Dan Cnossen: Inspirational Speaker

  • US Navy SEAL Lt. Commander
  • 6x Paralympic Medalist
  • Master of Theological Studies – Harvard University
  • Master in Public Administration – Harvard University

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Natick, Massachusetts, United States
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Keynote Topics

Overcoming Adversity

An astonishing story of survival, grit and resiliency in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity.
Dan’s personal journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the podium at the Paralympic Games is sure to inspire your audience to confront any challenge head-on.

Dan’s tone is that of a humble warrior who isn’t bragging about his remarkable accomplishments, but rather sharing his hard-earned lessons learned through some incredibly difficult life experiences.

When he shares the story of being dragged off a craggy, mountain peak in Afghanistan, through a live minefield, with his legs blown to shreds, racing to get to the evacuation helicopter before it runs out of fuel, it’s like listening to a Tom Clancy novel come to life… but this is not fiction.

It’s intense, inspiring and not soon forgotten.

Key Principles in Action

‘Servant Based Leadership’, ‘Constantly Improving Your Tactical Position’, ‘Succession Planning’ and the counter-intuitive, ‘Not Knowing Is A Position of Strength’ are some of the many principles Dan demonstrates in this presentation targeted to your company’s directors and team leaders.

Dan believes some leadership principles come naturally to certain people, other principles can be learned, and all principles can be continually developed.

Dan Cnossen considers being put in charge of a Navy SEAL Platoon, being directly responsible for the lives of other men, to be his most significant military accomplishment. The lessons he learned during his military career, both as a soldier and as a Lt. Commander, are the basis of this insightful presentation.

Workshops

Navy SEALs and gold medalist don’t tolerate inefficiency, excuses and mediocrity.
If you’re looking for a speaker to not only inspire your team, but to equip them with tangible steps to set and achieve far reaching goals while navigating any obstacle, this is the presentation you’re looking for.

Dan shares the mental tools that got him through the most grueling military training in the world and to the highest levels of athletic competition, and how those tools translate to business and life. Under Goal Setting, Dan takes a deep dive into how to formulate a long range plan for success, utilizing and breaking down the very same Personal Performance Plan he employed to win six Paralympic medals.

In Mental Toughness he defines and teaches the mental skills needed to weather the storms that inevitably accompany the pursuit of any meaningful achievement.

At Speakers Inc, we are honored to present Dan Cnossen, a remarkable individual whose journey exemplifies resilience, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. As an inspirational speaker, Dan captivates audiences with his gripping narrative of overcoming life-altering challenges and emerging as a decorated Paralympic athlete, a distinguished Navy SEAL, and a beacon of hope for […]

At Speakers Inc, we are honored to present Dan Cnossen, a remarkable individual whose journey exemplifies resilience, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. As an inspirational speaker, Dan captivates audiences with his gripping narrative of overcoming life-altering challenges and emerging as a decorated Paralympic athlete, a distinguished Navy SEAL, and a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking inspiration.

Dan Cnossen

Dan Cnossen’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and tenacity. A former Navy SEAL, he faced a life-altering incident in 2009 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) during a combat mission in Afghanistan. The explosion resulted in the loss of both of his legs and profoundly altered the course of his life. Instead of succumbing to despair, Dan embarked on an awe-inspiring journey of recovery, self-discovery, and triumph.

Before the incident, Dan Cnossen served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy SEALs, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. The challenges he faced on the battlefield only fueled his determination to adapt and overcome. His transition from a highly skilled military professional to navigating life as a double amputee showcases his resilience and ability to confront adversity head-on.

Following his injury, Dan Cnossen discovered a new avenue for showcasing his indomitable spirit – competitive sports. Embracing the challenge, he excelled in Nordic skiing and biathlon, earning a spot on the U.S. Paralympic Nordic Ski Team. Dan’s achievements include multiple Paralympic gold medals, World Championship titles, and recognition as one of the world’s elite Para Nordic athletes. His journey from the battlefield to the podium is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and perseverance.

As an inspirational speaker with Speakers Inc, Dan Cnossen shares his captivating story with audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible impact on individuals from all walks of life. His presentations delve into the power of resilience, the importance of adapting to change, and the transformative nature of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

His captivating story and impactful presentations make him an invaluable addition to any event seeking to inspire, motivate, and instill a sense of purpose and resilience in its audience. Book Dan Cnossen for your next event and witness the transformative power of his inspirational journey.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

You may be interested in...

  • (48)
Nadya Zhexembayeva

Called ‘The Reinvention Guru’ (In Ventures magazine) and ‘The Queen of Reinvention’ (TEDx Navasink), Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva is a business owner, educator, speaker and author — specializing in reinvention. As a business owner, Nadya oversees a group of companies active in real estate, investment, and consulting. As a consultant, Nadya has helped such organizations as […]

  • Travels from: Columbus, OH
  • Strategy Speakers
  • (69)
  • (5)
Dr. Willie Jolleyv

Dr. Willie Jolley is not just another motivational speaker; he is a beacon of inspiration, a maestro of transformation, and a living testament to the power of resilience and perseverance. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Jolley has solidified his position as a triple threat personality and a global thought leader. Renowned as a Hall […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (50)
Tan Le

One of the science world’s most successful and influential CEOs, Tan Le started her incredible life journey as a refugee facing a high probability of death on a treacherous trip across the pirate infested China South Sea. Today, Tan Le is the founder and CEO of the bioinformatics firm, EMOTIV, where her groundbreaking work in […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Digital Speakers
  • (17)
Jon Youshaei

With a remarkable career spanning across two of the most influential platforms in the digital world, Jon Youshaei stands as a luminary figure in the realms of marketing and content creation. Recognized by Inc Magazine as the individual who has “cracked the code to going viral,” Jon’s journey has been nothing short of exceptional. Having […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Marketing Speakers
  • (39)
Jessie Camacho

Jessie Camacho has solidified her reputation as an experienced event moderator and emcee with over two decades of professional event hosting and facilitation experience. She has worked across various industries, including corporate, entertainment, nonprofit, and educational sectors, seamlessly engaging audiences of all sizes. Whether hosting large-scale corporate conferences, moderating high-stakes panels, or facilitating intimate roundtable […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (30)
Tom Stebbins

Tom Stebbins is not just an event emcee; he’s an international entertainer, speaker, emcee, and auctioneer who has captivated audiences across the globe, from the vibrant streets of Madrid to the serene vineyards of the Napa Valley. With a dynamic stage presence, a quick wit, and a passion for creating memorable experiences, Tom Stebbins brings […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Auctioneers
  • (34)
Ishmael Beah

Ishmael Beah, a globally renowned humanitarian, author, and advocate for child rights, stands as a beacon of resilience, hope, and perseverance. As a former child soldier from Sierra Leone, Beah has transformed his traumatic experiences into powerful messages that inspire, uplift, and call for change. His profound journey, chronicled in his best-selling memoir A Long […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (36)
Alexis Nikole Nelson

Alexis Nikole Nelson, known as “Black Forager,” is a passionate educator and forager celebrated for her innovative approach to environmentalism, connecting people with nature, and promoting sustainable foraging. Her journey is marked by her deep reverence for the natural world and her influential role in fostering an appreciation for the environment. Nelson uses social media […]

  • Travels from: Columbus, OH
  • Sustainability Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel