Retired U.S. Navy Admiral | Former Chancellor, University of Texas System | Best-Selling Author | Expert on Leadership, Resilience, & Risk Management
Adm. William McRaven
Travels From:
AUS - Austin, TX
Primary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management
Secondary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles
Adm. William McRaven At A Glance:
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.
Admiral William H. McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral who has garnered widespread recognition for his distinguished military career and leadership acumen. Over his 37 years of service, McRaven held multiple key positions, including Commander of the United States Special Operations Command. He is best known for overseeing the successful operation that led to the capture of Osama bin Laden in 2011. His military service also includes commanding critical missions such as the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates and the capture of Saddam Hussein. These experiences have endowed him with unparalleled insights into leadership, risk management, and resilience under pressure.
Following his retirement from the Navy in 2014, Admiral McRaven served as the Chancellor of the University of Texas System, one of the largest and most respected higher education systems in the United States. In this role, he oversaw 14 institutions, including eight academic universities and six health institutions, and managed a budget of over $20 billion. His leadership in academia further cemented his reputation as a transformative leader capable of managing large, complex organizations.
McRaven is also a best-selling author, known for his books that draw on his extensive military and leadership experience. His works include "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World," which became a #1 New York Times bestseller, and "The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)." Through his writing and public speaking, he shares valuable lessons on personal accountability, the importance of small actions, and the fundamental principles of effective leadership.
Today, Admiral McRaven is a sought-after keynote speaker, captivating audiences with his compelling stories and leadership insights. His speeches often focus on themes such as overcoming adversity, the importance of teamwork, and the necessity of preparation and discipline. Whether addressing corporate executives, military personnel, or students, McRaven's message resonates widely, inspiring individuals to lead with courage, integrity, and resilience.
