commander of U.S. Strategic Command

General James E. “Hoss” Cartwright is a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general who served as the eighth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired from the Marine Corps after more than 40 years of service. He is one of our country’s most respected Servicemen, and in his presentations addresses future trends in technology, innovation, geopolitics, and field-tested leadership and teamwork techniques.

General Michael Hayden
Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
Former Director of the National Security Agency

General Michael Hayden served as director of the CIA and deputy director of National Intelligence at a time when the course of world events was changing at a rapidly accelerating rate. Appointed by President George W. Bush, Hayden understands the dangers, risks, and potential rewards of the political, economic, and security situations facing the planet

General James Jones
Former Supreme Allied Commander Europe
Former National Security Advisor
32nd commandant of the United States Marine Corps

Called "one of Washington's hottest political commodities" by The Wall Street Journal, General James Jones uses his keen understanding of world events to advance international cooperation on energy issues and to promote better understanding of climate change and its effects on the environment. Sought after by politicians of every stripe, Jones helps organizations define leadership and develop strategies to conquer the most trying of business environments.

Admiral Tim Keating
United States Navy (Retired)
First Navy Officer to Head Northern Command and NORAD

Admiral Timothy J. Keating is a 38-year veteran of the United States Navy. With his extensive military experience and his background leading a very complex organization, Admiral Keating addresses leadership and teamwork.

  General James Conway 
34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps

James Conway is a dynamic, powerful speaker who impresses audiences with leadership lessons learned from the field as the 34th commandant of the Marine Corps. His vast experience makes him an authority on military operations, its role in politics, leadership, the war in Iraq, and international affairs, and his commanding presence and personal anecdotes make him an entertaining and enlightening speaker.

Lieutenant Commander Eric Greitens
Navy SEAL and Founder of The Mission Continues
Best-Selling Author of Strength and Compassion and The Heart and the Fist
White House Fellow, Draper Richards Fellow, and Rhodes Scholar

A decorated soldier and international humanitarian, Eric Greitens combines courage and compassion to create a culture of civic engagement. Sharing his insights on leadership, ethics, and social responsibility, he maps out his strategies for shaping the next generation of America's leaders.

Chief Warrant Officer Four Michael Durant
Best-Selling Author and Inspiration for the Movie Black Hawk Down

An army aviator and the sole survivor of the Black Hawk crash chronicled in the movie Black Hawk Down, Michael Durant turns his experience into lessons of personal and professional growth. An awe-inspiring speaker, Durant describes the power of teamwork, leadership, and change.

Colonel Greg Gadson
Decorated Army Commander and New York Giants Honorary Captain

Colonel Greg Gadson has survived the very worst of war, but this highly decorated American soldier has not been defeated by unfortunate circumstance; instead, his life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity.