Available to book

Navy SEAL leader & crisis strategist

Michael Hayes

High Performance

Resilience

Transform leadership and crisis management with Michael Hayes, speaker and former Navy SEAL commander. Michael works with organizations to develop resilient leaders, enhance strategic decision-making, and improve performance under pressure, leveraging expertise from White House policy roles and Special Operations leadership.

Check Michael’s availability

Trusted by White House, National Security Council, SEAL Team TWO, Maersk Alabama

Michael Hayes

Bridgeport, United States

Starting from

Contact PepTalk for fees

H3 link

Book Michael

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Get Michael's availability

Instant quote

•

No upfront fee

•

Vetted speaker

Book Michael

Bridgeport, United States

Starting from

Contact PepTalk for fees

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Michael Now

Instant quote

•

No upfront fee

•

Vetted speaker

Michael Hayes's biography

Military

Author

At a glance

Commanded SEAL Team TWO and Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan
White House Fellow and director of defense policy in two administrations
Expert speaker on leadership and high-performance strategies

Michael Hayes, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy SEALs, with experience in two White House administrations and senior executive roles in the private sector, has become a master at helping organizations develop stronger leaders and improve their bottom line. Mike has led and learned from many crises during his SEAL service, including deployments throughout South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. He has been involved in conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as dealing with national issues in the White House Situation Room and sensitive corporate strategy in the boardroom. His last role in the Navy was as the Commanding Officer of SEAL Team TWO, which included ten months as the Commander of a 2000-person Special Operations Task Force in southeastern Afghanistan. As a White House Fellow (08/09), he served two years as the director of defense policy and strategy at the National Security Council. In the Bush Administration, Hayes was responsible for the START Treaty and conducted negotiations with the Russians in Moscow. In the Obama administration, Hayes led the White House response to President Obama's first major foreign policy showdown - the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama off the coast of Somalia. Now a highly in-demand coach and speaker, Mike draws on examples from his illustrious career to teach clients how to think rather than what to think. He emphasizes that a leader's job is not to make the best decision but rather to ensure that the best decision is made. He also emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with discomfort, as it is a key tenet of high-performance individuals and organizations.

Michael's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Michael

Mike offers your team insights from a seasoned Navy SEAL on leadership, crisis management, and high-performance strategies. His real-world experiences from the battlefield to the boardroom will inspire and equip your team to make better decisions, embrace discomfort, and significantly enhance your organization's effectiveness.

Check Michael's availability

Trusted by White House, National Security Council, SEAL Team TWO, Maersk Alabama

15,000+ experts

Something not covered here?

Get in touch

What topics does Michael Hayes specialise in?

Michael Hayes specialises in discussing leadership development, crisis management, national security and more.

What is Michael Hayes's speaking style like?

Mike delivers practical, insightful sessions grounded in real-world leadership experience. He empowers audiences to think critically, embrace discomfort, and focus on making the best decisions for high performance and growth.

How can I book Michael Hayes for my next event?

Email michael.hayes@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. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Michael Hayes for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Michael Hayes's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Michael Hayes directly.

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. 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.

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, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

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.