Author, Legion of Merit Recipient, Ex-Interrogator

Washington, DC, USA

Eric Maddox Biography

Eric Maddox is an author, keynote speaker, consultant, and negotiator who educates audiences globally on the art of empathy-based listening. He is the author of the book "Mission: Black List No.1," which recounts his role in the search and capture of Saddam Hussein.

After earning his degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1994, Maddox enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, a jumpmaster, and a graduate of Ranger School. He reenlisted in 1997 as a Chinese Mandarin linguist and interrogator. In 2003, he was deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, where he joined a Delta Force team tasked with locating high-value targets on the infamous Deck of Cards. After five months and over 300 interrogations, Maddox pinpointed the location of Saddam Hussein, leading to the dictator's capture. His exceptional work in intelligence collection notably shaped future methods both for the military and civilian sectors globally, earning him the Legion of Merit, the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement, the Defense Intelligence Agency Director's Award, and the Bronze Star.

Following the capture of Saddam, Maddox transitioned to a civilian role as the first-ever civilian interrogator for the Defense Intelligence Agency, conducting over 2,700 interrogations with prisoners from 25 different countries. Concluding a 20-year career with the U.S. Army and Defense Intelligence Agency, Maddox now focuses entirely on imparting the skills he honed during his service. His keynote speaker programs cover crucial topics like empathy-based listening, perseverance, leadership, innovation, change, and growth. He emphasizes how empathy-based listening not only builds trust and influence in all spheres of life but also has the power to transform customer relationships and leadership dynamics. Maddox's methods, proven effective in both business and battlefield contexts, inspire organizations to embrace risk and achieve unprecedented success. Through his speaking engagements, he continues to demonstrate the universal applicability and benefits of empathy-based listening, making significant impacts on both personal and professional levels.

BOOK Eric Maddox

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/16/2025.

Eric Maddox Speaking Topics

  • Winning Through Empathy Based Listening

  • Other Keynote Topics

    • Empathy based listening
    • Innovation
    • Leadership and influence
    • Perseverance
    • Culture change
    • Teamwork
    • Better decision making
    • Becoming a change agent
    • Adapting to a changing industry

Read More +

Eric Maddox Videos

Eric Maddox, Author, Speaker, and former US Army Interrogator

Eric Maddox, Author, Speaker, and former US Army Interrogator

In this fascinating discussion, Eric Maddox shares why he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, a...

Eric Maddox - Liberty University Convocation

Eric Maddox - Liberty University Convocation

On November 12, 2018, at Convocation Select, military interrogator Eric Maddox describes the dramatic capture of Saddam Hussein. Convocation is...

Unbiased Listening with Eric Maddox

Unbiased Listening with Eric Maddox

A Presentation of the Vail Sympsoium In 2003, Army interrogator Eric Maddox uncovered the information everyone was looking for: the location of...

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  • What topics does Eric Maddox speak about?

    Eric Maddox is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Business Leadership, Change Management, Ethics & Integrity, Human Resources, Innovation, Leadership, Military, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Veterans, Virtual
  • Where does Eric Maddox travel from?

    Eric Maddox generally travels from Washington, DC, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Eric Maddox is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Winning Through Empathy Based Listening, Other Keynote Topics, "What’s Your Ace of Spades?”, Unforgettable Events That Inspire Change, Battle Tested Tools and Riveting Stories. The estimated speaking fee range to book Eric Maddox for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Eric Maddox generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Stephen Drum, Ed Hiner, Jason Redman, Danny Farrar and Mykel Hawke. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Eric Maddox for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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