SOFXLE TEAM
GUEST SPEAKERS

A native of Milwaukee, WI, Jason successfully completed Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL (BUD/S) Training in Coronado, CA and was assigned to SEAL Team THREE in 1992. After multiple deployments, he applied and was selected for assignment to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where he served as an operator and later a leader for an 18-man assault force.

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In December of 2001, he took an assignment as an instructor at the Naval Special Warfare Center and spent the next two years teaching tactics and values to future SEAL operators and leaders. Upon completion of that assignment, he transferred to SEAL Team SEVEN where he was the senior enlisted advisor for an 80-person task force, responsible for leading the team through pre-deployment training and a follow-on deployment to Baghdad, Iraq. Upon return from that deployment, he was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer and put in charge of First Phase at BUD/S.

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After a successful tour at BUD/S, he spent the next decade in executive leadership positions throughout Naval Special Warfare. His career culminated at Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG-1) where he served as the Command Master Chief, responsible for 2000 personnel, four SEAL Teams and five ancillary commands focused on executing National Security Strategy in the Middle East, South East Asia, and the Korean Peninsula.

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In January of 2018, Jason Transitioned from a 27-year career in the military to the private sector. Along with retired SEAL Command Master Chief Jason Torey, htey founded Randori INC in order to help develop the leaders and cultures of organizations ranging from start-up to well-established companies. In November of 2019, he was hired as Chief of Strategy by Randori's biggest client, RSTOR, Inc. In April of 2020, he took over as CEO of Sylabs, Inc; a strategic partner of RSTOR.

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His crowning achievement over his career was to remain happily married for 23 years to his wife Marijo and raise two children: Shane (22) and Molly (19). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration and Management from Excelsior College and a Master of Science in Management from the American College of Financial Services. He and his family currently reside in San Diego, CA.

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jason's Deep dive topic:

leading human beings in a complex world

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"As a 27-year leader of elite performers at the highest echelons of the SEAL teams, with his experience today as a CEO in Silicon Valley, few can offer the perspective that Jason does on the topic of leadership. Jason's approach to leadership is nuanced, human, and complex; he is understanding and compassionate, yet deeply principled.  Most of all, with his thought deeply informed by history and his personality that reflects his passion for surfing, Jason takes human nature into account in all of his beliefs. How do you lead humans in a stressful, life-or-death profession that demands high performance at all times? And how do you look after the whole person--including yourself and your family? Having led SEALs through some of the most stressful, demanding, and controversial moments in the Global War on Terror, Jason speaks to all of the above and more." - Doc A.

For the past 20 years while serving his country, Kyle has been hyper-focused, working with elite special operations units in austere environments. Upon transitioning, Kyle founded Blu Bearing Solutions in order to build a professional experience and culture embracing carrying forward those values and lessons from his service: high-performing, cross-functional teams; critical decision making under extreme stress, creating inclusion, and striving for excellence.

 

Kyle has been on the frontlines of every conflict we've had over the past 20 years of war, the most challenging day of which was responding to a terrorist attack while deployed as a Special Forces soldier to the US Embassy in Bamako, Mali.

 

His mission in that country consisted of wearing a suit and briefing the US Country team daily, but on November 20, 2015, that morphed into a singular mission to save lives. In the absence of orders and relying on training, Kyle was able to form a small team and lead them to intervene in this horrendous attack, in which hundreds of innocent civilians were held hostage. The attack ultimately claimed the lives of 23 innocent civilians, including one American citizen.

 

This attack challenged Kyle in ways he had never been challenged. The actions of his small team resulted in the freeing of hundreds of people being held hostage, and the end of the longest day of his life in which he saw his professional abilities stretched to new heights.

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Kyle was ultimately awarded our nation's second highest honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, for his actions that day. Forever grateful for the personal development that happened in the aftermath of these pivotal events, Kyle speaks openly today about the lessons and challenges of his work--and his innate love for others and moral obligation to put others' needs above his own.

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(You can hear Kyle speak about his experiences at the Radisson Blu here).

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Having transitioned from a fulfilling military career, Kyle is today CEO & Founder of Blu Bearing Solutions, providing Special Operations Team Building ("SOTB") experiences, leadership consulting, motivational speaking, professional shooting instructing, and firearm/gear review. At the core of the Blu Bearing mission is to uphold three key values: humility, integrity, and compassion. In all that he does today, Kyle strives to share this message with others.

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Kyle's deep dive topic: 

tactical mindset and resilience in a life-or-death profession

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"Kyle has lived his life in the shadows as a Quiet Professional, serving in austere environments outside the scope of the public eye. Having transitioned and entered into the next phase of his career by founding Blu Bearing Solutions, Kyle is now more free to talk about the lessons learned throughout his career. Though he is humble and thoughtful when discussing it, his experience at the Radisson Blu Mali terrorist attack was historic--as was the heroism he showed that day. Kyle is open not just about the lessons he learned there, but also speaks openly about his personal journey in dealing with the aftermath of such a traumatic day. He stresses the key question that challenges every servicemember or first responder: how do you recover from trauma while still maintaining operational readiness? From tactics to resilience to psychological and pysical survival under extreme life-or-death circumstances, Kyle covers it all." - Doc A.

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ryan Hendrickson--a brave, determined, and courageous soldier--was a Green Beret clearing the way for his twelve-man team while conducting combat operations against the Taliban when the unthinkable happened.

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As "the tip of the spear," his role was to ensure the route taken by U.S. and Afghan troops was free of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). While rescuing an Afghan soldier outside a mud hut compound in 2010, knowing that he was in "uncleared" territory, Ryan stepped on an IED with his right foot.

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The device exploded, leaving his foot dangling at the end of his leg. 

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American soldiers losing a limb in battle is an all-too-common occurrence. But what makes Ryan's story different is that after undergoing two dozen surgeries and a torturous rehabilitation, he was medically retired--bit fought to return to active duty.

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Multiple skin grafts to his lower leg and right foot successfully reattached his lower leg, and he was aided in his recovery by wearing a new prosthetic device known as an IDEO (Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis).

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Once he passed a series of crucial physical tests, Ryan was able to rejoin the Green Berets within a year and physically perform his duties, redeploying to Afghanistan in March, 2012. 

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In 2016, he volunteered to return to Afghanistan with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group. During a firefight with the Taliban, he risked his life under heavy enemy fire to rescue three Afghan soldiers cut off from friendly forces and return the bodies of two dead Afghan soldiers under the ethos that "no one gets left behind."

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For his heroic efforts on the battlefield, SFC Hendrickson was awarded a Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for valor. His book, "Tip of the Spear: The Incredible Story of an Injured Green Beret's Return to Battle," tells the amazing story of his indomitable spirit.

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To learn more about Ryan's incredible story, in a piece that he worked on with Dr. Atalanta for Havok Journal, please click here.

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Ryan's deep dive topic: resilience and  

the dangers of owning a victim mentality

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"When I was gravely sick with COVID, quarantined in the house as a single mom with two kids who also had COVID and a farm full of animals that still needed my care, I could feel the pull down into self-pity. It was at that time Ryan sent me my copy of his book, and his story completely turned things around for me. Ryan's mindset was contagious, and he got me to pull myself up by my bootstraps and acknowledge that I was having a pity party for myself and embracing my victimhood. It was the advice Ryan's father--a battle hardened Vietnam vet--gave him in the hospital after his injury that was a game changer for me: 'You can either be 'Ryan-I-stepped-on-an-IED-Hendrickson' for the rest of your life, or you can acknowledge this happened but then more on from it and achieve new things.' That priceless advice was behind Ryan as he fought his way back to Special Forces and onto the battlefield, where his heroism was awarded a Silver Star. EVERYONE needs to hear Ryan talk about victimhood, especially in our society that currently celebrates it. Yes, shit happens--we all take a 'wrong step' from time to time, as Ryan shows us. But it's what we do to lift ourselves up in the aftermath that will define us for the rest of our lives--and that is the embodiment of resilience." - Doc A

Sgt. Major (ret) Mark Spicer is a 25-year veteran of the British Army with a worldwide reputation in the sphere of Sniping and Counter-Terrorism, which led to his selection and use as the U.S. government's expert witness in the Washington DC sniper trials. 

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He has served around the globe with British and UN forces on multiple deployments, and has vast experience of counter terrorist operations and terrorist methods of operation, having worked extensively against the IRA in Northern Ireland and subsequent terrorist elements throughout the former Yugoslavia and Middle East regions. 

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Working within specialist infantry units as well as both covert and overt Special Operations units, he has gained a vast experience of counter terrorism and covert surveillance operations, often working at very close proximity to known terrorists without their knowledge--and received an award from Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of his success during a particular counter terrorist operation.

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His experience and understanding of the terrorist mind have seen him become a successful seminar keynote speaker at Tactical Officer Association (SWAT) across the United States and for the Department of Homeland Security. He also recently completed a 2-year contract working directly for His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, where he was handpicked to design and project manage a new sniper training facility as well as plan and control several State Visit Security Cordons.

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To learn more about the work Mark does as CEO & Founder of The Osprey Group, please click here.

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To learn more about Mark's work to break the stigma surrounding suicide and the mental health battles of our military and law enforcement service members, please click here. 

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mark's deep dive topic: breaking the stigma on suicide

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"Mark's beloved wife, Di, was a police officer who took her own life one night in the room next to him. The months and years that followed left Mark in a spiral through the darkness, with more questions than answers. Why did she do it? Could he have prevented it? And how did he miss the warning signs? It wasn't long before Mark, himself, had concrete plans laid out to end his own life. Still, he fought his way out of the darkness, and has since then made it his mission to help smash the stigma that keeps us from discussing the real issues behind the law enforcement and military suicide epidemics. The moment I heard Mark's frank, open, raw, and revealing speech at the  Ohio Tactical Officers Association (OTOA) conference, I knew he was the expert I needed on the SOFxLE team to address the issue of suicide. He's experienced every side of the issue first hand, and can speak to it in a way that officers and service members both understand and respect. A soldier's soldier and a man's man, his willingness to openly talk about difficult feelings proves that opening up is a sign of strength--not weakness."

- Doc A.

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"I cannot express how many lives have been touched by Johnny, and how many of us owe him our lives."  

-Chris Kyle, American Sniper

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"An Iraqi who was willing to sacrifice everything in an effort to improve his country, and who was instrumental in bringing many of the bad guys to justice."

-Marcus Luttrell, Lone Survivor

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"Johnny's ingenuity, indomitable spirit, and utter fearlessness not only protected the lives of many SEALs, but also saved countless innocent Iraqis. He is a true hero to all of us. Seeing Johnny and his family living safely in the United States is something I will cherish forever." -'Capt. X,' active-duty SEAL Commanding Officer

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Johnny Walker is nothing short of a legend within the Special Operations community. An Iraqi native who started out as a basketball-loving street kid armed with a slingshot, his loyalty, intrepidity, courage, and heroism earned him not just a spot among the SEALs as a trusted operator and interpreter in Iraq, but made him the first to ever be honored with the sacred gift of the SEAL Trident. 

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Over the course of 8 years, Johnny traveled throughout Iraq with nearly every SEAL or SOF unit deployed there, going on thousands of missions, saving dozens of lives, and constantly risking his own.

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In fear for the long-term safety of Johnny and his family after the war, the SEALs--who had become close as brothers to Johnny--took it upon themselves to bring him to the United States, where today the proud grandpa and his family live out their American Dream.

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Johnny remains in the fight today by helping to train the next generation of American special operations warriors. He has told his story in the New York Times bestselling book, "Code Name Johnny Walker: The Extraordinary Story of the Iraqi Who Risked Everything to Fight With the U.S. Navy SEALs," and the film of his life story is forthcoming.

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johnny's deep dive topic:

Perspectives on freedom, service, and the blessing of american citizenship

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"Johnny Walker is as unique a patriot as they come. Born in Iraq and growing up under a corrupt and dangerous government, he fought for America before even becoming a U.S. citizen. SEALs don't just go around handing out Tridents to people who haven't been through BUD/S, but they gave one to Johnny for all that he displayed in service and brotherhood to both the SEAL teams and our country. Because of what he has endured, Johnny's perspective on what it means to be an American is truly unique and singular. Courageous, principled, philosophical, and a warrior to his core, Johnny is also clever and engaging with a heart of gold. He can rekindle the fire in any American's heart for the passion to serve, as he reminds us how precious the gift of American citizenship truly is." -Doc A.

Billy recently finished a 24-year career in the USMC and Navy as a Command Master Chief, highlighted by his service as a Special Operations Dog Handler with Naval Special Operations Development Group for over 12 years. An accomplished ultramarathon runner--having completed multiple 100- and 50- mile races--Billy is also a stage-3 cancer survivor, former Division 1 football player, and family man whose relentless positivity and story of resilience have been an inspiration to many.

 

After completing Marine Basic Training in 1997, Billy transitioned to the Navy in 2001 and went on to become qualified as a military police officer and working dog handler in San Antonio, TX. He served in Italy and Bahrain before going on to Naval Special Warfare Development Group as a Special Operations Dog Handler.

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Throughout his career, Billy has completed 11 combat deployments in support of several operations worldwide, to include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His awards and commendations include the Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars with Valor, 4 Joint Service Commendation Medals with Valor, and a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among others.

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A graduate of the National University, Billy holds a Master's Degree in Strategic Communications. Today, as Business Development Manager at the SEAL-run 02X Human Performance, Billy leverages his tactical background and subject matter expertise to implement comprehensive performance programs into agencies within his area of responsibility, ensuring that each client gets the highest impact program possible in support of their mission.

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billy's deep dive topic:

overcoming personal adversity, challenges, obstacles, and trauma

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"Billy's drive, persistence, and energy are matched only by his relentless positivity and huge heart. From surviving childhood trauma to playing football at an elite level; from achieving a prestigious military career to running directly out into the line of fire to save his dog who'd been shot; from running ultramarathons with stage-3 cancer before he had even been diagnosed...Billy's life is a marvel of the human spirit, and he shares lessons to help uplift anyone who is looking to maximize their own human potential."

- Doc A.