Stephen Drum is a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief who brings 27 years of frontline experience to the conversation around leadership, resilience and performance. Having trained and led special operations teams during combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, he understands what it takes to deliver under pressure when the stakes are high.
Stephen’s insights come from a career built in some of the most demanding environments imaginable, where mental strength, calm decision-making and team cohesion are critical. During his service, he helped shape the capabilities of thousands of elite soldiers and SEAL candidates, preparing them for the physical and psychological intensity of military operations.
One of his most enduring contributions to the U.S. Navy was co-developing and delivering the Warrior Toughness training programme. This initiative transformed how the Navy equips sailors and officers to face operational stress, and has had a lasting impact on its culture and approach to readiness.
Since retiring from military service in 2019, Stephen has translated his knowledge into practical frameworks for business leaders and organisations. His work focuses on helping people navigate high-pressure environments with clarity and composure, building resilience and high performance in both personal and professional settings.
He is the author of Life on the X, a guide to confronting challenges with courage and readiness, published in 2023. In it, he explores the mindset and habits needed to perform when it matters most, grounded in his own experiences and the lessons learned from years of elite training.
Stephen’s approach resonates with those seeking to lead with greater intent, build stronger teams and manage stress more effectively, whether in the boardroom, on the front lines, or at home.
How can I book Stephen Drum for my next event?
Email stephen.drum@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
PepTalk are the official speaking agents for Stephen Drum available to book for corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity endorsements, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Stephen Drum's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. For media interviews, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Stephen directly.
What topics does Stephen Drum specialise in?
Stephen Drum specialises in discussing navy seal training, mental resilience, leadership development and more.
What is Stephen Drum's speaking style like?
Stephen’s delivery is impactful and insightful, blending real-world experience with practical advice. Audiences appreciate his ability to provide the best information for navigating challenges and building resilience.
Does Stephen Drum offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Stephen Drum offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.