Military Speakers

During his time as Chief of Defence he successfully concluded combat operations in Afghanistan. He was the prime military architect of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, helping to secure the 2% GDP financial settlement for UK Defence. He was also instrumental in the strategic recalibration of UK military commitment to meet the multiple demands of ideologically inspired terrorism, a more assertive Russia and a far less stable global context. In August 2016 General Houghton became the 160th Constable of the Tower of London, but he remains closely involved in Security and Defence issues.

A trailblazer in female leadership, Lieutenant General (ret) Nadja West is the 44th Army Surgeon General and the former Commanding General of US Army Medical Command. She is the first African American woman 3-star General in the Army’s history, the first African American Army Surgeon General, and currently the highest-ranking woman to ever graduate from West Point. West shares her story of grit, perseverance, strength, and breaking boundaries, even when faced with adversity. Taking audiences on her journey to becoming the Army’s first African American woman 3-star General, she motivates them to overcome challenges with self-belief, bravery, and balance. With more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership, crisis management, and disaster response – including crafting the DOD medical response to the Ebola crisis – West speaks expertly on leadership tactics to effectively lead teams through times of uncertainty and crisis. "She was magnificent - a true inspiration. Her characterization of leadership and the way in which she shapes that conversation is simple, yet powerful. Members LOVED her. I’d follow her anywhere!" - Apparel Company "I thought she did a very good job sharing her experiences and adapting them to be relatable to what our team is going thru personally and professionally. She was genuine, articulate and displayed tremendous poise sharing the traits that make great leaders." - Media Company

Scott Mann is a master storyteller and former Green Beret who inspires leaders to build trust, manage change, and foster psychological safety through the power of storytelling. After confronting his own struggles of war, Scott discovered storytelling as a path to healing and human connection. Now, he talks to leaders about how they can leverage storytelling to create trust in an increasingly fast-paced world. Drawing on high-stakes leadership experiences, Mann advises organizations of all kinds — from Fortune 100 corporations (including Capital One, Walmart, Raymond James, and Fannie Mae) to local small businesses — on how to mobilize their teams, forge deeper connections with their people, and gain a more complete understanding of the opportunities that exist to create high-trust, high-performance cultures. “I don’t think we could have picked a better person to close out this year’s convention. Scott has a fresh and approachable perspective on leadership that resonated with everyone in the room — not to mention, he almost had the audience in tears. Our Vice President of Government Affairs told me that he thought Scott was the best keynote speaker he has ever seen.” - Real Estate Company "Scott was one of the best speakers we have had in several years! Everyone raved about how good he was. In fact, many of the panels and speakers that came after him referenced take aways they had gotten from his presentation. He really pulled on the heart strings too! Lots of rapid blinking holding back tears… He gets a 5 star ++++ rating. I came home and bought his book!" - Storage Company

A decorated veteran of the sea, air, land, and outer space, Captain Chris Cassidy is among the leaders of an exclusive and distinguished group of accomplished military astronauts who have made an impact on and beyond this world. Recognized for his leadership and achievements as a United States Navy SEAL and a NASA astronaut, CAPT Cassidy’s various military deployments and spaceflight missions provided the catalysts for an action-packed career where he made the most of every opportunity presented to him, even in challenging and high-stakes environments. “The event was great, and Chris did a remarkable job. He was well prepared, and the discussion was extremely engaging for everyone in attendance. I have received positive feedback from across our company and am extremely happy with how the event turned out.” - Financial Services Company "Chris was great! He did a great job of engaging our audience." - State Police

Sergeant Major Thomas “Patrick” Payne is a Medal of Honor recipient, elite special operations leader, and decorated combat veteran whose gripping stories of courage, resilience, and teamwork inspire audiences to push beyond their limits. Renowned for his leadership under extreme pressure, Payne played a pivotal role in a daring hostage rescue mission in Iraq. His insights on leadership, perseverance, and decision-making equip organizations with the mindset needed to thrive in high-stakes environments.

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.

Curt spent more than 13 years as a Navy SEAL and was deployed 13 times, spending more than four years overseas. While at SEAL Team ONE, he deployed to the PACIFIC and CENTCOM areas of operation and was personally selected to command the personal security detail for the President of Iraq. Curt is the co-founder of global consulting firm Ridgeline Partners, a top five graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has received the Bronze Star with Valor, Bronze Star medal, and three Distinguished Meritorious Service Medals while serving in the U.S. Navy.

Rear Admiral Scott Moore is the former deputy commander of Naval Special Warfare. From the mountains of Afghanistan to briefings in the Oval Office, he is the man our nation’s leaders trust when failure is not an option. Whether leading a group of men or interfacing with Pakistani military leaders, he directed more than 2,000 missions and was involved in the marquee moments of our nation’s history. His presentations are a nail-biting, adrenaline-pumping glimpse into what it takes to create and lead high-performing teams. “Scott did a great job in interacting with our audience and was very well received – he also did a good job tying in leadership qualities with his speech. I would recommend him for other groups.” - Automobile Association “Admiral Moore was fantastic! Everyone was absolutely engrossed in his presentation and he was the most talked about part of our meeting at the dinner afterwards. He was everything we thought he would be and we are extremely happy with his speech.” - Construction Company

With an unwavering commitment to public service, The Honorable Gina Ortiz Jones has continually pushed boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, and left an enduring impact in the realm of national security, politics, and beyond.  She has held several high-ranking titles throughout her career, including becoming the first woman of color and first out lesbian to serve as the under secretary of a military department when she was appointed by President Joe Biden as the 27th Under Secretary of the Air Force in July 2021. Unanimously confirmed by the Senate, the appointment made her the second-highest ranking civilian in the Department of the Air Force, which includes the Air Force and the Space Force. She is a name synonymous with trailblazing leadership and an unyielding commitment to creating positive change.

Tim caught the world’s attention with his address to his troops on the eve of the Iraqi invasion in 2003. His speech was an inspiration to world leaders and infantrymen alike and provided a suspicious and confused public with some explanation for the controversial war and marked him out as thinker as well as a leader of men. Since his retirement from the army in 2004, Tim has written his bestselling memoir Rules of Engagement and built a successful career in the media as a talking head and television presenter.