Mark Esper

Former Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper sees a great deal of disruption ahead caused by AI. Secretary Esper put forward a number of AI initiatives as both Secretary of the Army and Secretary of Defense in order to improve the effectiveness of the U.S. military. Since leaving office, he continues to work AI and technology issues on think tank commissions that he chairs, and through his work as a Partner and Board Member in an AI-focused venture capital firm. Dr. Esper offers a realistic outlook on what AI will mean for the military and the private sector as its exponential growth outpaces regulation, covering both the upcoming great opportunities and serious risks.

In this valuable address, Dr. Mark T. Esper shares his expertise on the emerging geopolitical landscape, highlighting current trends and concerns to explain the potential risk and implications to companies, investors, and policymakers. Dr. Esper blends his extensive experiences in both private firms (private equity and venture capital) and public service to demonstrate a deep understanding of cause and effect on a global scale. Providing a high-level overview of the world’s hotspots – the people, places, and policies that investors and companies should be aware of – Dr. Esper can advise on strategy in a meaningful and impactful way. This discussion can be customized to address your organization’s current concerns.

In this riveting talk, Dr. Mark T. Esper offers a substantial and insightful perspective on U.S. foreign policy, and the top issues facing the United States today. During his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019-2020) and Commissioner for the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (2007-2008), Esper successfully lead the Defense Department through an unprecedented time in the nation’s history: from conflict with Iran, an ongoing military campaign in Afghanistan, and counter-terrorist operations in the Middle East; to open competition with China and Russia amidst a fundamental shift in the geo-strategic environment. With experience as a corporate executive, Esper is in a unique position to address the challenges the U.S. faces globally while drilling down to the risks – and opportunities – that matter most to leaders, organizations, and policymakers.

In this impactful speech, Dr. Mark T. Esper uses his informed experiences as a leader of two of the world’s largest and most complex organizations to discuss the necessity of having a clear vision, straightforward mission statement, and comprehensive strategy for your organization. Esper speaks to the importance of being able to articulate these things well to multiple audiences, and how to develop coherent plans for developing, implementing, and sustaining success. Mark Esper believes the most important elements of an organization’s success are the character, values, and culture of its leaders and employees. In this pragmatic yet motivational presentation, Esper also shares:

• The importance of empowering and motivating your team by delegating authority, assigning mission-type objectives, and giving people room to surprise you
• How to strike the right balance between the demands of the present and the needs of the future when today is right in your face
• The criticality of diversity, inclusiveness, and respect in the workplace
• How to identify, recruit, develop, and retain quality people, especially leaders
• The importance of caring for your most important asset, your people
• How to drive change and implement reform in today’s world

In this presentation, Dr. Mark T. Esper addresses the challenges the U.S. faces globally, moving from region to region, and hot spot to hot spot, to share his insights about the challenges, trends, risks and opportunities that every leader and organization needs to be aware of. Esper’s remarks will cover topical issues, including:

• What does the ascendance of China mean for the U.S. and the West in the 21st Century
• How should America and its allies think about Russia over the next 10-15 years?
• How real are regional threats to U.S. interests from countries like Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela?
• How should the U.S. think about Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East?
• What about transnational threats from terrorist groups and criminal organizations?
• How do pandemics and climate change play into all of this?
• What are the real challenges America faces in space and cyberspace?

Esper also speaks to how the U.S. can develop and implement a whole-of-country approach – one that includes government at all levels, and the private sector in all of its shapes and sizes – to deal with these matters, including what the United States government can do to protect America today while readying itself for the future. And what does this all mean for your organization and its future?