Top 10 US Navy SEALS for Speaking Engagements
- By Aaron Peterson
- Jul 29, 2024
- Stephen Drum
- Dan Cnossen
- Robert O’Neill
- Mike Sarraille
- Will Chesney
- Randy Hetrick
- David Sears
- Brent Gleeson
- Jason Redman
- Darren McBurnett
Stephen Drum is a retired Navy SEAL who served from 1992 until 2019. During his long career, Drum was involved in high-risk and strategic operations. From his experience, he has authored a book titled “Life on the X: A Navy SEAL's Guide to Meeting Any Challenge with Courage, Confidence, and Readiness”. When Drum speaks, he shares how to find courage and confidence in any situation in true Navy SEAL style, whether it’s career, family, or relationships.
During his time as a Navy SEAL, Dan Cnossen served as officer in charge. Cnossen fought hard to earn his position as a Navy SEAL. However, during his 2009 deployment to Afghanistan, Dan was met with the fight of his life. After stepping on an IED, he lost both legs and underwent more than 40 surgeries. What did this Purple Heart recipient do in the face of such adversity? He turned it around and now uses his story to inspire others. Dan Cnossen speaks on the topics of overcoming adversity, mental toughness, and servant-based leadership.
Robert O’Neill stands as one of the most distinguished combat veterans of our time. During his service as a Navy SEALl, O’Neill participated in and led more than 400 combat missions. He has the distinction of being decorated 53 times with the most prestigious recognitions. Today, he serves as co-founder of the Special Operators Transition Foundation, helping special ops forces veterans transition into the corporate workforce. When Robert O’Neill isn’t dedicating time to his foundation, he is writing best-selling memoirs and sharing his story and insights through interviews and speaking engagements.
Mike Sarraille is a retired Navy SEAL and former enlisted Recon Marine and Scout Sniper. He has become a distinguished public speaker who brings his expertise in leadership development, talent acquisition, and leadership culture to the table. He is the founder and CEO of Talent War Group, which offers high-level management consultant services. Sarraille has co-authored a bestselling business book titled “The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent”. Today, he speaks on how organizations can win the talent war and build a legacy of leadership.
Will Chesney is a Texas native who embarked on his career in the US Navy in 2002, serving on the elite SEAL Team Six. He undertook hundreds of missions during his service, including the operation to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden. However, in 2012, Chesney’s service was ended due to a grenade explosion that led to his medical retirement. Today, he is using his grit and perseverance of being a Navy SEALand dedicates his time to supporting injured veterans and sharing his inspirational message with business leaders and teams.
Randy Hetrick served as a Navy SEAL officer for 14 years and has since become a trailblazer in the fitness industry. As an inventor, he has more than thirty patents to his name. He’s also the CEO of TRX, which has earned a spot on INC. 500 Fastest Growing Companies. To say he is an expert on leadership would be an understatement. His experience as an entrepreneur and Navy SEAL bring an energizing and unique voice to his speaking topics of leadership, branding, and business culture.
For twenty years, David Sears served as a US Navy SEAL, successfully executing hundreds of special ops missions around the globe. He served as Troop Commander at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where his leadership led to the first successful US prisoner of war rescue since WWII. Sears has been decorated with more than 35 awards and is a distinguished graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School. Today, he shines as a leader, sharing insights and motivation on the topics of decision making, worker smarter not harder, and the ways in which what we do today will affect our tomorrow.
Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL Combat veteran who through his keen insights and leadership, has transitioned into a career as an award winning entrepreneur, best selling author, and acclaimed speaker. He is the founder of TakingPoint Leadership, which specializes in developing strong leaders, transforming businesses and cultivating a culture where teams strive to perform. For a broader view of Gleeson’s views on leadership and resilience, you can read his weekly columns for Forbes.com. He also shares his insights and experiences first hand through regular speaking engagements.
Former Lieutenant Jason Redman was enlisted as a Navy SEAL for eleven years and served as a SEAL officer for ten. During his service he earned numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Purple Heart. In 2007, Redman was severely wounded in Iraq, which began his journey of transforming adversity into power. He went on to write “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader '', and retired in 2013, Since then he has founded a non-profit called the Wounded Wear, in support of warriors and their families. Today, he also serves as a prominent speaker, addressing the lessons in leadership, teamwork, and resilience he learned from his time as a SEAL and his continued professional growth after.
Darren McBurnett is a Navy SEAL turned acclaimed speaker who has inspired and captivated audiences with an undeniable energy, sense of humor, and real stories that demonstrate how to transform businesses and leadership. He has spoken for companies such as Wells Fargo, Budweiser, Morgan Stanley, and more. He draws on his twenty four years as a Navy SEAL, delivering motivational talks that hit the target of leadership in challenging environments and cultivating individual growth.
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