Availability dot

Available to book

Navy SEAL & leadership speaker

Stephen Drum

Transform leadership performance with Stephen Drum, speaker and retired Navy SEAL Master Chief. Stephen works with organizations to build resilience, enhance decision-making under pressure, and develop high-performing teams, delivering combat-tested insights from his bestselling book "Life on the X."

Trusted by Qualtrics, Zurich, Charles Schwab, Dept. of Defense CDW-G, Spotify, Schroders

Stephen Drum, Speaker | Navy SEAL, Author, Consultant
Stephen Drum

Stephen Drum

Chicago, United States

Typical fee range

$11k–25k

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

Get Stephen's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Stephen

Chicago, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Stephen Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Stephen Drum's biography

At a glance

  • Combat-tested Navy SEAL Master Chief
  • Leadership and performance strategy consultant
  • Co-creator of Warrior Toughness Navy programme
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.

Stephen's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Perform On The X
Stephen Drum draws on his experience as a Navy SEAL Master Chief to explore how we can operate effectively in life’s most high-pressure moments - the X - when everything is on the line. Sharing tools from elite military training, professional sport and high-stakes business, Stephen shows how to cultivate resilience, emotional control and precision under pressure. With a direct, no-nonsense delivery, he reveals a clear and practical process for performing with focus, agility and confidence when it matters most.

Why we recommend booking Stephen

Bring Stephen Drum to your next event and empower your team with proven strategies for resilience, leadership and high performance, drawn from his 27 years as a Navy SEAL Master Chief. Book Stephen today to inspire your organization to thrive under pressure and achieve lasting results.

Check Stephen's availability

Trusted by Qualtrics, Zurich, Charles Schwab, Dept. of Defense CDW-G, Spotify, Schroders

Testimonials

Steve's presentation style and delivery are both engaging and captivating. He will leave you thinking differently about your approach, your mindset and how you deliver on results. Steve's humility, realistic and proven techniques will help you and your teams perform better.

Director, Dept. of Defense CDW-G

I can say with all confidence and on behalf of our leadership team, that your session was impactful. In fact, I'm still hearing buzz about it!

Sr. Manager Business Strategy, Charles Schwab

I am heavily working through the grief of losing my brother and trying to show up how I desire, and Stephen’s [Drum] talk was the best information so far.

Qualtrics

Featured Projects

Stephen Drum - Life On The X book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Stephen Drum for my next event?
Email stephen.drum@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 Stephen'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 Stephen Drum's speaking style like?
Stephen Drum structures his sessions around the concept of "the X" — a military term for the highest-stakes moment in any operation — using this as a central framework to deliver tools drawn from Navy SEAL training, professional sport and high-pressure business environments.
What topics does Stephen Drum specialise in?
Stephen Drum speaks on performing under pressure, resilience and emotional control, and leadership in high-stakes environments. He is a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief with 27 years of frontline experience, including combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and co-developed the U.S. Navy's Warrior Toughness training programme.
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.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

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.