Patrick Houlahan

Grit and determination” are not always the right answers to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. Often it takes the right mindset, coupled with the right skillsets to push through barriers, conquer challenges, and win every day. Having gone through the highs and lows of winning and losing, Patrick Houlahan brings dynamic stories that are relatable and teaches practical lessons that your teams can use every day. His entertaining and thought-provoking keynotes teach audiences how to develop the mindsets and skillsets necessary to win in today’s high-stakes environments.

Houlahan grew up in Charlotte, NC, Jackson, MS, and Leawood, KS and is a graduate of The Citadel. Houlahan accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps and spent a combined 27 years on active duty and in the reserves in San Diego, CA. He rose to the rank of Colonel, was the Instructor Pilot of the Year in the F/A-18 Hornet, and graduated from the United States Fighter Weapons School – TOPGUN. Houlahan earned his Master of Strategic Studies, “Distinguished Graduate,” from the Unites States Army War College and served as a Reserve Chief of Staff.

Houlahan started his speaking and consulting career after leaving active duty in 2004. He was the Director of Seminars, MPI speaker of the year, and has led over 600 keynotes, breakouts, and workshops from the Fortune 100 to individual teams. In addition, Houlahan has been a Regional Account Manager, Director of Business Development, Organizational Development Executive and has Founded or Co-Founded three start-ups.

Houlahan’s keynote presentations and breakout workshop sessions on Execution, Debriefing, Accountability, Safety, Team Dynamics, Change Management, Leadership, and Resiliency are always customized to your messaging and participants. His goal is to not only inspire the audience, but to teach practical tools, techniques, and procedures that can be utilized long after the event has ended.

In 2019, Houlahan’s military and business experiences led him to start Strategic Leadership Consultants to address a gap in leadership, execution, and operational excellence. In 2025, Houlahan partnered with Jake Duffy and launched Strategic Leadership Partners (SL Partners). With a primary focus of “Doing Work that Matters,” SL Partners’ goal is to scale and expand the capabilities of every company and every team member they engage by installing behavioral standards and leadership systems.