Stephen Drum: Navy Seal Performance

Navy SEAL Master Chief and peak performance speaker Stephen Drum equips leaders and teams with combat-tested strategies for discipline, resilience, and high-pressure decision-making that drive elite performance.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Navy SEAL Master Chief with 27 years of combat-tested experience
    • Expert in leading teams through high-pressure, high-stakes scenarios
    • Sought-after keynote speaker on leadership, resilience, performance, and decision-making
    • Developer of practical frameworks for discipline, accountability, and mental toughness
  • Formats: Leadership, Peak Performance, and High-Pressure Decision-Making Keynote Speaker
  • Audiences: Corporate leaders, executive teams, managers, military groups, associations, and organizations seeking performance excellence, teamwork, and resilience.
  • Outcomes:
    1. Combat-tested leadership strategies to enhance performance and improve decision-making under pressure.
    2. Practical tools for building resilient, accountable, and mission-ready teams.
    3. A high-performance mindset rooted in discipline, clarity, preparation, and mental toughness.
Reading time: 1 min
Reviews: (8 reviews)
Rated 5 out of 5
  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

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

  • Learn how to develop to true resilience in the face of adversity and set-back
  • Face the most pressing life and business challenges head on
  • Execute with agility and flexibility when everything is on the line
  • Develop a deliberate process to study lessons learned in preparation for what’s next
  • Implement effective strategies for leading teams through dynamic change

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

Talent Short Bio

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

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

**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…

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

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.

  • 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...

  • (30)
Astrid Scholz

Dr. Astrid J. Scholz is co-founder and CFO/COO of Armillaria, a tech-for-good company that creates digital infrastructure for more effectively and equitably mobilizing data, people, and capital towards addressing the most urgent challenges of our time. Astrid Scholz | Serial Entrepreneur Integrating contemporary innovations in technology, finance, and law, Armillaria is focused on the development […]

  • Travels from: Portland, OR
  • Entrepreneurship
  • (17)
  • (3)
Sylvie di Giusto

Sylvie di Giusto is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and executive coach who has captivated audiences around the world with her profound insights into leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal branding. With a career spanning over two decades, Sylvie has become a trusted advisor to executives and professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and emotional […]

  • Travels from: Tampa, FL
  • Communication Speakers
  • (42)
Olympia LePoint - Rocket Science Meets Real Life

Olympia LePoint is a force of inspiration, a rocket scientist turned keynote speaker who transforms complex science into compelling stories of triumph, innovation, and human potential. Known globally for her groundbreaking work with NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, Olympia brings unmatched credibility and charisma to every stage she graces. With her riveting presence and profound storytelling, […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • AI Technology Speakers
  • (49)
Meridith Elliott Powell

Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate leadership and sales, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare and finance. Meridith worked her way up from entry-level to earn her position in the C-Suite. She is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, […]

  • Travels from: Asheville, NC
  • Sales Speakers
  • (58)

Ari Gunzburg learned about death early in life. He experienced a traumatic moment when only 10 years old, when his teacher passed away while on a hiking trip. This would affect his life deeply and change his perspective forever. Following the death of this teacher, there was trouble afoot at school for all of the […]

  • Travels from: Baltimore, MD
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (83)
  • (4)
Michelle MACE Curran - Fighter Pilot to Fearless Keynote Speaker

Michelle Mace Curran, a distinguished and inspirational keynote speaker based in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Michelle is not merely a pilot; she is a trailblazer who navigates audiences through captivating journeys woven with her rich experiences in the aviation industry. With an unwavering passion for flying and a gift for storytelling, Michelle leaves […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (58)
  • (3)
Michael McQueen

Michael McQueen is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker and expert in navigating change, recognized for his powerful insights on future trends and innovation. With over two decades of experience in helping organizations and leaders stay ahead of disruption, Michael has earned a reputation for delivering dynamic, research-backed strategies that drive resilience and adaptability. His best-selling […]

  • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (41)
  • (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
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 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.