Dan Cnossen: Inspirational Speaker

Inspirational keynote speaker and Paralympic champion Dan Cnossen inspires audiences to overcome adversity, adapt to change, and perform with resilience under pressure.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Former U.S. Navy SEAL and combat veteran
    • Double amputee and Paralympic gold medalist
    • Member of the U.S. Paralympic Nordic Ski Team
    • Inspirational keynote speaker with global impact
  • Formats: Keynote speaker and inspirational storyteller
  • Audiences: Corporate teams, leaders, military and veteran organizations, students, and audiences facing change, adversity, or high-performance demands
  • Outcomes:
    1. Renewed perspective on resilience and possibility
    2. Practical tools for adapting to change and adversity
    3. Inspiration to pursue excellence despite setbacks
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Natick, MA
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Talent Services

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.

Talent Short Bio

Dan Cnossen is a former U.S. Navy SEAL, decorated Paralympic athlete, and globally sought-after inspirational keynote speaker whose life embodies courage, grit, and perseverance. His story is rooted in service, sacrifice, and an unshakable commitment to excellence in the face of extraordinary adversity.

In 2009, while serving as a Lieutenant Commander with the United States Navy SEALs, Dan was severely injured after stepping on an improvised explosive device during a combat mission in Afghanistan. The blast resulted in the loss of both of his legs and permanently altered the trajectory of his life. Rather than allowing the injury to define his limits, Dan chose to redefine what was possible.

Following an extensive recovery, Dan discovered competitive adaptive sports and quickly rose to the elite ranks of Para Nordic skiing and biathlon. He earned a place on the U.S. Paralympic Nordic Ski Team, where he achieved multiple Paralympic gold medals and World Championship titles. His journey from the battlefield to the Paralympic podium stands as a powerful testament to resilience, adaptability, and mental toughness.

Dan Cnossen is 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’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.

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