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Fighter pilot & leadership speaker

Anthony Bourke

Transform team performance with Anthony Bourke, speaker and former F-16 fighter pilot. Anthony works with organizations to enhance leadership, strategic execution, and communication, delivering high-impact insights from military precision to business excellence for global clients.

Trusted by ADT, Charles Schwab, Brother International, Qualtrics

Anthony Bourke, Speaker | Ex-F-16 Fighter Pilot
Anthony Bourke

Anthony Bourke

Salt Lake City, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Salt Lake City, United States

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$26k–50k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Anthony Bourke's biography

At a glance

  • Former F-16 fighter pilot turned management training expert
  • Grew a start-up's revenue from $500,000 to $65 million in three years
  • CEO and president of Afterburner Inc., recognized by Inc. magazine
Anthony Bourke, the CEO and Founder of Mach 2 Consulting, is not just your average management training expert. As a former F-16 fighter pilot, Bourke brings a unique perspective to the industry, combining his tactical knowledge with extensive business experience. Having accumulated over 2,700 hours of flight time in high-performance aircraft, Bourke's military career has given him the skills necessary to excel in the competitive business world. He has proven his abilities in the mortgage industry, achieving remarkable success by playing a pivotal role in growing a California-based start-up company's revenue from $500,000 to an impressive $65 million in just three years. In addition to his achievements in the mortgage industry, Bourke has also served as the CEO and president of Afterburner Inc., a global management training company. Under his leadership, the company experienced rapid growth and was recognized as one of Inc. magazine's fastest-growing companies. Anthony tackles engaging and informative speech topics, addressing essential aspects of business such as selling strategies, innovation, safety, execution, communication, and leadership. By drawing parallels between the mindset and approach of fighter pilots and business professionals, Anthony provides valuable insights and actionable tools for organizations looking to excel in their respective industries. His speeches are informative but dynamic and interactive, ensuring that his audience remains engaged. His unique perspective and wealth of experience make him a sought-after expert to upskill managers.

Anthony's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Selling At Mach 2
In addition to rising to the top of the aviation community, “AB” has built a business career on sales excellence. After achieving accolades as “Top Producer in the Western US” for a prominent lending institution, “AB” led a team of 40 professionals to grow revenue at a California based start-up company from $500,000 to $65M in just three years. A quintessential sales professional, “AB” will teach your people that just like fighter pilots, “great sales people are made… not born.” He draws comprehensive parallels between what makes great fighter pilots and what makes great sales people. For organizations looking to develop a sales team of “Top Guns,” this dynamic, interactive speech is a must!
Communicating At Mach 2
A high impact Keynote focusing on how the world’s most successful enterprises—where results truly matter—achieve peak performance by creating a culture of honest and open feedback. At the conclusion of this 45-60 minute multi-media presentation, your team will walk out the door with a clear understanding of the potential power of open feedback. They will also learn how a “feedback gap” can cripple an organization. Finally, they will see a clear path on how you can make open feedback an integral part of your culture.
Executing At Mach 2
There are many companies with great people and great strategies in the business world today. Ultimately the difference between the winners and the “also rans” comes down to execution. During this interactive, multi-media keynote speech, AB will share the tools that fighter squadrons use to make sure that we are aligned, flying in formation and executing at the highest level every single time we fly. This highly motivating and inspiring keynote will equip your team with simple actionable tools that they can apply the very next day to improve execution and drive better results as individuals and as a team. If your company is pursuing a path of executional excellence, this session will reinforce your messaging and provide a fresh perspective on why execution truly matters in every business.
Staying Safe At Mach 2
Safety is the key to every successful mission for a fighter pilot. No matter how fast they fly, or how accurate their bombing runs, none of it matters if they don’t come home. Learn how the best fighter squadrons in the world train their people to execute the mission at the highest level every day, while keeping “safety first” top of mind. In this high-impact keynote, AB explains how to build a culture of safety without compromising the mission. He will also paint a vivid picture of how to identify the events that can lead to an accident while offering attendees the critical tools that U.S. Fighter pilots employ daily to keep their wingmen safe in the high stakes environment of aerial combat.
Innovating At Mach 2
In today’s rapidly changing world companies and their people must constantly innovate to stay ahead of the competition. While many people in business think only of Tech Entrepreneurs as the leading innovators of our day, there is no doubt that fighter pilots are constantly innovating to survive and thrive in the world of aerial combat. As a former fighter pilot and serial entrepreneur, AB has applied the tools that fighter pilots use to stay ahead of the competition to the world of business. In this speech, AB will share these secrets and show your audience what it takes to be the best innovators both in combat and in their industry.

Why we recommend booking Anthony

Anthony brings a unique blend of high-stakes aviation tactics and proven business strategies to your team, offering insights that can transform your approach to challenges and execution. With his dynamic and interactive speaking style, he ensures your team remains engaged, providing actionable tools that can be immediately applied to improve performance and innovation. Booking Anthony means investing in a speaker who will not only inspire but also equip your team with the mindset of a fighter pilot, ready to achieve excellence in the competitive business arena.

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Trusted by ADT, Charles Schwab, Brother International, Qualtrics

Testimonials

I was blown away by the excellent presentation. As we are combing through the evaluations, I am not alone in saying that the experience was awesome.

Elizabeth Dahlgren

Charles Schwab

Once again, please accept my thanks for participating in the ADT National Account Sales Kickoff Meeting. As you know we tend to be a high energy group and it's not often a speaker or a program really lights a fire under us but you did just that last week in Las Vegas. Your high energy, fact filled program resonated in a very positive way with the ADT National Account sales organization.

Bob Dale

ADT

Thanks again for all of your great work this past week. I have gotten nothing but incredible positive feedback – you made quite an impression! I can also tell you that people referred to your presentation throughout the remainder of the sessions, and people are starting to adapt the briefing and de-briefing mentality.

Paul Robinson

Brother International

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Anthony Bourke for my next event?
Email anthony.bourke@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk 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 Anthony's 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.
What is Anthony Bourke's speaking style like?
Anthony Bourke structures his keynotes around direct parallels between F-16 fighter pilot protocols and business operations, using multi-media presentations to deliver frameworks drawn from military aviation practice. He incorporates interactive elements and provides audiences with specific tools — such as formation flying as a model for team alignment — that are designed to be applied immediately after the session.
What topics does Anthony Bourke specialise in?
Anthony Bourke speaks on sales performance, organisational communication, and execution strategy, drawing direct parallels between fighter pilot discipline and business practice. He is a former F-16 pilot and CEO of Mach 2 Consulting, with a track record that includes growing a California-based start-up from $500,000 to $65 million in revenue within three years and leading Afterburner Inc. to recognition on Inc. magazine's fastest-growing companies list.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.