Learn how to meet any challenge with Courage, Confidence, and Readiness!
Work, family, relationships—life is demanding. A high-stress situation, or being on the X where all the pressures converge, could be right around the corner. How will you confront it? Your ability to succeed in stressful and challenging situations and seize opportunities depends on how you show up to face these moments. When you’re up against obstacles, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. But the battles you face are won when you prepare for life on the X.
Life on the X shares strategies used by the world’s highest performers. In this guide, you will discover tactics that elite athletes, military special operators, and successful business leaders use to thrive under pressure and deliver world-class results.
You can triumph when you are deliberate in how you prepare for, execute, and assess your actions in the most important moments in your life. By learning the skills and methods of top-performers, you can meet the X with courage and confidence.
Are you ready to bring your A game to life?
In the SEAL Teams, the X refers to the most critical and dangerous point of the operation; fast roping from a helicopter onto the rooftop of an enemy building, a coordinated attack on an enemy compound, or operating deep behind enemy lines. This is the point of NO RETURN where a SEAL must be at their best.
No matter where and no matter the circumstance, it’s critical that SEALs perform at their best “on the X” in each of these moments.
While in the boardroom instead of the battlefield it may not be life or death, but there are still critical moments where the pressure is on, and we absolutely need to bring our A-game.
When the stakes are this high, we must be focused, resilient, and well prepared.
As the Co-Creator of The U.S. Navy Warrior Toughness program, Stephen teaches how the same techniques used by the Navy & SEALs, elite athletes, and top-performing CEOs operators can be applied to leading & developing high-performance teams in business as well as by individuals in their personal and professional lives.
In this presentation, Stephen shares proven performance psychology techniques and training methods used by the world’s most elite performers and shows how it can easily be applied to any high-pressure business situation or personal event. Each presentation will be customized around the audience’s specific goals and challenges
After you learn to perform on the X, you and your teams will not only learn to face challenge and adversity with courage and resilience, but you’ll also learn concrete methods that will allow for: Increased Employee Engagement, Stronger Collaboration, High-Performance Under Pressure, Agility, Stress Management, Increased EQ, Proven Preparation and Rehearsal Methods for Important Events, Proven Team and Individual Lessons Learned Framework, Adaptability & Change Management
Takeaways
Powerful and Engaging Stories told with Humor and Relatability
As a retired Navy SEAL senior leader with 27-years of service, Stephen Drum has had the honor of training, leading, and serving with some of the highest performing teams on the planet.
In this program the audience will receive concrete takeaways while the emphasis is on entertaining through powerful storytelling and audience engagement.
Stephen will lead the audience through a roller coaster ride that captures the intensity of SEAL training and combat deployments, the emotions of service and commitment, all while delivered with humor and relatability.
During the session, Steve really enjoys providing the fun that comes from audience interaction and engagement with Q&A sessions.
Perform on the X Workshop
Customized Deep Dive Workshop (75 minutes – 4 hours)
Session outcomes:
Learn the framework process for preparing and executing in high-stakes or challenging situations which include: Commit, Prepare, Execute and Reflect
Learn critical stress management techniques for successfully responding to stressors in professional AND personal settings
Discuss goal planning and execution strategies for prioritizing and performing in a fluid and stressful environment.
Learn and perform mindfulness and performance psychology skills for increased resilience and focus during stressful periods and situations.
Sample Workshop Format:
Opening story and Commit content
Purpose and personal philosophy
Objectives and goals
Obstacle forecasting
What are some potential obstacles to our success? Daily and long-term
Story and Prepare content
Performance Psychology skills
Skill development practical
Recalibrate-breathing exercise/Breathing habit training
Story and Execute content
Situational Awareness
Variable Focus
Agility/Flexibility
Scenario Discussion on above content
Story and Reflect content
Your process for: Assess, Analyze, Reflect
Giving and receiving feedback
Body Scan or Progressive muscle relaxation exercise
Closing Comments and wrap-up
Stephen Drum is a renowned leadership and peak performance expert whose 27-year career as a Navy SEAL Master Chief forms the foundation of his powerful and practical approach to developing world-class leaders. Having served on multiple high-stakes special operations missions, Stephen has firsthand experience leading teams in volatile, complex environments where clarity, communication, trust, and mental toughness determine success.
Throughout his distinguished military service, Stephen built a reputation for his ability to guide teams through uncertainty, maintain discipline under pressure, and execute with precision. Today, he brings those lessons to the corporate world, helping organizations strengthen their culture, enhance performance, and build leaders capable of thriving in demanding conditions.
Stephen’s methodology is rooted in the SEAL principles of accountability, preparation, team cohesion, and decisive action.
Stephen Drum is a highly regarded leadership and peak performance speaker, renowned for his extraordinary career as a Navy SEAL Master Chief with 27 years of combat-tested experience. As a distinguished figure in leadership development, Drum brings unparalleled expertise and insights to organizations and individuals seeking to excel in high-pressure environments.
His transformative approach to leadership, grounded in his military background and real-world experiences, makes him a sought-after speaker for those looking to elevate their performance and achieve excellence.
Stephen Drum’s impressive career as a Navy SEAL Master Chief provides a unique foundation for his leadership and peak performance teachings. His 27 years of service included numerous high-stakes missions that demanded not only tactical expertise but also exceptional leadership skills.
Drum’s ability to lead under pressure, make strategic decisions in volatile situations, and inspire his team to achieve mission success has translated seamlessly into his work with organizations worldwide. His experiences in special operations have equipped him with insights into building resilient teams, fostering effective communication, and driving performance in the face of adversity.
Drum’s leadership philosophy centers on the principles of discipline, accountability, and mental toughness. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a high-performance mindset, drawing from his extensive experience in overcoming challenges and executing complex missions.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
**Summary of User Reviews for Steve Drum's Presentations**
Steve Drum has received overwhelmingly positive feedback for his presentations and workshops, highlighting several key strengths:
**Strengths:**
1. **Impactful Content:** Reviewers consistently mention the effectiveness of Steve's sessions, noting that they are both inspiring and practical. His experiences as a Navy SEAL are skillfully linked to leadership insights, making them relatable to diverse audiences.
2. **Engaging Presentation Style:** Attendees appreciate Steve's energetic and captivating delivery, which fosters audience interaction and engagement. His ability to encourage networking and discussion is particularly praised.
3. **Actionable Takeaways:** Many users commend the practical tools and strategies provided during his talks, such as those related to work-life balance, mindfulness, and high-stakes performance.
4. **Personal Connection:** Reviewers often feel personally motivated to improve their leadership skills after attending his sessions. His humility and relatable storytelling resonate well with participants.
**Weaknesses:**
While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, no significant weaknesses were mentioned. One could infer that some…
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Lindsay Boccardo is a nationally recognized generational keynote speaker and workforce expert, known for her engaging insights on bridging generational gaps in the workplace. With years of experience as a speaker, consultant, and coach, Lindsay has helped organizations of all sizes— from Fortune 500 companies to dynamic startups— navigate the complexities of multi-generational teams. Her […]
Erin King is a dynamic force in motivational speaking and energy management. Recognized by SUCCESS Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Must-See Motivational Speakers,” alongside luminaries like Jay Shetty and Mel Robbins, Erin has solidified her reputation as a leading expert in unlocking what she calls “Big Deal Energy®.” As the Chief Energy Officer […]
Dr. Scott Parazynski is a highly decorated physician, astronaut, best-selling author (“The Sky Below”) and tech CEO. He is a widely sought after keynote speaker on innovation, risk management, mentorship and leadership under extreme adversity. Scott has lived and traveled all over the world, spending many of his grade school years in places such as […]
Michael Wigge is a motivational speaker who is known for his ability to turn conferences into memorable events. With his unique blend of adventure storytelling, encouragement to leave one’s comfort zone, and international perspective, he has captivated audiences all over the world. In this article, we will explore the qualities that make Michael Wigge such […]
Marci Shimoff, a renowned speaker, and leading expert in personal development, happiness, and success. With a captivating presence and profound insights, Marci Shimoff has inspired countless individuals worldwide to transform their lives and achieve greater levels of fulfillment and joy. Marci Shimoff is a New York Times bestselling author, a celebrated speaker, and a leading […]
Colonel Gregory Gadson , a Chesapeake, Va., native; served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. Col. Gadson’s service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, […]
Tonya M Evans is a global leader on crypto currencies and a technology keynote speaker, accomplished academic and administrator, and world-renowned speaker with over twenty years of experience in law, innovation, academia, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Evans currently serves as tenured Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law School. Beginning July 1, 2022, she will […]
Shane Snow is a renowned keynote speaker, celebrated author, and esteemed entrepreneur whose expertise in high performance, culture, and teamwork has transformed organizations worldwide. As the co-founder of the content technology company Contently and an acclaimed journalist, Shane’s insights into the dynamics of collaboration and innovation have positioned him as a thought leader in today’s […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel