William H. McRaven

Admiral William H. McRaven is a retired four-star U.S. Navy officer recognized for his leadership in American special operations. Known publicly for overseeing the special operations mission that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden, McRaven built his career in the Navy SEALs and U.S. Special Operations Command, where he contributed to the development of counterterrorism, special warfare, and interagency cooperation strategies. A graduate of the Naval Academy and a career SEAL officer, he advanced through various command roles to lead at the highest levels of U.S. joint and allied special operations.

During his military service, McRaven commanded special operations forces at every level, including Joint Special Operations Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, where he was responsible for tens of thousands of personnel deployed globally. In these positions, he directed complex, high-risk missions and became a prominent voice on issues such as hostage rescue, counterinsurgency, global manhunting, and precision strike operations. His leadership philosophy, emphasizing discipline, preparation, integrity, and professionalism, has been widely adopted within the special operations community, establishing him as an authority on strategy, crisis leadership, and organizational resilience.

Following his retirement from active duty, McRaven served as chancellor of The University of Texas System, overseeing one of the largest public university systems in the United States. In this capacity, he supported research, national security studies, veteran initiatives, and medical innovation, while engaging with business, government, and higher education audiences. His ability to translate military lessons into practical guidance for executives and students has positioned him as a leading speaker on leadership, service, and decision-making under pressure.

McRaven is also a bestselling author whose books have broadened his influence. His book "Make Your Bed" originated from a commencement address that gained widespread attention for its lessons on discipline and persistence. Other works, including "Sea Stories" and "The Hero Code," offer insights from his career and reflections on courage, sacrifice, and moral character. Through his writings, media appearances, and opinion pieces, McRaven demonstrates an ability to communicate complex experiences in clear, actionable terms.

Throughout his career, McRaven has addressed the physical risks, ethical challenges, and strategic uncertainties inherent in special operations and national security, as well as personal setbacks and health challenges. His openness about adversity, combined with a reputation for integrity and composure under pressure, has established him as a credible voice on leadership for military, corporate, academic, and civic audiences worldwide.