A name synonymous with visionary leadership, retired four-star Army General Paul M. Nakasone is the longest-serving leader of the U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency/Central Security Service, and is regarded among an elite class of leaders whose strategic expertise at the nexus of cybersecurity, technology, and geopolitics has laid the groundwork for upholding our nation’s security in the modern age. General Nakasone’s career spans more than three decades of pivotal moments in modern warfare and digital defense and he draws upon his experiences constantly at the epicenter of conflict to share battle-tested lessons on transformational leadership, while also examining the challenges and opportunities organizations face in the ever-evolving tech and security landscape. "Wow! What an outstanding afternoon and evening. Gen. Nakasone was such a dynamic and engaging speaker. Thank you so much for assisting me with Gen. Nakasone and we look forward to seeing him again!" - University He was amazing!!!!! Very cool guy and the team loved it. Would love to book him again next year." - Financial Services Company

Regarded as a titan in national security and one of the field’s most innovative minds, Rob Joyce served as one of the National Security Agency’s most influential figures for 34 years — most recently as the head of the organization’s Cybersecurity Directorate. In the later years of his tenure, Joyce was perhaps the most visible figure of the historically reserved agency, and embraced his refreshingly public-facing role as a means of strengthening trust and collaboration between government and industry against cyber threats. From his distinguished NSA career, as well as his service as a White House cyber official and special assistant to the president, he is viewed by his peers as an exemplary leader whose expertise, collaborative approach, and dedication to improving intelligence sharing has been pivotal to safeguarding our organizations and society against the threats in the digital realm.

Dr. Phil H. Gordon is a leading expert on geopolitics, national security, and international affairs, offering audiences behind-the-scenes insights into the global landscape. As the former Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President, he advised President Biden and Vice President Harris, engaged with over 150 world leaders, and played a pivotal role in U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, and crisis management. He has decades of experience at the White House, State Department, and top global think tanks, which informs his strategic knowledge of future U.S.-China relations, AI, climate change, Middle East conflicts, and the future of democracy. His engaging, insider stories and expert analysis help business and political leaders navigate uncertainty, anticipate policy shifts, and make informed decisions in an increasingly complex world.

General Stanley McChrystal is a four-star general, the former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan and the former leader of Joint Special Operations Command, which oversees the most sensitive counter-terrorism units. He is widely praised for revolutionizing warfare by fusing intelligence and operations and is credited with the capture of Saddam Hussein and the location and killing al-Qaeda’s leader in Iraq. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates called McChrystal “one of America’s greatest warriors.” McChrystal addresses leadership, teambuilding, and geopolitics.

The former Acting and Deputy Director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe led a historic career as an American intelligence official. Named Acting Director of the FBI in May 2017, McCabe spent a total of 22 years at the FBI in various, increasingly-prominent roles. The New York Times said that McCabe “stood out [at the FBI] for his intellect and the range of high-profile cases he has been at the center of,” and The LA Times called him “a methodical investigator who assiduously worked to earn the trust of victims and, particularly, informants and witnesses.” Known for his incredible rise through the counter-terrorism and national security ranks to ultimately reach the top of the Bureau, McCabe worked such high-profile cases as the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The author of the highly-anticipated 2019 book "The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump," he is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, and discusses complex, critical issues including national security and cyber security with precision and clarity. "There is no way I can thank you enough. You were dazzling. Your talk was riveting and received with enormous enthusiasm. I feel very lucky that I was able to reach you, that you agreed, and that the event itself was such a great success. In fact, your presentation was so terrific that immediately after my Dean asked if you might be willing to give a few lectures in a course that we might put together for undergraduates on the Security State." - University

General John Allen is one of the nation’s most legendary military leaders and most respected thought leaders on U.S.-global engagement. When President Obama created the appointment of special envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, General Allen was the first American tapped to confront the Islamic State terror group. Widely hailed as a strategic thinker and a true battlefield leader, Gen. Allen is one of the nation’s foremost experts on the geopolitical relationships between U.S. and Asia and the Middle East. A unique combination of warrior and diplomat, Allen shares awe-inspiring stories of the challenges facing our nation, the keys to combating the enemy, and the leadership lessons that can be applied to today’s business environment.

Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper is one of the finest intelligence minds of the 21st century. In the midst of shifting national security policies and varying threats to American interests at home and abroad, Clapper illuminates a broad array of intelligence-related issues. “James was fantastic to work with, so gracious and professional. His presentation on insider threats was extremely informative and relevant to our industry, and the audience was completely engaged the entire time. Everything went very well!” - Software Company “Director Clapper, thank you for your time and energy and for the incredible dialogue today. We greatly appreciate your insights and wisdom. It was a fantastic session and got a lot of positive feedback.” Biopharmaceutical Company

General Michael Hayden, the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA), was on the frontlines of geopolitics and the war on terror. A two-time New York Times best-selling author, he served nearly 40 years in the Air Force. The longest-tenured NSA director and the number one military intelligence officer in the country, Gen. Hayden oversaw the entire security community. He has also served in senior staff positions at the Pentagon, the National Security Council, and more. Hayden addresses security, intelligence, crisis management, terrorism, and geopolitics. "He did a tremendous job and all the attendees thoroughly enjoyed his presentation. It was a great evening." - Banking Company

Admiral Eric Olson served as the commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He was the first three- and then the first four-star Navy SEAL, as well as the first naval officer to be USSOCOM’s combatant commander. He retired as the “Bull Frog,” the longest-serving SEAL on duty. Olson was also commander of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. His career included major geopolitical events – from Mogadishu to Abbottabad. Olson addresses building, training, and leading highly effective teams; national security; and geopolitics.

Rear Admiral Mike Studeman is a decorated military leader and former Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence who stands as one of the United States’ preeminent national security officials. His distinguished 35-year career has taken him to assignments around the globe and positioned him as one of the most influential voices on intelligence, foreign policy, and defense matters. He is an internationally recognized authority on Asian affairs with deep expertise on China. Studeman has led intelligence operations at every level — from the tactical to the strategic, through crises and war – and is an accomplished foreign policy practitioner with a track record of geostrategic impact.

Few have had as immense an impact on American politics and policy by the age of 40 as Dr. Mike Gallagher. Elected to the United States House of Representatives as the representative for Wisconsin’s 8th congressional district, Dr. Gallagher was the youngest man in Congress and later became the youngest committee chairman in the modern Congress. During his seven-year tenure, he emerged as one of the foremost foreign policy experts and served as the founding Chairman of the Select Committee on China. In this role, he spearheaded efforts to address the complexities of America’s economic and technological competition with China. Having dedicated his career to public service, Dr. Gallagher was previously a Marine Corps counterintelligence/human intelligence officer and is regarded among the most authoritative voices on the U.S.’s role in military, economic, and technological competition on the global stage. He uses his knowledge to inform audiences about how shifts in relations with our allies and adversaries impact our businesses and society. After leaving the Marine Corps, he became a Distinguished Fellow at the Hudson Institute and senior strategic advisor for TitletownTech, where he focused on driving tech innovation and growth across the Midwest to advance America’s national security interests. Today, he is Head of Defense at Palantir Technologies and a Wall Street Journal Contributor.

Revered as a uniquely-skilled “warrior-diplomat,” General John Nicholson retired in September 2018 from his post as Commander of U.S. Forces – Afghanistan and NATO’s Resolute Support mission. In this role, Gen. Nicholson led a 41-nation coalition war effort. The longest serving Commander of the Afghan war, he oversaw a $46.3 billion budget and roughly 14,000 international troops. A combat-seasoned military legend, he discusses coalition building, strengthening culture through collaboration, leadership, geopolitics, and organizational success in the 21st century.