Mike Sarraille, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, best-selling author, and leadership expert, helping companies build elite teams with battlefield-tested leadership strategies.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
WOW! Amazing speaker. I would listen to this again and again given the chance..
Brandon Beard
Director of Finance, Williams Bros Health Care Pharmacy
Ranked #9 among the world’s top keynote speakers, retired U.S. Navy SEAL and 3x bestselling author Mike Sarraille delivers unmatched leadership insights forged through 20 years in Special Operations and executive success in business. He empowers organizations to build elite, high-performing teams, strengthen company culture, and lead through adversity with precision and resilience. From the battlefield to the boardroom, Mike inspires mission-driven performance that creates lasting impact.
Keynote Speaker Mike Sarraille is a globally recognized authority on leadership, organizational culture, and high-performing teams. Ranked #9 in the world among Global Top 30 Keynote Speakers in 2025, Mike brings unmatched experience from two decades in the U.S. Navy SEALs and Joint Special Operations Command, where he led elite teams through some of the most complex missions in modern military history.
Known for transforming adversity into strength and equipping leaders to thrive under pressure, Mike blends battlefield-tested leadership strategies with real-world business insights. As a 3x bestselling author, including The Talent War and The Everyday Warrior, he offers practical frameworks for talent optimization, self-leadership, and cultural transformation.
After retiring from the military, Mike built and successfully exited Talent War Group, a leading executive search and leadership development firm. Today, he serves as Chief Talent Officer at Overwatch Mission Critical, helping organizations scale with precision and purpose. Mike is a is a Globally Ranked Leadership Speaker and Chief Talent Officer.
Whether addressing Fortune 500 executives or emerging leaders, Mike’s keynotes are actionable, inspiring, and tailored to solve real organizational challenges. His compelling stories, strategic insights, and proven methods resonate across industries.
If you're looking to elevate your leadership, drive cultural change, and build resilient, high-performing teams, book Mike Sarraille for your event and experience the impact of a mission-driven mindset in action.
5 of 5
WOW! Amazing speaker. I would listen to this again and again given the chance..
Brandon Beard Director of Finance, Williams Bros Health Care Pharmacy
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
We were so honored to have Mike speak at our Sales Kickoff. Indeed, there was so much demand for the event that we made it available to the entire company and saw excellent attendance cross-functionally. Mike conveyed to our teams the importance of putting the success of the mission before the success of self. He taught us how important it is to hire for character and train for skill - a truism we would all do well to remember despite today’s competitive and fast-paced job market that can tempt us to act otherwise. He also reminded us that we are not truly leaders until our people say we are - and that being a leader is all about enabling the success of our people.
Caroline Tarpey Vice President of Sales at Kazoo
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Best Keynote I’ve seen. I’ve been to 100 industry conferences over the past decade, but that was next level.
Rob DiTota Divisional Vice President, Abbott
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
The Gettysburg Staff Ride with Mike and his team left an indelible impression. It highlighted the depth of leadership abs sacrifice at those hallowed grounds; showed what Union and freedom cost; and reminded us that internecine conflict can be as vicious and destructive as war between nations. But more to the point, the Walk served as a reminder of Faulkner’s adage, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” As we walked from station to station and made decisions — hypothetical ones — with the same information available to battlefield leaders, we realized that those leaders in the summer of 1863 were fallible, sometimes heroic, often wrong. In short, just like us. The immediacy of the place reached across the long chasm of history; and the presence of the leadership instructors — guiding, Illuminating, empathizing with a hard-earned authenticity — drove the lessons home in a way that a self-guided walk never could. A required experience for anyone who wants to better understand our history, and the connection of that history to contemporary leadership.
Michael Pereira Chief Executive Officer of HPC Specialty Pharmacy
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Mike came to our department and gave a training presentation on resiliency and leadership. Our department has tragically lost four officers in the past 18 months, and Mike’s message on resiliency hit home. It was the perfect message to a group still struggling with the loss of teammates. His presentation on leadership was the best I have ever seen. His ability to communicate to all levels of a team is simply outstanding. Everyone walked out of the training inspired and with new tools for resiliency and leadership at all levels. Awesome training. We have already had many requests to bring him back to our department.
Lieutenant Michael O'Neal Louisville Metro Police Department
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Majestic has had Mike speak to our senior leadership (as well as our clients) on several occasions. Most of our discussions focus on leadership and ownership, that is ownership of yourself and your responsibilities. Mike brings a passion and knowledge to these subject that radiates the room and translates to team being engaged and inspired in the discussions and post-meeting. His ability to communicate his experiences and principles in leadership and ownership, translate in a very real and actionable way. It provided our team with a very clear mirror in which to review our actions by, so the sessions continue to give benefit well past any session. In my 25 years of leadership, I have not participated in more effective sessions that translate reflection and action then the sessions with Mike.
Scott Byers President & CEO of Majestic Kitchen + Bath
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Mike’s presentation was one of the best I ever witnessed. And trust me I have seen a lot of leadership presentations!
Adonia Dickson HR Manager, Total Environmental & Power Systems, Inc
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Mike Sarraille knocked it out of the park with our management team. He gave us clear view of a how we should live life and lead at the highest level possible, all day and every day, no excuses. Looking forward to our continued journey with Mike.
Brian Ellis President of ADS Services
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Mike came to speak to a Community of Practice at Intel exploring the topic of teamwork and leadership development. The discussion he led was impactful and hit on a number of relevant topics for a company like ours. We need to compete to retain, develop, engage and inspire our people and Mike provided accessible and practical ideas for us to do that. He displayed the highest level of preparation and professionalism. All attendees during the discussion provided positive feedback and said it was one of the most valuable speakers we have hosted here at Intel. We would like to have Mike back and as he is a strong advocate for the role of technology companies in the American and global economy, he is welcome here any time. We appreciated Mike’s experience and perspectives – great talk!
Noah Rabinowitz Chief Learning Officer and VP of Human Resources | INTEL
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
We have worked with Mike in both a classroom setting with many employees and a one on one setting with key managers and I can honestly say it was some of the best leadership and management training me or my employees have received. I have never had so many employees come up and thank me for providing training as I did when Mike came. He gave us all tools on how to properly deal with people and situations in the best way by taking the emotions out of it and making the best decision for all the stakeholders involved. The training and motivation he provided was invaluable and we will continue to use him into the future!
Wade Hoak Vice President of Family PowerSports
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Mike's ability to distill complex military strategy and business concepts into one singular message that impacts everyone in an organization from the operational to the executive tiers of leadership is unparalleled. He conveys information passionately due to his unwavering commitment to the message along with the confidence gained only from the daily application of the principles and strategies he shares. Attending a speaking engagement with Mike was a discussion amongst a diverse group of leaders in business and transitioning SOF Leaders, not as a lecture, but a collaborative panel discussion focused on solving problems and delivering results. Mike's proven leadership on the battlefield and in the business world is unique, but his ability to synthesize the two and communicate the lessons learned effectively while eliciting experiences from the group truly sets Mike and the TWG apart.
Keith Johnson Founder of IEW
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Michael Sarraille visited ACV's Leadership Team at the end of 2021 and spoke about the importance of self-reflection. One of THE most important takeaways for me and my team was/is After Action Reviews (sincere reflection on what went right, what went wrong, and what we can do better). It's becoming a part of our culture and adding tremendous value to the organization. Thank you, TWG.
Mike Harris ACV
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Mike's message on leadership was nothing short of transformative. He spoke candidly about what it truly means to lead, while also recognizing that not everyone is destined for a leadership role—and that’s perfectly okay. As someone who thrives in a supportive role, I found his insights deeply affirming and empowering. Mike emphasized the critical value of strong teams and the essential role they play in any leader’s success, a truth that resonated powerfully with our entire group. His ability to connect with every individual in the room, regardless of their position, made his talk both inspiring and profoundly impactful. Mike doesn’t just speak about leadership; he speaks to the heart of what makes teams excel.
John Savona Vice President Manufacturing & Labor Affairs, Ford Motor Company
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Mike has a way of engaging the audience that I haven’t seen before. His passion comes across in his delivery and inspires you to be a better person. His speech resonate
Larry Robinson Chief Impact Officer, Folds of Honor
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Mike Sarraille is a MUST book speaker! From his book to his podcasts, Mike is a captivating & engaging speaker that had our leaders thinking differently. There is a reason we have brought him back and we are looking forward to welcoming him back for more session.
Tiffany Baker Principle Strategic Alliances Manager, UKG
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Mike Sarraille’s keynote speeches on leadership and accountability were a masterclass in engaging and insightful communication. His ability to connect the ‘why’ behind these concepts to our diverse groups was nothing short of remarkable, resonating deeply with everyone present. Mike’s blend of expertise and captivating delivery not only left a lasting impact but also set a high bar for future events, making us eager to engage in our next collaboration with such an outstanding professional.
Sean Amalla EHS Manager, Exyte
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
An inspiration to many. I am touched by the experiences and life lived so far. I can relate to Mike in many ways even as a Mother. I felt in my bones many experiences even though not the same, it felt empowering. I will take home to my kids the very meaning of being warrior for themselves and living a fulfilling life.
Megan Conversano Sr. People Operations, Blue Bottle Coffee
Mike Sarraille
5 of 5
Motivating, informative, and excellent. I hope to look back at this speech years from now and still be constantly applying the principles.
Howard Ensor General Manager, All- State Truck Sales
Mike Sarraille
Keynote by Mike Sarraille:
As disruption reshapes industries, traditional leadership models are falling behind. Evolved Leadership offers a transformative, actionable framework built for today's dynamic realities.
In this keynote, Mike Sarraille introduces the five pillars of Evolved Leadership:
Through compelling storytelling and real-world examples, Mike shows how each pillar strengthens organizational culture, inspires ownership, and aligns teams around shared purpose and high standards.
This session goes beyond theory—Mike emphasizes that leadership is rooted in behavior, not position. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to empower their teams, foster accountability, and drive sustained performance.
Mike also addresses how embracing failure as a catalyst for learning keeps organizations agile and prepared for new opportunities. By embedding Evolved Leadership into everyday actions, leaders can unlock resilience, accelerate growth, and future-proof their teams against whatever lies ahead.
This keynote serves leaders and teams who are:
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Keynote by Mike Sarraille:
The Autonomy Advantage highlights the critical role of empowering teams and individuals to drive performance, innovation, and resilience.
In this keynote, Mike Sarraille shares actionable insights on how leaders can create an environment where initiative, ownership, and accountability flourish. He explores why breaking free from traditional hierarchical structures is essential for organizations aiming to foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement.
Through real-world examples, Mike demonstrates how autonomy increases motivation, sparks creativity, and accelerates decision-making. He emphasizes that trusting team members to lead at their level equips organizations to be more agile, responsive, and better positioned to succeed in an ever-changing landscape.
This keynote serves leaders and teams who are:
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Inspired Influence explores how a leader’s ability to inspire directly shapes engagement, collaboration, and performance.
In this keynote, Mike Sarraille dives into the mechanics of effective inspiration, offering practical insights on how leaders can craft and communicate a vision that truly resonates with their teams. Designed for leaders aiming to break down silos and strengthen collaboration across departments, this session provides actionable strategies to create a culture of inspiration that transcends traditional organizational boundaries.
Mike uses real-world stories and examples to show how inspired leadership doesn't just enhance individual performance—it transforms entire team dynamics. Attendees will learn how to spark creativity, foster a sense of ownership, and drive collective success by inspiring from within.
When leaders lead through inspiration, they don’t just manage teams—they mobilize movements.
This keynote serves leaders and teams who are:
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Join Mike Sarraille on a thrilling journey as he recounts the planning, execution, and triumph of the Triple 7 Expedition—an audacious mission where a team of special operations veterans skydived onto all seven continents in just seven days, setting four world records.
This keynote captures the essence of elite teamwork and the power of unified purpose in overcoming obstacles and achieving extraordinary goals. In a world where challenges often seem insurmountable, Mike emphasizes the critical role of optimism and resilience in driving success.
Attendees will explore how a positive mindset fuels determination, how trust and vulnerability strengthen team cohesion, and how professionalism and respect create an environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. Mike also highlights the importance of embracing failure as part of the learning process—showing that setbacks, when handled correctly, make teams stronger, more adaptable, and more committed to the mission.
Through captivating real-world stories, Mike delivers a compelling message about the behaviors, mindsets, and leadership principles that separate good teams from great ones.
This keynote serves leaders and teams who are:
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In a world that often feels overwhelming, many individuals struggle to find meaning, direction, and balance. The Everyday Warrior Mindset offers a refreshing, no-hacks approach to personal growth and self-leadership, empowering individuals to become the best version of themselves.
Drawing from insights in the best-selling book, The Everyday Warrior, Mike Sarraille shares the core principles that help individuals thrive despite life’s inevitable challenges. This keynote highlights the importance of self-awareness, discipline, and intentionality as the foundations for personal and professional success.
Attendees will learn how to lead themselves first—developing the resilience and clarity needed to drive meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. Mike also explores how aligning daily actions with core values creates lasting fulfillment, and how personal growth is most powerful when it extends beyond oneself through service to others.
Through real-world stories, practical strategies, and actionable takeaways, Mike inspires audiences to embrace a life of purpose, optimism, and continuous growth.
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Join Mike Sarraille as he shares transformative insights drawn from his work with a Fortune 50 company that uncovered a deep cultural challenge. During a pivotal executive meeting, Mike posed the question: "How readily can you admit a mistake within your company?" The laughter from all 50 executives—and the Chief Learning Officer’s response, "If you admit a mistake, you'll put a bullseye on your chest," —made the problem clear: fear, not trust, was driving the culture.
In this keynote, Mike explores why creating a culture that embraces vulnerability is essential for building resilient, innovative teams. Drawing from real-world examples, including elite Tier One Special Operations Units, Mike shows that emotional intimacy isn’t a weakness—it’s a critical foundation for psychological safety, high performance, and long-term organizational health.
Referencing Project Aristotle at Google, Mike reinforces that without trust, excellence is impossible. He shares actionable strategies for encouraging open dialogue, making failure part of the growth process, and using conflict as a productive tool for deeper collaboration and better decision-making.
Attendees will leave understanding that leading with authenticity and courage doesn’t just strengthen individual relationships—it transforms entire organizations.
This keynote serves leaders and teams who are:
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Connected Commitment explores the vital role of aligning individual and team efforts with the organization’s overarching mission.
In this keynote, Mike Sarraille shares actionable insights on how to build a culture rooted in trust, vulnerability, and collaboration. Designed for organizations struggling with silos or misalignment, this session equips leaders with practical strategies to create a cohesive, high- performing team environment.
Through compelling stories and real-world examples, Mike demonstrates how a unified commitment strengthens teamwork, drives resilience, and elevates organizational performance. He emphasizes that when teams are anchored by a shared purpose, they tackle challenges more effectively, innovate faster, and stay fully invested in the success of the whole—not just their individual roles.
Participants will leave understanding that connected commitment isn’t just about working together—it’s about building a culture where everyone is aligned, trusted, and motivated to achieve extraordinary results.
This keynote serves leaders and teams who are:
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Holistic Adaptability focuses on building a growth mindset at every level of the organization—one that values flexibility, learning, and innovation over rigidity and fear of failure.
In this keynote, Mike Sarraille shares practical insights on how leaders can create an environment where teams feel empowered to pivot, experiment, and seize opportunities, even amid disruption. Especially relevant for organizations facing rapid change, this session equips leaders with actionable tools to navigate complexity and drive sustainable success.
Through compelling stories and real-world examples, Mike demonstrates how cultivating adaptability enhances resilience, unlocks creativity, and fuels long-term performance. He emphasizes that failure, when embraced correctly, becomes a catalyst for growth rather than a setback, creating a culture where teams continuously evolve and innovate.
Participants will leave inspired to lead teams that not only survive change—but thrive because of it.
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The Excellence Imperative highlights why accountability and performance management are at the heart of effective leadership and organizational success.
In this keynote, Mike Sarraille shares how leaders can set ambitious benchmarks, clearly define expectations, and foster a culture where excellence is not just encouraged—it’s expected.
Designed for leaders who understand that simply meeting expectations is not enough, this session offers practical frameworks for cultivating a relentless pursuit of excellence at every level of the organization.
Mike introduces the concept of accountability as a form of love and commitment—an act of care that challenges individuals and teams to reach their highest potential. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to create environments where excellence becomes the norm, not the exception.
By embedding a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience, organizations can thrive in any environment and consistently deliver outstanding results.
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In a world where talent is the ultimate differentiator, organizations face increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining the right individuals. Many leaders still rely on outdated hiring practices and ineffective cultures that fail to nurture high performance and growth. To thrive, companies must adopt a new approach—one that prioritizes character over credentials, collaboration over hierarchy, and continuous development over complacency.
Drawing from insights in the best-selling book The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Companies Win on Talent, Mike Sarraille shares proven principles from the U.S. Special Operations community, translating them into actionable strategies for building elite corporate teams.
In this keynote, attendees will learn how to strengthen their team culture to attract top talent, how to identify candidates with the right character traits, and how to foster environments that drive engagement, innovation, and retention. Mike emphasizes that effective talent management doesn’t end at hiring—it’s about actively developing individuals to maximize their contribution and potential.
By implementing these strategies, leaders can navigate today’s complex talent landscape with confidence and drive sustainable organizational success.
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Watch Mike Sarraille in action
Watch Mike Sarraille in action
