First Sergeant Matt Eversmann: Black Hawk Down
Leadership and resilience keynote speaker Matt Eversmann draws on frontline combat experience to teach courage, accountability, and teamwork under pressure in unpredictable, high-stakes environments.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Bronze Star Medal with Valor recipient
- Central figure in the Battle of Mogadishu, depicted in Black Hawk Down
- Former instructor at the Army War College and Johns Hopkins University
- Combat deployments in Somalia and Iraq
- Formats: Leadership and resilience keynote speaker, military leadership expert
- Audiences: Corporate leaders, executive teams, government agencies, students, and organizations focused on leadership, resilience, and crisis management
- Outcomes:
- Stronger understanding of leadership under extreme pressure
- Practical lessons in accountability, teamwork, and decision-making
- Renewed commitment to service, resilience, and shared responsibility
- Travels from: West Palm Beach, FL
- **Fee range: $10,000 - $15,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Strategic Shock: Leadership Lessons for Business from Black Hawk Down
The business world, regardless of industry, is filled with uncertainty, chaos and the unexpected. Welcome to the “Urban Battlefield.” Strip away the drama of gun fights and the frustration of Murphy’s Law the lessons learned from battle during Black Hawk Down or Iraq are directly applicable to leaders at all levels of business. There is no business plan to help leaders avoid ‘Strategic Shock’, but this story of elite teams with high standards, solid leadership, followership and teamwork will get the conversation started.
Matt will walk the audience through his experiences as a young leader (manager) thrust into a “must win” situation in the harshest times. With Matt’s post military experiences as a leader in the corporate world (healthcare, non-profit and technology) he literally can “talk the talk and walk the walk” about what really translates from the battlefields versus what just sounds good. Matt explains why his theories and lessons positively affect individuals and institutions. What they hear on Friday they can apply on Monday. His talk resonates particularly with the audiences who have to execute, who have to lead and manage, and who ultimately have to answer for their delivery of goods and services. This is a war story like no other.
Key takeaways:
- High standards (excellence) doesn’t cost a penny but takes commitment from leaders.
- Every member of every team is responsible and accountable for something; leaders must ensure they know what that something is.
- Strategic decisions immediately affect execution; managers are the ones who make everything happen.
- There are incalculable consequences caused by events out of anyone’s control, teams must
FUSION Leadership: How to be an Elite Leader and Manager
How can you be elite if you were never in the military?
If you don’t have the entire might of the US Congress supporting you and your authority isn’t backed by the Constitution how can you expect every member of your team to “be like an operator”?
The truth is that you can’t. None of us can. But you don’t have to have served to be a great leader. Most of us must manage small teams and that is the secret to FUSION leadership. Matt spent almost half of his career as a leader with the elite Army Rangers and about the same in the conventional forces so he knows both sides well.
He knows about high standards, accountability, and responsibility. A leadership award winner at almost every professional school he attended, Matt devised a system of leadership where we all can influence our teams and get the same results as elite Army Rangers.
Talent Short Bio
Matt Eversmann is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, leadership speaker, and combat veteran whose experience during the Battle of Mogadishu became widely known through the film Black Hawk Down. His story is a powerful real-world case study in leadership, resilience, and decision-making amid chaos.
In October 1993, while deployed to Somalia with Task Force Ranger, Matt was placed in charge of a group of Army Rangers during a daylight raid that quickly escalated into a prolonged urban firefight. Trapped in hostile territory and under constant threat, he led his soldiers through extreme adversity. For his actions and leadership under fire, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.
Following Somalia, Matt dedicated himself to developing future leaders. He served as an instructor at the Army War College and taught leadership at Johns Hopkins University. In 2006, he deployed to Iraq as a Company First Sergeant with the 10th Mountain Division during The Surge, spending 15 months embedded with the Iraqi Army. He retired in 2008 after 20 years of active service.
Read Full Bio
First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life.
In August 1993, Matt Eversmann and his company were deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, as part of Task Force Ranger. On October 3, 1993, he was placed in charge of a group of Army Rangers to lead a daytime raid against an eager enemy militia. During this mission, he and his fellow soldiers were trapped in a hostile district of Mogadishu and marked for death by an angry mob. His inspiring story of survival was immortalized in the epic film, “Black Hawk Down,” which recounts the harrowing experience. For his actions on the battlefield, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device.
After Somalia, Matt Eversmann dedicated himself to educating future military leaders. He served at the Army War College and taught at Johns Hopkins University. In 2006, he deployed to Iraq as a company First Sergeant with the 10th Mountain Division’s 2BCT, spending 15 months embedded with the Iraqi Army during “The Surge.” He remained on active duty until May 2008, retiring after 20 years of service.
Hashtags: #MattEversmann #BlackHawkDown #Leadership #Resilience #MilitarySpeaker
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
Overview:
The reviews for this listing highlight an overwhelmingly positive experience with the keynote speaker, who is praised for being both gracious and inspiring. Users emphasize his engaging presence and the impactful nature of his speech, describing him as a true gentleman and an American hero. There are no notable weaknesses mentioned in the reviews, indicating a high level of satisfaction among attendees.
Strengths:
- Engaging and mesmerizing performance
- Gracious and humble demeanor
- Inspiring and impactful speech
Weaknesses:
- None mentioned.
Overall, this speaker is highly recommended for events seeking a captivating and motivational presence.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (9)
Mark Divine stands as a beacon of resilience, leadership, and mental toughness in the realm of personal development and leadership training. As the founder and CEO of SEALFIT, a renowned leadership and peak performance academy, Mark has dedicated his life to empowering individuals to unleash their full potential. With his multifaceted background as a former […]
- Travels from: Carlsbad, CA
- Military Speakers
- (12)
- (4)
Tom Kolditz is a distinguished leadership expert and keynote speaker renowned for his unparalleled insights into crisis leadership, resilience, and leading under pressure. With decades of experience in both military and academic spheres, Tom brings a unique, evidence-based perspective to the art and science of leadership. His dynamic presentations inspire individuals and organizations to thrive […]
- Travels from:
- Crisis Management
- (49)
Michael Veltri is a battle-tested warrior, both in the boardroom and in the competitive world of martial arts. He is the founder and CEO of one of the largest martial arts academies on the east coast, serving a who’s who of Washington, DC’s elite. Over three decades, he has built, scaled, and sold his own companies and is […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Leadership Speakers
- (42)
- (3)
Commander Rorke Denver is a distinguished figure in the realm of military leadership, renowned for his extensive experience and remarkable achievements in the U.S. Navy SEALs. With a career spanning numerous continents and high-stakes missions, he embodies the epitome of courage, resilience, and strategic prowess. As a speaker, Commander Denver brings forth a wealth of […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- Motivational Speakers
- (9)
- (6)
Anthony Bourke “AB” is a highly experienced F-16 fighter pilot who has flown tactical missions in countries all over the world. He has accumulated more than 2,700 hours of flight time in numerous high performance aircraft and was one of the first pilots to fly his F-16 over New York City in the homeland defense […]
- Travels from: Park City, UT
- Leadership Speakers
- (43)
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
- (22)
Colonel Chris Hadfield woke up the world (on Twitter) every day while living aboard the International Space Station for over five months with the words “Good morning, Earth.” Since blasting off from Kazakhstan in December 2012, Hadfield has become a worldwide sensation, harnessing the power of social media to make outer space accessible to millions […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Leadership Speakers
- (21)
Former NASA Astronaut and Air Force Colonel Cady Coleman is a veteran of two Space Shuttle missions and a six-month expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Onstage, Coleman draws from her time at NASA and in extreme “remote work” situations to discuss team building, leadership, and innovation. With her extraordinary photos and videos, Coleman delivers a […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Military Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
