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...

  • (26)
Dara Torres-1

Dara Torres is arguably the fastest female swimmer in America. She entered her first international swimming competition at age 14 and competed in her first Olympics a few years later in 1984. At the Beijing Games in 2008, Torres became the oldest swimmer to compete in the Olympics. When she took three silver medals — […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Swimming Legends
  • (125)
Lisa Nichols

A powerhouse of positivity, resilience, and personal development, Lisa Nichols has carved a niche for herself as a transformative force, captivating audiences worldwide with her dynamic presence and life-changing messages. Lisa’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of the human spirit. Born in Los Angeles, she faced numerous challenges in her early life, […]

  • Travels from: Carlsbad, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (57)

For Urs Koenig, challenging people to help them achieve top performance and bringing transformation is at the heart of everything he does. His journey has been non-traditional at every step. After his highly successful skiing career, he coached the Swiss University Ski Team and won numerous championships worldwide. Always eager to challenge himself as well […]

  • Travels from: Seattle, WA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (38)
Mark Noon

Mark Noon is a distinguished speaker, executive coach, and author with over 25 years of expertise in military and civilian healthcare leadership. Renowned for his ability to inspire and empower leaders at every level, Mark has transformed organizations by equipping them with the tools and strategies needed for success. His career, which began as an […]

  • Travels from: Pensacola, FL
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (85)
Redi Tlhabi

With an illustrious career spanning journalism, broadcasting, and authorship, Redi Tlhabi stands as a prominent figure in the media landscape of South Africa. Renowned for her incisive commentary and engaging presence, Tlhabi has graced numerous national and international events, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Having moderated discussions for esteemed clients such as Discovery, […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (53)
  • (8)
Jones Loflin

Jones Loflin is a dynamic keynote speaker, leadership expert, and productivity coach who has spent over 25 years helping organizations and individuals navigate the challenges of leadership, change management, and productivity. With a career spanning multiple industries, including education, business consulting, and leadership development, Jones has empowered countless leaders to confidently lead their teams, foster […]

  • Travels from: Charlotte, NC
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (29)
Marcus Allen

Marcus Allen stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of American football, a luminary whose legacy transcends mere statistics to embody the essence of athleticism, perseverance, and leadership. As a former NFL legend, his name is etched in the annals of sporting history, celebrated for his remarkable achievements both on and off the […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Sporting Speakers
  • (26)
  • (5)

Ben Casnocha is a dynamic figure in the realm of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and leadership. With a track record of success in Silicon Valley and beyond, he has earned recognition as an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and influential voice in the startup ecosystem. As a co-founder and partner at Village Global, a prestigious venture capital firm […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Innovation 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