Admiral William H. McRaven: Naval Commander
- Highlights:
- Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (2011-2014) and of U.S. Joint Special Operations Command (2008-2011);
- Chancellor of the University of Texas System (2015-2018);
- Best-selling Author
- "Without daring greatly, you will never know what is truly possible." – Adm. William H. McRaven, USN (Ret.)
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- **Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000
Keynote Topics
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog
McRaven relates stories from his #1 NYTs bestseller, The Wisdom of the Bullfrog— a tour de force about leadership from the factory floor to the C-suite. Entertaining, educational, inspirational; you will hear stories from the Civil War, WWII, the raid to get bin Laden and corporate leadership lessons that will help all your employees be better at working together and leading with purpose.
A Conversation with Admiral William H. McRaven, USN (Ret.)
In this moderated discussion, Admiral William H. McRaven eloquently draws on his extensive career of 37 years of service as a Navy SEAL.
The discussion addresses issues such as U.S. foreign policy, the current geopolitical landscape, leadership during high-stress situations, risk management, teamwork, resilience in the face of adversity, resourcefulness, personal accountability, and the determination to succeed. His presentations are distinctive and customized to meet the needs of your audience.
Leadership and Risk Management: Taking Command
Admiral William H. McRaven captivates audiences with his exceptional leadership experiences, exploring today’s geopolitical environment and a look forward to America’s place in an ever-changing global community.
His principles of leadership and risk management are applicable to any organization and he firmly believes in the necessity of preparation, order and discipline, knowing that they are naught without a distinct and meaningful purpose or goal.
He shares impactful narratives, lessons and insights on authority amidst turmoil and instability, the force of teamwork and personal initiative, resilience in the face of opposition, and the unconditional importance of never giving up.
He challenges his audience and encourages them to accept responsibility, be creative within the rules, take control of their circumstances, and maintain focus during times of conflict. Audience members are inspired to apply McRaven’s diligence, courage and risk management strategies to their own lives and put in place the tools that will help them not only succeed within their organization but also reach new levels of achievement.
Read Full Bio
Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy Four-Star admiral, best-selling author, and former Chancellor of the University of Texas System, draws on his extraordinary experiences to offer audiences insight on U.S. foreign policy, the current geopolitical environment, authority amidst uncertainty, overcoming adversity and the determination to succeed. Using personal narratives drawn from his extraordinary experiences, he imparts lessons in teamwork, personal accountability, resilience, and leadership to his audiences.
McRaven is a recognized national authority on U.S. foreign policy and has advised Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and other U.S. leaders on defense issues. During his time in the military, he commanded special operations forces at every level, eventually taking charge of the U.S. Special Operations Command. His career included combat during Desert Storm and both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He commanded the troops that captured Saddam Hussein and rescued Captain Phillips. McRaven is also credited with developing the plan and leading the Osama bin Laden mission in 2011.
As the Chancellor of the UT System, he led one of the nation’s largest and most respected higher education systems. As the chief executive officer of the UT System, McRaven oversaw 14 institutions that educated 220,000 students and employed 20,000 faculty and more than 80,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and staff.
McRaven has been recognized for his leadership numerous times. In 2011, he was the first runner-up for TIME magazine’s “Person of the Year.” In 2012, Foreign Policy magazine named McRaven one of the nation’s “Top 10 Foreign Policy Experts.” In 2014, Politico magazine named McRaven one of the “Politico 50”, citing his leadership as instrumental in cutting through Washington bureaucracy. In 2015, he received the Intrepid Freedom Award for his distinguished service in defending the values of democracy. In 2016, McRaven was named the recipient of the Ambassador Richard M. Helms Award by the CIA Officers’ Memorial Foundation, and in 2018 he received the Judge William H. Webster Distinguished Service Award for a lifetime of service to the nation. He currently serves on the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the National Football Foundation.
McRaven is the author of several books, including SPEC OPS: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare, Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World, Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations, and The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived. In 2023, he released The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy). An instant #1 New York Times Bestseller, the book draws on countless experiences from Admiral McRaven’s life, including navigating crises, management debates, organizational transitions, and ethical dilemmas, to provide readers with the most important leadership lessons he has learned over his forty years of service.
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
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!
View further speakers
- (19)
- (3)
Wema Hoover is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational development, and authentic leadership. With a career spanning decades, she has become a trusted voice for driving meaningful transformation in corporate culture. Known for her ability to inspire leaders and teams alike, Wema’s thought-provoking insights and actionable strategies resonate on […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
- (48)
- (7)
Greg R. Baird has a wonderful journey encompassing 31 years of experience as a lecturer, educator, content creator and LGBTQ+ civil rights advocate. He brings a blend of heart, humor, and passion to his engaging and inspiring speeches. Booking, Greg is educational and inspiring for your next event. Greg addresses diverse audiences on themes such […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Allyship Speakers
- (75)
Diana Kander stands at the forefront of innovation, challenging conventional wisdom and sparking curiosity in the hearts of business leaders worldwide. As a New York Times best-selling author, innovation consultant, and captivating keynote speaker, Diana doesn’t just ask big questions; she ignites the imagination of her audiences, encouraging them to rethink the very essence of […]
- Travels from: Kansas City, MO
- Innovation Speakers
- (8)
Troy Hazard stands as a seasoned navigator, having weathered storms of both failure and triumph. With a track record spanning over two decades, he epitomizes resilience and entrepreneurial acumen, having founded and cultivated twelve ventures. From the brink of financial ruin to the pinnacles of success, Hazard’s journey embodies the essence of strategic risk-taking and […]
- Travels from: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Leadership Speakers
- (17)
Laurence Moroney is a globally recognized authority on artificial intelligence and machine learning. As the former Lead AI Advocate at Google, Laurence brings unparalleled insight into the evolving AI landscape. His mission is clear: to demystify AI and make it accessible across industries. Laurence holds a BSc in Physics and Computer Science and a Postgraduate […]
- Travels from: Sammamish, WA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (33)
- (8)
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 […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Leadership Speakers
- (157)
- (4)
Duane Rockwell is a distinguished event emcee known for his exceptional ability to transform any event into an unforgettable experience. With a dynamic stage presence and a unique talent for engaging audiences, Duane has become one of the most sought-after hosts in the industry. His versatility and charisma make him the perfect choice for a […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Event Emcee
- (45)
As the founder and owner of Follow Your Heart, LLC., Stephanie Battaglino is an internationally recognized speaker, workshop presenter, trainer, author, coach, and workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. A major voice in the LGBTQ+ workplace equality movement with emphasis on transgender and non-binary individuals, Stephanie casts a bright light on all of the pertinent […]
- Travels from: Palm Desert, CA
- Diversity 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.
